First Grade Classroom at Alexander Mitchell Elementary Integrated Arts School, Milwaukee Public Schools
The thirty two students bring a wide array of challenges and assets to this dynamic and engaging classroom community. While there are two teachers in the room, only one was filmed for this project. She has been teaching for five years. As one mental health professional put it after viewing this teacher in her classroom, “While teachers can't be asked to function as therapists, she demonstrates that they can absolutely be therapeutic in their responses. This builds the relationships that are the foundation for learning.”
Student attendance presents the main problem in this classroom. Other issues some students face include; lack of sleep, physical neglect, sexual abuse, under nourishment, violent death of parent, incarcerated parent or parents, alcohol or drug abuse by parent or family member, removal from home, ADHD, speech and language, lack of affect, etc.
The school serves a primarily Latino population with a mix of other racial groups as well. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced lunch is 96.6%. The school serves breakfast to all students.
Beyond her four year teaching degree, this teacher has received the following trainings:
§ Integrated Teaching Through the Arts (C & I), M.Ed.
§ 32 Credits earned beyond a Bachelors in the areas of Math, Reading, Writing, Spanish and Technology
§ Classroom Management and Organization Program (completed training just after the filming sessions.)
§ Direct Instruction and Six Traits Writing training.
§ Professional Development through MPS in technology specific to curriculum support i.e. Smartboard, Reading A-Z, BrainPOP…
We cannot thank the school principal, Michelle Hagen, enough for her willingness to participate in this pilot stage of teachingminute.com. And, of course, our sincere thanks to the classroom teacher, Patti Koscielak. We found ourselves wishing we had encountered her on our education journey!
