Meet Jennifer Truong, Second Grade Teacher

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How are you involved in education?

I am a forward-thinking second grade teacher at an independent school in Rochester, New York–Allendale Columbia School. Our school is working on trying to “stand-out,” among some fabulous schools within the Rochester area, by devoting much of our time evaluating and delivering 21st century teaching through collaboration and professional development.

What’s your ideal classroom or school like?

Why school? Most of the knowledge that students need to know is available at their fingertips via electronic devices. Assuming money was not an issue or regulations that possibly limit creative teaching and learning, my ideal school environment would be one that offers a different educational experience that one cannot receive via an electronic device. Additionally, my ideal school would be one that equally values teaching kids how to increase their IQ as well as their EQ (Emotional Intelligence) to better collaborate with others, to see the similarities between us and not the differences. My vision would be that teachers would not be viewed as the “keepers of all the knowledge.” Instead, they would be the facilitators of authentic learning among multi-age students who learn based on their schema and interests, and help make an impact on the local and global community in some way. The space in which to learn would be open, dynamic and allow for collaboration among learners. Parents would be cheerleaders of this authentic teaching and learning, and so would administrators and colleagues.

Have you ever attended an unconference before?

If you were to lead a session at EdCamp, what would it be about?

Since I feel like I am constantly learning and growing in my pedagogy, I certainly do not feel like I know all there is to know about these topics–Digital Portfolios AND Assessing Students (beyond grades, tests, and the typical means of assessing students). However, I might be willing and interested at a future EdCamp to facilitate open discussions with fellow educators about these topics.

Do you have a website or blog?

Are you on Twitter?

What is your favorite digital tool?