Jo Ann Jordan, a 3rd Grade teacher at Alma School District (AR), has been named the Open Up Resources Teacher of the Month for February 2024. Jordan is being recognized for her outstanding work in her classroom and ongoing support of teachers across the country as a member of the Open Up Resources National Professional Learning Community.
Jordan’s work with EL Education K–8 Language Arts makes her one of the most innovative teachers in the country. The EL Education K–8 Language Arts curriculum inspires a new way of teaching language arts by engaging students through compelling, real-world content to build equitable and inclusive learning opportunities.
Jami Anne Balkman, a colleague at Alma School District, nominated Jordan for her leadership and dedication to a successful curriculum implementation. Jordan dedicated time to supporting colleagues, caretakers, and students in their first year with EL Education K–5 Language Arts. She has been encouraging in answering questions and addressing challenges in using the resource. Balkman shared, “JoAnn’s work has made implementation not only better at her own campus, but across our district.”
Jordan described her favorite features of the curriculum. She explained, “My favorite thing about using this curriculum is how social and emotional behaviors are built into the lessons. In 3rd grade, our first module is about the importance of books and education. We read stories about children all over the world who don’t have access to books and schools… In class we have deep, meaningful discussions… We talk about words like empathy, compassion, and integrity. We discuss what these words mean, and what it looks like and sounds like to show these behaviors in our own lives.”
Jordan shared the progress she’s seen with student engagement and success in reading and writing. She explained, “The progress I have seen in my student’s reading and their writing skills is amazing! They can do so much more now! From the bottom of my heart, I believe this is what is best for students!” And she offered some advice: “If I could say anything to a teacher considering adopting this curriculum, I would say DO IT! I have never had such deep, meaningful conversations with my students as I have had since we started with EL Education K–8 Language Arts.”
Open Up Resources is a non-profit publisher that partners with districts and schools to bring high-quality curriculum, professional learning, and peer communities to PK-12 classrooms across the US and world. We believe in the power of partnering with educators so they can cultivate equitable classrooms where all students achieve their fullest potential. Learn more at www.openupresources.org.