Educators like Dana Miles make me proud to be a Washingtonian | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Meet Dana, a bilingual language arts and math teacher who goes beyond the classroom to provide real-world education for her students.

Key Insights

• 🎶 Teaching applied bilingual language arts and consumer math in real-world context allows students to learn about purchasing, taxes, and reading pay stubs. The inclusion of work experience in the school store empowers students to develop essential life skills.
• 🌟 The teacher's dedication and unconventional teaching methods have instilled confidence in her students, creating a desire to learn, motivation, and focused engagement.
• 💪 Overcoming disabilities and language struggles should not define students as people; they possess incredible potential and countless valuable contributions to offer.
• 💼 The integration of practical work experience in the school store equips students with skills they can apply in the real world, building their competence and readiness for life beyond the classroom.
• 🌍 By immersing students in real-world experiences, they can see the practicality and relevance of their education, strengthening their grasp on key concepts and fostering autonomy.
• 📚 The teacher's approach highlights the importance of contextualized learning, where students can see the direct correlation between what they are studying and its application in everyday life.
• 🏫 Recognizing and valuing the abilities and potential of every student, regardless of their disability or language barriers, leads to a more inclusive and equitable education system.
• 💡 It is essential for society to acknowledge and appreciate the depth of knowledge and skills that students with disabilities and language struggles possess, as they have unique contributions that can enrich their communities.

Transcript

welcome to wsd my teacher is Dana congratulations on being named teacher of the year thank you so much so I teach applied bla bilingual language arts and that term applied is because I teach it in real world context and then consumer math the students learn about purchasing also taxes reading pay stubs I also teach work experience so I run the scho... Read More

Questions & Answers

Q: How does Dana integrate real-world education into her teaching?

Dana teaches applied bilingual language arts and consumer math, providing her students with practical skills and knowledge. She goes beyond traditional classroom teaching by running a school store where students gain hands-on experience in purchasing, handling taxes, and reading pay stubs.

Q: What is Dana's perspective on her students' disabilities or language struggles?

Dana believes that her students' disabilities or language struggles should not define them as individuals. She sees her students as capable, motivated, and focused learners who have a strong desire to learn. She wants others to recognize the potential and contributions of her students.

Q: How does Dana's teaching approach benefit her students?

Dana's teaching approach benefits her students by giving them real-world skills and experiences that they can use in their everyday lives. By working in the school store and learning practical skills, her students gain confidence and become more prepared for life outside of the classroom.

Q: What motivates Dana to teach and support her students?

Dana is motivated by her students' desire to learn and succeed. She sees the potential in each of her students and is dedicated to helping them overcome their challenges. She wants her students to be seen for their capabilities and contributions, rather than being defined by their disabilities or language struggles.

Q: How does Dana involve her students in running the school store?

Dana involves her students in running the school store by having them work alongside her. They learn various skills such as customer service, inventory management, and financial literacy. By actively participating in the store, her students gain practical experience and a sense of responsibility.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Dana teaches applied bilingual language arts and consumer math with a focus on real-world context.

• She runs a school store where students gain practical skills and experience.

• Dana believes in seeing her students as individuals with a lot to offer, regardless of their disabilities or language struggles.