Teach Effectively!

The William Dwyer Awards for Excellence in Education are sponsored by the Economic Council of Palm Beach County and Education Foundation of Palm Beach County. These awards recgonize execptional teachers in five different areas. In the special education area, Michael Berg, Tradewinds Middle School near Lake Worth (FL, US), placed first. He is quoted as saying, “I believe that students with learning disabilities need an environment with a consistent routine and an environment that encourages them to take risks.”

According to the story, Berg depends on motivation to help his students.

Berg has found ways to motivate his students and improve their reading skills. One method was inviting a local artist into his classroom. The artist taught students about dance, music and costume design. Berg prepared reading assignments on the same topics.

“These particular students were not successful in the past and needed this nontraditional approach that incorporated their love of music and art,” Berg said in his application. “Often a teacher needs to go outside the classroom and into the community.”

I have to hope that he uses powerful instructional procedures in addition to these motivational techniques. If not, he’s only really addressing those students who won’t, not those who can’t.

In another of the series of stories on these awards, there is a quotation from Anne Haskell. She teaches in the social studies and law areas at Sago Palm Academy, and she said, “I believe that all students can learn. Students should have universal access to good teaching with consistently high expectations.” She’s got it right!