A New Educational Outlook

For the past 10+ years of my life I have been focused on many areas of education. I have been a classroom teacher, written curriculum, served on many school and district committees; but now I have stepped outside the classroom to try and make a bigger impact for students.

This June I started to look for ways to find my tribe. I wanted, needed, to be around people who wanted what I wanted for students in education. I was a facilitator who allowed students the independence to study and work at their own pace and allowing them to learn the way they thought was best for them. Using student driven data and competency based grading, students were allowed and encouraged to take the reigns of their education. I used project based learning, technology, and student interest to drive engagement. I respected my students and their opinions. I talked to them and not at them. I listened to their needs and what they felt the classroom should be. We had flexible seating and I allowed students to use our classroom as a hub for learning. They utilized school resources such as the library and science lab at their own will with the understanding that they had to follow the school expectations. Students thrived. Parents came on board once their children started to talk about how much they loved school and wanted to go. Their understanding improved and even better they persevered when things got tough because they were picking what to learn and when.

Unfortunately, the way I taught and students were learning wasn't well received by all the staff. They couldn't understand how any at all was taking place. I didn't fit in.

So then came the search to find my tribe. A group of people who taught the way I do and wanted to give students the freedom to learn. That's when I learned about Project Lead The Way. The nation's number one STEM curriculum and pedagogy. I started to learn everything I could. I became angry that towards Chicago there were over 400 schools with this amazing program for students. I wanted to teach this and even more I wanted my own children to have access to this. So I reached out to the company. We started a conversation and now I am the Director of School Engagement for the State of Illinois for the non-profit.

This is the first time for me out of the classroom. I miss the students but know that I am able to take my skills and help others learn and advocate for ALL students to have these programs in Illinois. I am able to do so much more now than I ever was before.

I love education and hope that I can learn from others within the education field. I am always willing to help others so feel free to reach out if you have questions. You can follow me and others on Twitter @AbbyCameron131 to learn more.