By Scott Nolt, First Published by Real Clear Education, February 17, 2016
“My blended classroom opens the door to 21st-century learning, student-centered instruction, project-based learning, and an emphasis on learning as a lifelong experience.” Blended-Learning Teacher Scott Nolt encourages teachers interested in blending learning to “go all in,” adapt their classes to best meet the needs of students, and make students active in their learning.
Opportunity Culture® Educator Columns
More Powerful Than a Department Chair
By Erin Burns, First Published by Real Clear Education, January 19, 2016
“Now, as a multi-classroom leader, or MCL, I partake in every step of my team’s lesson plans, execution, and analysis.” Biology Multi-Classroom Leader Erin Burns contrasts her role with a traditional department chair, noting the higher authority and accountability, giving her far greater involvement in teacher and student success.
When Top Students Drop: Why Even Good Schools Need to Grow
By Amy Sparks, First Published by Real Clear Education, December 15, 2015
“Teachers share the value of learning—so doesn’t it make sense that we should get many chances to learn, too?” Multi-Classroom Leader Amy Sparks saw a more supportive teaching environment under her school’s Opportunity Culture model that led to growth in both honors and non-honors classes.
A Win-Win Model for Students and Teachers
By Danielle Bellar, First Published by Real Clear Education, November 15, 2015
“All students and teachers deserve the opportunity to experience teaching and learning this way.” Multi-Classroom Leader Danielle Bellar and her team had to make schedule and teaching adjustments, but Multi-Classroom Leadership has resulted in higher end-of-grade test scores, a decrease in negative student behavior, and support from parents.
Keep on Keeping on: Using Data to Keep Students Moving Forward
Real Clear Education, October 15, 2015, by Maggie Vadala, Multi-Classroom Leader
“So while we were sharing our students’ sometimes dismal data, a far-from-comfortable experience for teachers used to working alone, I had to simultaneously build trust.” Initially, Multi-Classroom Leader Maggie Vadala was met with distrust from her team teachers, but using student data, she demonstrated how she was there to support them and improve their teaching, not blame them.
Teachers, It’s Time for Us to Say, ‘Show Me the Money’
Real Clear Education, September 15, 2015, by Romain Bertrand, Multi-Classroom Leader
“I was not ready to leave a profession I loved, even though I needed the money and wanted the respect.” Many teachers are forced to choose between their profession and financial stability, but Romain Bertrand was able to get both by becoming a multi-classroom leader—one piece of the solution to the profession’s struggle to attract and retain great teachers.
Riding the Roller Coaster Together: Real Support for New Teachers
Real Clear Education, August 17, 2015, by Karen von Klahr, Multi-Classroom Leader
“When one teacher grows and learns with guidance like this, a much larger community will reap the benefits.” As a multi-classroom leader, Karen von Klahr was able to offer more support to all teachers on her team, but she found her role was particularly effective in helping a new teacher quickly adjust and grow.
1 Teacher, 400 Scholars—and Loving It
By Bobby Miles, first published by Real Clear Education, July 15, 2015
“A lot of great teachers are leaving the classroom to seek leadership roles that come with more sustainable compensation. But I get that without leaving the classroom.” Though he is now accountable for more than 400 students, the opportunity to positively affect and interact with so many students—while taking on greater responsibilities and leadership—inspires Multi-Classroom Leader Bobby Miles.
Giving and Receiving Professional Development Every Day
Real Clear Education, June 15, 2015, by Joe Ashby, Multi-Classroom Leader
“Throughout the year, I felt my teachers’ high expectations for me—for expertise and assistance, coupled with trust, honesty, commitment, perseverance and humility.” Through Multi-Classroom Leadership, Joe Ashby boosted the professional growth of his team, which resulted in greater math and reading proficiency, greater student engagement, and family support.
An Opportunity for Change
Real Clear Education, May 15, 2015, by Kristin Cubbage, Multi-Classroom Leader
“We need a change; more important, our students deserve change.” Multi-Classroom Leader Kristin Cubbage was amazed with the results she saw in her school, and she looks forward to the growth of Opportunity Culture.