Ecology of the Classroom
Interactions between people and their environment, also known as ecology, must also be considered when thinking about student success in the classroom. Classroom ecology has a major impact on student achievement. Now that school has been underway for a few months, we will reflect on what components of a positive classroom culture we have established, and what else we can do to establish an optimal learning environment.
Kate Sussman
Kate Sussman, M.Ed, a special education consultant in New York City and the newest addition to the Hidden Sparks team, acts as an External Coach and mentor to new Internal Coaches from outside the tri-state area. She worked for seven years with the Opportunity Charter School in Harlem. Previously, she coordinated after school and summer programs for at risk students and worked with Manhattan public high school teachers to create inclusive classrooms. Kate has been a facilitator for Schools Attuned, is a certified trainer for the University of Kansas Strategic Instruction Model and a former adjunct instructor at Bank Street College of Education. Kate has worked with teachers from public, private, and Jewish day schools, grades K—12.
