Month: September 2014

Day 12 – @TeachThough 30 day reflective teaching blog challenge 

How do you envision your teaching changing over the next five years?

Five years from now I envision three main changes in my teaching.

First: Move towards a student run classroom: I feel the students need to take ownership of learning. As a teacher I need to clear tell them where they need to go, offer example paths to take to get there and then get out of the way. I have been slowly but surely adding more student voice to my classroom so that they can direct the class the way they want it to run.

Second; A blended approach: As technology becomes more readily available for my students, I want to use it to allow students to work at their own pace. A blended approach allows for a teacher to spend more time addressing student needs and less time managing students who struggle to keep up or who are bored by a slower pace. Research says the blended approach is the best way for our students to learn.

Third: More cross-cutting ideas: The Next Gen Science Standards focus on cross cutting ideas that allow our students to make connections to the curriculum. I want my students to see the relevance of their education. They aren’t learning just to learn facts so they can win “Are you Smarter than a 5th Grade!” I hope the government respects the educational process reduces the number for standards and focuses on making standards connect to life. I hope my science class will become a STEAM class full of connections!

Day 11 @TeachThough 30 day reflective teaching blog challenge 

What is your favorite part of the school day and why?

My favorite part of the school day is first thing in the morning. I love the energy of the morning, the fresh, the new beginning. The start of the day has so much to offer a teacher. Greeting students at the door with a smile. Saying “Hello” and good morning. The smell of fresh coffee in my cup surely helps me gather the energy to have a great day!

I love to meet my middle school students with this song playing in my room as they walk in:

Day 9- @TeachThough 30 day reflective teaching blog challenge 

Write about one of your biggest accomplishments in your teaching that no one knows about (or may not care).

Wow, this takes some time to think about, what have I really accomplished? I haven’t won any awards for teaching. I have received minor grants and a few invites to apply for fellowships. I am a Union President, but that is a position (which I proudly hold) not really accomplishment. I have two things I am MOST proud of:

First: Being asked by AMLE to participate/host twitter chat events. AMLE is an incredible organization, dedicated to helping middle level teacher be the best that can be! I have had the honor of working with them for the past 2 years hosting twitter chats. Last year I attended their annual conference which had incredible passion! I look forward to meeting up with my AMLE family this November where I will be presenting on using social media as an educator!

Day 8-  @TeachThough 30 day reflective teaching blog challenge 

What’s in your desk drawer, and what can you infer from those contents?

 What is in my desk draw? Not much! A few odds and ends, some rulers, headphones, highlighters and discount cards. I do not spend much time at my desk. I rarely open the drawers or sit at the desk. Often the top of the desk is just covered in papers and other classroom supplies. I don’t think I had open my desk this year until I opened it to take the picture for this blog.

The items in my draw imply that I don’t use it for things of value or need. They tell that I rarely open the drawer. When I looked at the receipt it was dated 2012. Been awhile since it has been cleaned out, but nothing of much value really in this draw. Was looking for my CVS Extra Care card, YEAH! hidden treasure! I guess you never know what you will find when you look in the teacher’s desk!

Day 7 – @TeachThough 30 day reflective teaching blog challenge 

Who was or is your most inspirational colleague, and why?

Well it isn’t a colleague it is a community! Twitter influences me the most. I could not pick a single person out from my #PLN because there are so many people that influence me every day from the twitter community. From #michED peeps to #COLchat participants to My own #MSchat crew.

First the incredible #michED community, that started as a twitter chat but is growing to so much more. We are working together to connect Michigan Educators spreading the AWESOME that is going on in our classroom. This group inspires daily!

Second the #COLchat community focused on creating an incredible culture of learning in our schools. Passionate about make students gain a growth mindset in our schools. The weekly chat inspires. Their “chat to action” conference this summer was one of the most powerful PDs I have ever attended. 

Finally the #MSchat community that I moderate on Thursdays 8-9 pm ET. A diverse group of educators from all over the county that are proud to be educators in the middle. All focused on helping each other be the best middle school teachers possible. Can’t wait to see many of them at the Annual AMLE conference in Nashville this November. 

Twitter has changed my teaching career. If you have participated in any of these communities you have had a major influence on my teaching life. THANK YOU for being an inspiration! Your ideas, energy and knowledge inspire. I see all you do, and try to do more for my students.