“Mrs. Nussbaum connects with struggling learners, adapts lessons based on individual needs… and challenges students who understand the material to extend themselves further.”

- Susan Jones, Science Teacher, Online Learning Coordinator,Ottawa-Glandorf High School

Deep learning is what Alicia Nussbaum strives for in her Social Studies and ELA classes at Glandorf Elementary School in the Ottawa-Glandorf Local School District. Alicia successfully applies deep learning by engaging students in various learning opportunities, communicating with students and parents by offering feedback, and using mastery-based lessons that continually check for understanding.

Mrs. Nussbaum has been incorporating learning grids in her classroom, which allow students to work through material at their own pace. The grids enable Alicia to work one-on-one with students when necessary and track where they are in the learning process. Students can also choose their learning opportunities, seek classmates' help, and collaborate when necessary. Using Schoology as her learning management system (LMS), Mrs. Nussbaum offers quick online feedback when students complete assignments. Students can then quickly check their level of understanding and redo assignments when they have not quite mastered the content.

Mrs. Nussbaum's classroom environment supports and encourages students to redo assignments and continue through the learning process until they reach the level of understanding. She understands mastery does not happen after one attempt and gives students multiple learning opportunities.

Parents can sign up to receive Schoology messages and stay involved throughout the school year. Mrs. Nussbaum tracks mastery of all learning standards through the LMS. When she assigns learning opportunities, she attaches the state standards to those lessons and tracks the students' level of understanding throughout the school year. She gets up-to-date information weekly, connects with struggling learners, and adapts lessons based on individual needs. Her process also allows her to challenge students who understand the material to extend themselves further, providing the time and encouragement to dive deeper into the content.

Mrs. Nussbaum pushes all students to be successful and try their best. She puts a lot of time and effort into creating engaging lessons. For example, she designs a progressive dinner ELA lesson at Thanksgiving and adds games and activities to keep students interested year round. If I were a student, I would love to spend the day in her classroom.

Teachers Honor Teachers

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

In the above post, Susan Jones, Science Teacher and Online Learning Coordinator at Ottawa-Glandorf High School, expresses her admiration for fellow teacher Alicia Nussbaum, who teaches 6th grade social studies and 8th grade ELA at Glandorf Elementary School. 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.