A Morning in 212 Reading

Do you remember 2nd grade?  I do.  Mrs. Brown was my teacher.  She had a short, brunette bob and she wore pink with burgundy (obviously this was the early 80s).  She was sweet, she encouraged me, and she knew I could achieve.  She had a very high bar and I WANTED to exceed it daily.  She made me want to achieve daily and as a result, I did.

Today I had the opportunity to visit Ms. Mindel's 2nd grade Reading 212 class and although she looks nor sounds anything like Mrs. Brown, if I close my eyes I get that warm fuzzy feeling I got in Mrs. Brown's class some (e-gads!) 30+ years ago.  Kindof that odd mix of  "oooooo this is my place and oooooo I better get on my game."  Ms. Mindel guides the students through their learning target of the day which stems from their focus standard.  During the lesson the kids work collaboratively and individually, they share ideas with one another openly, they are all (100%...all...every one of them) actively engaged in the learning for the duration of the lesson).  Ms. Mindel walks the room, asks probing questions, and keeps kids focused on the mission of the day, learning.

We all need a Mrs. Brown in our school life.  We need a Ms. Mindel.  We need someone to set us up for success and support us every moment of every day.  Teachers like Mrs. Brown and Ms. Mindel are a blessing to our field and to your kids.  Celebrate a teacher and a learner today!   Celebrate your Mrs. Brown.  Your Ms. Mindel.