As part of Ombudsman Arizona Charter Schools’ Learning Today, Leading Tomorrow initiative, each quarter we recognize educators who take learning to the next level by engaging their students in 21st century hands-on or collaborative manner. These educators strive to make learning the most meaningful by inspiring and guiding students to be inquisitive and to work beyond the basic curriculum.
First Place Winner – Andrea Rodriguez, East Charter (Phoenix)
With a Master’s Degree in Educational Technology, Ms. Rodriguez is always considering ways to integrate technology and hands-on learning into her Math class. Students in her class second quarter collaborated on a “Get in Shape with Transformations” project that required them to use technology plus their creativity and performance skills.
Students were asked to take mathematical concepts studied in class and rewrite the procedural steps into their own version of the “Cha Cha Slide.” Then they created videos acting out their steps as if they were leading an exercise class including references to real-world examples.
Runner Up – Tina Romero, Valencia Charter (Tucson)
Ms. Romero used the holiday festivities to keep her math students engaged during the days leading into Winter Break. Her Geometry students participated in a variety of activities that required them to use what they learned about identifying angles and shapes to create unique snowflakes. They also created their own gingerbread houses.
Thank you, Ms. Rodriguez and Ms. Romero for your commitment to Arizona’s students!
