How One Elementary Teacher Blends iReady with the Modern Classrooms Model
Welcome to the Modern Classrooms Project Podcast. Each week we bring you discussions with educators on how they use blended, self-paced, and mastery-based learning to better serve their learners. In this episode, Toni Rose Deanon is joined by Teri McNulty, an elementary school teacher, who shares her experiences implementing the Modern Classrooms Project model, particularly focusing on integrating it with the iReady curriculum.
The conversation emphasizes the shift from whole-group instruction to a more personalized, collaborative learning environment where students work at their own pace. Teri detailed her planning process, which involves creating detailed Google slide decks and pre-copying materials, ensuring transparency and accessibility for her students.
Here are three key takeaways from this podcast episode:
Personalized Learning: Terri believes that the Modern Classroom model, combined with iReady, allows for differentiated instruction, catering to individual student needs and fostering collaboration. Teri discusses the significant role of collaboration, both among students and with her co-teacher, in enhancing learning and planning.
Structured Planning: Detailed planning, including creating comprehensive Google slide decks and pre-copying materials, is crucial for effective implementation and student transparency.
Community and Mistakes: Creating a classroom environment where mistakes are welcomed and celebrated encourages active learning and builds a supportive community. Teri highlights the importance of fostering a community where mistakes are seen as learning opportunities, using a marble jar reward system to encourage engagement. "The only way to learn is to explore, and that it's okay to make mistakes, and now is the time for them to make those mistakes," she states.
Discussion questions for PLC and PD:
Teri emphasized the shift from whole-group instruction to a personalized, self-paced model, noting increased student collaboration and engagement. How can educators effectively balance structured curriculum requirements (like iReady) with the flexibility needed for personalized learning, and what strategies can be used to foster a collaborative learning environment within this framework?
Teri described a detailed planning process involving Google slide decks and pre-copied materials, highlighting the importance of transparency and accessibility. How does this level of pre-planning compare to your current planning practices, and what are the potential benefits and challenges of adopting a similar approach in your own classroom?
Teri fostered a classroom culture where mistakes are seen as learning opportunities, using a marble jar reward system to encourage engagement. How can educators cultivate a similar mindset among their students, and what are some alternative strategies for promoting a growth mindset and a positive learning environment?
Our Host
Toni Rose taught MS English for 10 years and will forever identify as a teacher. Toni Rose strives to be the teacher that they never had growing up, so they focus on anti-bias, anti-racist work and wants to create a brave space for everyone around them. As a queer Filipinx, they understand just how important it is to be represented, be valued, and belong. They especially love being a thought partner for and celebrating teachers.
Our Guests
Darius Brown
Teri McNulty teaches at Faubion PK-8 school in Portland, Oregon and this is her 11th year of teaching. She has taught in grades 3, 4, and 5, and is currently teaching 5th grade. This is her second year of using the Modern Classrooms model during my math block. Last year she taught 4th grade while implementing this model. She does not consider herself a “normal teacher,” rather, she loves to decorate her room and changes out the decorations almost every month. She likes to create a space that does not feel like a traditional classroom. Her students know that she loves Disney. She loves learning new things and is always taking trainings, trying new curriculum, and learning how to make a better experience for her students.
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