Academic Achievement

Aug 15, 2019

Entry

Grant to Advance Student Learning

Study.com offers a $1,000 Grant for Teachers to support them in developing curricula, purchasing supplies, or implementing projects that positively impact students and improve learning. In applying for the grant, teachers should describe their challenges with individualized instruction and relate how they overcame those challenges.

May 24, 2019

Blog

Engaging Teaching is About Flexing Our Creative Muscles

Sir Ken Robinson once said in a TED Talk that "Teaching is creative profession."

May 10, 2019

Blog

A Voice for Everyone

My colleague and I recently formed a bilingual parent group to strengthen our relationship with our Spanish speaking families. Parents repeatedly explained that the language barrier caused them to feel that they did not have a voice. Each parent expressed a desire to feel more connected to our school. Hearing this made me think, “How can we give a voice to the voiceless in our schools?” To overcome this barrier, we brought families together to record a video. Parents shared the importance of education in their families and then expressed what they wished teachers knew about them. The video has made such a strong impact in our community that it is now shown throughout Wisconsin.

May 03, 2019

Blog

Teaching Compassion and Culture in the Classroom

I have always been passionate about reaching the student that no one else feels they can reach or the student that is typically considered the underdog. I began to lose interest in school when I was in 7th grade. I could study and do the work if I put my mind to it, but I lost motivation quickly. I did not get that motivation back until I was a junior in college. I finally realized that I needed to get my life together. I feel like there are so many students out there like me who are lost and looking for direction. I want to be the teacher I needed at that point in my life. I wasn’t stupid, but I needed guidance to reach my full potential. Having a relationship with your students and knowing them well enough to recognize and respond to their needs is so important.

Apr 26, 2019

Blog

You Are Smart!

“I can’t do this, Ms. Boomsma. I just can’t.” A student of mine said this to me while we worked in the back of the room. “Kimberly can, but that’s because she’s just smarter at this kind of stuff than me.”

“You are smart! You can do anything! We’ll keep trying and working!” I said with determination.