Educational+Pioneers

Please add your Educational Pioneer Fact Sheet Here:
Include your name, the pioneer's name and the years of his/her life. Please put your pioneer in the correct location in our "timeline" by his/her birth year.


 * Geri - Elizabeth Harrison (1849-1927)**

**Caryn- Caroline Pratt (1867-1954)**

[[file:mary mac leod bethune fact sheet.docx]]
Mamadou

Cheryl - A. S. Neill


Denise - Howard Gardner

Marva Collins

**Juli** - Margaret Bancroft

Educational Pioneers Discussion (Homework from 11/5 class - Must be completed by 11/18 in preparation for our 11/19 face to face class.)
Please take on the persona of your educational pioneer. Respond/"speak" as if you were him or her based on what you know about the pioneer and his/her beliefs and philosophy about education. You may respond to others' comments as well, but stay in character!
 * Use a different color/font (make sure it is readable, however) so as to distinguish your responses. ** Please respond to at least 8 __of the__ 12 questions. Feel free to add a question of your own if you'd like. I will be using the "metacognitive reflection tool" to assess your participation in this discussion and your understanding of your educational pioneer.

**Educational Pioneer Roundtable Discussion:**
Please join in on our discussion, by speaking as if you are your educational pioneer.

1. Why do you think educators today consider you an educational pioneer? I was an educational pioneer because I gave children a voice. I refused to accept that not all children can be successful. I found a unity among children. Children (ALL CHILDREN) will thrive if given the right environment and tools to foster what their full potential is. The essential thing is for tasts and the learning process to gain such an interest in the child that it engages the child's entire personality. Children were not being given the benefit of the doubt. They are a heck of a lot smarter than most adults give them credit for. Adults get in the way of a child's learning process. I simply proved that. I gave a group of children that had been "thrown away" from society and gave them that environment and love in which they were able to foster their full potential. The results I received surpassed results of children that were considered "normal" by society. That's when the world stopped to listen. ~Christen I introduced a radical concept to education- that children learn organically. They should be free to follow their innate curiosity, and that curiosity will lead each child in their own time to greater, more integrated knowledge. I also showed the benefits of allowing students to govern their learning environment- what to learn, how to learn, the structure of the community, etc... These were radical concepts then and sadly, they are still radical concepts today. Most schools are structured around top down authoritarian control with no student input, and curricular subjects taught when the adults decide, whether or not the students are ready. People with out power are more likely to be resistant. The current school structure does nothing to empower children! Cheryl

I think that educators today would consider me as an educational pioneer because I wanted to provide opportunites for African American girls to be able to receive and education. When I was growing up there were not opportunites for African Americans to be educated. We had to work in the fields. I believe that all children should be given an education. ~ Tiaa

I’m, a psychologist and professor of neuroscience from Harvard University, developed the theory of Multiple Intelligences (MI) in 1983, a Professor of Cognition and Education at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. I hold positions as Adjunct Professor of Psychology at Harvard University and Senior Director of Harvard Project Zero.I’ve been awarded numerous honors; received a MacArthur Prize Fellowship in1981, andreceived honorary degrees from 26 colleges and universities, including institutions inBulgaria, Chile, Greece, Ireland, Israel, Italy, and South Korea. In 2005 and 2008, I wasselected by Foreign Policy and Prospect magazines as one of the 100 most influential publicintellectuals in the world. Most recently, bestowed with the 2011 Prince of Asturias Award in Social Sciences, which aims "to reward the scientific, technical, cultural, social and humanistic work." As the author of 25 books translated into 28 languages, and several hundred articles, I’m am best known in educational circles for my theory of multiple intelligences, critiqued of the notion that there exists but a single human intelligence that can be adequately assessed by standard psychometric instruments. Denise

Hi,I can appreciate the contributions that you have all made to education, I simply believe that every child is teachable and all children can learn. I am an American educator who in 1975 started West Side Prepartory in Garfield Park, an impoverished neighborhood of Chicago. I ran the school for more than 30 years until it closed in 2008 due to lack of sufficient enrollment and funding. I am famous for applying classical education successfully with impoverished students, many of

