Teacher Spotlight: Annie Ransom

Annie Ransom is a visionary educator and the driving force behind the Science and ELD programs in the Rio School District, a district recently honored with the prestigious 2024 US Department of Education Green Ribbon Sustainable District Award. Since 2006, Annie has been on a mission to inspire students and educators alike, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and compassion. Her passion for science education is not just about imparting knowledge but about igniting curiosity and a lifelong love for learning.

In 2020, Annie's dedication and excellence were recognized with the Fulbright Distinguished Teacher Award, allowing her and her family to embark on an enlightening journey to Finland to study its world-renowned education system. This transformative experience deepened her commitment to creating globally-minded, forward-thinking educational environments. At home in Oxnard, Annie is the proud mother of two adventurous children and the devoted owner of two mischievously lovable dogs. Annie Ransom’s story is a testament to the power of education to change lives and build a better future, one inspired student at a time.

Continuing our Educator Spotlight Series, Citizen Schools recently connected with Annie to gain insight into her approach and perspective on experiential learning, and what educators need to do this well. We are excited to share her insights here and invite you to engage in the comments section below.

Why is it important to engage students in experiential learning?

By engaging students in experiential learning, educators can create dynamic, interactive learning environments that foster curiosity, critical thinking, and a deeper understanding of the subject matter. Instead of passively receiving information, students actively participate in activities that they care about and feel connected to, resulting in the construction of understanding from the student's perspective. Experiential learning better prepares students to be positive and informed citizens in a dynamic and challenging world. 

How can classroom educators best be supported to foster hands-on learning experiences in the classroom?

Most educators have never participated in experiential learning as students and have a difficult time understanding what it can look and feel like. The planning and preparation for this type of teaching can feel daunting and mysterious. One way to best support educators is to provide time and space for them to learn in experiential projects and dig into the planning process with an experienced coach. Once they are ready to try, co-planning and debriefing with a thinking partner can be incredibly helpful. 

How does Citizen Schools align with your own teaching practice or education philosophy? 

Overall, Citizen Schools' approach to education aligns with principles of student-centered learning, community engagement, and equity that are essential components of effective teaching and education philosophy. Citizen Schools incorporates project-based learning (PBL) into its programs, where students work on extended projects that require critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration. Additionally, this work is done in partnership with local professionals and resources in our own community, providing opportunities for mentorship, networking, and exposure to diverse career paths. This helps our students extend their education beyond the classroom and connect to the broader Oxnard Community.