Hi there!
My name is Mannikka!
Versatility is my strength and I use this superpower to connect with students of all backgrounds so that they can tap into their authenticity without fear of rejection.
My style is vibrant and playful as I find this to be one of the best ways to access the needs of my students so that I can guide them towards their future success!
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I know what it feels like to get stuck
in the classroom looking for ways to
spark a light in your students
I remember those first couple of years
starting out my career as an educator as some of the most challenging and difficult moments in my life. I was growing, stretching, evolving in ways that I was unaware I was capable of. I knew I had the ability to create products and visuals for students that were vibrant. My performance background as a professional dancer made me a charismatic leader.
But what I was missing were fundamental strategies for how to guide students on how to think on their own.
In the terms of Fred Jones, I was faced with "helpless hand raisers" or learners who lacked the courage to take risks that were appropriate for their academic journey. It would be years later that I was sitting in a professional development session with a focus on flexible seating and movement in the classroom.
I was faced with an important consideration: was my practice and pedagogy built on management or control?
What I discovered when I contemplated this further was that exceptional teachers are not just the "DJ" on set who hypes up the class when the subject matter lacks engagement. I found that to be an expectational teacher, one must take on the persona of a producer, emcee, stage director, choreographer, and artist.
Effective teachers are intentional about their practice, and the discovery of learning is subtly embedded into every nanosecond of instruction.
I believe that when
storytelling uses rhythm it has
the power to transform lives.
I have been on stage most of my life.
My performance background has helped me gain the confidence to speak and
spread messages of joy, hope, and resilience.
As a young tap dancer, I recognized the importance of using rhythm to connect and communicate with an audience.
While dancing for the Ohio State University, I was able to collaborate with corporations and companies, furthering my understanding of the importance of service in an organization's mission and purpose.
I discovered my love for teaching right out of college and I haven’t looked back. Since 2007, I have been an advocate for young people's voices.
My purpose is not only to amplify the voices of young people, but to teach them how to develop the necessary skills in order to achieve their dreams. My programs are my way to pass the mic over to the next generation.
Words of experience
"Mannikka's personal performance sparked participation from students"
What a great day spent with Mannikka from The Spoken Word Project!
From the minute the session started until it ended, there was high energy and enthusiasm, from both the presenter and students.
Mannikka's personal performance sparked participation from students in the varying stations set up around the classroom, all of which were engaging and produced meaningful writing. Students are still talking about the "Shabooya lady" and wondering when we will get another visit!
If you are looking for a fun way to help students understand the power behind words and the importance of their voices, you've come to the right place!
-Teacher, Little Silver Public Schools
Bringing power to the voice
I stretch myself by participating in live storytelling and performance poetry.
Every stage I am on, pushes me one step closer into my higher purpose.
Community organizations you can find me with:
Let The Educationalist Method guide you
through your next storytelling journey with
one of our unique programs
Poetry
Workshops
Professional
Learning Communities
Leadership Programs
for Youth
The Method: SCRUM & AGILE work
Workshops to build collaboration
and communication within PLC's.p.
Community Building & Social Impact
Leadership series for students
looking to expand their service learning outreach.
It's my belief that
There are specific processes
that help individuals
ACCESS THEIR GENIUS
WHEN COLLABORATING WITH OTHER CREATIVES.
Our method is designed to build in movement, storytelling, and play so that everyone feels safe exploring the vulnerable space of their imagination.
If you and your team are ready to unlock the creativity from within, we'd love to work with you!
A little bit more
about Mannikka
I am a former social studies special education teacher and curriculum designer that is in love with innovation and imagination in the field of education.
I have a logical and organized mind so while I explore the realm of creativity, I also create methods and processes that help communities of learners stay focused and driven.
My approach is playful but serious, imaginative and reasonable.
I stretch the limits and break the rules, but I have a fundamental understanding of purpose that allows me to do so. This is what separates my product from many others and why you should book me for your next educational adventure!
About me
FUN FACTS
Handwritten letters are my favorite gift to receive in the mail
My first performance on stage was an original
"ABC" rap
Seeing Celine Dion live
would be a dream come true for me
A peek into the work that I do
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