Sir Ken Robinson hits so many nails on the heads. This will take the traditional rigged theory of district testing and challenge it with years of his experience and research. He is inspiring teachers around the world to tune into the student’s gifts and talents and help them to soar. Any classroom can harness curiosity for learning to help students explore beyond the classroom.

Kim Bearden is an absolute inspiration. I had the pleasure of meeting her more than once and listening to her passion and enthusiasm that permeates the classroom. She feeds the soul of teachers who might be stuck in a rut or need some motivation to be different and live loud for our students. She is vulnerable and strong all at the same time revealing her own personal struggles and how she rose to the occasion of showing up for her students.

 

We start every day with our morning meeting to help build community and give a safe space for students to check in. My students learn many social skills when we are in our meetings. We often hold many classroom discussions here about anything in current events or the daily tasks ahead. When my class feels safe and that they have a place to be heard, they are more likely to commit to respecting the classroom and the expectations that are instilled.