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Gallit Zvi is an elementary school teacher in Surrey, BC with experience teaching 4th through 7th grade. She is currently on leave from her school district and is working as a Faculty Associate in the Education Department at Simon Fraser University where she teaches and supervises Student Teachers as they go through the teacher certification program. Gallit has many years of experience mentoring both student teachers, experienced teachers and also coaches many educators as they implement Genius Hour. In 2012 Gallit created the collaborative Genius Hour wiki and started the monthly #GeniusHour chat on twitter. Since then, thousands of educators around the world has learned about and has implemented Genius Hour in their classrooms. She is also the co-author of the recently published book: The Genius Hour Guidebook.
SHOW NOTES
i am ME. Statements
i am innovative. i am passionate.
GETTING TO KNOW GALLIT
What is one thing that makes you unique as a leader in education?
I get to have a different perspective because not only am I a teacher, but I spend a lot of my time in other classrooms listening and analyzing education.
When and why did you decide to be a leader in education?
I like to help people find their passions.
What about teaching today gives you the greatest fulfillment?
It is awesome to help kids figure out what they are good at.
SIMPLE CONNECTIONS
Please share with us a simple connection where you feel you made a long-lasting, powerful impact on a student.
I have a few students every year that I bring in really close. They get to be my special helpers and I really want them to feel important and build a relationship with them.
PERSONALIZED LEARNING JOURNEY
What is it about Personalized Learning Pedagogy you believe will have the greatest impact on education as we know it today?
We have to really focus on the process, we want to make sure we are teaching students to be successful 20 years from now.
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?
When working with grown up’s it can sometimes be challenging to be honest when things aren’t going the way you want them to be.
SECRETS TO SUCCESS
What one strategy would you suggest teachers in personalized learning environments apply everyday that would result in powerful outcomes?
Blogging is a very helpful tool because not only can I share my stories and problems, but students can share their ideas and comment on their peers as well to let them know what they could do to make their project even better.
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?
Acknowledge that you are not crazy to have fears because sometimes things will go wrong. Be patient, adjust as needed and be willing to make mistakes.
i am ME.
Can you share with the i am Me. audience one thing that makes you GREAT?
I have learned to innovate in the box.
CONNECTING WITH GALLIT
www.gallitzvi.com
@gallit_z.
geniushour.wikispaces.com