- Andrea Gale, Cleveland Metropolitan Schools

“Ms. Velez knows how to motivate students in all settings.”

-Andrea Gale

At Cleveland Metropolitan School District's Rhodes College and Career Academy (RCCA), Ms. Cristina Velez is fishing for Social Emotional Learning instead of compliments. She deserves compliments for planning and implementing project-based learning while enhancing students' leadership skills. 

On Wednesday afternoons at RCCA, students participate in symposium skills such as knitting, writing children's books, performing on a drumline, or practicing yoga. Teachers work hard to find activities students will learn from and enjoy. Experience has taught Rhodes teachers that hands-on symposiums provide the most student engagement. Ms. Velez has found the perfect activity to interest students and challenge their leadership skills. She takes them fishing.

It's easy to tell students to honor life and respect nature, but it's better to put them in a boat on the river. During a recent fishing trip to Wallace Lake in the Cleveland Metro Parks, students spent time with a park biologist learning about the ecosystem and its creatures. They practiced fishing, and through the capture and release of fish, they honored life. Their leadership skills were even tested when some students stepped up to help others bait hooks with squirming maggots. Ms. Velez is the perfect teacher to guide students on such a journey. 

As an Intervention Specialist, Ms. Velez knows how to motivate students in all settings. She thought fishing would be a great learning experience, so she searched for a way to make it possible. She procured equipment from Mike Stidham, owner of Shines Bait and Tackle in Cleveland. When he and his wife learned about the fishing group she was starting at Rhodes, they generously donated several new rods, lures, tackle boxes, and more. Every student on the trip enjoyed themselves while learning a new skill.

Senior Xavier Henderson said, "Fishing has taught me to be patient, which is a skill needed for everything in life. It's taught me that relaxation can be thrilling and rewarding. When you finally hook a fish, it's like hitting the jackpot. Even though you know you are going to release the fish, you still know you caught something worthwhile." 

Ms. Velez found a way to share her love of the outdoors with her students. Along the way, they've enjoyed a thrilling pastime in a relaxing setting away from the school.

In Ms. Velez's symposium, fish are caught and released, but the lessons learned will last a lifetime.

Teachers Honor Teachers

The Martha Holden Jennings Foundation invites teachers to recognize a colleague they know is doing exceptional work in the classroom.

In the above post, Andrea Gale expresses her admiration for fellow teacher, Cristina Velez. 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.