Maine Richardson's Blog: How to Personalize Learning for Teachers and Students

From the Cool Cat Teacher Blog by Vicki Davis

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In today's rapidly evolving educational landscape, teacher retention and customized learning are at the forefront of discussions among educators and administrators. With teacher shortages becoming a pressing issue nationwide, innovative approaches to instructional leadership and personalized learning are important.

Today you'll meet Courtney Walker, the 2024 NASSP National Assistant Principal of the Year and Assistant Principal at Carrollton High School in Georgia. She will share her insights on creating professional learning pathways and customizing education for both teachers and students. Her advice for empowering teachers as part of creating learning objectives for the school and their own personalized learning. Her ideas are exciting!

Key Takeaways:

Teacher Retention and Leadership: Addressing teacher shortages by providing opportunities for teachers to lead without leaving the classroom.
Customized Professional Learning: Implementing professional learning pathways that allow teachers to choose areas of growth and collaborate across disciplines.
Student-Centric Education: Developing personalized learning plans that cater to students' strengths and interests, including internships and advanced coursework.
Collaborative Decision-Making: Involving teachers in the decision-making process to ensure initiatives align with school improvement goals.

Dive deeper into these strategies by listening to the show (or watching it on YouTube.)

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Learn how Courtney Walker Personalizes Learning for Teachers and Students – YouTube

Courtney Walker – Bio as Submitted

Reston, VA — The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) named Courtney Walker, assistant principal of Carrollton High School in Carrollton, GA, the 2024 NASSP National Assistant Principal of the Year. The announcement comes during NASSP’s annual celebration of Assistant Principals Week.

“At the heart of Courtney’s work is a profound understanding of the unique needs of every student and teacher she works with,” said NASSP CEO Ronn Nozoe. “From bridging gaps in advanced coursework access to the Mental Health Minutes program, Courtney’s innovation and passion have built an inclusive and nurturing environment for every student to grow into their best selves. Her commitment to creating personalized educational pathways, ensuring that students are not just prepared but poised for success beyond her school doors, truly sets her apart. We're honored to recognize her incredible contributions and the positive, lasting impact she's made on her school community.”

Walker serves as the assistant principal of teaching and learning at Carrollton High School. She oversees master scheduling, remedial and gifted programs, student awards and recognitions, school improvement initiatives and professional development. The implementations of Professional Learning Pathways and Common Course Teams reflect her commitment to empowering teachers as leaders and improving student outcomes using data-driven instruction and shared leadership.

She also supports school counselors in developing personalized academic plans tailored to student interest and ability to ensure students not only graduate enrolled, enlisted or employed but also engaged as leaders in their communities.

“I genuinely believe in shared leadership, so this honor is a testament to the collective efforts of the teachers, counselors, administrators and support staff within my school and district,” said Walker. “Together, we form a cohesive team, engaging in daily collaboration aimed at enhancing our ability to nurture, prepare and empower students to excel as leaders both academically and personally throughout their high school journey and beyond.”

Carrollton High School Principal Ian Lyle said he is proud of Walker. “I am thrilled Mrs. Walker has been named the NASSP National Assistant Principal of the Year,” said Lyle. “This recognition is a testament to her excellence as an administrator and I couldn’t be more proud of her.” Carrollton City Schools

Superintendent Dr. Mark Albertus expressed his pride and appreciation for Walker. “Mrs. Walker is the definition of a servant leader,” said Albertus. “She is a dedicated and passionate educator who truly cares about the success and well-being of our staff and students. We are fortunate to have her at Carrollton City Schools and I am very proud NASSP acknowledged the significance of her leadership in education.”