2021 Endorsed Teachers

Featured below are teachers who have completed the Endorsement process and were awarded Tools Endorsed Teacher Status this summer:

Diana Cartmill, New Jersey
Years Teaching Tools:  6 years

1. What is your favorite thing about teaching Tools of the Mind?
   • I love how the Play Plans show the children’s progression throughout the year. It’s almost like an old fashion flip book, you can see the differences with each page. It is amazing to see how the children progress through all the stages of writing.
2. What makes a Tools of the Mind classroom different?
   • Tools of the Mind teaches children how to work together, through Buddy Reading, Turn and Talk, partnering during math games, and make-believe play. Most programs have a teacher-directed approach to everything including play. Tools wants the children to investigate and share with their peers. This gives them a sense of independence and confidence that will help them in later years. Tools also allows for mistakes. When playing partner games in math, the student is taught to say, “You have one too many cubes. Try again.” or “Good job.” It is positive critical feedback, not negative criticism they receive from their peer; you made a mistake, but you can try again.
3. What would you say to a teacher or a program considering implementing Tools of the Mind?
   • You will LOVE this program! I can’t believe the progress my children make every year in my classroom. Socially, emotionally and academically, my students just amaze me!

Angel Peters, Colorado
Years Teaching Tools:  4 years

1. What impact has Tools had on the children in your classroom and/or program?
   • I think that Tools has had a tremendous positive impact on my classrooms. The students develop so much independence and self-control. The themes provide real-life scenarios that the students can play while using vocabulary and language.
2. What makes a Tools of the Mind classroom different?
   • I love that Tools allows the students so much independence.
3. What would you say to a teacher or a program considering implementing Tools of the Mind?
   • I think that when you “buy in” to the program you will truly see amazing things come out of it.

Mariana Sabatte Doyle, Colorado
Years Teaching Tools:  5 years

1. What makes a Tools of the Mind classroom different?
   • The discovery and “aha” moments the students go through and how their play, language and interactions improve as the year goes by. It is beautiful!
2. What do teachers learn in Tools of the Mind professional development?
   • The trainings offered by the Tools of the Mind team have been so supportive in the exact moment the teacher needs the support. It helps you to constantly move and learn with the children’s discoveries.
3. What would you say to a teacher or a program considering implementing Tools of the Mind?
   • The first year is the hardest, like with any new curriculum, but trust yourself and the knowledge to take you through the year. Every training will place you further in your learning and discovery, it is completely worth it!

Susan Chiarello, NJ
Years Teaching Tools:  7 years

1. What is your favorite thing about teaching Tools of the Mind?
   • My favorite part of teaching Tools of the Mind is the individualization and personalization that the curriculum allows. Scaffolded Writing provides time for me to differentiate writing skills for my diverse group of three- and four-year-old learners. My students look forward to small group time where they have time to do fun activities with their peers and a teacher. I love being able to tailor the dramatic play areas to the interests of my students. The individualization and personalization is so important for the development of preschool students!
2. What impact has Tools had on the children in your classroom and/or program?
   • I like that Tools of the Mind has brought routine and structure to my classroom. I think that having a predictable routine with repeated elements and activities allows for my students to grow and develop their self-regulation skills. Students who can self-regulate are able to engage in much more meaningful learning experiences.
3. What would you say to a teacher or a program considering implementing Tools of the Mind?
   • One of my favorite quotes is from Albert Einstein. He said, “play is the highest form of research.” If you, too, believe in the importance of learning through play and the development of social skills and self-regulation, you should look into bringing Tools of the Mind to your district.