John Blake

I have been teaching for 28 years at the same school in Mandeville, Louisiana. I taught 1st grade for six years, then 2nd grade for 15 years, and I am now back in 1st grade. I was the director of our summer camp for three years and have worked both before and after school programs. I also worked as the web manager and technology point person for our school.

I run a disciplined classroom, but I also believe that students must be given responsibilities in order to learn how to be responsible. I use a mini-society in my classroom to help build a community of learners. I would much rather use hands-on center activities to teach my students, instead of JUST a textbook. I differentiate instruction for both low and high performing students.

Leonard P. Monteleone Technology Award

Tech4Learning's Innovative Educator Award

Numerous website awards

15 Donors Choose grants awarded

Who's Who Among America's Teachers

Think Ink Essay Contest Winner

PTA Honorary Life Service award

3rd place Lakeshore Learning's Great Ideas contest (My "Writing Center Caddy" is still sold in their catalog today.)

B.S., Elementary Education, Louisiana State University

M.Ed., Education with an emphasis in Educational Technology, Northwestern State University

Ed.S., Educational Leadership and Instruction with a concentration in Educational Technology, Northwestern State University

I have been married 28 years to my wonderful wife, Nancy. We have three awesome kiddos! We also have two very spoiled pups! :)