We learn best when we struggle together, make mistakes, and adjust accordingly. It's a learning cycle in which we become empowered with the confidence of owning our understanding.
Research indicates that learners must experience cognitive dissonance with problem situations in order to learn, otherwise, the experience becomes merely practice. When students work together with other learners who are grappling with similar concept(s), they can learn to persevere, become problem solvers, and become owners of their own learning. Experience shows that the same holds true with adult learners, as well.
"What a child can do in cooperation today, [he] can do alone tomorrow." -- Lev Vygotsky on the "Zone of Proximal Development."
Current Position: Currently, I am the founder and owner of LeadFWD, LLC, a private educational consulting firm focusing on providing authentic, embedded support to school and district leaders. I retired from my position as the Leadership Development Coordinator and Principal Partnership Project (P3) Lead for the Kentucky Department of Education in July 2022. This project is still being sustained at the KDE and is focused on statewide principal support and networking, begun in September of 2015. Prior to working in this capacity (2013-2015), I was a Professional Growth & Effectiveness System Leader who served superintendents, principals, other district and school leaders in supporting teacher growth. From 2010 to 2013, I led the Mathematics Teacher Leader Network as a Mathematics Specialist. In that role, I worked with K-12 teachers in using research-based, Highly-Effective Teaching and Learning strategies to teach mathematics, and the Common Core State Standards, specifically. Formerly, I was a high school principal (4 years) and taught high school mathematics for twelve years prior to becoming a school administrator. I received my Superintendent Certification and Rank I certification (Instructional Leadership--Principalship) from Northern Kentucky University, and my Master's Degree and Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics from Georgetown College.
On a personal note, I am a wife and mother of three adult sons.
Click here to contact me if you need more information, or if you would like support in effective mathematics instruction or leadership coaching.