The Edutainer : Connecting the Art and Science of Teaching

The teacher's role must be redefined to meet the needs and demands of today's culture and the edutainer is the paradigm shift needed for education to be relevant, applicable, and effective in the 21st Century.The Edutainer describes an educational approach that provides teachers with core operational and interpersonal skills to be an effective educator in the twenty-first century. These skills include communication, organization, management, planning, and building authentic relationships based upon respect and personal responsibility. The Edutainer is unique in its perspective that the educator should be fluid and adapting to our current culture, while employing sound academic principles. The edutainer concept is derived from the principles that we believe make for an effective educator and entertainer. First edutainers are visionaries, who understand that a change in culture requires a change in methods and presentation. These edutainers make their material relevant to present culture. Preparation is also vital to these performers. They organize and plan their material long before they get on stage or their performance would fail. Finally, the effective educator and entertainer have to deliver a stellar performance that is relatable to the audience. The Edutainer offers strategies and ideas to build and nurture authentic relationships with students, parents, and colleagues to build a dynamic educational community. Suggestions for developing the 3R's of education, which include respect, responsibility, and authentic relationships. * Explanations of present day cultural influences upon formal education and learning. * Strategies for teacher empowerment and leadership abilities. * Methodologies for classroom management and organization. * Ideas for connecting education to the real world with relevant and engaging lessons.