SCS Award for Excellence in Teaching of the Classics at the K-12 Level
by Society for Classical Studies
Maureen Lamb is a powerful , positive force both within her own classroom and within the field and has demonstrated her ability to continually expand her teaching toolkit while readily sharing her knowledge with others .
In the interests of meeting student needs , she has changed her teaching practices , moving from traditional , grammar-translation methods to more reading-focused materials , and now to methods based on theories of Comprehensible Input and Second Language Acquisition ; as one of her students remarked , Lamb is “ constantly adapting .”
Additionally , her focus on making sure that her classroom is inclusive and that her students “ can find success and a sense of belonging ” is backed by the impressive growth of her Latin programs . Not only has she dramatically increased the number of students in her Latin I classes , but her students succeed , and are active in events from the National Latin Exam to the CANE Writing Contest .
One student praised not only her “ dynamic and engaging ” teaching style but also her integration of different digital resources and the inclusion of different perspectives of people from different backgrounds in their class readings . The student also praised Lamb ’ s ability to create a “ tight-knit classroom community where students felt safe , respected , and able to be themselves authentically .”
Technology is constantly evolving and changing how teachers teach , and Lamb is ever at the forefront of this growing wave .
Lamb ’ s understanding and utilization of technology in the classroom is demonstrated by her position at her current school , The Ethel Walker School in Simsbury , CT , where she is not only a Latin teacher but also the Dean of Technology and Innovation . In this position , she offers professional development and instructional coaching to her colleagues and offers student instruction as well .
Her knowledge and expertise are further underlined by her most recent accolade , the 2022 ACTFL / IALLT Award for Excellence in World Language Instruction Using Technology which recognizes excellence in the integration and use of technology in world language instruction at the K-12 level .
Outside of the classroom , Lamb is an active member of regional and national Classical and World Language organizations . She widely shares her teaching knowledge and expertise at regional and national conferences , and she offers online courses through Idioma Education and Consulting .
The graduate-level courses she offers there provide Latin teachers an opportunity to experience pedagogy courses focused specifically on Latin and the ancient world , regardless of their location . In addition to being a leader in Latin teaching circles , Lamb also shares her expertise on integrating technology within the classroom and on neurodiversity and inclusivity . The latter is demonstrated by her most recent work with the Cambridge University Press blog series on Diversity , Equity , and Inclusion .
As shown by such work , Lamb has not only grown an exceptional set of pedagogical knowledge and tools but joyfully and excitedly shares her resources with other Latin teachers .
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