It was a year filled with historical events (the election of Barack Obama) and miraculous moments (the heroism of Captain Sullenberger) and celebrity shockers (the death of Michael Jackson). But for us at Edutopia, 2009 was another year of inspiration and awe as we went around the country to meet and tell the stories of amazing students, teachers, administrators, and parents trying to improve our public schools. You never cease to surprise us with your dedication and passion and ingenuity!
And so we asked our staff to tell us which stories made the biggest impressions on them. Here are some of our favorites from 2009:
Betty Ray, community manager:
Edutopia Welcome Lounge: Thank-a-Teacher Discussion
"The Edutopia community expresses gratitude for the teachers who inspired us the most."
Cindy Johanson, chief operating officer:
"The Right Way to Ask Questions in the Classroom"
"I love this column, because it's so practical, but especially for the response from readers -- more than 135 tips and comments!"
David Markus, editorial director:
"A Louisiana School Leader Answers the Call of Duty" (magazine title: "Call of Duty")
This profile packaged a slew of Edutopia core values and virtues (social and emotional learning, project learning, technology in the classroom, professional development) and illuminated them through the compelling story of one heroic New Orleans prinicipal, who overcame enormous odds and enabled all those around her -- especially her students -- to achieve as they had never before. To me, that is the definition of inspiration.
Amy Erin Borovoy, video coordinating producer:
Opening Minds Through The Arts
"I love watching the faces of the kids light up as they experience the connections between their core academic subjects and performing arts. Nothing beats second graders singing opera!"
YES Prep Boasts a College-Bound Culture
"The passion of these teachers is so clear -- this story puts a face on the goals of every great educator. It's very moving to see how the hard work of everyone at this school in Houston pays off."
Milton Chen, executive director:
Opening Minds Through The Arts
"Shows how reading and writing skills depend on surrounding children with a rich linguistic environment and how opera singers can work with teachers to create it."
Read More:Year in Review: Edutopia's Staff Picks | Edutopia
And so we asked our staff to tell us which stories made the biggest impressions on them. Here are some of our favorites from 2009:
Betty Ray, community manager:
Edutopia Welcome Lounge: Thank-a-Teacher Discussion
"The Edutopia community expresses gratitude for the teachers who inspired us the most."
Cindy Johanson, chief operating officer:
"The Right Way to Ask Questions in the Classroom"
"I love this column, because it's so practical, but especially for the response from readers -- more than 135 tips and comments!"
David Markus, editorial director:
"A Louisiana School Leader Answers the Call of Duty" (magazine title: "Call of Duty")
This profile packaged a slew of Edutopia core values and virtues (social and emotional learning, project learning, technology in the classroom, professional development) and illuminated them through the compelling story of one heroic New Orleans prinicipal, who overcame enormous odds and enabled all those around her -- especially her students -- to achieve as they had never before. To me, that is the definition of inspiration.
Amy Erin Borovoy, video coordinating producer:
Opening Minds Through The Arts
"I love watching the faces of the kids light up as they experience the connections between their core academic subjects and performing arts. Nothing beats second graders singing opera!"
YES Prep Boasts a College-Bound Culture
"The passion of these teachers is so clear -- this story puts a face on the goals of every great educator. It's very moving to see how the hard work of everyone at this school in Houston pays off."
Milton Chen, executive director:
Opening Minds Through The Arts
"Shows how reading and writing skills depend on surrounding children with a rich linguistic environment and how opera singers can work with teachers to create it."
Read More:Year in Review: Edutopia's Staff Picks | Edutopia