Amplify Education Philosophy

I believe the following elements are most essential to a quality instructional program in preschool through 8th grades. 

Inquiry - It is clear to me, through both research and experience, that nothing matters more for students’ learning than the rigor of the tasks they encounter in class each day. It is through inquiry that learning is both joyful and rigorous. Inquiry-based instruction ensures students are analyzing, evaluating, comparing and predicting at every age. 

Modeling -  I believe that students learn best through modeling. Whether it is social emotional skills or critical thinking, modeling for students is one of the most powerful tools educators can use to empower students to access skills that were previously out of reach. In an inquiry model, teachers model their thinking to allow students to see how an expert engages in high-level thinking work before giving time for practice and feedback.

Knowing Students’ Individual Needs - As they grow through these formative years, students will evolve and develop in different ways. The ability of educators to quickly and accurately assess students’ specific learning needs makes all the difference in supporting learning. When students are ready for new challenges, we must be able to tell and be ready to provide it. Similarly, when students need extra support, we must be able to intervene and provide opportunities to practice as soon as possible. 

Teacher Collaboration and Professional Learning - I believe that the challenge of providing high quality education to all students requires the collaboration of professionals. Working together, teachers and administrators can partner to best support rigorous, differentiated inquiry for all students.  Through collaboration, teachers can learn from one another, problem solve around best ways to support students’ learning, and experiment with new ways to intervene and extend learning. 

Diversity - Researchers have documented that students’ exposure to others who are different from themselves leads to improved cognitive skills, including critical thinking and problem solving. There is value - for students and educators alike - in learning from a diversity of perspective, experience and identity.  

Care and Belonging - Finally, but perhaps most importantly, I believe in educating the whole child. Schools must invest explicitly in communicating care and belonging to each and every student and family. Students must know that adults in a school care about them before they will learn. I believe in the power of greeting students daily, of knowing their stories and being present for important moments in the classroom and beyond. I value taking time to celebrate students’ accomplishments, both academically and in terms of their wellness and character development.