Aimée Couto, the 2024 Rhode Island State Teacher of the Year and a first-grade teacher, shares her journey into education and the importance of creating a positive and inclusive classroom environment. She emphasizes the need for teachers to have an open mind and heart, to build relationships with students, and to avoid labeling them. Aimée also discusses the value of literacy and the role it plays in students' future success. She highlights the importance of allowing students to be kids and creating developmentally appropriate expectations. Finally, she emphasizes the power of having fun and being engaged in the classroom to foster student engagement and excitement for learning. In this conversation, Aimée Couto, the 2024 Rhode Island State Teacher of the Year, discusses the importance of labels and the impact they can have on students. She emphasizes the need for teachers to be mindful of the labels they unintentionally apply to students and the importance of using positive and empowering language. Aimée also highlights the significance of tone and the power of giving students a voice. She shares her approach to literacy instruction, including the explicit teaching of phonemes and providing students with ample opportunities to practice. Aimée also discusses the value of reflection and the importance of giving oneself grace as an educator. She encourages teachers to be innovative and constantly seek new ways to improve their practice.
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
03:01 Creating a Positive and Inclusive Classroom Environment
07:29 Avoiding Labeling and Building Relationships
09:26 The Power of Literacy in Students' Future Success
14:07 Developmentally Appropriate Expectations for Students
30:25 The Power of Labels and Language
36:57 Creating an Empowering Classroom Environment
42:01 Effective Strategies for Literacy Instruction
49:38 The Importance of Reflection and Grace in Teaching
51:16 Fostering Innovation in the Classroom
