The version I tell my new kids at the start of every year:

Hi, my name is Emily, I am a Gryffindor and I love Star Wars and things that are stripy. I also love checking my mailbox, singing, and people that ‘have a go’.

The boring version for adults:

My name is Emily Fintelman and I regret creating a blog under my last name since students call me Emily. I’m currently a grade 4/5/6 teacher at Spensley Street Primary School in inner Melbourne, Australia. I’m also an Innovation Coach at my school, working with teachers in my dream job to evolve our constructionist, inquiry-based approach to learning, especially through STEAM.

I love exploring the ways we can practically re-think education to ensure powerful, relevant and long-lasting learning for students. I am especially passionate about using digital technologies to enhance learning and to create opportunities for students to connect and make an impact locally and globally. I’m a sucker for literacy (especially picture story books and teaching writing) and I’m constantly working on being a better inquiry teacher. You can follow me on twitter @mrsfint.

ABOUT THE BLOG

You’ll probably find me writing about my main jams:

• digitech
• literacy
• inquiry learning
• leadership.

This blog has a few purposes.

It is mainly designed to share my ideas about teaching with a wider audience than just Kim in the classroom next door. I was once in a school that encouraged teachers to “shamelessly steal” great ideas from one another. I believe that good teachers stay connected and rely on learning from each other.

The blog is also an opportunity for me to reflect on my practice and articulate my beliefs about education. Even if no one reads it, it will still be beneficial for me. That is, that’s how I’ll console myself if I have no readers.