Learning Ally Blog: Access and Achievement

Whether you're shopping for shoes or teaching in a classroom, one size does not fit all. In the Feb. 12 webinar with the managing director of Teach for America's Diverse Learner Initiative, Rachel Brody discussed how there really is no average student and emphasized how educators can embrace all learners by building mindsets that address all learner profiles. Watch the free on-demand webinar and download her presentation. What are the three mindsets all educators need in order to embrace all learners?

1. Students have "jagged learning profiles," and have different needs.
2. Universal Design for Learning can reduce barriers and help educators succeed.
3. Context matters when we think about our expectations for students.

During the live event, Rachel discussed why student partnership is important and that when students know their strengths and areas of challenge, it becomes easier to partner with them to implement the best approach to allow for their success. Rachel Brody is the managing director of Teach For America’s Diverse Learner Initiative. Rachel taught for six years in Washington D.C. across self-contained, resource and inclusion settings and across the roles of special educator, general educator, co-teacher, instructional coach and department chair. She began her teaching career as a Teach For America corps member in Washington, D.C. and received an M.Ed. in special education from George Mason University.  

To learn more about how to implement strategies for embracing all learners, sign up for an upcoming webinar about Learning Ally's professional development programs, or contact us at 800.221.1098 to customize a professional development package for your school.