Introduction
Kelly Harmon is a renowned educator, author, and speaker who has dedicated her career to fostering student achievement and professional growth in both general and special education settings. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of Kelly Harmon’s life, contributions to the field of education, and the importance of teaching students about her work.
Early Life and Career
Born and raised in Texas, Kelly Harmon earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Texas Tech University. Following graduation, she began her career as a general education teacher before transitioning into special education. Her dedication to helping students achieve academic success was evident from the start, as she spent countless hours creating individualized lesson plans for her students.
Educational Philosophy
During her time as an educator, Kelly Harmon developed a unique approach to instruction called The Learning Framework. This framework focuses on three key elements:
1. Engaging Students: Harmon believes that a positive learning environment is crucial for student success. She emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships with students to foster engagement and create an environment where they feel supported.
2. Differentiation: Recognizing that each student learns differently, Harmon advocates for differentiated instruction strategies tailored to individual learners’ needs. By providing targeted support, both struggling students and advanced learners can benefit from personalized learning experiences.
3. Assessment and Feedback: To guide continuous improvement, Harmon champions ongoing assessment and feedback as central components of the learning process. She advocates using formative assessments to understand students’ strengths and areas of growth while providing constructive feedback to guide improvement.
Innovative Approaches
Kelly Harmon is committed to implementing innovative teaching strategies that promote student growth across various subject areas. Some notable approaches include:
1. Writer’s Workshop: A method that encourages students’ self-expression, collaboration, and creativity in writing through interactive lessons tailored to individual needs.
2. Guided reading groups: Working in small groups based on reading levels, students receive targeted support and scaffolding to help them advance their literacy skills.
3. Mathematical discourse: Harmon promotes the idea of engaging students in mathematical discussions to deepen their understanding and build a community of learners who can learn from each other.
Teaching Students About Kelly Harmon
Educators looking to teach students about Kelly Harmon’s contributions to education should consider the following strategies:
1. Biography study: Develop a lesson around Harmon’s life, career, and educational philosophy, allowing students to engage in research and explore her innovative teaching methods.
2. Experiential learning: Have students try some of Kelly Harmon’s instructional approaches in the classroom, such as writer’s workshops, guided reading groups, or mathematical discourses.
3. Guest speakers: Engage community members or invite other teachers well-versed in Harmon’s methods to share their experiences and insights with your students.
Conclusion
As a pioneering educator, Kelly Harmon’s impact on the field of education is indisputable. By teaching students about her life and work, we can inspire the next generation of teachers and learners to build upon her groundbreaking methods of instruction. Through improved student engagement, differentiation, and assessment practices, educators can continue to elevate student achievement on a global scale.
