teacher talks 2017
Illuminate
Light in the Heart
Jordan Todd
Idlewild Elementary
In education, doing the “head work” is important, but it’s the “heart work” that can really change lives. Jordan Todd explains why she teaches and what can happen when educators become a light in the hearts of their students. Jordan was named Teacher of the Year for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools in 2016. She now teaches third grade at Idlewild Elementary in Charlotte, NC.
Finding Your Joy in Education
Peter Panico
Rama Road Elementary
For Peter Panico, building a strong support network helped bring joy to education. In this talk, Peter shares his experience of becoming a Discovery Educator and encourages others to find community in education. Peter is a fifth grade teacher at Rama Road Elementary in Charlotte, NC.
I Teach Screenagers
Melissa Ligh
North Mecklenburg High School
Technology has become an integral part of everyday life and has changed the way students learn. In this talk, Melissa Ligh discusses the “screenager” and encourages teachers to embrace technology in the classroom. Melissa is an English teacher at North Mecklenburg High School in Huntersville, NC.
Creating Active and Healthy Schools
Doug Smith
McKee Road Elementary
Physical activity not only supports a healthy body, it also stimulates the brain and has a positive impact on learning. Physical Education teacher Doug Smith challenges teachers to incorporate more physical activity into the classroom and to rethink the role of physical activity in education. Doug teaches at McKee Road Elementary in Charlotte, NC.
Grit: Passion and Perseverance
Katie Weed
Lake Wylie Elementary
When Katie Weed was 18, doctors discovered a lemon-sized tumor in her brain that would change the course of her life. Inspired by Angela Duckworth’s book Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance, Katie explains the power of saying “Yes, I will try,” and encourages educators to nurture passion and perseverance in their students. Katie is a Talent Development teacher at Lake Wylie Elementary in Charlotte, NC.
Independent Learners Classroom
Mary Soliman
South Mecklenburg High School
Teachers light the way, but they should not be the sole source of illumination in the classroom. Mary Soliman argues that teachers must help students become independent learners so that students can manage their own learning and be better prepared to respond to challenges. Mary is a mathematics teachers at South Mecklenburg High School in Charlotte, NC.