Teachers matter. Their decisions matter. Everyday, teachers make hundreds of decisions – big and small – about what to say and do as they build relationships with children (and families) and promote their learning.
To create positive change in practice, professional development materials must begin with the teacher and reflect the reality of daily life in the classroom. I bring this perspective to every project.
A few examples include:
The Power of Interactions®: How to Connect with Children to Extend Their Learning (with Judy Jablon and Charlotte Stetson, NAEYC, 2011).
I recognized a need for a book about interactions. A book that helped teachers see themselves as decision-makers and to realize that what they say and do matters. Together with my friends and collaborators, Judy and Charlotte, we articulated three steps to transform an everyday interaction into a Powerful Interaction®: Be Present, Connect and Extend Learning. Powerful Interactions was born.
To learn more about our Powerful Interactions® work please click here.
Duty to Care: You Make a Difference – An E-Learning Course (with Military Family Projects, ZERO TO THREE, 2011). This course, including videos from childcare programs and stories of families introduces some of the unique challenges faced by military families with very young children and strategies and resources for early learning professionals. A certificate that reflects one hour of training is available.
"Amy writes with a warm, personal, and respectful tone that helps the reader feel cared for and at ease. She is able to convey complex ideas simply, clearly, and with tremendous compassion. Her writing has enriched the materials we have created for both families and professionals."
—Dorinda Silver Williams, PhD, LCSW-C, ACSW; Director, Military Family Projects; ZERO TO THREE
Mind in the Making: Learning Modules for Educators (Families and Work Institute, revised, 2014). I am proud to have been one of the original authors on these materials from Families and Work that have continued to evolve and influence so many.