A “Kiva” Fireside Chat with the Creator of Albuquerque’s (Public) Family School

Multiple Presenter Session: Alternative Session

Abstract

This session offers a unique opportunity for AESA members to meet Dr. Gael and Dr. Thomas Keyes, long-time educators in Albuquerque, New Mexico. From a struggling self-doubting student to a creative critical thinker, teacher Gael Keyes produced a model of Family School that she started in the basement of a local public elementary school. It became so successful that the district eventually expanded it city-wide and consolidated it into today’s two brick-and-mortar buildings. As a teacher educator, Dr. Thomas Keys followed the development of the curriculum and instructional strategies under Gael’s leadership at Family School. Theirs is a tale of possibility due to a teacher’s personal agency and a district’s flexibility, within American public education.

Sub Track

• AESA

Presenters

• Tania Ramalho, SUNY Oswego

• Gael Keyes, Independent Scholar

• Thomas Keyes, University of New Mexico