Fostering Lifelong Learners with Rachel Solis

In this edition of '20 minutes of teaching brilliance on the road with trust-based observations', the host Craig interviews Rachel Solis, a dedicated sixth-grade reading and writing teacher from Trinity School of Midland, Texas, about her teaching journey and methods. Rachel shares her experiences teaching diverse groups of students over her nine-year career, including working with gifted and talented learners, English Language Learners, and public Title I schools before moving to an independent setting. She emphasizes the importance of building authentic connections with students, understanding their cultural backgrounds, and integrating their interests into the curriculum to make learning engaging and meaningful. Rachel discusses her strategies for classroom management, the significance of trust and relationship in teaching, and how her previous career in the medical field and her own educational experiences have shaped her teaching philosophy. The conversation highlights Rachel's commitment to creating an inclusive classroom environment where students are motivated to learn, feel supported, and are encouraged to become lifelong learners through thoughtful, differentiated instruction and high expectations.

00:00 Welcome to Trust-Based Observations with Rachel Solis
02:25 Rachel Solis: A Journey from Medical Field to Middle School Teaching
04:01 Building Relationships and Classroom Management for Effective Learning
09:02 The Power of Student Choice and Engagement in Reading
16:02 Strategies for Differentiation and Adaptive Practice
24:30 Understanding and Supporting Each Student Individually