Our Journey into a New Era of Education
"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world."
-Nelson Mandela
-Nelson Mandela
My mind was made up as a twelve year old, sitting in my sixth grade classroom. I was going to teach. There was no other career consideration, or backup plan. Teaching was it. I spent the next twelve years planning, and working towards that goal. Here now, at twenty-five, my original goal has been achieved.
I'm Rachael Lewandowski, and I am a teacher at Fort Gratiot Middle School in Port Huron Schools. This is my second year as a teacher, and I have been fortunate to have been a Lumberjack for both of them! Although my degree is in Elementary Education, I am certified for sixth through eighth grade in both language arts and social studies. Each day in our room is a historical adventure. In my seventh grade classes, we cover the history of the world from the beginning of time to approximately 1500 C.E.. Eighth grade history switches lenses and focuses on United States' History from the creation of the Constitution through reconstruction after the Civil War.
As a new teacher, I had so many things I wanted to try! Both me and my students enjoy project based learning, and rotating through stations. However, I quickly found that these were not always possible, or didn't go as planned due to things out of our control. Our desks have strange bars in odd places that make it difficult for students to get in and out of. I could never blame them for being reluctant to move after they had only just gotten comfortable in such an uncomfortable seat. Maneuvering from station to station became difficult due to the lack of space between the bulky desks. The fact that they shifted every time a student climbed in or out only contributed to the disappearing aisle ways. On several occasions, student frustration with having to move, or not having ample area for their project materials caused us to change our activity. Unfortunately, the change often took some of the excitement and engagement out of the lesson as they would end up stuck in their desks, working independently. When the application for the Classroom 4 the Future grant showed up in my email, I was ecstatic. This was going to be the solution to our classroom sorrows. Although there are many things I can bring to my classroom, new desks are not one of them. I knew I had to apply; what could it hurt? It is my mission to create a classroom in which students are not only actively engaged in learning the curriculum, but are also practicing skills they will need for their futures. Through this grant, some of the existential struggles my students face each day will be resolved. I cannot wait to be able to provide my students even more opportunity in an environment that lends itself to collaboration, and is conducive to each student's success.
I'm Rachael Lewandowski, and I am a teacher at Fort Gratiot Middle School in Port Huron Schools. This is my second year as a teacher, and I have been fortunate to have been a Lumberjack for both of them! Although my degree is in Elementary Education, I am certified for sixth through eighth grade in both language arts and social studies. Each day in our room is a historical adventure. In my seventh grade classes, we cover the history of the world from the beginning of time to approximately 1500 C.E.. Eighth grade history switches lenses and focuses on United States' History from the creation of the Constitution through reconstruction after the Civil War.
As a new teacher, I had so many things I wanted to try! Both me and my students enjoy project based learning, and rotating through stations. However, I quickly found that these were not always possible, or didn't go as planned due to things out of our control. Our desks have strange bars in odd places that make it difficult for students to get in and out of. I could never blame them for being reluctant to move after they had only just gotten comfortable in such an uncomfortable seat. Maneuvering from station to station became difficult due to the lack of space between the bulky desks. The fact that they shifted every time a student climbed in or out only contributed to the disappearing aisle ways. On several occasions, student frustration with having to move, or not having ample area for their project materials caused us to change our activity. Unfortunately, the change often took some of the excitement and engagement out of the lesson as they would end up stuck in their desks, working independently. When the application for the Classroom 4 the Future grant showed up in my email, I was ecstatic. This was going to be the solution to our classroom sorrows. Although there are many things I can bring to my classroom, new desks are not one of them. I knew I had to apply; what could it hurt? It is my mission to create a classroom in which students are not only actively engaged in learning the curriculum, but are also practicing skills they will need for their futures. Through this grant, some of the existential struggles my students face each day will be resolved. I cannot wait to be able to provide my students even more opportunity in an environment that lends itself to collaboration, and is conducive to each student's success.