Effectively Designed Instruction
The stakes in getting it right in our schools have never been higher; not just for the individual teachers but for the entire educational community. Today's teachers are at the heart of shaping our future, guiding the minds that will lead, innovate, and inspire. Yet, they often grapple with a system that can be constraining and unyielding. The weight of expectations and the ever-shifting educational landscape call for a responsive, adaptable approach. It's more than a professional necessity; it's a moral imperative to equip teachers with the strategies, tools, and confidence they need to excel.
Effectively Designed Instruction is a dynamic approach to teaching and learning that pulls together key components from all the major educational frameworks in use today, and organizes them into four easy-to-understand themes: Building Interactions, Designing Experiences, Presenting Content, and Accessibility and Inclusion. Each theme provides teachers with actionable strategies that can be implemented in any learning environment, from traditional face-to-face to online learning and everything in between.
With the knowledge gained from this book, you can unlock the full potential of your classroom and create a positive and engaging learning environment that benefits all of your students.
What People Are Saying
“We all want to engage our students and drive efficacy and achievement. But how, in a world where everything is changing and lots of shiny tools can distract us? Mormando has the answer in this thought-provoking book: focus on what we can control and impact — effectively designed instruction. This book is for all the educators who want to better their craft in order to create epic learning experiences for our kids.”
— AJ Juliani, Best selling Author and Founder Adaptable Learning
“Discover the transformative power of student-centered instructional design. It's an essential read for educators and instructional designers looking to create engaging, meaningful, and effective learning experiences. Get ready to empower your students and revolutionize your teaching approach!”
—Julie Devine, Supervisor of Digital and Online Learning
“Effectively Designed Instruction is a critical component of meeting the diverse needs of learners in our evolving world. This book is thoughtfully designed for educators and provides a rich balance of examples that will ignite passion in educators and students alike.”
— Katie Martin, Cofounder & Chief Impact Officer, Learner-Center Collaborative, author of Learner-Centered Innovation and Evolving Education
“Effectively Designed Instruction unlocks the secret to fostering student agency and inclusivity. This book brilliantly shows us how to inspire and engage our learners, empowering students to take control of their learning journeys. With practical strategies and heartfelt insights, it positions teaching and learning as collaborative adventures. For educators seeking to create meaningful, student-centered classrooms, this book belongs on your "to be read" list!”
— Meghan Lowe, K-12 Instructional Coach
"Mormando expertly shares a masterclass that reimagines how we create engaging and inclusive experiences for every learner. Whether you’re in education or not, you’ll be inspired by entrepreneurial stories with practical strategies to take action in creating learning experiences that deliver effective and equitable results.”
— Dr. Aparna Ramanathan, EdTech Startup Founder and CEO, Silicon Valley
“Dr. Sam Mormando’s Effectively Designed Instruction is a beacon of wisdom for educators. It's a refreshing departure from fleeting trends, focusing on timeless strategies that define excellent teaching. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned teacher, this book offers practical insights that resonate with the real challenges teachers face today. His guidance on fostering student agency, reflective learning, and constructive feedback is invaluable. From structuring materials in a learning management system to nurturing parental involvement, this book is a comprehensive guide to creating an inclusive learning environment. A must-read for educators committed to maximizing student potential.”
— Kimberly J. Hassel-Kloss, M.Ed., Assistant Director of Special Education
Meet the Author
Dr. Samuel Mormando is the Director of Technology, Innovation, and Online Learning for the Garnet Valley School District in Glen Mills, Pennsylvania. Sam earned his doctorate in educational leadership from Widener University and was honored by the United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) as the 2020 K–12 Innovation Award Winner. Under his leadership, Garnet Valley has become nationally recognized for innovative teaching practices, including its adoption of open education resources and development of a student-centered course design process that allows students to take courses in the traditional face-to-face, online, or blended formats.
In 2018, Dr. Mormando founded Edvative Learning, a dynamic non-profit organization with a clear vision and mission to address the evolving challenges in education. The organization initially collaborated with local school districts, focusing on online and blended learning. However, when the COVID-19 pandemic struck, Edvative Learning swiftly expanded its support to schools nationwide, assisting them in navigating the sudden shift to remote learning.
The formation of Edvative Learning stemmed from a deep understanding of the daily challenges faced by teachers. As teachers, instructional coaches, and school administrators, our team witnessed firsthand the need for practical, research-based strategies and approaches that would empower educators to create effective and engaging learning experiences. This recognition led to the development of Edvative Learning, and with it, a commitment to supporting educators and school leaders across the country.
The organization boasts a diverse team, comprising experienced educators, administrators, and district personnel, including Superintendents, Assistant Superintendents, Curriculum Supervisors, and Directors. This collective expertise allows Edvative Learning to offer comprehensive support and insights to educators at all levels