Be Awesome On Purpose: Using reflection as a tool to teach with C.A.R.E. and assess what really matters
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“Be Awesome On Purpose” is a guide for educators, written by an experienced teacher who navigated her own educational journey with passion and resilience. The book provides a comprehensive roadmap for teachers to create engaging, student-centered learning environments that foster curiosity, critical thinking, and lifelong learning.
The book begins with a personal story, illustrating my lifelong calling to teach and the challenges I faced. The journey is a testament to the power of persistence and the importance of connecting with students on a deeper level.
Each chapter of the book is structured around practical strategies and reflective questions, providing actionable insights for teachers to enhance their instructional practices. From reducing direct instruction time to implementing station rotations and choice boards to increase student agency and engagement. The book also addresses the importance of formative assessments, meaningful feedback, and the need to re-evaluate traditional grading practices.
“Be Awesome On Purpose” also discusses the significance of building relationships and creating a supportive classroom community. Through real-life anecdotes and examples, I demonstrate how empathy, reflection, and student ownership of learning can lead to profound educational experiences.
Incorporating analogies from hiking, the book draws parallels between the preparation and goal-setting in both hiking and teaching. Each chapter concludes with a “Tools For Your Backpack” section, offering questions, actions, and deeper exploration activities to help teachers apply the concepts in their own classrooms.
Ultimately, “Be Awesome On Purpose” inspires educators to embrace innovative teaching methods, take risks, and continually reflect on their practice to ensure that every student is supported and challenged. The book is a call to action for teachers to be intentional, passionate, and purposeful in their efforts to cultivate a love for learning in their students.
Inspiration from Be Awesome On Purpose:
“Very simply stated: You have the power to change the climate in your classroom.”