On a recent visit with the Lansing School District teaching team at Woodcreek Achievement Center AdvancePath Academy, we experienced a power outage. In a world that relies upon an electrified version of nearly every means of communication, can a class actually take place without power? A classroom without electricity reminds us: electricity isn't the big issue in instructional delivery. Our daily goal is to provide an instructional experience that will engage, challenge, and work for students.

Woodcreek's teachers shared some great examples of this philosophy. Here's one of my favorites: During the "lights out," I had the opportunity to visit with Teacher Tom Woodward and his class. His objective was to strengthen critical thinking and writing skills. He integrated topical materials from social studies/civics and directed the students to create journal entries on the role of education in creating a strong community. He led learning activities by bringing their attention to observing and commenting on their experiences in the Woodcreek Achievement Center. After completing the writing experience, class discussion explored the topical points and provided a way for students to objectify how they had struggled with learning and yet, gained academic skills and confidence through their Woodcreek experiences. Then, Tom asked the students to share their opinions in a letter to President Obama. The students were happy to write about their experiences, but were also leery, sharing with their teacher that "This is fun but the President will not respond. He's too busy." Later, to their surprise a letter arrived, signed by President Obama, sharing his appreciation for the successes they are experiencing at Woodcreek Academy, along with his vote of confidence. He even included a picture of the President and First-Dog Bo Obama. Needless to say, the students were excited and pleased! And, in the process, they painlessly developed analytical and writing skills.

The role of the teacher in a blended learning environment can feel like jack-of-all-trades, with many shifts in focus, from adjusting to power outages, one-on-one tutoring to small group experiences, and the inevitable regroup and drill-down while students are mastering key concepts. As teacher, you are your students' facilitator and mentor. This is the challenge and the reward of the blended learning experience. The teaching teams at AdvancePath Academies, like Woodcreek's Tom Woodward, work diligently to keep effective, powerful instruction moving forward.