Thank You, Ms. Andrea Shikitino!
Despite the many changes, trials, and tribulations this school year, to say the least. Ms. Shikitino always rolls with the punches and puts students first. Whether partnering with parents and committing to community building, or seeking out virtual engagement and community building activities for her students, Ms. Shikitino has always put her students needs first during this pandemic. Ms. Shikitino, you are a hero
Stacer Reeves, an Early Literacy Coach in our Philadelphia region took some time to shine a spotlight on Ms. Shikitino. We asked Stacer few questions about his teacher honoree. See what he shared about Ms. Shikitino below:
Q: What did your teacher identify as her children’s needs during this pandemic?
A: Ms. Shikitino identified a sense of community and normalcy as a big need during the pandemic, and works hard every day to provide that for her students. Whether its partnering with parents, seeking out virtual engagement and community building activities, finding creative ways to reward and incentivize students, using a multimedia approach, or committing to saving time each morning for community building and socio-emotional support, Ms. Shikitino has always put her students needs first during this pandemic.
Q: How has your teacher shown resilience during this school year?
A: There have been many changes, trials, and tribulations this school year, to say the least. Ms. Shikitino always rolls with the punches and puts students first. Whether it is leaning into curricular shifts, carving out the time to meet the complex academic needs of her students who need more support, Ms. Shikitino always remains flexible, optimistic, and student-centered.
Q: How has your teacher cultivated community within his/her classroom?
A: Ms. Shikitino has created a classroom culture where students are a true community of readers. This means students consider themselves to be on the same team when tackling a difficult text and are incredibly supportive of each other. Students are very comfortable reading in front of their peers, even though there is a diverse amount of reading levels and needs in her classroom.
Children in Ms. Shikitino's class are very encouraging and supportive of each other, especially when a student is reading aloud. Ms. Shikitino has created a culture where students are quick to support and slow to judge.
Q: How is the teacher creating some sense of normalcy within his/her classroom?
A: Ms. Shikitino creates a sense of normalcy in her classroom by maintaining strong classroom procedures and routines. Students know what is expected of them, whether it is how to operate and conduct themselves in breakout rooms, how to provide evidence to support their answer, or how to respectfully disagree or provide feedback to each other in a discussion setting.
Q: How has your relationship with your teacher grown?
A: It has been super easy to develop a relationship with Ms. Shikitino! She is incredibly open to feedback, seeks out opportunities to grow her practice, and takes ownership of her own development as an educator.
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Each video posted, tagging us and using the #CLIHeroes hashtag, will be featured on our social channels and will be included in our special video compilation at the end of the month!
SHARING OUR THANKS FOR TEACHERS
Celebrating Teachers on the Frontline
A VIRTUAL FUNDRAISING EVENT
Raise a Glass for Reading!
After a season of showcasing the unique stories of the teachers we serve and emphasizing the importance and impact of continued support for our teachers, schools, and larger communities, we come together to celebrate literacy!
Showcase your commitment to children’s literacy, early childhood education and social justice, and join us June 10 for a wonderful event.
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