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Jeffrey Taege has been teaching in the Waukesha District for five years. He is passionate about integrating technology as a means to facilitate and support personalized learning for all students. Over the past three years, he has played a role as the co-founder and developer of the FLIGHT Academy and is excited to share his first hand knowledge of how to successfully implement and scale personalized learning. He is also excited to share that he is now serving in a more broad role as the K-12 Personalized Learning Coordinator for the district.
SHOW NOTES
i am ME. Statements
i am a learner. i am a mentor. i am engaged.
GETTING TO KNOW JEFFREY
What is one thing that makes you unique as a teacher?
I focus on personal relationships, and those relationships really hold my kids accountable.
When and why did you decide to become a teacher?
Seeing children engaged and being an active participant while working with them was the pivotal moment that made me want to become a teacher.
What about teaching today gives you the greatest fulfillment?
It goes back to the learner. Being a mentor-helping them set and accomplish goals to see their improvements along the way.
SIMPLE CONNECTIONS
Please share with us a simple connection where you feel you made a long-lasting, powerful impact on a student.
I went to support one of my students at their dance recital and ever since this student has looked up to me as a mentor. Engage with individuals and let them know you want what is best for them - not only academically, but in their personal life as well.
PERSONALIZED LEARNING JOURNEY
What is it about Personalized Learning Pedagogy you believe will have the greatest impact on education as we know it today?
Having conversations with the learners we are engaging with.
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?
We didn’t want the system to knock us down, so we persevered by keeping the learner in the center.
SECRETS TO SUCCESS
What one strategy would you suggest teachers in personalized learning environments apply everyday that would result in powerful outcomes?
As educators, we have to be a learner ourselves.
Imagine you are standing in front of a room full of future educators seeking your advice — what are two to three key things they should focus on to ensure success?
Sit amongst your students, where there isn’t necessarily one person taking the lead.
i am ME.
Can you share one thing that makes you GREAT?
My willingness to work with and engage with everyone and anyone.
CONNECT WITH JEFFREY ON TWITTER
@MrJTaege