Generative Appreciative Thought Partners

Now more than ever, educators need to come together to be partners in their students' learning. They need to lean on each other to build a rapport with students when online, in person, or a blended combination. In this video presentation we will examine strategies to find and work with thought partners at school.

Jeff Fifield, Director of Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment at Colegio Maya - American International School of Guatemala, is an academic practitioner. He is a Taos Institute Associate and completed doctoral work in social construction focused on the use of Appreciative Inquiry and associated practices in schools through Tilburg University. Educational interests encompass experiential and personalized learning aligned with positive education. jfifield@cm.edu.gt

Danielle Naimey, Secondary Math teacher at Colegio Maya- American International School of Guatemala, is a strong advocate for personal learning for all students. Danielle had been teaching in various G4-12 positions over the past 10 years while focusing on incorporating more STEAM practices into the classroom to enable her students to make real world connections in their learning. dnaimey@cm.edu.gt

Travis Bluemling is the Elementary Physical Education & Health teacher at Colegio Maya - American International School of Guatemala. He has had a career that spans multiple sectors. After completing his service as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Indonesia, he received an M.Ed in International Youth Development. Since then, he has worked within the government sector, media industry, travel industry, and ultimately found himself back in the education sector. Alongside his Elementary PE role, he is also supporting the implementation of an SEL curriculum in the Elementary. tbluemling@cm.edu.gt