Learning Through Service: The Role of Community Projects in Character and Curriculum Development By Charlene Andersson
Where Learning Meets Purpose As an educator with decades of experience both in the classroom and as an educational therapist, I have always believed that the best kind of learning doesn’t just happen inside the four walls of a school. It happens when students are given the opportunity to connect what they learn to the […]
The Gifted Gap: How to Nurture Exceptional Learners in Underfunded Schools By Charlene Andersson
A Silent Crisis in Our Classrooms Throughout my years as a teacher, educational therapist, and advocate for gifted education, I have witnessed an uncomfortable truth: gifted students in underfunded schools are often overlooked, underserved, and left to fend for themselves academically. This is not due to a lack of intelligence, talent, or passion—but rather a […]
Reimagining Homework: Creative Alternatives That Actually Boost Engagement and Mastery By Charlene Andersson
It’s Time to Rethink Homework As both an educator and curriculum developer, I’ve watched students approach homework with everything from silent resignation to outright dread. And while homework is meant to reinforce learning, the reality is that it often creates unnecessary stress without deepening understanding. The question we must ask is this: What is the […]
Empathy First: Using Emotional Intelligence to Elevate Teaching Practices By Charlene Andersson
The Heart of Effective Teaching When people ask me what makes a great teacher, my answer has remained the same over the years: it begins with empathy. While content knowledge, planning, and instructional strategies are all important, it is emotional intelligence—the ability to understand and manage our own emotions while recognizing and responding to the […]
The Future of Early Literacy: Why Storytelling Still Reigns in a Digital World By Charlene Andersson
A Timeless Thread in a Rapidly Changing World As someone who has worked with children across hospital rooms, classrooms, and therapy spaces, I’ve watched the landscape of early education shift dramatically. We’ve moved from flashcards to touchscreens, from books on shelves to books on tablets. And while there is no denying the value of technology […]
Designing for Every Learner: How to Build a Truly Inclusive Classroom from Day One By Charlene Andersson
Embracing Diversity in the Classroom As an educator and educational therapist, I’ve always believed that the classroom should be a place where every child feels valued, seen, and empowered. Every student comes with unique strengths, challenges, and backgrounds, and it’s our job as educators to design a learning environment that celebrates and supports this diversity. […]
Bridging Global Education Systems: Lessons from U.S.-Japan Curriculum Integration
The Power of Cross-Cultural Learning As an educator and educational therapist, I have always believed that learning is a global endeavor. While every country has its own unique educational system, there is much to gain from cross-cultural collaboration and curriculum integration. In 2005, I had the honor of being selected by the Japanese government as […]
The Power of Collaborative Learning: How Student-Led Projects Enhance Literacy and Creativity
A New Approach to Learning Throughout my career as an educator and educational therapist, I have witnessed the transformative power of collaborative learning. When students work together, they not only develop stronger academic skills but also learn essential life skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. Traditional teaching methods often place the teacher at the […]