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Less Physics Mo Problems

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Why am I writing this personal entry? Well, it is not an attempt to gain any sympathy. It attempts to show what is possible if a clear intention and goal serve the learner's needs.  In May of 2022 just near the end of another fantastic school year, I do not remember what happened. But, I was unable to finish the school year and was unable to teach the following year.  Why? On May 21st, 2022, I fell down a flight of 16 stairs (luckily carpeted) from the 2nd to 1st story of our home.  I was found at the bottom of the stairs. I was found foaming at the mouth. This would lead to a 2-month hospital stay which included an induced coma because my seizures would not stop, several rounds of lumbar punctures, and relearning basic physical movements like something as simple as being able to roll in the hospital bed. Simply put, when I was admitted to the hospital, I was diagnosed as being “critically ill.” Please take a moment and read those words: critically ill. They are not terms...
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Waves of Innovation in Elmbrook Part 2

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As I continue interviews for my graduate school project involving innovation in learning environments within my school district (find part 1 here), I was able to talk with three amazing educators at Brookfield East High School.  Again, I'll be short on the introductions to the videos because I want you to watch them.

Bill Kujawa was one of the first teachers in Elmbrook Schools to begin using technology as a lever for personalizing learning in the classroom. In this interview learn how he is able to personalize instruction in his classroom and the importance of skills based instruction for students.  Bill also speaks to how he can have students meet all the same learning targets as a traditional course but provide more context and deeper understanding.  



Molly Mathia and Lindsay Sayles embarked on a unique journey 2 years ago when they decided to merge their English 9 and World History courses into a single year-long cohort. In this interview, they explain why they undertook this challenge, how they were able to merge their curriculums, challenges they faced, and student successes. 




I'll be interviewing my last group of educators tomorrow. In addition, I'm excited to know that our district is recruiting a new cohort of educators to begin their journey into innovative practices this February.  I look forward to attend that meeting and see what is in store for Elmbrook Schools.

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