Teachers like Monika Moorman, a 4th grade teacher at a public school in Florida, use Khan Academy to personalize learning, get actionable insights, and assign our standards-aligned practice content. Moorman is a Khan Academy Ambassador and was named the Teacher of the Year for her school. She has been an educator for more than 20 years, working with learners ranging from first grade to adult education, in both general and gifted settings. She is a recertified National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT) in early and middle childhood literacy. Connect with her on Twitter @MrsMoorman1!
Khan Academy: How long have you been using Khan Academy in your classroom?
Moorman: I have been using Khan Academy for several years. Initially, I used it as an enrichment and monitoring tool for my own sons who have been using it for years. My high schooler benefits from the SAT prep and AP courses Khan Academy has to offer. Personally, I use it for . . . fun! Time permitting, I love to immerse myself in computer science, psychology, or art courses simply for the joy of learning. As an educator, I have been enjoying the benefits of Khan Academy with my students for several years. Creating a class and assigning individualized content for my students enables me to provide them with tools that target their needs, enable them to access quick tutorials, and provide immediate feedback. I appreciate the ability this platform offers to track my students’ progress, which informs my subsequent instructional steps to best address their needs.
Khan Academy: What results have you seen?
Moorman: I love the sense of being in charge of one’s learning that Khan Academy helps develop in my students. Kids are excited to use this platform because of its learner-friendly design. You do not need to dwell on a skill that you have already mastered, and when help is needed, it is right there in a form of a quick and straightforward tutorial. Being in charge of navigating one’s learning path is empowering!
Khan Academy: What is your favorite story or moment regarding the use of Khan Academy?
Moorman: Hearing my students aptly identifying their strengths and challenges based on the platform’s immediate feedback is priceless. I strongly believe that Khan Academy helps me address the “I am not good in math” stigma that many students face. The user-friendly format of the platform with its digestible chunks allows my students to celebrate success as they complete sections within the course. This, consequently, empowers them to believe that they can excel.
Khan Academy: What is it like to be named Teacher of the Year, and what does this honor mean to you?
Moorman: Being selected teacher of the year is an unexpected and humbling experience. It feels great to be acknowledged by my coworkers! For someone like me who is constantly self-reflecting and self-imposing high expectations, receiving such a recognition is a greatly appreciated confirmation that I am doing alright.
Khan Academy: What advice do you have for other teachers?
Moorman: Time is always of value, even in virtual spaces. Keep that in mind when designing activities for your students (less is more!) as much as when you look at your own schedule. Strive to have a balanced work-to-personal life ratio. Don’t chastise yourself for making mistakes. Learn from them and move on. Be patient with yourself, your students, and their families. Remote learning and hybrid environments are new territories for all of us. Show grace and remain flexible.