Inspired Teaching Demonstration Public Charter School

Why Inspired Teaching Demonstration Public Charter School was nominated

ITDS is a top-tier public charter school in the nation's capital that is in its 10th year. The school is based on a model that prioritizes student inquiry and a deep respect for the student experience. The Inspired model is based on Intellect, Inquiry, Imagination and Integrity (the "4 Is"). Instruction is primarily through inquiry-based methods and active learning approaches, where the teacher serves as facilitator and coach to support student learning. Instruction includes an emphasis on social-emotional learning, and classrooms are student-centered with students working in small collaborative groups, individually, and through child-initiated play. This model, which was developed with concepts from improv, is a K-8 school that truly has a sense of student ownership and responsiveness. The twice yearly learning showcase hosted by the school gives students a chance to walk parents and community members through their own independent projects developed throughout the year. ITDS has its own teacher residency program and as such serves as an embedded professional learning community that utilizes master teachers to mentor new teachers in Inspired teaching. Not only are residents some of the strongest teachers for years at ITDS but residents are also able to bring their unique training in inquiry-based education to other public schools in DC and beyond., At the Inspired Teaching Demonstration Public Charter School, a professional learning community of master teachers and teacher residents ensures that a diverse group of students achieve their potential as accomplished learners, thoughtful citizens, and imaginative and inquisitive problem solvers through a demanding, inquiry-based curriculum. The standards-based curriculum and student goals are centered on the 4 I’s: Intellect Inquiry Imagination Integrity Inspired Teaching is an active member of Diverse Charter Schools Coalition.