https://chatwithteachers.files.wordpress.com/2017/03/philquinlanfinal.mp3

“We have to be activists,” reflects Phil S. Quinlan, 7th grade social studies teacher in Scottville, MI, as he discusses what he believes is the role of educators when discussing the current state of politics with students. “How did all of a sudden our profession become demonized?” he continued. “I have an opinion on it, but I have to be careful as far as, if I want to encourage my students to have voice and choice, I have to model that. I don’t want the students to know my perspective. Because what am I doing? I am not really enabling them to have a thought of their own. So, when it comes to students, I want them to ask driving questions, essential questions of the ‘how’s’ and ‘why’s and try to make connections… of how politics, and today’s world, plays into their future.”

Fast Facts about Phil S. Quinlan

1. Full Name: Philip S. Quinlan
2. Years teaching: 29
3. Current City: Scottville, MI
4. Current position: 7th Grade Teacher of World Cultures & The Story of Movies at Mason County Central Public Schools
5. Grade taught: 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th
6. Favorite books:
   • Personal:
     • Waiting For The Morning Train, by Bruce Catton
     • Ghost Mountain Boys, by James Campbell
   • Professional:
     • Blink, by Malcolm Gladwell
     • Creating Innovators, by Tony Wagner
7. Why teach? The French call it raison d’être, ‘a reason for being’; teaching is my purpose, my passion; my raison d’être.

Noteworthy Outtakes from Phil’s Chat

You would be hard pressed not to feel motivated and like you are in a profession among “giants,” while listening to Phil share his journey as an educator. Listen in as Phil discusses a movement he has started called #FTTTP, and how it emphasizes social Emotional Learning at the core of teaching. He will also be presenting this movement at The 2017 Michigan Association for Computer Users in Learning (MACUL) in March!

Phil’s passion for connecting to his students and keeping grounded in his family will remind you what teaching is all about and how important it is to keep family first.

Check out the links below to learn more about Phil and #FTTTP — a mantra Phil uses to remind himself, his students and fellow colleagues of what should be at the center of building relationships with students, and stands for:

• F: Faith in self and Leadership
• T: To develop compassion and empathy
• T: Trust and resilience
• T: Talents: The world awaits
• P: Passionate pursuit of knowledge and life

Professional Portfolio
Linkedin
YouTube Channel
Twitter
Facebook
Instagram

Here are some of Phil’s favorite resources

• Integrative Social & Emotional Learning: The #FTTTP Movement that Phil created within his classroom
• Phil’s classroom Syllabus, Teacher Resources, Student Portfolios
• Student Portfolios (Authentic Learning)
• “Slam Revolution”
• Generated Vision for Public Education

And, if that’s not enough, Phil has also generously shared courses he has created too!

• Digital Citizenship Course for middle school students
• History of Film & Film Making
• Google 20 / Genius Hour Course
• Animated Course
• Integrated STEM course