Making the Wonder Years Wonderful

January 16, 2019

On Tuesday evening, January 16, 2019, the Middle School hosted parents and educators from around the Upper Valley to hear Dr. Nancy Doda, a nationally-recognized expert in middle grades education, speak about the unique needs of middle school students. We had a fabulous turnout and everyone learned so much.

Young adolescence, ages 10-15, is that window in life often called the ‘wonder years’. This unique phase in human development includes enormous physical, intellectual and emotional shifts along with many associated adjustments and challenges. Parents often wonder, “Just what is going on inside in the hearts, bodies and minds of our emerging young teens?”  Dr. Nancy Doda, clarified the promise of these special years.

Drawing on research and practice, she discussed the following:

  • How best to support young adolescents in and out of school;
  • The nature of young adolescent development;
  • The promise and the peril of puberty;
  • The power of this period for identity development and choice;
  • What is known about how this age group learns.

To review the handouts from the presentation, select from below to view or download:

Or, view the YouTube video of the presentation

Dr. Nancy Doda

About Dr. Nancy Doda

Dr. Nancy Doda has worked with middle school educators in all 50 states, Canada, Europe and the Far East and is best known for her devotion to improving schooling for young adolescents.

Dr. Doda began her career as a middle school teacher. While teaching she completed her Masters and Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction/Teacher Education at the University of Florida, Gainesville, and began conducting workshops for educators on middle school theory and practice. She then served as an Associate Professor in the Graduate School of Education at National-Louis University.

Now a Vermont resident, Nancy continues to work to improve the lives and learning of young adolescents.