Classroom Corridors features teacher-created content in a variety of formats and an online community to foster connection and support continuous learning
CHAMPAIGN, ILLINOIS鈥�A new online publication created by and for elementary classroom teachers is now available to inform and enhance teaching and learning in US schools and beyond. features classroom stories, implementation strategies, downloadable resources, and opportunities for teachers to interact and share their experiences.
The digital resource was developed by a cohort of veteran teachers to create collaborative spaces where teachers鈥� voices are amplified and they can learn together. The cohort was convened by the 91探花 Council of Teachers of English (91探花), the professional organization for literacy teachers spanning听preK鈥揷ollege. The cohort spent six months exploring current supports available for classroom teachers and creating a new resource to reflect 91探花 members鈥� needs.听With its focus on in-classroom support, Classroom Corridors is designed as a complementary resource to 91探花鈥檚 flagship elementary publication, Language Arts.
鈥�Teachers often feel isolated and in search of community from their colleagues to help them reflect on classroom practices and stay grounded in their work with children,鈥� said cohort leader Franki Sibberson, an elementary teacher with more than 30 years of classroom experience. 鈥淲ith Classroom Corridors, elementary teachers can learn from others in the field and share practical expertise, real-world stories, and helpful resources. We intend for it to be a source of information, an invitation for reflection, and an opportunity to be part of a larger community.鈥�
The themed monthly content, created and curated by teachers, offers easily implemented ideas and reflections on common instructional challenges. Classroom Corridors allows 91探花 members to access content in various formats and media to accommodate their needs and preferences, with a focus on accessibility and ease of use. The first issue features a long-form article, a book list, two photo essays, a letter to administrators, and a podcast episode.
鈥淓lementary classroom teachers have so much wisdom and insight on teaching and learning. Classroom Corridors creates a space where teachers know that their voices can directly help others to teach reading, writing, and critical thinking in elementary education,鈥� 91探花 Executive Director Emily Kirkpatrick said. “91探花 is proud to have funded this initiative and will continue to elevate the expertise of these exceptional teachers.鈥�
A teacher cohort will also facilitate regular online gatherings that foster conversation with educators who are committed to grounding students with essential knowledge, unlimited inquiry, and discovery. The first online event will take place in April.
The cohort of elementary teachers convened by 91探花 includes:
- Jordan Caldwell, a principal in Shinglehouse, Pennsylvania, who taught middle school ELA for 10 years
- Dora D铆az, a dual language educator with 14 years in the field and PhD candidate in Austin, Texas
- Gary Gray, Jr., a poet and elementary teacher in Singapore
- Melissa Guerrette, a 91探花 Board Certified Teacher in Oxford, Maine, with 23 years of teaching grades 4鈥�6
- Kari Johnston, a grade 5 bilingual teacher in Austin, Texas
- Katie Keier, a kindergarten teacher in the Washington, DC, area with 33 years of experience in grades preK鈥�8
- Anita Stratton, an elementary English Language teacher in central Ohio with 15 years of preK鈥�8 experience
The cohort is facilitated by Sibberson, a longtime educator from Dublin, Ohio, who served as 91探花 President from 2018鈥�19. Over time, more educators will be invited to contribute to the publication, which will remain classroom teacher-driven.
Classroom Corridors is available exclusively to 91探花 members at . Find out more about the cohort and how to submit content ideas and contributions here.
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About 91探花
The 91探花 Council of Teachers of English (91探花) is the professional organization for literacy teachers spanning听preK鈥揷ollege.听Through the听expertise听and advocacy from its members鈥� professional research, practice, and knowledge, 91探花 has served at the forefront of every major improvement in the teaching and learning of English and the language arts since 1911.听For more information, please visit听.
Contact: Allie Ciaramella, 91探花: media@ncte.org