Learning & Leadership Grants Spring 2005
Learning & Leadership Grants: Spring 2005 Recipients
Matthew Geary, Woodbridge
10th to 12th Grade Mathematics Teacher
Amity Regional High School
Partners: Frank Barretta, Scott DeMeo, Christine Diehl, Heather Goldstein, Peter Warren
Mr. Geary and his partners explore how they can use graphing calculators to increase students’ mathematical skills and proficiency with the technology. Teachers learn the capabilities of the graphing calculator, review the curriculum to maximize use of technology, develop calculator competencies for each grade level, rewrite exams to include calculator skills, and develop projects that involve graphing calculators for each course.
Bette-Ann Rodzwell, Windsor
1st to 5th Grade Mathematics Resource Teacher
Oliver Ellsworth School
Partners: Lesley Morgan-Thompson, Priya Padmanabhan, and Nicole Smith
Ms. Rodzwell and her partners form an action study group to improve their students’ ability to solve mathematical word problems. With the help of a consultant, teachers analyze monthly word problem exercises and examine the sources of students’ conceptual gaps to improve instruction.
Edna D. Soto, Danbury
10th Grade Biology Teacher
Danbury High School
Collaborating with staff from Western Connecticut State University’s Biology Department, Mrs. Soto travels to Puerto Rico to study a newly discovered species of crustacean in the Rio Camuy Cave System. She analyzes the anatomy, characteristics, DNA, and evolutionary implications of the species. Mrs. Soto uses her research to develop activities that enhance her genetics curriculum.
Gail M. Thibodeau, Rocky Hill
6th to 8th Grade Language Arts Consultant
Griswold Middle School
Partners: David Fortier, Ellen Janiga, Kathleen Oryell, and Debora Wolfe
Mrs. Thibodeau leads a study group of high school teachers to explore methods for integrating reading and writing strategies into their contentinstruction. Teachers meet monthly to discuss strategies and materials, plan and design lessons, and analyze student work to inform future instruction.
Kim Bates, Dover
Human Services Department Chair
Delaware Technical and Community College
Partners: John Demby, Art Harrison, Paula Fleisher Nelson, Andrew Williams
Ms. Bates and her partners implement a mentoring study group for adjunct instructors. Led by full-time faculty, the small groups study best teaching practices, methods for addressing various learning styles, topics in subject matter, uses of Blackboard software, and the college’s operations and culture. Participants produce a mentoring and reference guide for the entire faculty.
Rebecca Segal, Miami
Pre-K Exceptional Student Education Teacher
Blue Lakes Elementary School
Ms. Segal attends a weeklong certification course in yoga for children with special needs to improve her students’ behavior, concentration, and academic achievement. After the training, Ms. Segal shares her knowledge with colleagues at her school, which serves as a center for students with autism.
Vicki Schmidt, Lafayette
Choral/General Music Director
Wea Ridge Middle School
To enhance her music curriculum, Mrs. Schmidt attends World Music Drumming: Level II training at University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. Mrs. Schmidt uses her expanded knowledge to develop an advanced drumming curriculum to include more students in the program. She shares her learning with school staff through presentations at departmental meetings and video footage of her new lessons.
Karen Abraham, West Olive
1st Grade Teacher
Sheldon Woods Elementary School
Partners: Deirdre Vriesman, Susan Douglas, Katie Eidson, Connie Phothisan
Mrs. Abraham and her partners study reading strategies to enhance students’ comprehension. Twice a month, participants meet to discuss instructional strategies and to model and refine new lessons. The group, composed of participants who are new to their grade-level assignment, shares its learning through monthly staff updates and information nights that teach parents how to help their children with reading comprehension.
Rebecca Kathleen Brown, Boothwyn
K to 5th Grade Gifted Support Teacher
Bethel Springs Elementary School
Ms. Brown attends a summer institute at the University of Connecticut to study differentiated instruction, high-end learning, and enrichment teaching. As a district trainer, Ms. Brown shares her learning with other differentiated instruction trainers and school faculty to help develop the talents of all students.
Dean Rosencranz, Wyncote
9th to 12th Grade Mathematics Teacher
Cheltenham High School
Partners: Jacqueline Benson, Stefani Hite, Keziah LaTorre, Linda Roeder
Mr. Rosencranz and his partners form a study group to analyze student achievement data, examine methods of integrating technology into the curriculum, explore uses of technology to individualize instruction, and determine how best to share their learning with colleagues. The study group oversees the implementation of a tutoring program and computer software to address students’ individual needs.
Christine Marie Benedict, North Kingstown
1st Grade Teacher
Fishing Cove Elementary School
Partners: Caroline Bradshaw, Susan England, Elizabeth Kruse, Marea Rice
To enhance student achievement, Mrs. Benedict and her partners form a study group focusing on the delivery of reading instruction. Participants engage in peer coaching, record observational data, and discuss their findings.
Sarah Corley Smith, Houston
9th to 12th Grade Music Teacher
School of Choice, Spring Branch Education Center
Mrs. Smith attends an intensive Kodaly music course at California State University, Long Beach, to enhance her music instruction. The Kodaly method involves vocally-based music instruction that complements young children's natural means of musical expression. Children are taught musical concepts through their own singing games. To increase students’ music and performance skills, Mrs. Smith studies melodies, advanced conducting, music and movement, folk song analysis, and vocal pedagogy.
Megan Garnett, Fairfax
11th Grade Social Studies Teacher
James W. Robinson, Jr. Secondary School
Partners: David Kuhn, Eileen Noonan, Mark Roadarmel
Ms. Garnett and her partners form a study group to improve student achievement through research and writing. Participants meet monthly to develop assignments and lesson plans, analyze student work, and determine how best to build research and writing skills at each grade level. Teachers compile a research and writing handbook to distribute to students.