Hi Everyone,
In this Teachers’ Lounge post, Technology Timesavers for Teachers, Jill Scott lists timesaver apps for her iPad. She lists Dropbox, Dictionary.com, Teacher Assistant (tracking behavior), Stick Pick (randomly selects students), Smart Seat (seating chart) and CommonCore.
Not only does Jill explain how she uses all of these apps, but there are some great comments that list other useful apps. I think it is great when teachers help other teachers!
~Jill
Hi Everyone,
I think being a high school principal has to be one of the most challenging professions. You are expected to manage groups of people (teens and adults) and meet them where they are. Meaning, principals have to communicate effectively with a diverse group of people constantly.
Robert Weintraub’s Kappan article, “15 Lessons on Leadership” is a fantastic list for future administrators. In addition, quite a few speak directly to new teachers who are learning the ropes.
• Be happy. “No one wants to see an unhappy leader,” says Weintraub. “The principal is supposed to be the happiest person in the building.”
• Display energy. Schools are “infested with youth,” he says. “Fit in.”
• Don’t let students be anonymous. Notice their clothing, hairdos, tattoos, expressions, moods, accomplishments, and drama.
• Be present for people. “With so many distractions today, simple undisturbed human interaction is a treat,” says Weintraub.
Great basic advice!
~ Jill
Hi Everyone,
Since I am a digital immigrant, I admit that I spell most of my words via texting. I know, I know – not cool. But, other than an occasional lol, I haven’t spent time learning the new language of texting.
Luckily there is a primer out of there of “92 Teen Text Terms Decoded for Confused Parents“. Here are some new ones to me.
HT or H/THat tip or heard through (usually referencing news or an informative link)
IANAL I am not a lawyer
IKR I know, right?
NAGI Not a good idea
NSFLNot safe for life. Usually a humorous disclaimer that something formerly innocent is going to be irreparably sullied if you click the link.
QQCrying. Rather than an abbreviation, this is an emoticon, a picture created in text. The tails of the capital Q form tears, while the circles are the eyes. Saying “QQ” aloud also can mimic the “boo hoo” of someone who’s upset. Usually used sarcastically or contemptuously.
Check out the list – it is interesting how much those who type with thumbs don’t want to spell complete words!
~Jill
Hi Everyone,
As I learn more and more about the PLC concept, it becomes clear that teachers need to be nicer to each other. Yes, you heard me correctly – there needs to be an understood respect and interest in what other teachers are doing and accomplishing in their classes.
What solidified this idea for me was reading the “Valve Handbook for New Employees” on Scribd.com.
This gaming company stresses its “flatness.” There is no heirarchy and employees can decide which projects to work on and which ones to gather folks to work on. Desks are mobile, there is no “boss” and folks are encouraged to follow any idea that makes their product better for their customers.
Honestly – this sounds like your typical PLC. I mean, yeah, I know you have a principal but we all know that if you are doing your job well then your principal focuses on folks who need more support and assistance. Your goal is (should be) to do anything you can to make learning more attainable for your students (clients) and very often secondary teachers have flexibility to teach standards (programming) how ever they want.
I think the biggest difference between Valve and education though seems to be the respect that employees give each other. So, take a few minutes, read over their handbook that can be changed, at any point, by any employee and think about how their culture might differ from your PLC culture. Things to make you go hmmmm…..
~ Jill
Hi Everyone,
Getting to the point where the warm weather is calling? Looking to spice up your classroom to engage your students? How about trying infographics for a different type of assessment?
Check out Kathy Shrock’s page that is all about infographics and will get you started.
~Jill
Hi Everyone,
When I was in the classroom, there was a big push to post the standards on the wall. Of course, there were so many that they were in size 9 font and impossible for anyone to read from more than three inches away.
I was very selective about decorating my classroom and I preferred student work to most “education” posters.
But, after reading Anne Murphy Paul’s article, Do Students Know Enough Smart Learning Strategies? - I think I would post some of the learning strategies she listed.
For instance, teachers give information all the time. But, how often do we encourage students to learn that material with specific strategies? Here are three from the list:
Check out the rest of the list and share this article with your administrator next time you are observed. This is a great way to show you are concerned about students learning and not just the content you are presenting.
~Jill
education poster image: eclecticpundit
Hi Everyone,
Once while I was complaining about a particular class, a wise teacher said to me, ” that is the class you get paid for.” He was so right because I really loved teaching and if it hadn’t been for a handful of students in that one class, I wouldn’t have been complaining at all.
Except when the weather gets nice! I mean – who wants to be in the classroom on warm sunny days?!?!?!
So, this is just a gentle reminder that you are getting paid for what you do and you need to always be professional. That means that complaining about students or your classes should be kept to a minimum and I believe should NEVER be publicized on the Internet.
Remember last year when a teacher blogged about her classes and almost faced firing?
Look, my advice? If you wouldn’t write it on your blackboard, it doesn’t belong in a blog.
~Jill
Hi Everyone,
I found this fabulous blog, Educational Technology Guy, and Mr. Andrade does a great job finding resources!
I especially liked his post that is a list, compiled by students, about what makes a good teacher. The first three on the list are:
* treat students with respect
* be enthusiastic
* know your stuff
Check out the rest of his post to see how many items apply to you!
~Jill
Hi All,
Check out http://education.ted.com which is going to be a collection of animated videos created from K-12 educators. The neat part is that you can nominate a teacher, or yourself, to create one of these lessons. Talk about a great resume builder!
http://education.ted.com/educator
There is also a new TED-Ed Youtube Channel that looks pretty cool. Check it out!
Here is an example:
~Jill
Hi Ladies,
I have to tell you, I am tired of hearing that teacher attire doesn’t matter. If you don’t think students judge you by your attire – well, you are simply wrong.
You don’t impress students by dressing like them or by trying to dress younger than you are. At the end of the day, they realize you aren’t quite the teacher you should be.
If you are at all confused about how you should dress without looking like you are 90 – here is a nice post by Sally McGraw from already pretty.
Go shopping!!
~Jill
