by Elizabeth Bleacher

Well-known teacher, author, and humorist Dr. Debbie Silver will be speaking during the Sunday, April 21 General Session at the International Reading Association’s 58th Annual Convention in San Antonio, Texas. Silver has spent more than 30 years in education as a teacher, staff development instructor, and a university professor. In addition to her time spent in the classroom, the former Louisiana Teacher of the Year has published a number of well-respected books, including the best-selling Drumming to the Beat of Different Marchers: Finding the Rhythm for Differentiated Learning. Her extensive teaching and research experience makes Silver uniquely equipped to address the most pressing issues currently challenging educators.

During the general session, Silver will pay special attention to the role that teachers play in the success of their students. Silver strongly believes that teachers must stay driven and passionate to have a true impact on their students. She highlights both learning theory and tools for communication as evidence of the impact of informed, motivated teachers in the lives of children. On Education Week's “Finding Common Ground” blog Silver suggests, “We need to be supportive but honest with our charges; we should give them effective feedback that avoids labels.” The session will explore Silver’s findings about the fundamental changes that can be made to help children become self-motivated and proactive learners as well as specific strategies that help children develop internal motivation and resiliency.

The findings of Silver’s newest release, Fall Down 7 Times, Get Up 8: Teaching Kids to Succeed, serve as the basis for much of her sessions content. Silver explains that, “The Japanese have a proverb that says, ‘Fall down seven times, get up eight.’ I think that is a wonderful metaphor for what most of us want for our children.” The book provides an in-depth explanation of her motivational theory and provides practical examples of concrete solutions for helping students overcome setbacks. The book’s suggested guidelines put a special emphasis on turning failures into lifelong successes and empowering teachers to motivate their students.

More information about the speaker session can be found at the International Reading Association’s Annual Convention website, and Silver’s website provides more information about her career and available publications.

Reference: 

Silver, D. (2012, February 4). Helping kids learn to succeed [Guest blog post]. Retrieved from http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/finding_common_ground/2012/02/helping_kids_learn_to_succeed.html

Elizabeth Bleacher is the strategic communications intern at the International Reading Association.