“I encourage my students to take chances in their learning. I let them know that even teachers make mistakes. I try to show the children it’s OK to be human, I learn from my pupils, and let’s them know it. I tell the kids, ‘You guys are teaching me, too.’”

Anne Marie Magaha

Rydal West Elementary School, Abington School District, PA

2009 Presidential Award for Excellence Recipient

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Indicators of Best Classroom Practice

~ Physical Facilities

Rows of desks moving towards Clusters moving towards Centers (varied learning centers)

 

~ Classroom Climate/Management

Management by punishment & rewards moving towards Order maintained by engagement and community

 

~ Student Voice and Involvement

Balanced between teacher-directed and student-directed activities

Students often select inquiry topics, books, writing topics, audiences, etc.

 

~ Activities and Assignments

Balanced between traditional and more interactive activities

Teacher presentation and transmission of material moving towards Students actively experiencing the concepts

 

~ Language and Communication

Silence moving towards Noise & Conversation alternates with quiet time

 

~ Time allocations

Time allocations are balanced between

Teacher-directed and student-directed-work

 

~ Teacher Attitude and Initiative

Towards students

Negative, distant, fearful, punitive moving towards positive, warm, respectful, encouraging