It all started with a book
If you’re here you’ve probably have heard of Peter Liljedahl and his book, Building Thinking Classrooms. If you haven’t read it, I strongly recommend you do!
The book changed my teaching practice. Within Liljedahl’s frameworks, vertical non-permanent surfaces as a learning method are brilliant!
As couple colleagues and I were implementing vertical non-permanent surfaces in our classrooms, we became frustrated with the available two-legged whiteboard compasses and their weaknesses. After watching students struggle to use them effectively, we sat down one day, designed something different, and let the acrylic cutter work some magic.
Our students immediately understood their new tool. Use was easy and intuitive. The old compasses never came out of the closet again.
*Please note that this product is not (yet) endorsed by Peter, but I’d love to have that conversation!
Meet Dr. Heidi Rhodes
As a young teacher-leader, Heidi encountered the power of teachers learning together toward improving student achievement; she and her 16 colleagues raised test scores 30 percentage points, from 10 point below the state average to 10 above, over five years.
In that experience, the team proved true their research-based theory of action – if students are empowered to collaboratively solve rich mathematics problems, they will develop perseverance and understanding and their scores will increase. This collaborative method fits perfectly with the BTC philosophy.
She has shared this passion with others through designing and leading professional development in math pedagogy, STEM projects, and leadership across multiple schools and districts in the U.S. and worldwide. She led the mathematics program for a US district of 25,000 students, was selected to train teachers with the U.S. Department of Defense Education Activity worldwide, has led professional development in international schools, and brings experience with U.S. Common Core, AP, and IBDP, and PBL.
Heidi holds a Ph.D. in Math and Science Education, a M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction, and a B.A. in Mathematics. She has published academic articles and presented at conferences on both classroom practices and effective educational leadership.
She is the founder of Building Excellent Educators.
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