Nov. 30, 2015

This week is my favorite of all holidays because it is not about gift giving.  The gift of time to enjoy family and friends and the ability to just slow down is essential to my mental and physical health.  As we go back to school, know in your heart that YOU make an impact in each student's life and be THANKFUL for that opportunity.  Here is my "thankful list" of the reality I live- not my "dream life of being a princess with unlimited funds"! (Actually, my list would be the same minus timelines because I would have more $ to provide myself help.)

Timelines that give me structure

Humor because I love to laugh

Autonomy that allows me to figure it out

Nice people who care

Knowledge that is always growing

Family & friends that keep me grounded

Unity and teamwork makes me better

Loyalty for a purpose bigger than myself

What does your THANKFUL acrostic look like?  Please send it to me and I will be posting them in my room!

Oct. 26, 2015

WE CAN…IF…

As our first round of Achievement Data meetings ends, I feel teachers battle with two things:

1. How do I help my students academically?

2. How do I address the factors I can’t change?

Let’s look at the first one. “The Why Behind RTI” states that: “Targeted Instruction + Time = Learning

Because learning styles and instructional needs vary from student to student, we must provide each student with targeted instruction—that is, teaching practices designed to meet his or her individual learning needs. We also know that students don't all learn at the same speed. Some will need more time to learn. That is the purpose of RTI—to systematically provide every student with the additional time and support needed to learn at high levels.”

Secondly, I know in my heart that you desire to meet the needs of your students. That becomes overwhelming when you literally think of the INDIVIDUAL needs of the scholars that you cannot change. Eric Jensen states that economically disadvantaged students’ deal with 4 issues:

· Emotional and social challenges.

· Acute and chronic stressors.

· Cognitive lags. (RTI & sound helps address this!)

· Health and safety issues.

Overwhelming not only because of the needs that you cannot address but also because of time constraints. “Kids raised in poverty are more likely to lack—and need—a caring, dependable adult in their lives, and often it's teachers to whom children look for that support.” Students need consistency and dependable relationships in which to succeed.

WE CAN be successful with any student IF we provide these 2 things to our scholars. Please discuss the needs of your students with your team so every scholar feels this dependable, consistent support.

References:

The Why Behind RTI http://goo.gl/YC23

Teaching with Poverty in Mind, by Eric Jensen http://goo.gl/nh0nOY

Oct. 19, 2015

Have you heard of this costume wearing-tech savvy-engaging teacher from Seattle? Mr. Heath really stretches me to think outside of the box to reach students. I've shared a video of one of his math lessons below - I hope he inspires you too!

Follow him on Twitter @teachheath

Check out his website!

Aug. 31, 2015

Congratulations!!! You have survived the 1^st week of school.  As I have worked behind the scenes this past week, I have witnessed you taking care of students, parents, new teachers, colleagues and putting yourself last.

I read a great article from ASCD Express that explains Ten Things Master Teachers Do.  I will give you the short list:

·      Ask for help

·      Avoid negative people AT ALL COST

·      Have a classroom management plan AND STICK TO IT

·      Be the happiest-looking teacher in the school

·      Convince your students you care

·      Make lessons fun, meaningful, and doable

·      Avoid power struggles with students

·      Use social media appropriately

·      Act like a professional

·      Communicate with parents

http://www.ascd.org/ascd-express/vol10/1023-breaux.aspx

All of my beliefs align with this article with one exception.  It is imperative that you take care of yourself as well.  Your personal happiness is reflective in the way you treat your students, parents and colleagues. 

I appreciate your passion to focus on teamwork and the overall success of our school.  I look forward to working with each of you this year.  Please send me an email and let’s schedule time to achieve your goals!!