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David Lucre has been teaching in the Brown Deer school district in Brown Deer, WI for the past 25 years. He has taught grades second through sixth and is now teaching in a combined fifth and sixth Personalized Learning setting. He graduated from Beloit College with a BA in Psychology and a MAT in Education. David is married with three children which makes his perspective of teaching both a teacher and a parent. He coaches football, basketball and baseball in the district, while playing tennis and reading a good mystery book in his down time.
SHOW NOTES
i am ME. Statements
i am motivated. i am engaged. i am energetic.
GETTING TO KNOW DAVID
What is one thing that makes you unique as a leader in education?
I show my vulnerability with my students and I am very honest with them.
When and why did you decide to be a leader in education?
It wasn’t until my freshman year in college when I took a general education class and was inspired about how great teachers can create great environments for student learning.
What about teaching today gives you the greatest fulfillment?
I have the opportunity to make a student better than they were coming in whether it’s academically, character wise, or seeing them grow.
SIMPLE CONNECTIONS
Please share with us a simple connection where you feel you made a long-lasting, powerful impact on a student.
I connected with a student at recess during my early years of teaching. After building a relationship with him, he ended up playing high school football for the team I coached and now is an assistant coach as well as receiving his teaching degree at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
PERSONALIZED LEARNING JOURNEY
What is it about Personalized Learning Pedagogy you believe will have the greatest impact on education as we know it today?
They have a more active role in learning and decision making. Instead of being told what to do, they are asked what they would like to do.
OVERCOMING OBSTACLES
Tell us about a challenging situation that could have resulted in a bad outcome, but because you persisted — and perhaps made tough decisions, the now painful memory serves as a great lesson?
Our school has block scheduling where each class is 90 minutes long. I really had to push for 45 minute sessions so the students had more opportunities to what one they wanted to attend, which ultimately made each class smaller and therefore can connect with each student on a personal level.
SECRETS TO SUCCESS
What one strategy would you suggest teachers in personalized learning environments apply everyday that would result in powerful outcomes?
There will be trial and error. You have to have the confidence to fail in front of your students and colleagues.
Imagine you are standing in front of a room full of educators — just like you when you started your personalized learning journey. They too have fears, worries and doubts as they struggle to find their footing. What are two to three key things they should focus on to ensure success?
Don’t be concerned about other programs that are out there. Always put the students first and create the environment that they will excel in.
i am ME.
Can you share with the i am Me. audience one thing that makes you GREAT?
I am willing to learn from my students when I teach.