I think Educators today consider me as a pioneer, because I started teaching as a teenager. I had to start my career early because my Pa required us girls to participate in the daily chores and functions of the household. I really don't speak a lot on my time as an educator, as I am known for my writings. - Tajuanna code I am considered one of the smartest African scholars. I fought for my people to gain independence from France. I showed the French people that the color of your skin should not be an obstacle for achievement..Being black did not keep me from achieving. I invested 60% of my country’s budget to Education. Today the "foolish idea" has paid off, Senegal is a democratic and emerging country. The rule of law is followed. We have a strong Constitution which guarantees individual and civic rights to all. We have free and diverse education for all citizens. Senegalese are well known around the world in many organizations and universities for their love of learning. Mamadou code whom had been wrongly labeled as being learning disabled by public schools. Tamika

I am considered an eduactional pioneer because I saw the need to reach the inner child. I created what are called "Play Schools" where children are able to learn through hands-ons activities and by dramatic play. I observed that students were losing interest in learning with just text books. By bringing learning to life with my "Do-With" toys students, were once again eager to learn. Children learn spontaneously and voluntarily because playing is part of a young child's nature. Caryn

2. How did your upbringing influence or shape your thoughts/actions on education? I 've always had a mind of my own. I attended an all boys technical school against my father's wishes when I was just 13. I wanted to become an engineer at the time. My path changed and I ended up getting my medical degree and becoming one of the first female physicians in Italy. My experiences with children throughout my early years as a physician helped shape my thoughts on education. I had the opportunity to work with 50 of the poorest children in the city of Rome. I worked with them by giving them an environment that would enrich them and enable them to shape their own learning path. The results were remarkable and unlike anything anyone had ever seen. It was common sense to me. ~Christen

My parents wanted me to have an education. However, they were not able to provide me with the code

code education that I needed because of being slaves. I saw education as a key to improving the lives of African Americans. Another influence that shaped my thoughts on education was when I was told to put a book down because African Americans could not read. I wanted to make sure that all African Americans could read therefore i opened my school. ~Tiaa I grew up in a family with teachers for parents, so naturally I went into teaching. As both a student and a teacher, I was horrified by how students were treated (as if they were wild beasts) and how they were taught (at the convenience of the adults, not using the child's innate curiosity.) I saw first hand the damage this did to the child's psyche, and the difficulties it caused behaviorally and academically. I vowed to create a system that made the child the center- in every way- of the process. - Cheryl

Two events cast large shadows on my childhood. The first was the Holocaust. My parents did not talk about the Nazi regime. Their perennial preoccupation was clear from the many stories I heard about individuals lucky enough to escape, a few relatives who managed somehow to survive the death camps, and the less fortunate who did not. Just recently, I came to realize that my father had led a small brigade that traced the fate of every family member in Europe or elsewhere in the Diaspora. He provided whatever aid he could. Many relatives spent many nights at our small apartment in Scranton and some even lived there for a while. The second event was the death of my older brother, Eric. Born in 1935, he arrived in America three years later without knowing any English, emerged as a precocious student, and then died before my mother’s eyes in a tragic sledding accident. My mother was pregnant with me at the time. My parents thought they had lost everything; indeed, many years later they told me they would probably have committed suicide if my mother had not been carrying me. Strangely, almost inexplicably to those of us living in the United States in the twenty-first century, my parents did not tell me about Eric. When I asked about the identity of the child whose photograph was prominently displayed around the house, I was told that he was a child "in the neighborhood." Of course, like all children, I eventually arrived at the truth myself. There is no question that the loss of the gifted Eric and the aspirations my parents transferred to me were important influences on my development, though it would take many years on the couch to unpack those effects. Denise

My childhood learning experience was wonderful, but as I grew older and observed how learning was taking place- I noticed it had changed from a world full of discoveries to a narrow experience driven by books, four bare walls, and rows of desks and chairs. I came to the conclusion that education does not begin and end with text books. Books are only a part of learning. Children must have first hand experiences to connect their learning to real life. Caryn

My parents shaped my views on education. My Pa and Ma were very strict about us girls receiving education. They knew education would give us better opportunities in life they did not receive. Therefore, it was mandatory for us to attend the schoolhouse. -Tajuanna -

I am the son of a fisherman and my mother was a converted catholic woman. She was a loving person and a homemaker. I was lucky to live in a small village, which was a trading port between the Europeans and the West African populations. I was deeply rooted in my traditions. I was taught how to read by a French catholic missionary at the age of 5. I learned that education was an equalizer. the son of an aristocrat could have the same chance as the son of a farmer to succeed through education. I had the vision to make education free and universal to every child. --Mamadou --

3. What has been the biggest factor in your life and experiences that pushed you into being an "agent of change" for schools and education? What made you get involved in children and education?

