So Each May Soar with Carol Ann Tomlinson

Carol Ann Tomlinson is one of the most admired, accomplished, and influential authors and leaders in education. Today, we’re honored to have her on The Authority!

Carol is the William Clay Parrish, Jr. Professor Emeritus at the University of Virginia’s School of Education and Human Development; author or co-author of over 300 books, book chapters, articles, and other educational materials for K-12 teachers and school leaders; and has won numerous awards and been named to Education Week’s Edu-Scholar Public Presence rankings many times. 

So Each May Soar: The Principles and Practices of Learner-Centered Classrooms is available from ASCD. 

Carol and Ross discuss:
  • George R.R. Martin’s two types of writers, the architect and the gardener. How the journey of writing this book was something different.
  • A “dues-paying member” of innovation in education.
  • A learner-centered classroom dignifies students and honors each learner. What else does it look like? 
  • "Learner-centered classrooms rely on teachers who are willing to change and grow, and on school leaders who are willing to intelligently support them.”
  • What does quality mean and what does it ask of teachers?
  • How teachers can honor themselves. 
  • So each may soar beyond K-12. What are our ambitions for students?
  • Carol’s book recommendations: An Ethic of Excellence and Leaders of Their Own Learning by Ron Berger
Learn more about the book and get it from ASCD: https://bit.ly/45TeBDM 

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About today’s guest
Carol Ann Tomlinson is William Clay Parrish, Jr. Professor Emeritus at the University of Virginia’s School of Education and Human Development where she served as Chair of Educational Leadership, Foundations, and Policy, and Co-Director of the University’s Institutes on Academic Diversity.  Prior to joining the faculty at UVa, she was a teacher in public schools for 21 years, where she taught students in high school, preschool, and middle school, and administered district programs for struggling and advanced learners. She was Virginia’s Teacher of the Year in 1974.

At the University of Virginia, she taught and advised doctoral, masters, and undergraduate students with a focus on curriculum, instruction, and differentiation. During her time at UVa, she authored or co-authored over 300 books, book chapters, articles, and other educational materials for K-12 teachers and school leaders including: How to Differentiate Instruction in Academically Diverse Classrooms (3rd Ed.), The Differentiated Classroom: Responding to the Needs of All Learners (2nd Ed), So Each May Soar: The Principles & Practices of Learner-Centered Classrooms, and Everybody’s Classroom: Differentiating for the Shared and Unique Needs of Diverse Learners Her books are available in 14 languages.

Carol was named Outstanding Professor at UVa’s School of Education in 2004 and received an All-University Teaching Award in 2008.  In 2023, she was ranked #12 in the Education Week Edu-Scholar Public Presence Rankings of the 200 “University-based academics who are contributing most substantially to public debates about schools and schooling,” and as the #4 voice in Curriculum. She works throughout the United States and internationally with educators who seek to create classrooms that are effective in reaching diverse student populations.

Carol is also serious dog-lover and these days enjoys (most of the time) the antics of Bella, Beau, and Banjo. Follow her on Twitter @cat3y

About the host
Ross Romano is a co-founder of the Be Podcast Network and CEO of September Strategies, a consulting firm that helps organizations and high-performing leaders in the K-12 education industry communicate their vision and make strategic decisions that lead to long-term success. Connect on Twitter @RossBRomano or LinkedIn


Creators and Guests

Ross Romano
Host
Ross Romano
Co-founder of Be Podcast Network and CEO of September Strategies. Strategist, consultant, and performance coach.
Carol Ann Tomlinson
Guest
Carol Ann Tomlinson
Best-selling, award-winning ASCD author on differentiated instruction. Author or co-author of over 300 books, book chapters, articles, and other educational materials for K-12 teachers and school leaders
So Each May Soar with Carol Ann Tomlinson