Bringing Rigorous Curriculum to ALL

Submitted by November essay contest winner, Charissa Lambert

A+ College Ready has changed the manner in which I teach by providing me a blueprint that guides me to reach ALL of my students.  Differentiation and scaffolding are trendy terms in today’s education world, but no program has assisted me in these endeavors as well as the A+ College Ready training and materials.  The curriculum has afforded me the opportunity to reach students “where they are” in order to encourage and support them to strive to meet the high standards of today’s academic and workplace expectations.  I appreciate the notion that students are striving toward different goals, and the rigorous A+ College Ready curriculum and materials prepare students for their reality after they leave my classroom.  The emphasis on writing and close reading in the English Language Arts (ELA) materials develops skills that students will find beneficial whatever course they choose, while most specifically preparing them for the rigor of an AP course.

The students that I have had the privilege of teaching while using this curriculum have been astonished by what they can eventually accomplish!  Their successes were once only dreams, but when their teachers are equipped with best practices, standards-based instruction, and rigorous curriculum, these students are EXCELLING at all levels of achievement.  The first student I had that made a qualifying score on the AP Language and Composition exam came back to school the following school year armed with hugs for me and inspired determination for her future.  I feel as if I am the vehicle to bring the A+ curriculum to Alabama students and that responsibility is an honor for me.  After twelve years of teaching, my only wish is that I had this instructional model in the beginning of my career in order to have impacted more students in a deeper way.

Charrisa Lambert is a high school English teacher at Wellborn High School, and a graduate of the University of Montevallo. She decided to become an educator due to the influence of her teachers while growing up.  Ms. Lambert shares her advice for new teachers. “ Don’t become overwhelmed by trying to be the best at everything at once,” she says. “Figure out what your true gift to the classroom is and start there.  Love kids and the rest will follow. ” To connect with Ms. Lambert, send her a tweet @classoflambo