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Opportunity Culture® Educator Columns

For Truly Personalized Learning, I Had to Try, Try Again

By Lori Treiber, first published by Real Clear Education, November 23, 2016 

“I introduced them to many ways to learn and the skills to be self-sufficient learners. The course evolved to most benefit students.” After 26 years of teaching, Lori Treiber challenges her traditional teaching style by becoming a blended-learning teacher who kept refining her new methods. Read More…

Getting the Recipe Right for Teacher Leadership

By Cyndal Brenneman, first published by Real Clear Education, October 18, 2016

“I saw the trust that we built continue to grow—cooking up not just better working relationships but strong student achievement.” Multi-Classroom Leader® Cyndal Brenneman describes the important parts of an effective Multi-Classroom Leadership model, including building trust and administrative support. Read More…

My Unexpected Journey to Teacher Leadership

By Kristen Duffy, first published by Real Clear Education, September 20, 2016

“I felt honored, but also had uneasy, “wow, could I really do this?” thoughts. This was a big shift from teaching students to leading veteran teachers.” Kristen Duffy wasn’t expecting to become a multi-classroom leader, but after seeing the results, it is an experience that she wouldn’t trade. Read More…

Opportunity Culture® Columns on Real Clear Education

Opportunity Culture multi-classroom leaders, blended-learning teachers, elementary school subject specialists, and principals are contributing to a monthly series of columns on RealClearEducation.com. These pioneering educators have been critical to refining the Opportunity Culture initiative and materials that support the creation of an Opportunity Culture, aimed at meeting our collective, ambitious goals to reach all students with excellent teaching consistently and provide outstanding career opportunities for teachers, too.

Want Veteran Teachers to Learn New Things? Show Them Some Love

By Sharon Archer, First Published by Real Clear Education, April 20, 2016

“An MCL must coach experienced teachers carefully—observe, be subtle yet insistent, use the power of positive presupposition, and be ever-present.” Multi-Classroom Leader® Sharon Archer challenges the notion that veteran teachers are unable to incorporate or adapt to new teaching techniques.

Raising My Teacher Voice to Save My Job—and My Students’ Success

By Karen Wolfson, First Published by Real Clear Education, March 15, 2016

“I wanted to spread the word about my job—and now, with positions like mine under threat at my school, I needed to find my voice.” After seeing huge academic results and increased teacher satisfaction, Multi-Classroom Leader® Karen Wolfson finds her voice to advocate for Opportunity Culture models to continue despite administrative and district changes.

Blending the Best: Better Learning for More Kids

By Scott Nolt, First Published by Real Clear Education, February 17, 2016

“My blended classroom opens the door to 21st-century learning, student-centered instruction, project-based learning, and an emphasis on learning as a lifelong experience.” Blended-Learning Teacher Scott Nolt encourages teachers interested in blending learning to “go all in,” adapt their classes to best meet the needs of students, and make students active in their learning.

More Powerful Than a Department Chair

By Erin Burns, First Published by Real Clear Education, January 19, 2016

“Now, as a multi-classroom leader, or MCL, I partake in every step of my team’s lesson plans, execution, and analysis.” Biology Multi-Classroom Leader® Erin Burns contrasts her role with a traditional department chair, noting the higher authority and accountability, giving her far greater involvement in teacher and student success.