The League of Extraordinary Educators

Deliver on the promise of equity and transformational instruction in your classroom In The League of Extraordinary Educators, veteran educator Dr. Shaun Woodly delivers a rousing narrative designed to take readers on a journey of empowerment, motivation, rich learning experiences, classroom synergy and even secrecy! You’ll learn how to transform teaching and learning through empowering connections at all levels in the classroom, saying goodbye to outdated, ineffective teaching practices and saying hello to instructional methods that authentically captivate students from diverse backgrounds. In the book, you’ll also find: Transformative practices that emerge from a combination of inspiration, mindset shifts, as well as practical techniques and strategies A focus on the importance of human connection, culturally significant learning experiences and community in the classroom A revolutionary story the reveals the secret strategies of transformational educations in urban and culturally diverse schools An indispensable resource for K-12 teachers, instructional staff, as well as leaders and administrators facing tough issues around creating meaningful learning experiences for students from underserved and underrepresented backgrounds, The League of Extraordinary Educators will set the stage for learning environments that authentically engage to create equitable academic outcomes for all students. All meaning all!

Introduction xv Part I The Fable 1 The Scenario 1 Illumination Academy 4 What a Day 6 The Faculty Meeting 8 Guidance 10 An Emergency Meeting 12 Chloe’s Classroom 13 The Day Is Finally Over 15 A Whole New World 18 It’s on the Test 21 An Ordinary Teacher 25 The Manual 28 Are You In? 33 The Secret Society 36 Welcome to Extraordinary 39 Preparing for Extraordinary 44 The Letter 47 Helplessness 50 Keep Up the Pace 54 Connection to the Content 57 A Supportive Environment 59 Taking It All In 63 A New Chapter 64 Part II The Formula for Extraordinary 67 Chapter 1 How We Got Here 69 The Burden of Instruction 72 Why Manipulation Does Not Work 73 Alleviating the Burden 75 Conditions 76 Perception 76 Emotions 76 Actions 77 Results 77 Extraordinary Educator Invitation to Reflect 79 Chapter 2 Becoming Extraordinary 81 Promoting Extraordinary Connections 83 Seeing the Extraordinary 84 Getting Extraordinary Results 85 Extraordinary Educator Invitation to Reflect 87 Chapter 3 Extraordinary Learning Experiences 89 Encouraging Extraordinary Learning Experiences 90 Extraordinary Educator Invitation to Reflect 93 Chapter 4 Extraordinary Peer Collaboration 95 Facilitating Extraordinary Connections 96 Making Students the Focus 98 Encouraging Connections Beyond the Classroom 100 Extraordinary Educator Invitation to Reflect 101 Chapter 5 Extraordinary Teacher Connections 103 Connecting Emotionally with Students 105 How Is This Done? 105 Extraordinary Teacher Connections Versus Extraordinary Peer Collaboration 107 Extraordinary Educator Invitation to Reflect 109 Chapter 6 Extraordinary Atmosphere 111 The Effect of Extraordinary Conditions 113 Extraordinary Educator Invitation to Reflect 116 Chapter 7 The End of Ordinary 117 About the Author 121 References 127 Index 129