Columbus Academy’s TeacherTalk series is an extension of the school’s "Vision 2015" project, whose goals are to reflectively engage students 24/7, extend learning outside the four walls of the classroom, and teach students to better use the tools they already use today.
Each year, Vision 2015 provides grants to approximately ten teachers to explore and further their knowledge in the aforementioned areas. The teachers featured so far in the TeacherTalk videos were early recipients of those grants.
First grade teacher Julie Simmons explains how she and teaching assistant Cyndi Yakscoe engage reluctant readers and reluctant writers by utilizing technology such as iPads, SMARTBoards and Twitter. Their classroom was featured on the national news show "CBS This Morning" in May 2012.
Third grade teacher Vanessa Taglia shows how flipping her classroom has increased student engagement and how redundant resources have given her students the reins to their own learning. Mrs. Taglia also explains how QR Codes have become effective educational technology tools in elementary school classrooms.
Middle School language arts teacher Peggy Sutton describes different methods she uses to get out of the way in order to allow for authentic student conversation. While discussing VoiceThread technology and four-corners activities, Mrs. Sutton also reflects on the school’s culture of collaboration and respect for others.
Middle School language arts teacher Brooke Peterson shares her technique for improving creative writing skills using a project in which her seventh grade students submit stories about characters in a make-believe town. Mrs. Peterson moved with her family to Alabama following the 2012-13 school year.
Middle School science teacher Todd Martin talks about using online forums and assessments to enhance student engagement and comprehension. He has seen measurable improvements when assignments allow for creative uses of Moodle, iMovie and Edmodo.
Math teacher Dan Olexio discusses the benefits of redundant resources and provides a step-by-step guide to recording and sharing lessons and practice tests. By introducing our students to the use of web resources such as video lectures and the concept of being responsible for their own learning, Columbus Academy better prepares them for a model of education they are going to see in college.
Math and computer science teacher Mark Daubenmier shows how programming pods promote a driver-navigator dynamic that enhances student collaboration. Mr. Daubenmier left Columbus Academy following the 2011-12 school year so he and his family could teach the children of missionaries at Rift Valley Academy in Kijabe, Kenya.
Director of Technology Sean Cullinan talks about aow a project called Vision 2015 has promoted innovation in Columbus Academy classrooms by expanding learning, offering 24/7 engagement and utilizing adaptive resources.
Third grade teacher Vanessa Taglia describes strategies for 21st century learning, including a Tech Fair, flipped classrooms and Genius Hour projects that help motivate students and connect them more with the content.
Middle School math teacher Katie Castle talks about how students in her math class practice percentages, decimals, problem solving and critical thinking as they participate in a math budgeting project (a.k.a. the Egg Baby Project). With a given job, students calculate salaries, pay bills and compare their finances to those on minimum wage in order to hone their math skills while simulating real-world skills.