A Traveling Teacher: Helping Kids Learn Everywhere

A Traveling Teacher: Helping Kids Learn Everywhere Meet Peter Panopolous, this week's Big Leader feature! After 12 years of classroom teaching, Peter pursued his next dream—teaching online to support kids who needed alternative learning options. In this episode, we explore his strategies and compassionate approach as he created ATravelingTeacher.com. His platform helps students, whether they're ill or facing challenges that keep them out of traditional classrooms, find comfort and confidence in an online learning environment.

Picture Book Recommendations:

a. School Is Wherever I Am

Author & Illustrator: Ellie Peterson

From Ellie Peterson, the author-illustrator of How to Hug A Pufferfish comes a timely new picture book about learning, exploration, and the ever-expanding definition of school.

Is school only one place?

Are there other classrooms?

Different teachers?

New Lessons?

In this charming, thoughtful picture book, author-illustrator Ellie Peterson explores learning, adventure, and the thousands of the things you can discover outside of a classroom―about the world, about your family, about yourself. Because school is truly wherever you are.

b. Because You Are My Teacher

Author: Sherry North Illustrator: Marcellus Hall

One devoted teacher will stop at nothing to show her class the wonders of the world. From soaring over the Great Wall of China to hang gliding in the Australian Outback, the class has all kinds of adventures, across all seven continents.

Because You Are My Teacher, is an exciting introduction to geography and makes a touching gift for any teacher who has broadened your child's horizons. The book includes a note about the seven continents and each of the places or creatures mentioned in the book.

Cool Q's For Discussion:

1. What stood out to you about Peter's approach to helping students adjust to online learning?

2. How do you think online education can benefit students who face challenges in traditional classrooms?

3. Have you ever had to step out of your comfort zone like Peter did when he changed careers? How did it feel?

4. How can you help someone who may need to attend online school temporarily?

5. What is your main takeaway from today's episode with Peter?

Have a great week!

Keep Reading and Keep Leading,

Tina