The League of Empowered Educators is innovating classrooms!

What is The League of Empowered Educators?

The League of Empowered Educators is a professional learning opportunity where teachers meet monthly to explore, research, and implement an inquiry question or idea that will deepen learning opportunities for students. The League was formed to give teachers a personalized professional development to delve deeper into a topic of their choice and have an opportunity to collaborate with colleagues. Currently, The League of Empowered Educators has 18 teachers from across the district from a variety of disciplines.

What have the teachers done so far this year?

“The League has especially helped me personalize my scripted intervention programs. By incorporating personalized learning projects, I have increased student engagement on the weekends. This is evident in the work being completed by the students outside of the school day.” -Kristen Strauss

“I incorporated a new project where students determine the focus of their learning (within the context of our essential learning targets).  I allow class research time and students complete the project by writing a short paper describing their learning.  Students are encouraged to find answers to something they want to know about careers, college and professionalism.” -Pat Kittock

“Being part of the League of Empowered Educators has provided me the opportunity to meet with other teachers working on improving their craft as a teacher of literacy.  I am now very intentional about providing direct instruction on writing about reading and the importance of metacognition.” -Kadee Ruhland

“Since joining The League of Empowered Educators this year, I have seen a change not only in me but in my kids!   I have been intentional this year at focusing on the 4C’s in all we do and creating a classroom that is learner focused where they can explore their interests and passions with a growth mindset.   After reading “The Innovator’s Mindset” and my time with the league, my focus this year has been on strengthening student voice, choice, time for reflection, time to create and think critically, and connect with others outside of our classroom.  In our classroom, everyone is a teacher and everyone is a learner.  I am excited to see where the remainder of the year takes us and look forward to my continued work with The League of Empowered Educators!” -Jessica Cozza

“The League of Empowered Educators has “empowered me” to try new things in my classroom.  By setting a goal, determining a plan and collecting classroom data, I can see how to improve my teaching and my students' learning.

The support by  my  Instructional Excellence Coordinator has helped me by implementing my plan , encouraging me when it was difficult and celebrating when it is/was successful .  I am not saying that my goal has been totally met, but I certainly know what is working and what I need to continue to work on.  That’s what the League has provided for me, FOCUS!  “ - Jean Tushie

What are teachers saying about The League of Empowered Educators?

“I find the environment to be very collaborative, and I have learned quite a bit through the sharing of ideas with other educators.” -Jeanne Fimmen

"This is my second year being involved with The League of Empowered Educators. A year-long course that is offered by the district. I discovered this was one place I could bring my ideas, and with help, those ideas were brought to life in my classroom.  The instructional coaches are very knowledgeable and incredibly helpful. The structure of our meeting time is we, the teachers, begin with a question we want to answer around teaching. Together with our coaches and the collaboration of other educators, we find answers to what we are trying to discover. We help each other grow. This course allows me freedom to explore without boundaries. I feel motivated, pushed, and supported by the instructional coaches.  I absolutely love it!" -Patti Just

“The League of Empowered Educators has provided a safe space to innovate knowing that some ideas will succeed and some will fail.  There is built-in encouragement because we’re surrounded by colleagues also trying to innovate.  Each term I have introduced activities and lessons designed to be more inquiry-based (“teach less, learn more”) and more personalized (“student voice-choice”).” -Pat Kittock

“The league has helped me to collaborate with other educators to gain insight and encouragement on innovative practices within the classroom.  It has provided a round table for conversation and time to learn new ideas.  It has also provided support for me personally so that I am able to enhance student learning within the classroom.” -Angie Roesner

Do you feel empowered?

   The League of Empowered Educators has been a place for teachers to collaborate and discuss innovative practices they are using in their classroom to enhance student learning. It is truly a place where you leave feeling more motivated and empowered to try new things in your classroom. I encourage you to ask at your site to find those teachers who are in The League of Empowered Educators and hear what they have to say about their experience and all they have implemented this year.  Keep a look out for information for next year’s cohort!