Author Bios

I start this week’s article with a confession.  I love elementary school libraries.  A great school library serves as the figurative, and occasionally, the literal center of the school.  Many of the highlights of my career have happened in school libraries, from staff celebrations to parent committee meetings; from sharing my favorite book with students to listening as they share theirs.  The elementary school library, in my mind, is the family room of the school.  So, with this obvious bias, allow me to explain why Morgan Elementary’s library is an essential part of our system.

Learning beyond the classroom is an essential part of a complete education.  The Morgan County School District Community has an expressed dedication to this concept through our Mission Statement and imbedded within our instruction.  “What does it look like?” is a common phrase educators use as we challenge ourselves and our colleagues during professional development and is also a phrase that is appropriate when planning successful educational experiences beyond the classroom.  What is learning beyond the classroom and how can it be linked seamlessly to the activities and learning prepared for school?

Spring is always such a great time of year.  In education, spring signals a time for celebration.  At this time of year we celebrate the end of another successful school year, the excitement for a change of pace, and the collective pride as a group of young adults graduate and start adventures of their own.  Springtime in education is also frequently a time to say professional goodbyes to colleagues who are leaving our schools.  This spring Morgan County School District celebrates a wonderful group of staff members who have reached a pinnacle in their careers and decided to retire.  At this time of celebration and with this group of amazing educators it is certainly appropriate to reflect on what great teaching is and what makes a great teacher.