Caroline Lambert, Technology Integration Teacher at the Lower School, believes in innovation, engagement and integration within the classroom. Her technology classes focus on making real-life connections that allow her students to become fluent in digital technology. Recently, we had the chance to meet with Mrs. Lambert and ask her a few questions.
Q: Why do you like teaching at The Donoho School? What was your motivation for becoming a teacher?
A: I teach Lower School technology and lead the after school Coding Club for students in grades first through third. I also work with Mrs. Kelley to coach the Lower School Robotics Team. I like teaching at The Donoho School because I have the freedom to actually teach. I am not bound by a curriculum, a “script” written by a textbook, or a preselected set of activities when teaching my students. I simply use these as resources along with real-life connections and hands-on activities to teach the academic standards, which are written by our teachers here at Donoho. With this freedom, I can reach my students in ways a curriculum-bound approach does not.
Q: What is a unique experience, talent, or interest that you bring to your classroom to help shape the learning experience of your students?
A: As a high school student, I had the opportunity to be the Editor of the “End of the Year Video” which recapped the entire school year, covering all grades, activities of all kinds, teacher and student features, academic and athletic successes, and day-to-day spotlights to be shown at the conclusion of the school year. This opportunity instilled a love for technology that continued to grow over the years and lead to what I am doing today. As a high school student, I didn’t realize the amount of coding, editing, and publishing I was doing until now. This experience and the teacher I had as a mentor, Mrs. Kay Caldwell, created a love for technology in me that lead me down the path of pursuing my Master’s Degree in Instructional Technology and continues to guide me in my current role as the Technology Integration Teacher.
Q: What sets Donoho students apart from students in other schools?
A: Relationships set our students apart. Having smaller class sizes helps to build stronger relationships among students, and between teachers and students. Our students are genuinely involved in the successes of their classmates. It is so rewarding to watch our students cheer each other on.
Q: The Donoho School tagline is “Discover the Difference”. How do you accomplish this in your role at Donoho?
A: In my classroom, we “Discover the Difference” by engaging in authentic experiences connected to our academic standards. This may come in the form of a “Mystery Google Hangout” where students use their Geography skills to guess where another class in the country or even world is located via video call. Making a connection so the material “sticks” is my goal. Because of the support we have from families, board members, the community, and our administration and teachers, we can provide these experiences that otherwise might not be available elsewhere.
I want my students to gain a passion for finding solutions. With Technology, there are new problems to solve every day and I would like for my students to approach these problems with confidence and be eager to find a solution. I also want my students to see how technology is used in everyday jobs and how they can see themselves in those roles in their future.
Q: What is the most valuable lesson you have learned since becoming a teacher?
A: The most valuable lesson I have learned is that students come to me with so many different skills and it’s my job to tap into those skills. By doing this, my students feel more connected to what they are learning. I’ve also learned, in some cases, they know more than I do! Because of this, I have learned to let go of some control and let them teach me at times. I like to think of this quote by Rabindranath Tagore, “Don’t limit a child to your own learning, for he was born in another time.”
