CLASSROOM ENVIRONMENT:
Watching Ms. Z's class was an exhilarating experience. She employed a high-impact teaching strategy, using differentiation during a math lesson. The students enthusiastically participated in a whole-group review, followed by a quick game, song, and movement. They then moved into small groups with Ms. Z based on their readiness levels: struggling, average, and advanced. Ms. Z supported and challenged each student to reach their full potential, creating meaningful learning experiences with product and content for all. It was a pleasure to speak with the students and hear them articulate how they could explain how to meet the success criteria.
STUDENT’S VOICE
When talking with students from Ms. Zyskowski’s class, here a few comments they mentioned: “The best thing about the class is the different voices she reads with.”; “I learned how to do place values.”; and “Yes, I can use my cubes and long rods.”
YEARS IN THE DISTRICT: 4
FAVORITE QUOTE:
“Tell me, and I forget. Teach me, and I remember. Involve me, and I learn.” — Ben Franklin
CURRENTLY READING:
The First Six Weeks of School by Responsive Classroom
SOMETHING TO KNOW
My colleagues would be surprised to learn that I am a first-generation American. My parents are immigrants
from Europe.
WHAT MAKES A “GOOD DAY” AT SCHOOL?
A “good day” at school is when I come home and feel like I made an impact on my students. The feeling of knowing that my students had a productive day of not only learning academics, but also practicing social- emotional skills makes me feel accomplished.
IN WHICH TEACHER’S CLASS WOULD YOU LIKE TO SPEND THE DAY?
If I could enroll in another teacher’s classroom for a day, I would choose to be in my fifth grade teacher's classroom. Mrs. Smith inspired me to be the teacher I am today. She taught me so much more than academics, but also how to be a good human. It would bring me great joy to watch her teach again.