Director of Teaching & Learning Miles Azzeh's Academic Spotlight: Rachel Sheeley and 7th Grade Literature Class
Our Lansing USD 469 teachers are incredible at engaging our students in fantastic learning opportunities to reach their full potential every day in our district. To highlight and bring recognition to this great work, Director of Teaching and Learning Miles Azzeh will be regularly shining a spotlight on a stand-out teacher through "academic spotlights."
March 7, 2022 Academic Spotlight by Mr. Miles Azzeh:
This week's Academic Spotlight goes to Rachel Sheeley and her wonderful 7th grade Literature class. Mrs. Sheeley was teaching about "Text structure," and used various instructional strategies to convey the learning and check for understanding. In addition to having an anticipatory set and solid direct instruction, Mrs. Sheeley utilized PearDeck and Study Sync to check for understanding and give a chance for everyone to be engaged:
"I like using PearDeck daily because everyone gets to participate in class discussion. Students who don't always use their voice in class can have a voice. Then when we are looking at responses after everyone has posted their response, it may draw more discussion or allows students to expand on a thought because they see others thinking as they are." – Mrs. Sheeley
The class, indeed, was engaged and participated very well throughout the lesson. The quotes from student Hailey Delgado illustrated that they were grasping the concept and enjoy her class immensely:
"Text Structure is important for everyone to know so we can find information easily."
"Our class is an overall smart and hardworking class. We have our ups and downs, but Miss Sheeley keeps us on task and is very understanding. She is a great teacher."
Another impressive sight was the amount of learning and work the students were doing, as opposed to a sit and get environment. While it's easy to get stuck in a "sage on the stage" teaching style or mentality, authentic learning occurs when students are wrestling with the new information and developing skills on their own.
I'm so proud of Mrs. Sheeley for having high expectations of our fantastic students!