Testimonials

The Brain Based Learning academy was the Home Depot of creative, critical thinking!  Through engaging and approachable methods, I was introduced to tools I never knew existed. I learned to use the tools, learn where they could be applied, and how I could use them in other resourceful ways to hit the objective we are all aiming for—to build students’ interest, curiosity and confidence.  Completely based in critical thinking, with no hand feeding, I was introduced to the fundamental principles of why and how to structure lessons that never require one tried and true answer—thereby causing contemplation with dimensions—this is true critical thinking—reaching levels you just don’t come near in traditional teaching settings. This needs to become the traditional thinking setting.  Routes and pathways to learning are really routes and pathways in the brain—chemical and neurological maps of how to get from here to there. Understanding the tangible science of the routes and pathways, in an approachable and non-intimidating way, allowed me to see the connection that is made through the science and the way I could approach creating lessons and environments which would keep those routes and pathways broadening and expanding. I left knowing I was a layperson wanting to become an expert.

Marcey Mihalo, Roanoke Virginia, Cave Spring Middle School, June 2010

Thank you for a most enjoyable day. I had been apprehensive, but was very happily surprised. After teaching for 42 years, I am skeptical when I am told that I have to attend another meeting of someone that has another theory explaining why everything I have done is no longer valid. Incredibly, your book and program were both electrifying and informative.  I have used the element of surprise, storytelling, and humor very effectively to help not only with gaining knowledge, but also hopefully instilling a sense of wonder and joy in my students' minds. Again thank you for additional ways to help me help my students.

John Levy, High School Teacher  October 2010

I thoroughly enjoyed your class. I felt very comfortable with the environment you created. I never felt intimidated by the material. Your assignments were manageable and the project was an excellent learning experience for me. The material I learned from your class just got me hired as a high school Biology teacher! With the tools you gave me from class I was able to communicate with the interviewers and explain to them how I would react to many teaching situations. Most importantly my understanding of differentiation and diverse assessments assisted me in a healthy conversation with the faculty and the principal.    

Keep up the excellent teaching!

Jimmy Stevens, Teacher, Virginia
Spring, 2010

"I found Dr. Armstrong to be a gifted, engaging, passionate advocate for essential cutting edge curriculum and assessment methods. Dr. Armstrong's real world classroom and administrative experiences enable her to offer insights that are invaluable to current and prospective teachers. I loved the many hands on, in class opportunities offered to practice teaching strategies. Dr. Armstrong is a pedagogic visionary and skillful instructor offering real world solutions for today’s teachers."

Dean Kurtz, career switcher/aspiring teacher

"Dr. Armstrong, you have been a very professional and intriguing teacher. You have a wonderful understanding of the brain and the information taught will not only benefit the people from our workshop, but the many students we will teach…I have taken many classes and this one is ranked number one…You have truly made a difference in my life! Thanks for being a GREAT teacher!"

Kelly Chavis, Primary Teacher

"Dr. Sarah Armstrong creates an environment that captivates and then propels teachers in their quest for powerful instructional strategies. When the workshop is over the quest continues because she has successfully equipped us with the tools and inspired us with the desire to design lessons that meet the needs of students in the diverse classrooms we face today. Thank you Dr. Armstrong!"

Susan Hill, Orange County HS

"Thank you very much for a wonderfully engaging and informative workshop. I learned a ton and will move forward in teaching with more confidence. Thanks also for the exposure to research centered work-it's a love of mine now and forever!"

Sandra Pelletier, Biology teacher, Career Switcher

"After 30+ years of teaching, I go to classes, workshops, and conferences hoping to get at least one good idea to bring back and use in my classroom, so I was really impressed with this workshop. We received many strategies that were easy to use in any type of classroom… This is what education classes for practicing teachers should be like. We want ideas that we can carry back to our classrooms and implement immediately-and that is what was provided!"

Freda Layne, Middle School Technology Teacher