Never enough time, not enough money, not enough training --while these may be barriers to some educators, Bridge Creek teachers Annette Dake and Rachell Skeen view them as opportunities.

It is their can-do attitudes and drive to make learning meaningful that made them the perfect choice for the first K20 Supporting K20 Innovative Educators award. The two teachers show how innovative teaching and positive thinking can not only make learning fun, but also life-changing.

Think Big, Think Little

The teachers’ approach their lessons by looking at the big picture, then breaking it into manageable pieces so students can participate in the process.

Dake and Skeen met Governor Henry for Walk Across Oklahoma and Think Safe PSAs

For example, when the national media began reporting childhood obesity as an epidemic, Dake and Skeen brought up the issue at their own school. They asked the students to calculate the body mass index of the student population and compare it to the state average. When the numbers were higher than the state average the teachers challenged the students to come up with a solution. After researching existing fitness programs the students decided to devise their own. They created public service announcements and invited celebrities such Governor Brad Henry, the Oklahoma City Blazers, and even Oprah, to appear on the PSAs. (Although Oprah declined, Governor Henry and Blazers did make appearances.)

Dake then took it a step further and incorporated a public policy lesson into the fitness challenge. The students proposed “The Oklahoma Kid’s Fitness Challenge” which became HB 167 and signed into law in 2005.

The process made a memorable impact on the students. Beyond learning about nutrition and public policy, students realized they can be a part of a change.

“Every voice can be heard," remarked one student. "You don’t have to be big and important to make a difference."  

Making the Connection

BC students gave quilts to USS Oklahoma Pearl Harbor survivors. The students have hand made 400 quilts.

Another approach to Dake and Skeen’s innovative teaching is incorporating required learning objectives into service learning projects.

“You have to teach the pass objectives,” said Dake. “Why not teach them in way that is motivating and memorable.”

When Bridge Creek holds their annual food drive the students do more than collect cans. Dake and Skeen ask the students to calculate the total weight of the donated cans, study the nutritional value of each food item, graph the most donated items using the software program Excel and compare the most needed items listed by the food bank.

Skeen said the project meets several pass objectives that the students are already required to learn. The difference is the kids want to learn and embrace the challenge.

Following the Boy Scout Motto

Dake and Skeen stay prepared by keeping their digital equipment close at hand just in case there is a chance to capture a learning moment.

As shown during the school year when Bridge Creek students were studying emergency preparedness. Dake and Skeen came upon a grass fire and filmed emergency crews putting out the blaze.

Then they used the footage to discuss the difference between rural and urban emergency response and preparedness. The students created emergency preparedness PSA’s and distributed them to other rural schools.

But being prepared also means having an open mind and being flexible in the moment.

Dake interviewing Norwegian residents about their childhood during WW II German Occupation.

While filming an interview with a Scottish survivor, bystanders approached Dake and Skeen and asked if they could tell their stories. At the end the day, Dake and Skeen managed to capture not only one soldier’s experience, but also several detailed stories of how the war impacted families caught in the crossfire.

“Always be prepared, because there will always be an opportunity,” said Skeen.

Baby Steps to World Technology Domination

Whether it is equipment or a software program, the two teachers use technology in all of their service learning projects. It is another way to engage the kids in learning and helps them develop necessary technology skills.

Understanding that not all educators have the same level of technical expertise, or even access to the same technology, Dake and Skeen encourage teachers to take “baby steps.”

“You don’t have to do it all at once," suggests Dake. "Try one day or one week. 

The teachers also suggest not to be afraid to make mistakes--in fact, they encourage failure.

“As much as we do with technology we still click the wrong button. It shows the kids that you aren’t perfect and that everyone can learn,” explained Skeen.

Not ones to miss a learning opportunity, Dake and Skeen can even combine technical errors with a classroom and life lesson.