Going from my junior to senior year of college, I took an independent study summer course. The course was literary theory, the notoriously challenging upper-level English course, and my professor who thankfully signed on to tutor me one-on-one was my advisor and mentor, Dr. Rachela Permenter. For eight weeks, we met weekly at a local coffee shop, and she taught me all about Jacques Derrida, Louis Rosenblatt, and Michel Foucault. While I enjoyed every minute of those meetings, I learned something even greater: I was meant to be a teacher.
It may sound surprising, but even at this point in my college studies (going into my senior year), I still wasn’t sure what I wanted to do after I graduated. I considered law school, graduate work in English literature, and even opening a gymnastics gym (we still laugh about this one)! Dr. Permenter was letting me vent my frustrations when she stopped me mid-sentence and said, “You were meant to be an English teacher.” And sure enough, she was the best English teacher I knew, I figured I should trust her judgement.
After earning an M.Ed. in English and eventually a Ph.D. in Education, I discovered she was right! Not only do I love teaching high school English, but I also discovered a passion for collaborating with educators all over the world!
#RemakeTomorrow
Fortunately, one of these opportunities is right in my own backyard! Tomorrow, powered by Remake Learning, is a Pittsburgh region campaign that brings together youth, families, and educators to share new ways of learning and prepare for what comes next, no matter what tomorrow might bring. I am so proud to say that Pittsburgh is leading the nation innovative, equitable, and effective education. It certainly makes sense considering my childhood hero Mr. Rogers is from Pittsburgh!
Inspired by his teachings, the Tomorrow campaign brings together experts in education, research, innovation, and philanthropy to ignite more engaging, relevant, and equitable learning for our region’s young people.
The Future of Education
There is no doubt that the future of education has been impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. I’ve certainly seen this in my own classroom as we adapted to many different learning and teaching styles throughout this school year from hybrid to remote to in-person learning. Moving forward, I know that the intersection of digital learning and in-person learning will require innovative approaches to meet the needs of all learners. In southwestern Pennsylvania, for example, this type of learning ecosystem has been extremely valuable during pandemic learning. Click here to read about their successes and the post-pandemic future of learning.
This is exactly why I partnered with the Tomorrow campaign. I know the future of education thrives on creativity and innovation, and that’s not just for learners. Educators who are fearlessly curious, creative, and innovative will find ways to meet the needs of all learners, and they don’t have to do it alone. There is no better way to solve the challenges of tomorrow than collaborating today.
To get involved, follow along @RemakeLearning and check out their wealth of resources including their podcasts, articles, and virtual events listed on their website.
Further reading and more information:
Click here to listen to the Remaking Tomorrow Podcast.
Click here to read stories that illustrate Tomorrow in action.
For nearly 15 years, Remake Learning has been partnering with educators nationwide, igniting engaging, relevant, and equitable learning practices in support of young people navigating rapid social and technological change. The recent revelations and growing conversations regarding education and learning has been part of Remake Learning’s core values and mission since its inception in 2005. Powered by Remake Learning, the Tomorrow campaign continues the mission.
This blog post was sponsored by Tomorrow, powered by Remake Learning. As always, all opinions are my own.
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