I would say when I was told that I could not read. This is what made a change in my life I wanted to do whatever it took to be able to help other African Americans learn how to read. I had something to prove and that was showing others that African Americans can read. I also wanted to teach African American girls how to take care of homeamd the 3 R's. ~Tiaa

My family and my experiences as both a student and teacher.- Cheryl The absence of understanding what was happening in my family due to the loss of my older brother, Eric, who died before my mother’s eyes in a tragic sledding accident and their inability to verbalize it, has caused me to study the brain and /mind injuries. These studies have driven me to many other areas of human development, academia and research. Denise

Tiaa, Im glad that you were able to overcome being told that you couldn't read. This is the very reason that I chose to become an "agent of change" I was tired of seeing children being labled as "unteachable". I believe that every child is teachable, and every child can learn. Ive seen children recite every line of a rap song, who had been labeled close to retarded. These children have been brainwashed as you were Tiaa, that "I can't", as opposed to "I can". Tamika

My eye opening experience happened after teaching Manual Training at the Philadelphia Normal School. My students became uninterested/bored with learning and lost their desires to be discoverers. At that moment I decided that learning does not begin with text books. Meeting Helen Marot ,whom became my mentor, helped to shape and define my beliefs about education. Education is a life-long experience and one way to encourage children to want to learn is to connect learning to life experiences. Caryn

During my formal education years a girl did not have many choices on what she could be in life. Education was the first choice for me. I a grew older and married my husband Alamanzo, became a seamtress and at a later time I become a writer, which is what I am really famous for. My daughter Rose encouraged me to write further and I had to take a small writing assignment because my husband become disabled and I had to work. - Tajuanna - My example speaks for itself. I was a pure product of the French school system post Napoleon era. School was an equalizer. I knew all children can learn if given the opportunity. I was not the only one. I was just the first from my continent to get a doctorate degree at a young age and from a French university. France recognized my talent by begging me to teach at their prestigious university in Paris( La Sorbonne). I was also France 's Minister of Culture and a special adviser to General De Gaulle. I worked tirelessly to free my people and gained independence peacefully from France. I became a crusader against ignorance and analphabetism. Education was my number priority. //I had to educate at any cost. --Mamadou// //// 4. What is your MAIN philosophy on what it takes to educate youth? What is lacking? What is necessary? Students need a most natural and life-supporting environment to learn in. Students need to be able to be in this environment and interact in this environment freely with few restrictions placed upon them by "outsiders". This environment needs to be adapted to the students needs and so they can reach and fulfill their greatest potential physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Parents and teachers are too obtrusive. They are often times interfering with the learning process rather than allowing the child to freely experience the proccess and learn from natural mistakes.~Christen

My main philosophy on what it takes to educate the youth is dedication and determination. I feel like the youth really need someone who is willing to do whatever it takes to help them become educated. Being dedicated and determined the youth will get what they need mentally and physically. I feel the determination is one of the biggest things that is lacking in trying to educate the youth. I feel that I need to do whatever is necessary to be able to educate the youth. ~Tiaa

My philosophy is simple: one can free his mind by being educated. I always felt free once I knew I could read, think and write. I truly believe that Education was the key to the future. It was a ticket to free my people and help build a democratic country where the rule of law is understood and followed. It took 20 years to see the successful result.

What is lacking today is motivation because of the absence of culture and traditions. Many youngsters don't feel the same pressure at a young age. Someone said "You can take a horse to the river, but you can't make her drink (if she doesn't want to)". Many parents don't pay much attention to their parenting skills and don't follow closely their children's education. What is necessary is effective communication between all actors to further our students' educational goals (knowing that all students deserve a chance). Teachers are to be respected and supported. --Mamadou ---

Children WANT to learn! They are born curious and they are born with the capacity to successfully create a functioning society. If we as educators would work with the child on their schedule, instead of, through punishment, force them to do things on our schedule every person being educated would do much better. Students are not formless masses to be shaped by force and industrial processes, but individuals who should be worked with individually. This requires small classes, adults with a commitment to serve in the best interests of each child, the time and flexibility to work with each student at their level, the ability to offer as many choices as possible to students, and flexible portfolio based assessment of progress with students as equal partners in every step of the process.- Cheryl

I support, intelligence being defined as




 * the ability to create an effective product or offer a service that is valued in a culture;


 * a set of skills that make it possible for a person to solve problems in life;


 * The potential for finding or creating solutions for problems, which involves gathering new knowledge.

