Activating School Gardens during COVID:
A Thriving Outdoor Learning Space at Joaquin Miller School in Oakland
January 2022 Introduction Thanks in large part to the leadership of two dedicated educators, Helene Moore and Kate Gallagher, the Joaquin Miller school community has been able to revitalize, sustain and actively engage their students in garden learning during the pandemic. In a recent conversation, Helene and Kate shared about the history, goals, student engagement and future aspirations for their […]
“Science rocks!” says Tracy Dordell
We spotlight Tracy Dordell, CRS Science Super Star honoree, who teaches at New Highland Elementary in East Oakland. Tracy uses science as a way to engage her students in shared, interactive, collaborative learning where they build skills in critical thinking, communication, and cooperation as they experiment and explore the natural world. April 29, 2020 We are honored to recognize Tracy […]
John Iwawaki
May 2021 John Iwawaki is the District Instructional Specialist for West Contra Costa Unified, supporting science and college & career pathways for grades K-12 across the district. He’s been working in the district for over 20 years, and with CRS for over 5 years. What led you to become a Science Specialist? I’ve always loved being outside, nature and animals. […]
Jay Cohen
April 2021 Jay Cohen is a science teacher at Martin Luther King Junior Middle School, where he has shared his passion for creativity in STEM learning for over 20 years. What led you to become a teacher? It was getting a chance to work with kids in a volunteer program that got me into it. I was set up to […]
Fundraising Success through DonorsChoose
By: Nancy Lee, TK teacher at Allendale Elementary, Oakland Unified School District July 22, 2020 This year I have been especially successful with getting projects funded through DonorsChoose, with very little effort from myself. If you’re a teacher looking for a way to fund something for your class, DonorsChoose is an easy, simple way to do it, and here’s why: It’s Fast […]
Super Star Teachers
You’ve seen the images: A phenomenal soccer player scores a winning goal on the international stage, and she takes a triumphant pose seen round the world. A football player scores the winning touchdown and does a happy dance. A basketball player makes a flying dunk and lands with muscles flexed in celebration.