Bryn Mawr Teacher Quality
All Bryn Mawr teachers are fully licensed in elementary education and/or a specialist curriculum area. We believe our own learning is as important as our students' learning to ensure the highest levels of instruction occurring with our students. Our licensed and support staff have weekly professional development to build and refine instruction and build lifelong foundational skills for our students. Teaching staff meet weekly in professional learning groups, to review and analyze student data to plan and build the highest quality instructional opportunities of individuals and groups of students.
Bryn Mawr teachers contribute to the development of aspiring teachers by mentoring student teachers and practicum students from the University of Minnesota, Hamline University, St. Cloud State University, St. Thomas University, University of Northwestern, Augsburg College, and other university partners.
Teacher Philosophy
High Standards for all students. It is our job to help prepare students to be lifelong learners through academic achievement and the acquisition of lifelong skills.
Cultural Diversity. We recognize and celebrate our differences, and know that we are enriched by them. We believe that understanding each other is the antidote to fear and prejudice. We create an environment that is inclusive, affirming, and respectful of everyone. As our students share differences in their cultures and language, they will begin to grow in understanding themselves and others.
Purposeful Learning as an Interactive Process. Students will interact with others in a variety of ways, such as questioning, reflecting, and connecting personal experiences with new information. Teaching strategies help students become both independent and cooperative learners who develop the skills of problem-solving, decision-making, negotiation, and conflict resolution.
Student-Centered Learning. Students are at the heart of our work. They give our work its purpose. We listen, respond and adapt to the needs of students. We recognize that students have different learning styles. We strive to structure our curriculum to be developmentally appropriate, and we recognize that students’ needs change at an individual rate.
Diverse and Integrated Learning. Students must be actively involved in the learning process. Learning materials will incorporate a mix of media types including "hands-on" artifacts, a variety of technology resources, strong literature, and real-life tools. Learning experiences will incorporate a mix of direct teaching, large group learning, teacher-led small group learning, cooperative learning, independent practice, individual intervention, and school-wide activities.
