- Courtney Dennison, 2nd Grade Teacher, Cuyahoga Heights Elementary School

“ Barb's positive, collaborative approach to teaching ensures that her students and colleagues can thrive in a way that promotes deep learning.”

-Courtney Dennison

Barb Currey creates meaningful, deep learning experiences for students by having them engage in hands-on, inquiry-based learning opportunities. When you walk into her classroom at Cuyahoga Heights Elementary School, her students are the ones leading their learning. Barb encourages them to find their own answers to their scientific wonders by designing lessons that allow them the time to experiment, take risks, and explore new resources to learn the content.

True, authentic learning happens because of the environment she has created within her classroom. Students are excited from the moment they walk into her classroom to the moment they leave. They know that they will be given the opportunity to participate in new experiments that drive their learning each day.

Barb's students are able to clearly communicate their learning goals because they are excited to share not only the product they create but also the process behind their learning. This is the type of teaching that all teachers should strive for- a classroom that promotes authentic, student-centered experiences in which students' interests and learning styles drive the instructional practices.

Barb has developed her teaching practice through years of research and collaboration with all of her colleagues. She is not only a leader within the classroom but also within the school district. She works with educators from all grade levels and constantly communicates to ensure that students' best interests are at the forefront of her instruction. Barb's positive, collaborative approach to teaching ensures that her students and colleagues can thrive in a way that promotes deep learning. Barb also strives to develop family, community, and school connections. She has created and led performances, plays, and learning clubs that allow students to celebrate and extend their learning. These opportunities allow families to not only see their children's learning but engage in the learning process, as students are often excited to continue their learning at home.

Barb’s inspirational, positive, and student-centered approach to teaching epitomizes the Martha Holden Jennings Foundation themes of promoting deep learning and excellent teaching.

Teachers Honor Teachers

The Martha Holden Jennings Foundation launched a new program last fall inviting teachers to recognize a colleague they know is doing exceptional work in the classroom.

In the above post, Courtney Dennison expresses her admiration for fellow teacher, Barb Currey. Thank you to both educators for your dedication to students and for taking the time to showcase what it means to deliver challenging, innovative, and student-centered lessons that result in powerful and deep learning.

Through the Teachers Honor Teachers Program, The Foundation is seeking Ohio public school teachers to share great things about a teaching colleague in an Ohio public school that ensures deep learning for students. If we choose to post your story, we will award $500 toward that teacher's classroom for their great work and $500 toward your classroom for honoring their excellence. Apply here.