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Thank You for 20 Years.

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After 20 years of teaching at Brookfield Central, I am saying goodbye. Although I spent the majority of that time in the physics classroom alongside my learners. That changed for my last 18 weeks. I ended up in a place similar to where I started, teaching chemistry and biology. So, rather than dealing with juniors and seniors at the end of their high school careers, I was in classrooms with freshmen and sophomores still trying to find their place. At the same time, I was learning and teaching a set curriculum I hadn't taught in over a decade. So, we were learning. But, of course, I already knew the content.  The point of this post is to take a step back, take in, and share the gratitude from the last students I had in my 20 years at Brookfield Central High School through the cards and notes they made for me on my last day with them.  I don't take many yay me moments. But after 20 years, I think I'll soak this one in.
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Waves of Innovation in Elmbrook Part 1

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As a part of a graduate project, I am looking at innovations in education within my school district, Elmbrook Schools. I am specifically focusing on those looking to provide learners with more ownership over their own learning (a.k.a. personalizing learning). I've completed 4 interviews so far.  I had no intention of sharing them via this blog.  But, I think the stories and insights of these educators really are important for all.  They were vulnerable in a way that shows their passion for what they are undertaking.  They want the best for all learners not simply students, but educators who may hear their words.  So, please take the time to listen to their stories.  

In this video, Jeff Ortman a teacher in his 22nd year, discusses implementing strategies to give students ownership of their learning in his high school English classroom.  He discusses why he wanted to change his learning environment, his first steps to bring change, how choice and feedback are key to his classroom, and offers advice educators looking to increase learner agency. 




Rachelle Russell is a 2nd Grade teacher at Brookfield Elementary School.  She has been teaching in a personalized learning environment for the last 3 years.  In this interview, she discussed the rationale behind her classroom innovations including creating variety of different spaces for students to interact with content.




Angela Patterson and Kate Sommerville team teach in a personalized learning environment at Swanson Elementary School in Brookfield, WI. This interview discusses their journey from idea to implementation.  Including their use of a workshop approach to personalize instruction for all students. 



Lisa Camponeschi teaches science at Pilgrim Park Middle School in Brookfield, WI.  In this video, she highlights how she has worked to push deeper learning and through reflection making learners more aware of their progression to mastery.  


I have a few more educators I'm speaking to before the end of January.  Looking forward to hearing their stories.

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  1. YeardleyJune 5, 2019 at 2:53 AM

    Its great blog of Education for schools.i have gone through many blogs but this is different form others.keep sharing your post.

    Adaptive Personalized Learning

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