Kim Bass’s presentation at Cotsen’s first-ever Playground Challenge was literally garbage. But as regularly happens in innovative classrooms, a pile of trash can yield pedagogical treasures to facilitate collaborative STEM/STEAM teaching and learning. Bass, a third grade teacher at Robert C. Fisler School in Fullerton, stood in front of a table covered with a maze […]
Reflection, Gratitude, and Humor The ART of TEACHING celebrated its annual culmination once again at the Skirball Art and Cultural Center on May 6th where 69 mentors and fellows were honored for their successful completion of the two-year fellowship. Following remarks by Executive Director Jerry Harris, Dr. Uri D.Herscher, president of the Skirball, gave […]
Each year the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) recognizes school leaders across the state of California who represent the dedication and commitment to public education. This year ACSA recognized two school leaders who have been a part of the ART of TEACHING Cohort. Elementary Principal of the Year was awarded to Margaret Lynch, Principal […]
Offer a lab day to a Cotsen mentor or fellow and whether the lab is for reading, writing, or math, the response is a quick “I’ll be there.” Teachers know the day will be “hands on” work with students and Cotsen colleagues in a volunteer teacher’s classroom. Enthusiasm is heightened by the opportunity to interact […]
The Cotsen Foundation for the ART of TEACHING continued to host Balanced Literacy trainings for the 2016-2017 school year. The trainings were facilitated by Growing Educators, Momentum in Teaching, Senior Program Officer, Angela Bae, and various teachers at Alvarardo Elementary School. Along with professional development days for all current fellows and alumni hosted at various […]
There is a considerable body of research that speaks to the effectiveness of coaching as a tool for improving instruction. Having another set of friendly eyes in a classroom to provide feedback enables teachers to remain focused and relentless in their pursuit of excellence. Consequently, the ART of TEACHING is committed to providing the highest […]
Collaborative professional teams are essential tools for growth and improvement in schools. As a result, just as the Cotsen Foundation for the ART of TEACHING creates powerful learning communities among mentors and fellows to improve their individual teaching practices, the foundation also offers dynamic leadership networks to school administrators and coaches, to support their efforts […]
Cotsen principals, administrators, and teachers had an opportunity to observe signature literacy practices at Acacia Elementary School in the Fullerton School District. Their staff has implemented instructional technologies to enhance their Reading Workshop and Writing Workshop. Over 70 participants assembled at the Acacia school site to see how student comprehension can be strengthened by successful […]
Think Like a Publisher Heidi Cockerill, 4th Grade Teaching Point: Writers make their writing interesting to readers by adding a variety of text features to increase engagement. Common Core State Standards: W.4.2 Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly. W.4.2. A Introduce a topic clearly and group related […]
Offering Opinions Kristine Spencer, 1st Grade Teaching Point: Writers agree or disagree with their partner’s opinion by giving a reason. Common Core State Standards: W.1.1 Write opinion pieces in which they introduce the topic or name the book they are writing about, state an opinion, supply a reason for the opinion and provide […]