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The art of instruction

Behind-the-scenes effort bolsters Scottsdale educators, students and community

Posted 4/7/20

Throughout a student’s educational career there are a multitude of teachers who influence their pursuit to achieve a diploma --- and can sometimes inspire their choices after graduation. …

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The art of instruction

Behind-the-scenes effort bolsters Scottsdale educators, students and community

Posted

Throughout a student’s educational career there are a multitude of teachers who influence their pursuit to achieve a diploma --- and can sometimes inspire their choices after graduation.

From a first grade teacher who helps children learn to tie their shoes, to a high school expert overseeing chemistry labs for a budding scientist, the old adage applies to all students: it takes a village.

The village is bolstered by support from Scottsdale Unified School District’s administration office, where a host of education professionals lay the groundwork to ensure all students reach their full potential.

“Kids want to feel that someone cares about them, and parents want to know someone cares,” explained SUSD Executive Director of Teaching and Learning, Sheryl Rednor.

“We want them to do their best, from 6 to 16, we want to make sure every kid is treated the same way and help them achieve the best they can.”

The commitment to Scottsdale students is rooted in the educator’s devotion to lifelong learning.

“My day-to-day --- at the end of the day --- it’s really supporting the work happening at our schools,” Ms. Rednor said, who began as a classroom teacher, before being an assistance principal and principal.

Ms. Rednor says in the old days, people became teachers to “have summers off,” but in the 21st Century, that couldn’t be further from the truth.

“We are lifelong learns. At my level and above, we want to continue to learn and grow, and use best practices by surrounding ourselves with professionals who will help us thrive,” she said.

“Teachers are responsible for not just teaching their content, but best practices to engage students and keep them involved as well. Either way it’s a huge job, just a different job.”

It is this passion that has allowed SUSD students to go on to excel in college, careers and life. Ms. Rednor works with specialists who oversee district curriculum and programs.

“Those people are out on the campuses supporting those teachers on a day-by-day basis,” she explained.

“I am doing a lot of work with principals, supporting them and their supervisors. A principal might come and say I want to explore how to develop a strong writing program on my campus. Supporting the instructional leadership on our campus is what’s important to me.”

Going above and beyond

Director of Gifted and Accelerated Programs, Karen Brown, says her roll is one of support.

“In the gifted department we support administration both at the district and site levels, teachers, parents and students,” she said. “Ensuring the teachers have the skills and knowledge needed to meet the diverse learning needs of the students within the district is a full-time job. As the gifted and accelerated learning department we focus on the needs of gifted and advanced learners.”

Within Ms. Brown’s department, they provide professional development in a number of areas, with trainings open to all teachers and designed with gifted learners in mind.

Raising a child today is no easy task, Ms. Brown says, and it is her department’s goal to add tools to a parents’ toolbox. She meets with parents to aid in finding the best fit for advanced and gifted learns. In addition, the gifted department sponsors the gifted parent institute each spring along with four gifted parent seminars on a variety of topics.

Ms. Brown points out teachers who are going above and beyond for their students, including:

  • Stephanie Shamy at Laguna Elementary;
  • Karyn Rabe at Cherokee Elementary;
  • Marilyn Williams at Tavan and Pueblo elementary schools; and
  • Stacey Greene at Ingleside Middle School.

“It would be impossible to highlight all of the amazing teachers that work within the gifted department. These individuals trained in specific strategies work with gifted and advanced learners,” Ms. Brown said. “They go above and beyond each and every day to ensure that their students are challenged and engaged in meaningful learning opportunities.”

Importance of the arts

Michelle Irvin is serving her first year as fine arts & PE coordinator, after teaching band and orchestra at Desert Mountain High School for the past 24 years.

“When you’re a classroom teacher you’re constantly striving to prepare your students for the future, giving positive instruction, researched curriculum,” Ms. Irvin said. “In this roll, I’m doing more for teachers so that they can be provided with what they need. I think that was my primary roll coming into this position, [which] was to create a more efficient resource so they can do what they need to do in the classroom and not feel flustered finding what they need.”

Ms. Irvin is in the process of creating an instrument inventory, so that when a student’s instrument needs repairs, they can continue to practice their craft.

“I’m trying to make it so no student is without an instrument,” she said, pointing out how imperative is to continue a child’s learning.

“We try to make it so each site has what they need to be successful.”

Ms. Irvin points to the importance to fine arts and physical education, stating how exciting watching children excel is.

“I believe the arts creates more relevance for students,” she said. “Arts allows students to see every day usage, creates a strong relevance and a deeper knowledge. Being in a dance group or a band orchestra, provides a community. A lot of times, that’s what they need socially.”