KSD Teachers Focus on Small, Doable Practices That Have A Big Impact for Students

Kearney School District teachers spent part of their day today learning, collaborating and sharpening their instructional practices with Dr. Michael McDowell, co-founder of Hinge Education.

Our secondary teachers worked with Dr. McDowell on Tuesday, Aug. 18, at the Annunciation Community Center, followed by our elementary teachers in the afternoon. The professional development was organized and hosted by our Department of Academic Services, led by Assistant Superintendent for Academic Services Dr. Valerie Utecht, and was designed to enhance and support our districtwide focus on Authentic Literacy.

One of Dr. McDowell's central messages was powerful in its simplicity: Focus on "small, doable practices" that research shows can have a significant impact on student learning.

Throughout the sessions, teachers explored ways to build greater clarity and engagement into their classrooms while putting students in the driver's seat of their own learning. Dr. McDowell compared great teaching to great coaching or performing arts directing. The teacher provides the preparation, guidance, feedback and support, but ultimately, the students are the ones playing the game and taking the stage.

That means designing lessons in which students are reading, writing, thinking, talking, questioning, problem-solving and doing the intellectual work that leads to deeper learning.

Dr. McDowell brings more than 18 years of experience in public education as a classroom teacher, coach, principal, district administrator and superintendent, along with extensive work supporting educators and school systems across the country.

We are grateful to Dr. McDowell and to our Academic Services team for providing our teachers with practical strategies they can carry directly into their classrooms as we prepare to welcome students back for another great year in KSD.

KSD: World-Class Teaching + Authentic Learning + Great Schools = A Great Community!