This project is a part of the Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month celebration because
it supports a Latino teacher or a school where the majority of students are Latino.
My Students
I run the Adventure Science Lab where students come to do scientific investigations, from looking at soil samples with microscopes to calculating the mass of pumpkins. As the Science content specialist I am responsible for instructing all students in the lab, and helping to plan Science lessons with all teachers for all classes grades K-4. Our public school is a mix of African-American, African, Latino, and Pacific and Southeast Asian students; over 85% of students receive free lunch.
Our students are normal kids on the surface, who often face tremendous challenges during non-school hours.
As teachers, we often have to fight the realities of our students' low-socioeconomic status in tandem with giving them the education they need. In turn, they inspire us with their resilience and enthusiasm for learning.
My Project
I had the pleasure of listening to Kristin Ziemke present information from her book “Amplify” at SXSWedu last year. Her work spoke to me. She explained that students already come to school with a voice, and as teachers we have to “amplify” that voice in a way that helps them grow. I loved her book, and through this grant I’m hoping to hold a school-wide “book study” so that the teachers on my “Tech Committee” can also share these great lessons with staff and students - serving to promote literacy and technology development.
Through the book’s guidance, we’ll help students dig into texts, research their questions, and create powerful learning communities by using digital tools effectively, responsibly, and in combination with trusted artifacts and print resources.
Amplify does exactly what the title implies. "When introducing technological tools, we often apply the same practices and strategies we use in our daily teaching, but amplify their power with technology,” write Katie and Kristin. “We model what we want students to do with the technology, guide them to try it out with us, provide time for practice, then share as a class.”
By supporting this professional development project, you’ll amplify our literacy curriculum with lessons and guidance for: explicitly teaching kids how to be effective digital readers and thinkers, giving students practice with closely reading images, infographics, and video, and emphasizing student ownership and creativity. Help us grow as educators, so that we can grow the next generation of game-changers!
Nearly all students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mrs. Milianta-Laffin and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
