EduCurious Interview with Katherine Lamar: Curriculum Expert & Researcher

Katherine Lamar, a dedicated curriculum specialist at Warner University, impacts the educational world through her passion for designing meaningful learning experiences. Lamar views curriculum as the guiding "constellation of stars" that leads students on a purposeful journey, equipping them with essential knowledge and skills rather than letting them wander aimlessly. She champions a "backwards design" approach, emphasizing that assessment should inform instruction, serving as a valuable decision-making tool for both educators and students.Lamar's expertise stems from her deep love for social studies and her specialized work at William & Mary's Center for Gifted Education, where she honed her skills in crafting qualitatively different curriculum that sparks critical thinking. She sees curriculum writing as a creative endeavor, often developing lessons purely out of inspiration, aiming to help students "see deeper" into the layered beauty of the world. Her current work on a Library of Congress grant project exemplifies this, as she unearths primary sources to create engaging social studies booklets for elementary students, testing and refining them directly in classrooms to ensure optimal impact.For fellow educators, Lamar stresses the importance of collaboration and harnessing individual teacher passions when selecting and implementing curriculum. She advises prioritizing what truly excites educators, reminding them that they, not textbooks, should drive the learning process. She also highlights practical elements like clear standards, effective questions, and the valuable role of resources like Scholastic magazines and platforms that adapt reading levels.Beyond the technical aspects, Lamar's core philosophy centers on empowering students to "be the hero" and develop profound critical thinking. She believes in teaching students to see the nuance and beauty in complex situations, cultivating meaning and hope in a world that often overlooks it. Lamar's impactful work continues illuminating possibilities for teachers and learners, guiding them toward a richer, more engaged educational experience.Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@Edu.Curious.Podcasts?sub_confirmation=1About EduCuriousEduCurious is an evolving platform dedicated to showcasing the incredible work of exceptional educators and delving into the complex issues facing education today. Through engaging podcasts and insightful interviews, EduCurious provides a space for educators to share their experiences, insights, and innovative approaches to teaching and learning.EduCurious explores a wide range of topics, from cutting-edge technology in the classroom to the latest research in teacher training and professional development. EduCurious is committed to fostering collaborative PD by connecting and empowering educators and facilitating meaningful conversations about the challenges and opportunities in education. By highlighting the voices and expertise of educators, we can inspire positive change and empower teachers to create impactful learning experiences for their students.Whether you’re a teacher, a parent, or just EduCurious, join the community as we explore various educational topics and learn from each other. Be SocialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Edu.Curious.Podcasts Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EduCuriousPod Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/49IJd6WG083nXhZeQWt2hk?si=300fba40fb83456c Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/educurious-pods/id1798666772 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edu.curious.podcasts/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@educuriouspods Pinterest: https://pin.it/1DHATDxqQ