Koleen McGuire

Math is a universal language; it transcends cultural, economic, and social barriers. Learning the language of math involves more than a list of vocabulary words; it requires us to delve into evidence-based math practices to build competency and proficiency for our students to overcome achievement gaps and gain long-term mathematical success. This course will cover how to work with your math students to implement a math language that focuses on aiding all students in learning math. Participants in the course will gain tips and tools to identify the language functions of math standards, assignments, mathematical academic language, and general language to support students in your math classroom. 

Happiness is a crucial ingredient of human well-being and health, and the pursuit of which was identified as an “inalienable right” in the US Declaration of Independence. In America, as in other developed nations, many seek material things to bring happiness. Yet, a wide variety of environmental, health and social justice indicators suggest people in developed nations are consuming too much. Consumerism is the idea that increasing consumption of goods and services purchased in the market is always a desirable goal.

Vibrant societies need people who can think for themselves, but too many Americans don’t, and our democracy, as well as societal health, suffers as a result. In this course for teachers in grades 4-12, we will cover a wide variety of teaching strategies that provide incentives and opportunities for young minds to develop the courage, skills, and intellectual acumen for robust thinking.

The great wisdom traditions well as our own life stories point to the virtue of adversity. The obstacles and difficulties in our lives test us and can bring forth our greatest potential, leading to self-knowledge, character, courage and great achievement. You will view two movies, several TED Talks, and read two books about overcoming adversity from an Amazon and/or Goodreads list. The material reflects on the trials and successes of each life, and explores K-12 application of these themes.

Class Culture is a mysterious mix with no recipe and yet it is the special sauce for a happy curriculum and student learning. Refresh yourself as you learn more about how to enhance a culture of thinking in your pre-K-12 learning environment. Review the 8 Familiar Forces that focus students on learning, as opposed to work, and build a supportive matrix with your colleagues while you do it. Text $16 at Amazon.

Learn how to use drama techniques to make everyday classroom lessons come to life. Drama Games give teachers a new educational tool for any subject by using improvisational theatre concepts as an active form of learning.

Google is currently offering schools a hosted solution for their email, calendar, documents, websites, and chat through Google Apps for Education, an integrated communication and collaboration cloud-based network. Email storage and search tools that help find information fast.

Since 1938, the American Library Association has awarded the Caldecott Medal annually for to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children. This fun-filled independent study course will cover the history of the medal and Randolph Caldecott, explore the creative artists who have received this medal, delve into selected winners and honors books, and create various art media lessons for the classroom.

The required text for this class is "How to Teach So Students Remember" by Marilee Sprenger.  This book is one of the top-rated and inspiring “how-to” guides showing the seven important strategies, and supporting research, that gives students the best possible chance to make meaning and remember what’s academically important.

Discover dozens of ways to involve your students in fun environmentally sustainable, earth-friendly projects. Learn how to create native plant gardens, water and energy conservation programs, recycling and composting stations and functional, earth-friendly eco-roofs. In addition, low energy transportation options will be discussed, including bicycling and public transportation. Learn about community-based art projects to beautify schools and your neighborhoods. $25 text and materials fee due to the instructor.