Teachers Teaching Teachers, September 2006, Vol. 2, No. 1
NSDC profile -- Betsy Rogers: Speaking up for those at risk
"I've been given an opportunity to be a voice. I never even dreamed that I would do this. As a classroom teacher, I just focused on those kids. I never tried to influence my colleagues. That's a role I just ignored. But, really, all teachers have to be voices for children."Betsy Rogers teaches at Brighton Elementary School in Birmingham, Ala. As the former National Teacher of the Year, she occupies a podium -- and she's decided she has to speak up.
When she returned to the classroom after her year as National Teacher, Rogers decided to live her message -- that our strongest teachers need to work in our neediest schools. She now works as the School Improvement Specialist at Brighton Elementary School.
Learn more about Rogers and her challenges and beliefs.
By Joan Richardson
Voice of a teacher leader: Teachers hold the vision for a school
In his first posting, Ferriter talks about his school's mission statement. Believe it or not, that mission drives what the teachers do. Please join Ferriter in considering what role teachers play in keeping the vision of a school.
By Bill Ferriter
Focus on NSDC's Standards: Coaches boost knowledge and skills needed to work with families
Decades of research show that students will be more successful in school when teachers involve families in the educational process. Teachers have developed strategies for working with families largely through a process of trial and error. Coaches can fill a void here -- they can facilitate a more structured process for assisting teachers in engaging families effectively.Killion offers a number of ways that coaches can work with teachers in their schools. See how the NSDC standard for family involvement can be implemented through the role of the teacher leader.
By Joellen Killion
Research brief: Culturally responsive instruction
What affect does a culturally responsive teaching intervention have on a classroom? Read an overview of a research study to learn more about what culturally responsive instruction is and why it is important for today's teachers.
By Carla Thomas McClure
NSDC tool: What teacher leaders need to know about creating norms
Teams or groups that work together regularly will have smoother working relationships if they develop a set of operating norms or ground rules.See this month's T3 tool online for sample norms and directions for setting norms with your own team.
