I am Tia Ford from Ford’s Board. When I was in elementary school, I was blessed with a teacher who noticed and encouraged my need to be creative. She allowed me to create bulletin boards, games, and other fun resources for the entire class. Not only did I love every minute of the time I spent creating classroom resources, I also loved how I helped make her life as a teacher a little easier. I am a curriculum designer today largely because of that short time in the 5th grade when I did something I loved and it made a difference.
Before becoming a full time curriculum designer, I was a classroom teacher for 20 years. If I had to sum up my experience as a teacher, I’d say I was lucky. Lucky to be a part of such an important profession. Lucky to work with caring, dedicated professionals. Lucky to know and teach so many children.
My teaching philosophy is simple. Everyone in the classroom has a job. When we all do our jobs, we all learn. I believe strongly in encouraging students to become independent thinkers, problem solvers, and innovators. I knew that could never happen if I still tied their shoe laces in the third grade, so I always encouraged my students to work for everything. As a result, most of my students learned to value the importance of responsibility and effort.
Believe it or not, I rarely experienced stress as a teacher. I attribute that to my ability and determination to effectively manage every aspect of my experience, from the classroom to work relationships. I enjoyed teaching and learning from students in an atmosphere of mutual respect. I enjoyed working alongside so many wonderful teachers, parents, and administrators. Teaching was challenging, but I always told myself I would leave the teaching profession the way I began… full of hope and excitement!
My mission as a curriculum designer is to help teachers encourage critical and creative thinking in engaging, practical ways. Sharing ideas and inspiration that may make a difference in the life of teachers is also of equal importance to me. I am still loving every minute of the time I spend creating resources and hope I help make teachers’ lives a little easier!
I am married to my best friend and college sweetheart. We have two beautiful daughters who make us feel so proud and lucky to be their parents! I love the creative process, yoga, nature, and a great non-fiction book!
I look forward to sharing ideas and inspiration with you!