What’s your first and last name?
- Ann Phillips
What do you teach / what is your ‘title’ at school?
- Language Arts teacher
How are you involved in education?
- I enjoy professional development, soaking up as much as I can. I attend the Pre-AP class in the summers at TU, and I’m currently participating in a three-part webinar by Jennifer Serravallo, entitled “The Writing Strategies.” I remain active in OEA as well.
What does your ideal school or classroom look like?
- An ideal school has a principal that comes into classrooms OFTEN. The staff would communicate with one another through scheduled, consistent cross-curricular meetings. Teachers would ideally know what others are teaching so they could expand upon those concepts in their own curricular area. One-to-one technology would be offered and available, in working condition, for every student and teacher. Colorful murals would be on the walls in hallways and in bathrooms, along with welcoming, well-kept landscaping around the school (with a spacious and lovely outdoor classroom learning space as well, of course!) The school library would have an abundance of current, intriguing books and an environment that lures both students and staff. The friendly and knowledgeable librarian would be there to aid in teaching lessons and helping students find that “just-right” book. All art, music, and foreign language programs would be embraced and seen as equally important in the development of every child. Physical education would be a daily class, kindergarten through seniors in high school. This school would have windows in each and every classroom, allowing natural light to fuel learning. The cafeteria would offer multiple choices to students for both breakfast and lunch. Students would be greeters before school each day, as well as staff. They would be expected to talk to everyone. Learning in all classrooms would be curriculum driven, with teachers meeting each and every child’s vast needs. Classes would include twenty or fewer students each and every hour. State testing would be a thing from the past.
If you were to lead a session at Edcamp, what would it be about?
- I teach at a small, rural middle school. I’m interested in learning how others teach in under-funded, under-staffed rural schools. I’m always looking for ways to improve our little school and learn from others. I don’t have a specific topic in mind.
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