Laverne Mickens

Mickens’ innovative teaching idea, “Motivation Through Movement,” is focused on integrating dance and drama into the school’s daily curriculum, as well as in separate classes, dedicated to this field, and after school clubs.  She believes participation in the arts, including activities that involve movement, motion, acting and poetry, often increases students’ attendance, test scores, attitude and behavior. While educators do not often incorporate tactual and kinesthetic experiences into the school day, she thinks they are critical to helping students learn, especially at a young age. Mickens believes that children learn immensely from touching, feeling, moving and experiencing, thus increase motivation and academic achievement in students.