City Year’s Post

🌟 Reflections on Independence and Learning 🌟 Today felt particularly challenging, prompting me to reflect on the essence of learning and the role of independence in the educational journey. Have we, as educators, schools, and even as a society, overlooked the crucial element of fostering a desire to learn? A desire that drives students to work hard, not because they are told to, but because they understand the value of their effort. In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, it appears that the concept of hard work and the thirst for knowledge are increasingly overshadowed by the expectation of instant gratification. This shift seems to diminish the active engagement and critical thinking skills that are vital for our students’ development. As I navigated through today’s tasks, I couldn’t help but feel that at times I am working harder than my students. This observation leads me to question: Where have we gone astray? As educators, as schools, and as a broader educational system, are we adequately preparing our students not just for tests, but for life? Are we nurturing whole individuals who are ready to face the complexities of the future? These reflections solidify my belief in the importance of personalized education. It’s a reminder of why I am driven to pursue my passion for tutoring. I envision a space where learning is tailored to individual needs, where students are encouraged not only to succeed academically but to develop a lifelong love for learning. My goal is to empower students to take ownership of their learning journey, to recognize the effort required for genuine growth, and to embrace the challenges along the way. I am committed to providing the support and guidance they need to build a solid foundation for their future. As we navigate these educational challenges together, I encourage my fellow educators to join me in contemplating the true essence of learning and independence. Let’s inspire our students to see beyond the tests, to understand that real learning requires effort, and to embrace the joy of discovering what they are truly capable of achieving. Your thoughts and experiences are invaluable as we strive to make a difference in our students’ lives. Let’s collaborate to rekindle the flame of curiosity and independence in our learners. #Education #Learning #Independence #PersonalizedLearning #TeachingReflections #FutureReady

Embracing #educational diversity is crucial for #student success. By exploring alternative paths, we can create inclusive environments that cater to diverse #learning needs. Let's innovate and support each student's unique journey! https://lnkd.in/d_9Qugqq

Learner Agency in action... Student-led conferences. I loved hearing my 10 and 7 year old girls explain their progress and goals as learners yesterday afternoon. Rather than the teacher talking about what they do or don't yet know, they spoke as students about their learning and their approaches to it. My 7 year old explained how she listens better in one subject because she finds it harder to understand, whereas in the other subjects she doesn't listen as well because she thinks she already knows! That's some serious self-awareness! In discussing how she can develop her communication skills so her wonderful ideas can be expressed, I asked if she worried about getting it 'right?' Her reply, 'No, because it's OK to make mistakes, so long as you learn from them.' 👏 I left feeling elated that the girls are learning how to learn at Crawford North Coast and to take responsibility for their learning. It's what James Anderson CSP- Learnership and Growth Mindset Expert advocates in his book, Learnership. However, I also feel deeply frustrated and sad writing this, that this approach to education is so inaccessible to most children in South Africa, even in some of the private sector, when it's what is so desperately needed. I LOVED taking Eden Village Preparatory School on a journey towards becoming a Thriving School last year - unpacking Growth Mindset, Learner Agency and Assessment for Learning (not just reporting) in a series of workshops. The staff were amazing at embracing new philosophies and adapting their assessments to be more meaningful. I would love to journey with more schools this year so that children can truly understand themselves as learners and take responsibility for their learning journey. This matters. Sonia Jansen and all staff, thanks for your approach to learning at Crawford North Coast. Frances Stapylton-Smith, Aimee Durrheim, Kieran Allcock and all the staff at EVPS, you're making a real difference to your students as you help them develop their learner agency. #EducationalLeadership #ThriveTogether #ThrivingSchools #GrowthMindset #Learnership #LearnerAgency

While it does fall under “water is wet,” it would strongly help a number of movements in public education if we can start having some commonalities in our expectations, intentions, and actions. A common trope in reflecting on failures to launch is the level of inconsistency and application of philosophies in learning, relatable and meaningful resources, embracing the whole child, committing to the fact that we have an incredibly diverse student population, accountability mechanisms, and definitions for what success looks like. All of these items, and then some, should not be seen as some large entanglement of priorities, but contrubutive factors that promote synergy. The best success stories that stand the test of time and change are those that understood success is a system and not siloed out.

Nurturing Student Success: Encouraging Good Behavior in Schools. Read more here: https://t2m.co/K638wNK. By Radhika Zahedi #edtechreview #softskills #studentsuccess #21stcenturyleadership #21stcenturyskills #skillsdevelopment #edtech #educationtechnology

Education

This is Evelyn Shaw Corley, and let me tell you why my heart beats for Thrive International Academy. For the past 19 years, I've walked the halls of education, witnessing the magic (and sometimes the struggles) of learning from elementary through high school. I've taught special education, general education, and even gifted students. While I loved much of the traditional path, a burning desire grew in me: to reach those who needed something different, something more. The students who needed that extra lift, the kind hand of remediation and the comfort of knowing they weren't alone. The students who craved a challenge, who buzzed with untapped potential yearning for acceleration. That's why, in 2019, I left the public school system and took a leap of faith. With passion overflowing and a clear purpose fueling me, I created Thrive International Academy. And let me tell you, it's been an incredible journey! We started small, shouting our mission loud and proud on Facebook: to serve students worldwide. Today, through sheer perseverance and unwavering purpose, Thrive has blossomed into a vibrant community of top-notch, compassionate educators offering 1:1 live teaching and tutoring. Here at Thrive, we meet you where you are as a learner. Our dedicated tutors and teachers guide you with unwavering support, helping you reach your absolute highest potential. Whether you need: Tutoring: We cover everything from Kindergarten to College, all subjects, yes, ALL of them, even to the elite AP and IB levels! No student is left behind. We also serve pre-readers, offering gentle remediation and setting them on the path to success. Homeschooling: Thrive can be your complete learning partner. We will guide you every step of the way, helping your child graduate high school and confidently enter college or the workforce. We craft custom plans to fit your family's unique needs. Mentoring: We believe in going beyond academics. Our mentors walk alongside you, offering guidance and support throughout your journey. We're here for you, not just in the classroom, but in life. If you're looking for something more, something better, then look no further. Thrive can be that perfect complement to your child's current education or their complete homeschooling haven. We have a place for everyone. Ready to work with Thrive? We'd love to chat! Let's create a plan that unlocks your potential. Reach out to me, Evelyn Shaw Corley: Phone: 404.538.0298 Email: [email protected] Remember, with Thrive, there's always a path to success! #workwiththrive

Discover how a junior high program is transforming attendance by pairing at-risk students with mentors for a positive school connection. This strategy fosters trust, addresses individual needs, and promotes a sense of belonging, leading to remarkable improvements in attendance and behavior. A win-win for students and staff! 🌟 Read more: #WeLeadTX #Education #Mentorship #StudentEngagement

Educators play a vital role in shaping career-connected learning programs, ensuring the success of the next generation's workforce. But career-connected learning opportunities in the field of education itself don’t always receive the resources or attention they need. It is critically important that career-connected learning practitioners support the development of the education workforce, while creating accessible pathways into education careers. Check out Catalyze's newest blog on how grantees SEGUE INSTITUTE FOR LEARNING and National Center for Grow Your Own, in partnership with Breakthrough Collaborative, provide pathways into education careers. https://lnkd.in/ekWi5Vus #careerconnectedlearning #education #careerexploration