Teaching & Learning
The ultimate goal of teaching and learning in Region 14 is to ensure that our students are future-ready: prepared to take advantage of the opportunities and face the challenges of the 21st century. To this end, we engage in research-based best practices from Pre-K through 12th grade to personalize learning for both our students and our faculty in order to establish the importance of voice, co-creation, social construction, and self-discovery as foundations for deep learning and to encourage everyone to be actively involved in the learning process. Region 14’s Vision of a Learner serves as our constant guide in this work. Through consistent, planned opportunities for students to experience, practice, and hone their skills, we are confident we will see this vision embodied by every Region 14 graduate.
Utilizing language from the Connecticut Common Core of Teaching Effective Teaching Rubric, the following theories of action guide our planning and decision-making:
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If we provide students with consistent and meaningful opportunities to take ownership for their learning, assist them in the process as needed, and gradually release responsibility to them for their learning, they will develop the skill of taking initiative.
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If we regularly employ differentiated strategies that require students to generate their own questions and problem-solving strategies, and provide support when necessary, they will develop the skill of thinking critically and creatively.
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If we foster an environment where students proactively demonstrate positive social interactions and conflict-resolution skills and assist students in developing listening and expressive skills, they will collaborate and communicate effectively.
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If we recognize, incorporate, and appreciate students’ cultural, social, and developmental diversity in our classes to enrich learning opportunities, students will understand and respect the unique perspectives of all members of the Region 14 community and be better able to demonstrate empathy.
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If we encourage risk-taking, help our students learn from their failures, and offer opportunities to demonstrate improvement while praising effort as a means to achieve the greatest results, our students will develop perseverance.
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If we challenge students to extend their learning beyond the lesson expectations and make cross curricular connections, and we incorporate meaningful opportunities that require them to transfer their learning to situations or scenarios that are unique from those presented in the classroom, they will develop the ability to adapt and adjust.
DIRECTOR OF TEACHING AND LEARNING
Dr. Taryn Fernandez
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
Alice Pistritto
Region 14 Central Office
5 Minortown Road
Woodbury, CT 06798
(203) 263-0416
Office Hours
8:00 am - 4:00 pm