Investing in Teachers to Transform Schools

Dear Friends,

In February, hundreds of individuals and supporters joined Inspired Teaching at the Embassy of Canada for the 2011 Chocolate Inspiration. The United States Ambassador to Canada, David Jacobson, graciously hosted a VIP reception in his private suite; afterwards, nearly 300 attendees enjoyed a rich sampling of chocolate desserts, heard updates on Center for Inspired Teaching's programmatic work, and viewed the premiere of Inspired Teaching’s new video.  

Our new video follows two teachers, Ben and Michelle, through typical days in their classrooms.  To watch it, please click here.

First, the video features Ben, a third grade teacher at Brookland Educational Campus and a member of the inaugural cohort of the Inspired Teacher Certification Program. Ben says Inspired Teaching has given him the confidence to know that he can do things a different way in his classroom and that learning will actually be better and richer for the students.  The Certification Program’s third cohort was just finalized this month, and 27 new Fellows will join Ben as intelligent, diverse, and passionate change-makers in our city’s schools.  

This year’s Fellows were selected from an impressive pool of almost 200 applicants. The cohort includes recent college graduates to late career changers, ranging in age from 21 to 61.  Five candidates have Masters Degrees, and one holds a Ph.D. in Higher Education.  The cohort includes individuals fluent in 8 different languages, a photo journalist, a licensed pilot, and a Sergeant in the Army National Guard.  We are extremely pleased to welcome this excellent group to the Inspired Teaching family!

Second, the video follows Michelle, a teacher at Gladys Noon Spellman Elementary School, and a participant in the 15th Annual Inspired Teaching Institute. Michelle says that the Institute helped her become more aware of her students’ interests and needs and helped her find ways to do things differently in her classroom.

The 16th Annual Inspired Teaching Institute, a free year-long professional development course, is now accepting applications. We are seeking passionate, committed secondary teachers in the Washington, DC area to join us for a powerful year of learning and rethinking your role in the classroom.  If you are such an educator or know someone who is please visit our website to learn more and to apply today.

Your contributions are vital our work to develop highly qualified teachers like Michelle and Ben -- who are agents of positive change in their classrooms and a key part of the solution to effective education and reform in Washington, DC. We look forward to continuing to work with you this year.

Warmly,

Aleta Margolis
Executive Director