Posts about Learning Expert Teacher
October 9, 2020
Growing Student Independence: Learning Expert Teacher Mr. Festo
Our school aims to bring together educators who are knowledgeable, driven, and believe that with the right support and encouragement, any child can excel. As part of our teacher profile series, we wanted to feature someone who exemplifies that approach. Mr. Festo is one of our fourth grade Learning Expert Teachers. He leads students through what we call a "bridge year" -- a time focused on growing student independence and building the skills to make connections organically.
Mr. Festo is about to start his third year teaching at BASIS Independent 
Brooklyn. He graduated from the University of Vermont’s elementary education program, and he has taught in classes ranging from Kindergarten to grade 5 in Connecticut, Vermont, and even New Zealand during his time abroad. "I have never come across a school community so dedicated to the success of their students," said Mr. Festo. "Year-round, the BASIS Independent Brooklyn faculty and staff are excited about what they are doing for and with their students. Seeing this attitude and spirit is what made me realize this was where I wanted to teach."
August 21, 2020
Nurturing Student Growth: Learning Expert Teacher Ms. Cameron-Scott
Our Primary School program offers a well-rounded, integrated curriculum that challenges children to make connections across subjects and apply their knowledge. Key to that process are our Learning Expert Teachers (LET), who possess a deep knowledge of effective pedagogical techniques. Throughout the day an LET accompanies their students from classroom to classroom. Core classes are led by Subject Expert Teachers (SET), who possess a deep knowledge of the content being delivered to students. The two-teacher model provides students with consistency and continuity in support and expectations while also modeling flexibility in acquisition of knowledge.
Today we feature one of our second grade Learning Expert Teachers Ms. Cameron-Scott, who is about to start her third year teaching on our campus. Ms. Cameron-Scott hails from a family of educators, and she always knew she was a teacher at heart. She believes in the power of early literacy to assist students in reaching their academic potential and work at an accelerated pace. “If you introduce a child to literacy at an early age, they will make great strides in all academic areas," shared Ms. Cameron-Scott. "For reading is the key to all understanding.”
May 16, 2019
Science Curriculum: Success in Spiraling
Cognitive theorist Jerome Bruner wrote, “We begin with the hypothesis that any subject can be taught in some intellectually honest form to any child at any stage of development” (1960). We believe that even our youngest students at BASIS Independent Brooklyn are capable of engaging with and understanding the most difficult material if it is structured and presented appropriately. BASIS Curriculum Schools ensures major course topics are “spiraled,” or re-addressed at each grade level with increasing complexity.
March 29, 2019
Benefits of the LET/SET Model: Teacher Perspectives
Through the innovative co-teaching design of the BASIS Independent Brooklyn primary classroom—the Learning Expert Teacher/Subject Expert Teacher (LET/SET) model—two teachers work together to serve students’ different needs in each class throughout the school day.
Improving upon the traditional co-teaching model of lead teacher and assistant teacher, the expert knowledge of each individual BASIS Curriculum Schools teacher serves a unique purpose. Both teachers are experienced professionals who possess deep understanding of their respective fields.
December 4, 2017
Day In the Life: Learning Expert Teacher Ms. Weathers
Unlike the traditional self-contained classroom led by one teacher, or one teacher and an aide, BASIS Independent Brooklyn students in grades 1–4 benefit from the expertise of multiple full-time teachers, including our Learning Expert Teachers (LET), who guide students as they move between classrooms throughout the day. Students thus have two full-time, qualified teachers in each class, resulting in a unique, pedagogically-robust classroom environment.
October 20, 2017
The SET/LET Relationship (Explained!)
Imagine that you are back at school sitting in a class you excel in. You might be a little bored because you already read ahead in the textbook, and you 
zone out when the teacher talks. You know this already! Or maybe you’re in a class you don’t like very much because you struggle with the material. Why is the teacher going so fast? You barely understood the last lesson! Now imagine there was a second teacher in that classroom, one who knew your strengths and areas for improvement, who could work with you to make sure you were achieving your potential in the best way for you. That second teacher in the class helping students while the first teacher leads the class creates the SET/LET relationship at BASIS Independent Brooklyn.
May 13, 2016
Celebrating Community: Second Graders Support Brooklyn Senior Games at the Red Hook Recreation Center Torch Relay
We spend a lot of time thinking about the word "community." What does it means for us and our students at BASIS Independent Brooklyn? "Community" is a noun, but it acts like a verb; a community is ever-changing, growing, and shifting. Our school community at BASIS Independent Brooklyn, the community of Red Hook, and the larger New York City community are all in constant motion. This is the city that never sleeps, right?
Helping our students understand community and the importance of joining, creating, belonging, respecting, and growing, is a pretty big idea to wrestle with.
Good thing we've never been afraid of big ideas.
Sharing her thoughts on community, BASIS Independent Brooklyn Head of School, Ms. Hadley Ruggles states, "students often ask about their relationship to the world around them. It is critical that a student feels the comfort that comes with a community and a sense of belonging, while also recognizing what makes us a collective whole and what defines us as individuals. We foster this sense of inquiry by immersing students in their community."
On Monday, May 9, we jumped at the opportunity to connect students with neighboring Red Hook Seniors by attending the Torch Relay at the Red Hook Recreation Center and showing their support for the Brooklyn Senior Games.
May 11, 2016
Meet Our Faculty and Staff: Stella Moon, Early Learning Program Teacher
BASIS Independent Brooklyn offers a warm welcome to seasoned New York City educator, Stella Moon, who joins our founding Early Learning Program faculty!
Stella Moon's life passion is working with early learners; she brings to BASIS Independent Brooklyn over two decades of experience working with children from ages 2 to 5. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology at Hunter College in New York City. She then completed a Master of Science degree in Early Childhood Education at Hunter College (and graduated with a perfect grade point average!). She holds New York State Professional Certification in Birth through 2nd Grade.
May 2, 2016
Meet Our Faculty and Staff: Brian Bissinger, 3rd Grade Learning Expert Teacher
Brian Bissinger is a 3rd grade Learning Expert Teacher originally from Long Island, New York. He received his Bachelor's degree in Childhood Education, grades 1-6, from Long Island University. Prior to BASIS Independent Brooklyn, he taught 2nd grade in Cobble Hill for the 2013-14 and 2014-15 academic school years. From 2012-13, he taught 5th grade math in Harlem and prior to that post, from 2010-12, he taught 6th to 8th grade Special Education in Elwood, New York.
Welcome!
Inspired by the blissful feeling of uncovering connections, our blog Eureka! Brooklyn is about sharing moments that capture the essence of what it is to be a BASIS Independent student, teacher, administrator, or family.