The **theory of multiple intelligences** was proposed in 1983 as a model of [|intelligence] that differentiates intelligence into various specific (primarily sensory) [|modalities], rather than seeing it as dominated by a single general ability.I first identified and introduced the seven different kinds of intelligence in // Frames of Mind //.


 * **Linguistic** intelligence: sensitivity to the meaning and order of words.
 * **Logical-mathematical** intelligence: ability in mathematics and other complex logical systems.
 * **Musical** intelligence: the ability to understand and create music. Musicians, composers and dancers show a heightened musical Intelligence.
 * **Spatial** intelligence: the ability to "think in pictures," to perceive the visual world accurately, and recreate (or alter) it in the mind or on paper. Spatial intelligence is highly developed in artists, architects, designers and sculptors.
 * **Bodily-kinesthetic** intelligence: the ability to use one's body in a skilled way, for self-expression or toward a goal. Mimes, dancers, basketball players and actors are among those who display bodily-kinesthetic intelligence.
 * **Interpersonal** intelligence: an ability to perceive and understand other individuals -- their moods, desires, and motivations. Political and religious leaders, skilled parents and teachers, and therapists use this intelligence.
 * **Intrapersonal**intelligence: an understanding of one's own emotions. Some novelists and or counselors use their own experience to guide others.


 * What is lacking? **

The development of morals, values and consideration for humanity, recognizing each person is an individual and learns differently. The various learning styles must be apart of the learning process for the students to be stimulates.


 * What is necessary? **

The Theory of 7 Multiple Intelligences must be incorporated in the learning process igniting active learner. Denise Cheryl, my point exactly!!! They really do want to learn. I started my school in the inner city of Chicago. I believe that any child can thrive anywhere, just because children are raised in the inner city doesn't mean they can't learn. I make it a point to help my students understand this by constant reassurance that they are brilliant. Each child in my class is constantly praised and given positive reassurance. After being told that you are brilliant, 8 hours a day, 5 days a week during the school year, they begin to believe it, and begin to perform at maximum potential, it's almost too good to be true, but it really is true! Tamika

//I believe it would be much better for everyone if children were given their start in education at home. No one understands a child as well as his mother, and children are so different that they need individual training and study. A teacher with a roomful of pupils cannot do this. At home, too, they are in their mother's care. She can keep them from learning immoral things from other children. -Tajuanna//

5. Would you say that a good teacher is "born" or "taught" to be a good and effective teacher I would say both. To be a good teacher you have to have the passion to make a difference. In order to be a good teacher you need to be reflective and observant and willing to make the changes your students need. A good teacher learns through experiences just as our students do. A teacher has to be taught to not be obtrusive in the students' learning process and that comes from experience. ~Christen

I believe that a good teacher is both "born" and "taught". The reason that I say this is because in order to be a good teacher you have to have the passion to want to help the children and see them grow. I believe that people that have the passion for teaching are born with it. I believe that to become a better teacher you have to be taught need things to be able to help the children grow. ~Tiaa

I think a teacher can be both born and taught to be good and effective, if they apply their genuine concern and consideration for individuals with a loving heart. You must” love” to teach.

They will need to study and apply their knowledge. Denise

They must be both born and trained. One must be born with an ability to work with children, to be passionate about doing what is in the best interest of the child, with the ability to allow the child to be in power. One needs to be taught how children develop, to cultivate a variety of talents to offer to the students and develop one's ability to mentor students and counsel them.- Cheryl

 I became annoyed with the many other teachers who did not share my enthusiasm for teaching. Good teachers or "true teachers" are definitely born, you have to have a passion to work with students who have been rejected by other schools and labeled "unteachable." Born teachers give them the time and attention they needed. Tamika In my opinion, teachers who are good and effective first have to "love" children. You must feel a rush when a student is taught a skill and then is able to apply that skill. It's like a light bulb pops on and they know that they understand! You must embrace their individuality and allow them to be who they are. Children are mini-adults who are just smaller and shorter. After a person decides they would like to teach, it is then that they continue their own education and are taught to master their teaching skills. Whether you've had a positive or negative learning experience in your own childhood, effective teachers are able to take the best parts and include in their own classrooms. Caryn

