Join our host Dr. Wendy Amato and special guest, Katie Powell from the Association for Middle Level Education (AMLE), as they explore the unique landscape of middle school. Both former middle grade educators, Katie and Wendy share valuable insights on the nuances of teaching in the middle levels and discuss how AMLE is undertaking initiatives to support and empower middle school teachers to make a lasting impact in these pivotal years of student development.
Our Guest
Katie Powell is the Director for Middle Level Programs for the Association for Middle Level Education, a nonprofit membership organization supporting middle school educators worldwide. Katie started teaching in 2005 and since then has served in a variety of education roles including a special education teacher, instructional coach, and Title 1 teacher and is passionate about bringing fun and engagement back into teaching. Katie is also the author of Boredom Busters, a dynamic playbook of engaging teaching strategies.
Our Host
Dr. Wendy Amato is the Chief Academic Officer at Teaching Channel’s parent company, K12 Coalition. Wendy earned her Master’s in Education and Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Virginia. She holds an MBA from James Madison University. Wendy began teaching in 1991, has served as a Middle School Administrator, and still teaches at UVA’s School of Education. She has delivered teacher professional development workshops and student leadership workshops in the US and internationally. Wendy and her family live near Charlottesville, Virginia.
Resources for Continued Learning
During this conversation, Wendy and Katie talk about the characteristics of a successful middle school. Download AMLE’s Successful Middle School Summary to see how your school stacks up and identify places for potential improvement!
If you’re a middle grade educator ready to “find your people” and better support your students, join the Association for Middle Level Education! Becoming a member of AMLE means joining thousands of fellow middle school educators in a collective movement to elevate the middle school profession and achieve excellence in our schools and our careers.
Check out AMLE’s Successful Middle School Assessment and learn how you can use this data-driven tool to help middle school educators create meaningful improvement.