Oct 31, 2018
Fostering a Positive, Safe, and Supportive Classroom Environment
How Do You Work to Boost School Climate?
Ensuring a positive, safe, and inclusive learning environment for all students is a top priority for many educators. But it’s not an easy task, and requires careful listening to student voices, commitment from a variety of education stakeholders, and a dedication to social and emotional learning (SEL), among many other factors. It’s still an evolving space, and a great opportunity for educators to come together and share the strategies they’re using to foster positive learning environments for their students. That’s why we’re hosting a Twitter Chat on November 7, 2018 at 8 PM EST. Simply follow @McGrawHillK12 and use #PositiveChatMHE to join the conversation. You can share what you’ve learned from your experiences and gather insights from other educators to improve your practice.
Here are a few of the educators you can expect to hear from during the chat:
diane rogers, @wolkrogers
Diane Wolk-Rogers began teaching because she was passionate about supporting too-often neglected young people facing challenges and vulnerabilities. Early in her career, she received awards for her work providing special education support to students with learning and emotional disabilities. In 2001 she joined the faculty at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, where she teaches AP World History. In 2006, Wolk-Rogers became engaged in LGBTQAI activism, and she now serves as the faculty advisor for MSD’s Gay/Straight Alliance. Diane is National Board certified in History. She recently gained national attention for speaking publicly in support of the #neveragain movement led by her students at MSD after the shooting that occurred there on February 14, 2018. Their activism inspires her to fight for a safe learning environment for all.
Suzy Brooks, @SimplySuzy
Suzy Brooks is an Instructional Technology Director for Mashpee Public Schools on Cape Cod in Massachusetts after 10 years as an elementary teacher. She provides professional development and hands-on workshops for educators at local, regional and national venues. Her work in blended learning, student engagement, and social media has been featured by EdWeek, NBC News’ Education Nation, Instructor Magazine, Intel, ASCD, and the NEA. Currently, Suzy is the President of the Massachusetts affiliate of ASCD and is a 2011 MassCUE Pathfinder. You can follow her on Twitter @SimplySuzy.
Barry Saide @barrykid1
Barry Saide has been in education for 18 years. He currently serves as Director of Curriculum and Instruction for Tabernacle School District, in Tabernacle, New Jersey. He is a current board member for NJASCD, is an ASCD Emerging Leader, and ASCD Influence Leader. He is a former elementary school teacher, supervisor of curriculum and instruction, and adjunct college professor. He’s served on educator work groups for the New Jersey Department of Education, and advised on policy for The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Great Schools!, and National Council for Teacher Quality (NCTQ). Connect with Barry via Twitter @barrykid1 or his website, barrysaide.com.
Beth Maloney, @DaringToTeach
Beth Maloney is in her nineteenth year of teaching and enjoys every minute of her time in the classroom. She is currently teaching fifth grade. Beth is a National Board Certified Teacher, the past president and co-founder of the Arizona National Board Certified Teachers Network and a Candidate Support Provider for the Arizona K12 Center, where she coaches and mentors other teachers undergoing the rigorous National Board certification. Beth is honored to be Arizona’s 2014 Teacher of the Year. Beth has a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Supervision. She was awarded an honorary doctorate in humane letters and is currently a doctoral candidate.
Beth loves talking with and learning from other teachers around the world. She strongly believes that teacher voice in the public education dialogue is the best way to make change for the better for all students. She contributes to her blog BethMaloneyDaringToTeach.wordpress.com concerning education-related topics and is found on Facebook at Beth Maloney and on Twitter @DaringToTeach.
For more on social and emotional learning, check out our recent survey of PreK-12 educators and parents:
