Shifting Instruction from Teacher-Directed to Student-Centered
Saturday, April 4th, 9:45am - 11:00am - Session I
This session will begin with a discussion of the foundational aspects of classroom culture that support student-centered environments, and the intersection between student identity and curriculum. Participants will then explore small, medium, and large moves teachers can make to support student agency and student-centered learning experiences. Presenters will share case studies, examples, and strategies that increase student ownership and make learning tasks more meaningful. At the end of the session, participants will select an entry point that resonates with them, set one goal, and create an action plan for their classrooms.
Nicole Lanni
Nicole joined Highlander Institute as an Educational Strategies Specialist (ESS) in January 2018 where she works with administrators and teachers to further support students on their individual journeys through personalized and blended learning. Nicole brings passion, talent, and a great deal of experience to the team. As a former educator for the Cumberland School Department, she focused her instruction on enhancing personalized learning for her students. During that time, she also worked as an Instructional Technology Coach alongside teachers, to promote purposeful technology integration in the classroom. Nicole received a Bachelor’s Degree from Rhode Island College in Secondary Education with a Middle-Level Endorsement. She is excited to work with innovative educators both on the ESS team and other educators around Rhode Island to spread the great work of personalized and blended learning for all students.
Nicole joined Highlander Institute as an Educational Strategies Specialist (ESS) in January 2018 where she works with administrators and teachers to further support students on their individual journeys through personalized and blended learning. Nicole brings passion, talent, and a great deal of experience to the team. As a former educator for the Cumberland School Department, she focused her instruction on enhancing personalized learning for her students. During that time, she also worked as an Instructional Technology Coach alongside teachers, to promote purposeful technology integration in the classroom. Nicole received a Bachelor’s Degree from Rhode Island College in Secondary Education with a Middle-Level Endorsement. She is excited to work with innovative educators both on the ESS team and other educators around Rhode Island to spread the great work of personalized and blended learning for all students.
Heidi Vazquez
Heidi is an Educational Strategies Specialist on the Highlander Institute Team. She’s thrilled to be collaborating with educators and organizations in pursuit of an equitable, joyful, and authentic learning environment for students and teachers. Heidi previously taught at the Charles River School and The Compass School. As a teacher for 19 years, she aspired to teach the whole child through a student-centered learning environment that adjusted for the individual and connected to the real world through projects. Heidi received her BA in Elementary Education and Sociology from Stonehill College and her Masters in School Counseling from the University of Hartford. She lives in Providence with her husband, daughter, and son.
Heidi is an Educational Strategies Specialist on the Highlander Institute Team. She’s thrilled to be collaborating with educators and organizations in pursuit of an equitable, joyful, and authentic learning environment for students and teachers. Heidi previously taught at the Charles River School and The Compass School. As a teacher for 19 years, she aspired to teach the whole child through a student-centered learning environment that adjusted for the individual and connected to the real world through projects. Heidi received her BA in Elementary Education and Sociology from Stonehill College and her Masters in School Counseling from the University of Hartford. She lives in Providence with her husband, daughter, and son.