Introducing ASU Prep Polytechnic’s Transformational Teacher Leaders

« Back  |  November 6, 2024 - ASU Prep Academy

At ASU Prep Polytechnic, we are excited to unveil our Transformational Teacher Leader (TTL) program, a groundbreaking initiative designed to elevate both teaching and leadership within our school community. This program aims to empower our educators, enabling them to lead beyond their classrooms and drive educational excellence throughout our school.

What is a Transformational Teacher Leader?

Transformational Teacher Leaders embody the mission and core values of ASU Prep. They lead by example, make data and research-based decisions, implement innovative techniques, take risks, and foster collaboration across the entire school community.

“Our transformational teacher leaders are creating an environment where educators not only lead their own classrooms but also extend their leadership across the entire school, fostering a culture of excellence school-wide.”

– Dr. Lori Frazier, Principal at ASU Prep Academy Polytechnic

In their unique roles, TTLs continue to teach while assuming leadership responsibilities, providing an opportunity for those passionate about teaching yet eager for more responsibility to thrive in an advanced career track.

Principal Dr. Lori Frazier emphasizes, “Our transformational teacher leaders are creating an environment where educators not only lead their own classrooms but also extend their leadership across the entire school, fostering a culture of excellence school-wide.”

Meet our Transformational Teacher Leaders

 

Laura Grunewald

Laura Grunewald

With 24 years of teaching experience, Ms. Grunewald has taught grades 3 through 8, with a significant focus on gifted learners. An Ottawa University undergrad and Northern Arizona University Master’s graduate, she is an experienced educator and coach.

Ms. Grunewald’s superpower is connecting people and fostering cohesive relationships toward shared goals. She is eager to collaborate with teachers to enhance student engagement through Project-Based Learning. Laura resonates with Benjamin Franklin’s quote, “Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn,” which encapsulates her passion for Project-Based Learning and the belief that all kids can learn.

 

Dr. Holly Cartwright

Dr. Holly Cartwright

Dr. Holly Cartwright brings a wealth of leadership experience, having worked as a district curriculum specialist, school principal, and team lead. With a Ph.D. in Curriculum & Instruction from Capella University, her research focuses on closing achievement gaps and increasing graduation rates for ninth graders. Dr. Cartwright has implemented Project-Based Learning, standards-based grading, and mastery learning scales to boost student engagement and success.

Excited to be a Transformational Teacher Leader, she aims to cultivate a collaborative and inclusive learning environment. Her extensive experience across all K-12 grades gives her a unique perspective on vertical alignment, and she is committed to helping students and teachers learn and grow together. Dr. Cartwright embraces her right-brained creativity (despite being left-handed) and often thinks outside the box.

Commitment to Educational Excellence

The Transformational Teacher Leader program at ASU Prep Polytechnic marks a significant step in our commitment to educational excellence. With leaders like Dr. Cartwright and Ms. Grunewald at the helm, our school is poised for innovative teaching and enriched learning experiences. We are proud of these educators and their contributions to our school community, and we look forward to the positive impact they will have on our students’ educational journeys.

Summer Tips: Get Kids Out of the House

« Back  |  July 17, 2023 - ASU Preparatory Academy

Learning should be – and can be – fun. Summer is the perfect time to engage young learners in meaningful opportunities to be curious, to explore, and to discover new interests. Check out this list of fun yet educational (and often free) activities to get your kids out of the house and learning this summer.

Try Geocaching: A combination of technology and active outdoor time, “The world’s largest treasure hunt” involves searching for hidden items in a specific geographical area using GPS coordinates on your smart device. Create a free account on www.geocaching.com and download the app. Choose a cache to find based on area and level of difficulty and head out for adventure.

Go on a Scavenger Hunt: Apps like Monkey Spot or Goosechase include scavenger hunts kids can do outdoors or in everyday places like the grocery store, finding assigned objects. You can also search online for free printable scavenger hunts by topic — seasonal, outdoor or color/alphabet-themed. 

Explore Outdoors: Discover history and culture and connect with nature at a state or national park. The National Park Service offers a Junior Ranger program with interactive activities that give kids a chance to earn a badge and certificate. Bonus: Fourth graders can visit America’s National Parks for free with an Every Kid Outdoors pass. 

Roam a Local Garden: Let kids explore exhibits, feed fish, and identify types of flowers. The Japanese Friendship Garden in Phoenix offers free admission 5:00-7:30 p.m. on the first Friday of every month, and The Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix hosts Community Day with free admission on the second Tuesday of the month. Search online to find more beautiful gardens and special deals to explore. 

Tour a Museum or Science Center: Check online for nearby museums of art or history as well as science centers for hours, special activities, and free admission opportunities. Some options near our ASU Prep campuses include Heard Museum, Phoenix Art Museum, Children’s Museum of Phoenix, and Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art. 

Through Museums for All, families presenting their SNAP EBT card can gain free or reduced admission to participating venues, and some banks offer their cardholders free or discounted museum passes. Check out an Act One Culture Pass from a public library to gain free access to Arizona’s arts and cultural treasures. 

Visit a Zoo or Aquarium. Check out animal encounters, tour habitats, learn about endangered species, get involved in conservation efforts, and take advantage of play areas.

Try Something New: Research local kid-oriented classes and workshops like pottery, painting, cooking, bird-watching, coding, or photography. Consider looking into Lowe’s or Home Depot’s building workshops or events held at nearby craft stores. Perhaps a new physical activity like gymnastics, martial arts, indoor rock climbing, dance, or ninja warrior training would be a good fit.

Stop in the Local Library: Local public libraries don’t only offer books for free check-out, but also host story time and hands-on activities like crafts, as well as interactive demonstrations like a magic show or science experiment.

Can’t Get Out of the House? Take your kids on a virtual field trip from the comfort of home to places like the Louvre in France or the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium. Tune in to one of the many educational programs offered on YouTube or keep kids busy with an at-home scavenger hunt. 

No matter where this summer takes you and your family, try to include fun learning opportunities for the kids. When planning outdoor activities, be sure to consider the weather. Wear sun protection, hydrate, and have fun!