Colleen Mitchell
A veteran teacher of 30 years, Colleen Mitchell is an English language arts teacher at Walnut Elementary School in Emporia. She is the Region 1 elementary finalist.
As an experienced literacy teacher, Colleen accepted her current position as part of her school’s effort to close the achievement gap for all students. Although her classroom looks very much like any classroom, she has been able to work with smaller groups of students with like needs for extended literacy times. Their grouping allows students to access more rigorous content, build background knowledge, and develop vocabulary needed to understand and interact with the world.
One activity enjoyed by Colleen and her students is Saturday School. This allows students to connect and apply classroom learning in their community by visiting the public library, the historical museum, and Emporia State University and by hiking local nature trails, roasting marshmallows, and eating pizza at a favorite restaurant. Colleen says, “Saturday School is a natural way for students to broaden their experiences and strengthen their knowledge.” Students often revisit Saturday School destinations with their families, sharing what they have learned and experienced.
As an experienced literacy teacher, Colleen accepted her current position as part of her school’s effort to close the achievement gap for all students. Although her classroom looks very much like any classroom, she has been able to work with smaller groups of students with like needs for extended literacy times. Their grouping allows students to access more rigorous content, build background knowledge, and develop vocabulary needed to understand and interact with the world.
One activity enjoyed by Colleen and her students is Saturday School. This allows students to connect and apply classroom learning in their community by visiting the public library, the historical museum, and Emporia State University and by hiking local nature trails, roasting marshmallows, and eating pizza at a favorite restaurant. Colleen says, “Saturday School is a natural way for students to broaden their experiences and strengthen their knowledge.” Students often revisit Saturday School destinations with their families, sharing what they have learned and experienced.