Teaching Educators to Develop Students’ Soft Skills
YouthForce NOLA is happy to announce the 26 members of the 2022-2023 Soft Skills Educator Cooperative (SSCoop), a peer-fueled teaching and learning collaborative that assists educators as they help young people develop the soft skills necessary to succeed in all facets of life.
Through the cooperative, New Orleans public school teachers have the opportunity to strengthen their understanding of soft skills and implementation strategies; share and receive teacher resources related to soft skills; and help their students take their soft skills to the next level.
Soft skills are the transferable skills and habits, such as planning, problem solving and communication, that lead to success in any setting. These skills help students succeed in high school and in life after they graduate, making them better prepared for higher education and for the world of work. Soft-skill-building practices are not a one-size-fits-all. The YouthForce Learning Design team works with educators to find innovative ways to incorporate the soft skill concepts into the classroom.
During the 2022-2023 academic year, each SSCoop member will contribute their ideas, feedback, and materials toward the improvement of soft skill practices. Members meet monthly and set aside 60 minutes of planning per week to incorporate soft skill practices into their instruction plans. The cooperative culminates with the annual Soft Skills Showcase in May 2023.
“Every year, teachers from across subjects incorporate soft skills into what they do so that students have the language to talk about the skills they have learned,” said Program Manager Rahmel Fuller. “SSCoop provides opportunities for educators at different schools and networks to share ideas, challenges, and solutions that help New Orleans public school students bridge the gap from the classroom to the world.”
The 2022-2033 SSCoop members are:
Wyanda Azeez, New Orleans Charter Science & Math High
Andra Boll, The Net: Gentilly
Zuzana Bracok, The Net: Gentilly
Hosanna Burr, John F. Kennedy High
Amber Celestine, Livingston Collegiate Academy
Lauren Chachere, Warren Easton High
Alaina Comeaux, Living School
Nia Decoux, New Harmony High
Jeremica Edwards, Warren Easton High
Dr. Nicole Ford, Warren Easton High
Liz Gore, The Net: East
Jarrod Hale, New Orleans Military and Maritime Academy
Ross Harmon, Living School
Charmaine Harris, The Net: Gentilly
Loreal Ivory, Next Level NOLA
Annalee Jackson, Livingston Collegiate Academy
Jarrett Jones, Edna Karr High
Elishia McAllister, The Net: Central City
Elizabeth Morgan, Warren Easton High
Chanttell Patin, Edna Karr High
Jesse Quick, New Orleans Military and Maritime Academy
Corice Saunders, New Harmony High
Andrea Spreter, Warren Easton High
Gregory Williams, New Orleans Charter Science & Math High
Lawrielle Wilson, Edna Karr High
Shante Wise, New Orleans Charter Science & Math High