Sarah Tillinghast

How do you continue to grow as an educator? 

I am always interested in professional development that is beyond just what is required for my district. LETRS training and Whole Brain Teaching certifications are where I have grown the most as a teacher. I follow educators from around the United States on Facebook and Instagram to keep up with the latest news and trends. It's crazy to think about when I started teaching 17 years ago I did not have all the social networking that is available now. I also meet with whole brain educators from around the United States in zoom meetings at least a few times a month and they continue to challenge me and encourage me to grow.  

How do you create a classroom environment where students are actively engaged in their learning and feel empowered to take ownership of their education? 

My classroom is structured around the instructional approach of Whole Brain Teaching. My room is grounded in the idea that teaching should align with how the brain processes information. By using visual, auditory, and kinesthetic activities, it taps into various learning styles, helping students understand and retain information more effectively. My instruction employs a variety of interactive techniques, including gestures, chants, and immediate feedback.

For example, hand signals and call-and-response techniques to reinforce concepts and maintain student attention. This continuous interaction keeps students actively involved rather than passively listening. Techniques like “Teach-Okay” involve students teaching each other what they’ve learned. This peer teaching not only reinforces their own understanding but also keeps them engaged through collaboration. My classroom involves clear and consistent routines. Students know what to expect and what is expected of them, which reduces uncertainty and helps them stay focused. The methods I use include elements of fun and gamification. For instance, incorporating games and rewards into lessons can increase motivation and make learning more enjoyable. The use of quick, on-the-spot feedback helps students understand and correct mistakes in real-time. This immediate reinforcement supports learning and keeps students actively engaged in the material. My classroom emphasizes student participation and responsibility. By engaging students in various roles, from speaking and moving to teaching and learning from peers, the approach ensures that students are not just passive recipients of information but active contributors to their own learning process. 

I strive to  create an active learning environment by engaging multiple senses, fostering interaction, providing immediate feedback, and making learning enjoyable and participatory. This dynamic approach helps maintain student attention and enhances learning outcomes. 

Who or what inspires you as an educator? 

Colossians 3:12-17 “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly, as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” 

These verses serve as a source of inspiration and guidance, helping me to align my professional conduct with my spiritual values.  

• Compassion, Kindness, Humility, Gentleness, Patience: I am encouraged to embody these virtues, creating a supportive and respectful learning environment. 

• Forgiveness and Love: Helps me to promote a culture of understanding and reconciliation, crucial for managing conflicts and fostering positive relationships. 

• Peace and Thankfulness: Reminds me to emphasize the importance of maintaining a peaceful and grateful heart, which can positively influence the classroom atmosphere. 

• Teaching with Wisdom: Encourages me to ensure that education is rooted in wisdom. 

• Action in Christ’s Name: Reminds me to perform my duties with integrity and purpose, reflecting my commitment to my faith. 

How do you mentor new teachers? What advice would you give to someone starting out in the profession? 

I let them bring their passion to the classroom. When they have questions or ask advice I share however, I always start with "This works for me, however you may find a better idea, be sure to share with me." 

My advice to someone starting out in education is: 1. be sure to find time for yourself. You need to be well rested to give your best to your students each day. 2. Build positive relationships with your students and feed their passions and talents. You never know who may become a recording artist, a computer technician, or an educator. 3. Seek support and collaborate with colleagues. Never hesitate to ask for advice or help from teachers in your building.  

Outside of the classroom, what are your passions and hobbies? 

Passions: creating quality memories with my family and being involved in my local church. Hobby: Reading! This summer I binge read all of the books by Ruta Sepetys. Highly recommend her books.