Teachers can be trained and born to be effective teachers. First, teaching has to be a part of your personality. Do you find joy in sharing knowledge with children? Do you feel joy when you see their faces light up when you have taught them and they finally get it? Teaching comes for the heart. Then one must receive the formal education in order to give children the basics. -Tajuanna -- A good teacher is taught well, because he learned from his previous experience and experiences. The human experience is here to show that we all have been influenced by someone who instilled in us something we still remember or even use to better humanity. One has to learn before he can teach.--Mamadou -- 6. What do you feel it means to be well-educated in your time period in history? What knowledge, skills or abilities should kids have by the time they complete high school in your opinion?

To be well-educated from my era into in the 21st Century means to study, train and do research in various areas in your field. [|Evolution of human intelligence] [|Heritability of IQ][|Impact of health on intelligence][|Neuroscience and intelligence] [|Psychometrics]Race and intelligence
 * My ‍areas of study are: ** Epidemiology Environment

High school graduates in the 21st Century will need social skills, cultural diversity, moral/values, technological skills, research skills and community service experience as well as the basic requirements.
 * What knowledge, skills or abilities should kids have by the time they complete high school in your opinion? **

Denise

Students need to be provided with the tools necessary to compete in the society in which they live and work. An emphasis on classical education where students study complex literature such Shakespeare, exposes students to high level literature as well as challenges their critical thinking skills. My former students have used notes from my elementary school for high school and english literature classes in college. Tamika

The ability to think critically, read, write and savvy in math, with strong communication and technological skills(computer).--Mamadou

7. What do you consider the value of education to be? Why is school important? "Establishing lasting peace is the work of education; all politics can do is keep us out of war." "If you free the child's potential, you will transform him into the world." An education gives a child the key to go out into the world and make a difference. All children are good. School is important because it help a child unfold the truths of life with out imposing outside beliefs and experiences. An education will prepare a child to make decisions that will have a ripple affect in the world. They will be problem solvers and not relyn on others to solve for them. They will be peacemakers rather than having someone else keep the peace. They will want to share their knowledge and experiences with others for the good. ~Christen

// "We are doing something worthwhile, for in raising the standard of our children's lives we are raising the standard of our homes of the future, and our work goes on and on, raising the standard of the community and of future generations." // -Tajuanna

I see the value of education to as the ability to create an effective product or offer a service that is valued in a culture.

**Why is school important?**

School provides the potential for finding or creating solutions for problems, which involves gathering new knowledge. Denise School is important for students from the inner city because it gives them hope to escape the poverty and crime ridden communities they grow up in. An education for my first class of 34 students meant attending colleges such as University of Texas, Norfolk State University, it meant students becoming owner/operators of a Transportation Company. It meant students who where labeled as retarded and unteachable to become tailers, teachers, law students, and operations managers. An education for these students was invaluable, it was a matter of life and death, literally. Tamika

In my opinion, education equals democracy. It is the most valuable and important gift to be given and received. Once an individual gains an education, they are able to compete with others on the same level about discussion topics, for jobs, for socioeconomic status',and in becoming active and positive members of society. This is why I feel eduaction is so important. A good education gained can be used for your entire life. Learning is a life-long experience. Caryn

Education is important beacuse it transforms ignorance into something beneficial to mankind. School makes humans differ from animals.--Mamadou--

8. What do you think about the issue of poverty that is facing American education (especially urban education) today? I think that even though a child comes from a poversh home-life, a school is and should be capable of offering an environment enriching and freeing enough for that child to succeed and become what they were meant to become regardless of how much money their parents have. A school has a responsibility to give that child the tools that they need to fulfull his or her greatest potential, physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. A child is capable of surpassing the restraints that come with poverty. They have to be empowered to find the ability and potential to change and reach for what they can become. ~Christen

The cutbacks in the areas of extra-curricular activities and a struggling instruction for the 3 R’s reduce the interest of the students to gain and participate and prosperous for the future. Denise

I think that impoverished children need to be given more opportunities to explore their curiosity and empowerment. If we expect them to become well adjusted adults, whom are capable of independence of thought and willing to engage in society in a positive manner, to pursue an education and career that will lift them out of poverty, we MUST give them the freedom (and empower them to use it) to explore.- Cheryl

