RENÉ M. LAFAYETTE
SKILLS
Respect is a two-way street, it is essential to a well-run classroom and the basis for a civilized society. René Lafayette believes in setting high expectations for all learners. Public education is the incubator of democracy; lessons learned there - not limited to coursework, are applicable beyond the classroom, indeed beyond the school campus to everyday life.
GUEST SPEAKERS
Enriching and complimenting the curriculum, guest speakers including Members of Congress, state legislators, the Commissioner of Education, local officials, veterans and community leaders have been invited to share their expertise with his students.
These events are carefully coordinated and incorporate ELA across the curriculum as well as practical lessons in civility and higher level social skills. Inter-department cooperation has included video technology students as well as departmental colleagues.
COMMUNITY
Mr. Lafayette embraces the concept of every classroom being part of the school community, not operating in a vacuum. Leading by example he has participated in school events including judging talent shows and attending cultural performances.
He has served as the school registrar for the Selective Service System and conducted voter registration drives in conjunction with the Northbridge Town Clerk's office.
ACTIVE LEARNING
From differentiated instruction to accessments; student led activities to traditional lecture format the focus is always on the students.
He has successfully employed technology including Moodle™Course Management System to offer a parallel virtual learning environment for non-traditional learners including the creation of podcasts.
In a BYOD (bring your own device) environment the interest and learning styles of students is positively channeled to the subject.
Testimonial
"Mr. Lafayette immediately made a significant impact on the faculty, students and community of Northbridge since he was hired in 2007...The History program at NHS gained local and state attention while he was here. He was a tireless promoter of Democracy, the U.S. Constitution, Veterans and governmental structure. Additionally, he engaged his students in the teaching process, promoted voter registration and engaged the community in his lessons. His knowledge of Historical pedagogy was unmatched but was easily articulated to his students. He promoted the students and the program at every possible opportunity and it had paid wonderful dividends for the pupils."
Michael P. Gauthier, Principal
Northbridge High School