Tag Archives: classroom

National Boards: An Odyssey of Collaboration

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Education, Mathematics, Mentoring, Middle School, National Board Certification, Teacher Leadership | , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
NBCT Mentor

By guest bloggers NBCT Heather Byington and NBCT David Buitenveld

What happens when a middle school math teacher and an elementary teacher co-teach math to 5th graders for a quarter? David Buitenveld, a middle grade math teacher leader who recently received his National Board Certification, and Heather Byington, a veteran elementary teacher leader and long-time NBCT, discuss their journey of collaboration, with the Architecture of Accomplished Teaching as the common path.

NBCT Heather Byington and NBCT David Buitenveld

David (newly-certified NBCT and 5-year middle level math teacher):

During my NBCT journey last year, I spent more time than previously with the question “what do you know about your students?” and the answer, embarrassingly often, was “not that much.” Keeping that question present (a key takeaway from the National Board process) led me to realize that although I understood the mathematical ideas students encounter in elementary grades, I didn’t have knowledge of their lived experience of 5th grade, and how that experience affected their transition to middle school math. Co-teaching with Heather was a chance to experience 5th grade math and see their world in action.

Heather (long-time NBCT and 20-year teacher):

When David asked to co-teach math in my classroom, I wondered if it would be intimidating to work with a math expert. I quickly realized that he is more skilled at constructing inquiry-based discussion around a math concept, while I feel more comfortable with direct instruction. My first attempt flopped, while he watched! But David jumped in and helped me make more sense of the math for students! I learned from him that it’s okay to try new things and have them flop. When kids see that I try, fail, and keep trying, they’re willing to keep trying too.

David:

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Collaborating Sameness

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Nk sameness
By Tracey

When I was an exchange student in South Africa, 20 years ago, I entered an education system unlike any I had ever encountered.  To be fair, I had only encountered one at the time – that of the United States.  But, I was a Navy brat and that brought with it the experience of moving around the country to some degree.  My kindergarten through eleventh grade education included public schools in Wisconsin, (You’re right, that was pre-Navy brat life.) Washington, and Hawaii.  All were very different from each other.  In fourth grade, Mrs. Velacich taught a fascinating unit about the Bushmen.  I was so enthralled with their culture and way of living; to this day I’ve never forgotten it.  In fifth grade, Mr. Huff showed The Blue and the Gray, a long TV mini-series set during the Civil War. In seventh grade I copied lengthy epic poems off the board for reasons I’m still not sure of while Mr. E read car magazines in the back of the classroom.  In high school I studied myths and wrote my own to explain the world.  I still remember putting Teddy Ruxpin at the center of the universe, creator of all living things.  I also served on the prosecution as we tried King Charles I for high treason. 

Overall, I was pretty lucky with my education.  Apart from my seventh grade English teacher, I mostly had great teachers and came away with a well-rounded education.  Today, I attribute this to luck.  I don’t think I would have learned about the Bushmen if I had gone to the other elementary school across town.  It’s not like the study of Bushmen falls squarely in fourth grade core curriculum.  But, I’m sure I would have learned about something else, and developed my reading and writing skills through another equally interesting topic of study.  I hope.  I suppose that depended on the teacher.

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