Back to D.C.

The STOYS who attended

 

Sen. Beall, Kathleen Hanlon, and Sen. Boettger

On Monday, June 30, I flew to Washington, D.C. for an ECS (Educator's Commission of Schools) National Forum on Education Policy.  The attendance of the State Teachers of the Year was sponsored by Farmer's Insurance. It was a time to connect with people across our nation who are involved in determining education policy.  Among those from Iowa were State Senators Nancy Boettger and Darrel Beall.  Another Iowa representative was Kathleen Hanlon, Senior Research Analyst for the Legislative Services Agency as well as Linda Fandall, special assistant for education to Iowa Governor Terry Branstad. 

Sen. Beall and Sal Kahn of Kahn Academy

We listened to Sal Kahn who founded Khan's Academy and heard about his incredible rise to fame through his innovative approach to teaching math coupled with his creative use of technology to provide "free world class education to anyone anywhere." 

DE's TOY and Johnathan Bergmann

Aaron Sam, Flipped Classroom pioneer

There were a variety of breakout sessions with topics such as the state of Career and Tech Education Around the World, College and Career Ready Standards, Kindergarten Inequities, developing STEM teachers, School Report Cards, Building Math Pathways to College, and School Finance Trends.  Johnathan Bergmann and Aaron Sams, he founders of the Flipped Classroom, presented on their innovative style of instruction, that answers the question: What is the best use of your face-to-face classtime?  Their style gives students a choice of when and how they're learning content, taking place via technology and viewing outside of the classroom.  When they come to class, they're involved in application and get more context for the content they are learning.

The TOYS present felt very much appreciated and were thankful to be collaborating and communicating with a group that determines education policy in our country.  It is through policy that possibilities for our students are made possible.

The real role of leadership in education … is not and should not be command and control. The real role of leadership is climate control, creating a climate of possibility.” — Ken Robinson