Why Use Us!
With over 45 years combined experience teaching at the public school and collegiate levels, Elizabeth Blandin and JD Sweet bring a level of expertise that makes it easy for them to relate to the issues faced by the everyday classroom teacher. This professional understanding, coupled with their proven strategies and dynamic presentation style, make New Phase New Ways unique in its ability to bring cultural awareness and culturally responsive teaching techniques to any district, school or individual classroom teacher.
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Copyright 2010 New Phase New Ways
33e NEW PHASE NEW WAYS Model
1.) The Individual teacher and educational support staff member;
2.) The Instructional practices
3.) The Institutional dynamics that either support or hinder elements 1 and 2.
1.) INDIVIDUAL : Our premise is simple: If students feel comfortable in your classroom or your school, they will work for you. It is that simple. A major part of creating that comfort level is for the teacher to be aware of his or her self as a Cultural Being and to gain the awareness of their students as Cultural Beings. By examining personal histories, stories, and personal biases, teachers can be better prepared to challenge their own pre-conceived notions about themselves and their students. Once done, an atmosphere can be created in the classroom and school where all can be validated, affirmed and valued.
2.) INSTRUCTIONAL : Once the Individual examinations have taken place and the teacher has created an atmosphere of trust and value in the classroom, the instructional practices need to be fine tuned to meet the needs of the diverse cultural learning styles in the classroom. Culturally Responsive Teaching will give the teacher the techniques and strategies to make the educational experience valuable and productive for all students.
3.) INSTITUTIONAL : If there is no support for making the changes necessary to create that valuing, supportive educational environment, then the results will be pockets of powerful, creative teaching, but nothing that will be sustainable throughout the entire institution and over a long period of time. Current Institutional attitudes and practices must be challenged, and, if seen to be impediments to solid educational growth, must be changed. NEW PHASE NEW WAYS can help schools and districts move to a place where the change becomes a natural outgrowth of Culturally Responsive Teaching and the positive institutional changes can be sustained over a long period of time. If the old ways are not working, get rid of them and replace with proven methods that do work!
New Phase New Ways has worked with schools, departments and individual teachers. Seminar participants express appreciation of the ability of Elizabeth and JD to "get it": to understand what constraints are faced by educators; understand the dynamics of the classroom; understand the school and the structure of a school district; understand the importance of the parents and the community; and, understand how to take the educational theory and pedagogy and make it all practical and useful.
Not an educational institution?
The changing demographics of the workforce demand that the areas of cultural awareness and cultural proficiency be a part of any business growth plan. Whether it is working in a culturally diverse environment, serving a multicultural customer base or engaging in customer relations, all businesses must insure that their personnel are culturally aware, sensitive and proficient. It is just good business!
We Offer Trainings and Workshops Specifically Designed for:
● Administrators
● Teachers
● Counselors
● Office Staff
● Other Support Staff
● Students
● Parents
We provide help in:
● Assessing Building Culture
● Structured Activities
● Topic-Specific Workshops
● Short-term planning
● Long-term planning