I feel that poverty is having a negative effect on education. In the past, there was a thirst for knowledge. This thirst was quenched by learning as much as possible to create a better life for yourself and your family. At this time, education is not at the top of the list of priorities. We have many children who are raising themselves and have no educational support at home. Children having children leads to parent and child growing up together with less support for children at home. Young parents may not make enough money to supply living needs for their children and this effects the learning of our students today. Politicians are the one using teachers as scapegoats. Teachers are being called to fix society's ills. Teachers are being blamed for the decline of the American Educational System. Instead of dialogue and proper funding, school is now a fighting ground between the poor, a fadding middle class, and the upper class (the rich and the pliticians). The outsourcing of jobs through globalization has killed the blue urban worker, by reducing him into an abject poverty. The welfare system which came afterward was used to blame the poor. Yesterday one person pay could take care of a family. Today it is hard to live a peaceful and descent live with one bread winner. Most inner city students live in a single parent home. The cost of living has skyrocketed because of globalization and the speculation in the financial world. Outsourcing has killed urban education because of lack of jobs, parents not having time to raise their children properly, and lack of funding for school.--Mamadou

9. Lack of parental and guardian involvement in schools is an issue that many teachers bemoan today. What do you think about this? What would **you** say are the ways that parents/guardians need to be involved in their children's educations? If an educator makes the absolute most of their time with a child and provides that crucial environment needed for development of their fullest potential I really don't feel a child's home environment and parental involvement really makes that much a difference. The problem enlies when a child moves from clasroom to classroom and experiences are centered around the teacher rather than the best environment for the child. As long as the child has someone who is going to guide them appropriately and offer experiences and an environment that will allow for them to make their own mistakes and learn from them without being too obtrusive they will be successful. ~Christen

I believe that parental involvement is very important. I feel like the learning starts at home and continues in the school. The first things that a child needs to learn are taught at home. Teachers add on to the learning process. I think that without parental involvement the learning process is decressed.

Ways to get parents involved in their child's education would be having the parents have an active role in their child's homework assignments, programs where the parents have to come in and see their child, mantory parent meetings and PTO.~Tiaa Parents can be a help or a hindrance. If the parent allows the child to freely explore and learn at his/her pace, the parents can support and encourage the child. Parents that feel that they must be in control of their child's life and direct the child's academic progress, will make the entire concept moot.

The aspirations my parents transferred to me were important influences on my development. Parent participation is essential in building a good educational system, a vested interest always make a better situation.


 * What would **you **say are the ways that parents/guardians need to be involved in their children's educations?**

Parents need to be involved in their child’s education by being apart of the decision making process, such as PTA/PTO/SBM (School Based Management) Parental Advisory Committees, development of curriculum, standards and book purchases, assist their child with homework, and support diverse learning. Denise We can blame parents, but if students are in our classrooms for 8 hours a day, 5 days a week as an educator we have a vital role. In the classroom, any child even the most impoverished child can learn. As a teacher we have the power to reverse all the negativity that has been implanted into children's psyche. Reminding students daily to hold his or her head up high, and that he or she has been beautifully made, creates a passageway to tap in the the mental and emotional intelligence that children possess which helps them gain knowledge. In a loving and supportive environment children can be exposed to any level of academics and grasp the knowledge, we must tap into what they already know and how they learn. Teachers and parents can work together to create this constant positive reinforcement, where children are pushed in a loving and supportive environment to perform at maximum levels. Tamika

Today's number one priority for parents is survival. Unemployment is high, particularly in inner city. Parents have difficulties feeding their children. They are working 2 or 3 jobs to provide for their families. Good paying jobs are the keys to healthy living. Instead of investing in senseless wars, we should have programs to help young and poor students with basic needs from dawn to dust.--Mamadou--

10. What would you say are some of the qualities of an "excellent school"? An excellent school will have passionate teachers. An excellent school will have teachers that understand that children are remarkable and have limitless potential if given the appropriate environment to tap into it. An excellent school is run by the students. An excellent school will have students that are happy and excited about what they are learning and what they are doing. An excellent school has students that feel successful. ~Christen

