I have spent my teaching career working with middle school students and have seen first-hand the strengths and capabilities of 11-14 year olds. When presented with an opportunity to study a topic in depth and connect it to their world, their potential for learning is limitless. This age group is capable of so much; therefore, we must have the highest expectations of them. We need to focus on time spent both in and out of school.

Tauber kicks off campaign Sept. Under threatening skies, over 150 enthusiastic supporters streamed into Dana Park in Cambridgeport on Sunday, September 9, to cheer as Nancy Tauber, a new school committee candidate, launched her campaign.

We need to make sure that the school budget is focused directly on improving teaching and learning. We need to spend money where it will have an impact on teachers and assistant teachers who work directly with students. What programs and personnel are making the most difference? Gathering data and developing plans for students is essential, but so is judging the results.

Where I earned a Masters of Arts in Teaching. I spent 12 years teaching middle school Social Studies in the Newton Public Schools. Throughout my teaching career, I was very involved with curriculum development. Over the years, I developed many courses and units of study. American Women in American History. Colonial History and The Crucible.