Christine Ingmanson

By engaging in work inspired by Elizabeth Cohen, students worked to establish and internalize norms, follow protocol, take on various group roles and create awareness of their own participation. I found that when you take the time to establish this type of classroom community you will feel confident about stepping back as your role as the central figure in the classroom because students will have the tools to solve their own problems, communicate with their peers and self-advocate for themselves. Until all students, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, social or academic class have opportunities to be heard and feel valued we will be unable to close the academic achievement gap in our classrooms.