We recently connected with Crystal Lowder-Haynes and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Crystal, thanks for joining us today. Let’s start with education – we’d love to hear your thoughts about how we can better prepare students for a more fulfilling life and career.
My response to this question may put a target on my back but my true feelings……
The educational system is one that is complex, yet may need a closer look from a teacher’s point of view. Since we are the ones on the front line, why not consider the views of the teachers first? With this concept, we are not only giving the teachers a voice and supporting them while being an advocate for educators, but this also opens the door for the need of true differentiation. Yes, the tools and resources provided from the state do work in some schools and in some classrooms, but if we analytically look at differentiation, we will support the notion that all schools are not the same just as all students, all classrooms, and their needs are not the same. Teaching things one way, using one resource, does not support the needs of the students based on their learning levels and learning styles.
With that being said, I would change the approach to differentiation and allow teachers to truly use their data to support their learners based on their learning levels and learning styles. With the graduation rate decreasing and drop out rate increasing, we have to really look at statistics and determine where the true discrepancy is a meet learners where they are. Not placing a label on them, but being the support needed inside the classroom and then supporting the families so they can be true stakeholders and support their learners at home.
I can remember teaching a 1st grade student who was a non reader, did not have letter recognition, did not know letter sounds, and could not count pass 5. We were given a specific resource to use for students to teach reading and phonological awareness as well as teaching math, but looking at the data I could obviously see that the resources provided were not working for this student. I then advocated for the student, using his learning style and base line data, I used the knowledge gained from a differentiation college course, and was intentional about following through with that students intervention and allowing them to master learning according to their learning style. When it was time for their benchmark testing, this same student who could not recognize their letters, who could not count pass 5, who did not know letter sounds, showed 45% growth, and by the end of the year was able to read only one level below where a 1st grader should be.
I also think that the way we test students should also be reevaluated. If we are expected to differentiate instruction, why do we give students one test that is the same and then equate those results to whether a child has mastered grade level skills? Think about the students who are actually on or above grade level but may not be great test takers due to anxiety levels or other underlying disabilities.
Teachers need their voices to be validated, teachers need true support and advocacy, students need true differentiation not just on their learning levels but according to their learning styles as well. We have been through the curriculum and mastered it in a way that makes us qualified to teach learners and prepare them for college and/or career; so if we are trusted to that capacity, why not trust us enough to know what works best for out students.
Crystal, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I am a Gifted and Talented 5th Grade Teacher, with a Masters Degree in Elementary Instruction and Curriculum. I also have obtain endorsement in K-12 Instructional and Academic Coaching which I also use to help teachers develop on and master skills needed to make for a positive and effective learning environment.
Outside of Education, I am a licensed Pastor, Minister of Worship, and Youth Church Coordinator. It has a been a benefit working with elementary school stakeholder and students because I am able to use those skills and strategies to help churches meet the needs of their worship services and youth groups/church.
I not only lead worship, work with youth church leaders, and preach the gospel, but in these settings I am able to reach those individuals who are victims of Domestic Violence and help them overcome and begin healing from past traumas while balancing a spiritual life.
I am a realist but I believe that God can do some amazing things if we trust the process and lean on the people that He places in our lives to help us overcome and become stronger in life.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
Life is always going to life…..but it is your choice how to deal with the obstacles. My father taught me this a long time ago and going through the test and trials of domestic abuse, divorce, being a single parent, health scares, and finding my true self and falling in love again has shown me that what you choose to do with obstacles and how you choose to view them sets the tone for where the journey will take you. You can either make lemonade or watch the lemon turn moldy while the negativity begins to fester and create a dark space in your life.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
Being present, being openminded, being less judge mental, and being transparent helps build my reputation. I am not afraid of my story, I am not afraid to share my story, and I am always open to learning new things and helping others.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/themrshaynes2u?igshid=NGVhN2U2NjQ0Yg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/crystal-lowder-haynes-9a23a2204?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app