In the Fall of 2014, LCCS launched a program called Touchstones, an innovative program with a simple premise: Students sit in a circle and discuss a famous piece of writing that addresses a complex ethical theme or issue. Out of thousands of Touchstones teachers nationwide, Shanelle Muse, who facilitates the program in 5th grade, will be honored Dec. 12 as the Cynthia M. Barry Touchstones Teacher of the Year for 2015.
“Shanelle was a wonderful choice for this award not only because she uses Touchstones with her students, but also because she applies the program in her work in social justice and counseling and is an exemplar of the inclusive leadership that Touchstones strives to foster in all teachers and their students.”
-Howard Zeiderman, Cynthia M. Barry Touchstones Teacher of the Year Selection Committee and Touchstones Co-founder & President.
Teachers facilitate the discussion of Touchstones issues, but they do not lead, allowing students to guide the discourse. Previous sessions have tackled the classic French text, Democracy in Action by Alexis de Tocqueville.
“Touchstones is the type of program that subtly moves mountains in our classroom. Implementing it has allowed the students, I as well, to openly bring our race, religion, moral compasses, socioeconomic status, gender, family values and personal experiences, unapologetically into our classroom.
To have genuinely open discourse about topics such as revenge, being judgmental, sacrifice, forgiveness and friendship builds their cognitive thinking, socio-behavioral skills and self confidence. My students have become meaningfully connected as they learn to be active agents in their own education, seek and appreciate diverse perspectives, and share power and responsibility."
- Shanelle Muse