I would say that some of the qualities of an "excellent school" would be great educators who are dedicated to teaching their children. Staff that work together, strong willed principal, parental involvement, small class sizes, funds and students who are ready to learn.~Tiaa An excellent school is a student organized, student centered community. Students govern, decide what how and when they want to learn. It should be near industry, and museums, farms & other rural areas, it should be available to as many resources as possible for the students to explore.- Cheryl A school with enough staff members who care with quality instruction.--Mamadou--
 * ‍Five approaches to curriculum change: **
 * **Lesson design.** Some schools focus on lesson design. This might involve team teaching ("teachers focusing on their own intelligence strengths"), using all or several of the intelligences in their lessons, or asking student opinions about the best way to teach and learn certain topics.
 * **Interdisciplinary units.** Secondary schools often include interdisciplinary units.
 * **Student projects.** Students can learn to "initiate and manage complex projects" when they are creating student projects.
 * **Assessments.** Assessments are devised which allow students to show what they have learned. Sometimes this takes the form of allowing each student to devise the way he or she will be assessed, while meeting the teacher's criteria for quality.
 * **Apprenticeships.** Apprenticeships can allow students to "gain mastery of a valued skill gradually, with effort and discipline over time. “Gardner feels that apprenticeships "should take up about one-third of a student's schooling experience." Denise

11. Would you be considered a better teacher of children or a teacher of teachers or other educators? Why? I have spent most of my life traveling around the world educating teachers and other educators on the best way to educate children. Hands down I find myself to be a better teacher of other teachers and educators. All teachers should use my method of teaching. That is how students succeed and reach their optimal potential. It was my experiences with children early in my career that proved to me and others that my philosophy on education is hands down accurate. I have discovered the best environment for children to learn best. I will continue to spread my knowledge to other educators to hopefully reach more children around the world. ~Christen

I would say, a teacher of other educators, because of my research, interest as an independent scholar and public intellectual.

Why? . I’m a happy workaholic and enjoy studying. Denise

I would be considered both, but probably a better of children. They are endlessly fascinating, and filled with endless curiosity. Adults are too concerned with rules, organization and efficiency- tiresome and annoying. - Cheryl

I am definitely a better teacher of children. My thinking is quite childlike. I have better communication with children. They feel comfortable expressing to me their likes and dislikes in learning. I take to heart when a child does not have a thirst for knowledge and I work very hard at making the connections bewteen books and hands-on experiences a part of my students' school day. Caryn

I once was a Professor at the best university in Paris. After I became President, I used to have a monthly meeting with many professors to exchange ideas and discuss the future of education. --Mamadou--

12. Do you agree with merit pay? Why or why not? The selfish part wouldn't mind seeing teachers receive merit pay. Why? Because I know I'd be one of those teachers that would receive merit pay. However, I truly believe that merit pay wouldn't do anything but hurt the children. I think it would create a lack of collaboration between teachers and administrators. I don't feel there is an accurate and standardized way to truly measure what a "successful" teacher looks like. I think that it would just encourage dishonesty with test scores and other assessments. I think it would create a horrible disadvangage for students with diverse demographics and socio-economic differences. ~Christen

I do not agree with merit pay because I feel like it would be an advantage for the teachers and not the children. I feel that that they teachers would start doing things that they have not been doing or try harder at things just for the money. I feel like if you enjoy teaching you will do what you should be doing regardless of getting paid more for your children preformance. I feel that you knew what teachers make in the beginning so teach the children like you would teach your own instead of teaching them for the money. ~Tiaa

Yes, since change is the key to growth. Educators have to be willing to actively change and grow to reach and teach the children as we enter another century.

This is why I did research in various schools and with children to show how application affects education and growth. Denise

Definitely!!! A teacher shouldn't be in the classroom if he or she can't produce maximum results! Tamika

I absolutely do not agree with merit pay. There are many teachers who are excellent at what they do. They see a steady growth in their students learning and just because their test scores do not show the growth that the leaders of our state think they should see, no teacher should be paid by observing just test scores. There are many students who have test anxiety and never perform well on test but do extremely well in class and on assignments. Should that teacher lose their pay? Test should not be the only piece of student work that our Govenor pays attention to. Think about the urban schools verses outlining area schools where socioeconomic status is drastically different. Caryn

I don't agree with merit pay. School is not a factory. Not all children learn the same and at the same speed. Children do have different abilities. I was never an athlete. I was book smart and a consensus builder. I was a peace maker and an agent of change. --Mamadou--