Gone are the days of the teacher standing in front of her class and closing her door to keep others out. That is so 20th Century. The 21st Century teacher opens her door and breaks down her walls to invite others in to help guide her students.

I learned that today when we were visited by King Henry VIII and a poetess from the 16th century via Skype. Two performers with the GA Renaissance Festival Skyped in with our 6th graders to give them a better understanding of life during that time period.
 
Two weeks ago, our Social Studies teacher approached me looking for something to enrich his teaching of the time period. I suggested we reach out to the GA Renaissance Festival to see if they would Skype with us.
 

“Would they do that?” he asked incredulously. “Doesn’t hurt to ask,” I replied.
 
So I emailed them through their website and they agreed happily. And that is how King Henry VIII time-traveled to answer questions posed by curious 6th grade students.
 
In the past year, we have Skyped with an author, a filmmaker, a scientist, a farmer, countless other classes, and now a king. I can’t wait to see who is next...
 
It is well known that it takes a village to raise a child. A lesser known fact is that it takes a village to teach a child.

That village is right outside our doors.
 
They are just waiting for our call.

About the author: Amanda Stavropoulos is a Media Specialist at Mount Vernon Presbyterian School in Atlanta. She's eager to collaborate & share! Follow her on Twitter at @stavrofamily.