This is Part 2 of a six-part series on the Five Dimensions of Engaged Teaching. Part 1 – A “Compass” for Our Times “We do not really see through our eyes or hear through our ears, but through our beliefs.” ~Lisa Delpit, Other People’s Children: Cultural Conflict in the Classroom We have a […]
With all that is present in our country and world—we wanted to offer some practices and principles to support us all to navigate the intense and volatile times we live and teach in. The Five Dimensions of Engaged Teaching (as explored in our book by the same title) can serve as a powerful “compass” or […]
The days grow shorter, the season shifts, and we turn now towards the final days of 2017. This time of year can be both joyous and stressful for teachers and students alike—as calendars fill with everything from holiday events, to mid-term exams, to semester end projects and report cards. Emotions can run high –as the […]
In engaged classrooms, we see inspired teachers supporting students to discover and pursue their passions and strengths and take risks in their learning. In this “learner-centered” approach, teachers empower students with practices, principles, and content that engage them to think creatively, understand their emotions, communicate effectively, excel academically, and work with people who are different […]
Last weekend, I was in a circle of friends who gathered to honor a 17-year-old young man’s transition out of high school— into the great beyond. Over a two-hour period, I watched James move from initial discomfort to delight and relief as he was recognized for the passage he was making. As James was showered […]
In our world, there is a pervasive emphasis on achievement, outcomes, growth, and strategies. With school change work, we often see a kind of “turnaround” mentality— where there is an expectation that when we implement or “roll out” a program or initiative, we will see immediate results. As part of this approach to change, educators […]
We are currently living in a tense social and political climate, with a great deal of polarization within our communities. With so much change and daily turmoil in the news, students are not only managing their own personal stress about school, family, and growing up- they are also having to negotiate their questions and concerns […]
Modeling and teaching cultural responsiveness is an essential ingredient in creating an inclusive, relationship-based classroom in which all students thrive. With every student demographic, this approach develops critical skills and awareness that relate directly to learning outcomes and students’ capacity for success in a global culture and workplace. Geneva Gay (2000), in her book Culturally Responsive […]
The days grow shorter, the season shifts, and we turn now towards the final months of 2015. This time of year can be both joyous and stressful for teachers and students alike—as calendars fill with everything from holiday events, to mid-term exams, to semester end projects and report cards. Emotions can run high –as the […]
The beginning of summer is upon us! For many, this is a time of celebration and excitement—as we watch our students transition and graduate. As we prepare to take a break from the pace and rhythm of the school year, it is easy to simply go leaping into the summer without really intentionally closing the […]
