For those of us in the field of education, some would argue that there are fewer and fewer reasons to be grateful during this holiday season. Indeed, education budgets and resources have been slashed, and teachers are often asked to do more in their classrooms with less. The challenges are greater, and teachers are stretched thin. As of late, these are the very challenges that have been the focus of my gratitude.
Over the last several months, I have traveled to first grade classrooms supporting the implementation of the IFL TeacherMate System. My purpose is three-fold: support teachers one-on-one in the implementation of the TeacherMate System, address and support the quality of instruction in the literacy block to ensure that best practices are being used and that differentiated instruction is at the core, and, lastly, to define the model of support that is most successful for educators as we at IFL seek to replicate our successes elsewhere. I am grateful to be part of this initiative, and the teachers I have met continue to inspire me every day.
It is my belief that teachers are at the core of the students' learning experience. First grade teachers, in particular, are carefully growing independent thinkers, nurturing early literacy skills, and laying the foundations for lifelong learning. They also teach kids how to tie their shoes, zip their coats, take responsibility for actions and assignments, and understand what it means to be a good friend. It is in these challenging environments that I encounter moments of joy each day.
The teachers with whom I've been fortunate to work are dedicated, tenacious, and kind. Every day, these folks juggle the constant demands of assessment and the diversity of many learning levels in one classroom with grace and poise. They find resources (or make them!), adapt curriculums, adjust instruction, and differentiate instruction. They encourage students to participate in learning and to act independently. Those who do it best have established classroom routines that focus on student responsibility.
Differentiated Instruction is the buzzword of late and, although its importance is widely supported, it has almost become cliché. When it comes to differentiation, it is in the first grade classroom where the rubber meets the road. Educators differentiate everything! Dedicated teachers not only differentiate literacy and math instruction (with flexible grouping and standards-based instruction, of course), but they also differentiate behavior modification techniques and strategies. They differentiate the complexity of their language and differentiate their expectations for each student. There is no doubt that we ask a lot of our educators: treat each student individually and make sure all achieve.
Every day, educators across the country are rising to that challenge. And to those educators, I am grateful. I'm grateful for the teachers who treat students individually, with kindness and support, and who help students grow more independent each day. I'm grateful for the teachers who invite me into their classrooms, where I, too, never stop learning. I'm grateful for the opportunity to help teachers differentiate through technology using the TeacherMates. But, mostly, I'm grateful for educators who show students everyday that they are important, worthwhile, and bright! These teachers shine in a sea of challenges that is the modern educational experience.
Thank you, Teachers, for all that you do!
Apple Inc. is one of the most admired companies on the planet. Count me as one of its top admirers. What I admire most is the way Apple considers holistically the entire experience of owning and using a computer. Apple has painstakingly thought through the buying experience, the training experience, the support experience, the maintenance experience, and the user experience. By providing the hardware and the software, the services and the support, Apple can provide the consumer with a total experience that far surpasses the competition. 
From time to time, a reporter, prospective funder, or administrator will come to one of our classrooms for a site visit. Most often, the first questions will be addressed to the teacher, but, after awhile, the interviewer will turn to the students. Invariably, the first question to the students is "what do you like about TeacherMate?" Expecting the answer to be "it's fun!" the interviewer is always surprised when the response is either "it helps me learn to read" or "it helps me with math." 
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