Transformative Teaching Practices

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Missouri School Boards Association’s 2011 Pre-Conference was themed “Technology Trends in Education.” As a part of the day’s agenda one of Apple’s Distinguished Educators  (ADE) Jennifer Magiera shared the innovate practices she is implementing in the Chicago Public School System. Jennifer is the iPad Project Leader/Trainer for CPS, the third largest school system in our country. Through piloting iPad mobile labs in 23 schools this fall, Jennifer is truly preparing teachers and guiding them through the implementation of transformative teaching practices. The resulting increases in student achievement reflect this master teacher’s “outside the box” thinking.

We need to all take note of such innovation and find ways to implement similar technology programs in our school systems. Reform is not the answer…transformation is, and educators like Jennifer Magiera are leading the way and modeling what we hope to be scalable and sustainable within our public education system.

If our students are to compete globally, this truly is a non-negotiable. Our transformation teams begin with the school board and superintendent; a successful transformation team further includes central office leaders, school level leadership, and ultimately teacher leaders who absolutely must be empowered to be innovative.

Watch this great video to see her class for yourself:

Image in blog from video above.

Our contributor, Diane Sandifer

From local to state and national roles in public service, Diane Sandifer served on the Harris County Schools GA Board of Education from 1998-2008. Additionally, Diane was elected as president of the Georgia School Boards Association in 2006 and was a member of the National School Boards Association Board of Directors in 2007 and 2008. Diane advocates 21st century governance from the board room to the classroom through her passion for integration of technology as well as effective strategic planning. Diane represents school board members in statewide commissions and projects and has played an integral role in educational research through groups like the Wallace Foundation. Diane lives in Pine Mountain, Georgia and is currently the account executive for eBOARDsolutions.