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As a PE instructor I believe that kids learn better when they are given the time to be creative and use their imaginations. I do not referee games nor do I keep score. I teach kids the importance of good sportsmanship and teamwork. We play to have fun not to win or lose. I feel that when kids have the freedom to explore their skills, they are better able to figure out their strengths and weaknesses.
At the elementary... more »

Collaborative conversations, text-based discussions, literature circles, Socratic seminars...these are a few of the buzz word strategies that have been used throughout the ages in order to engage students in learning. Providing opportunities for students to discuss rich fiction or expository text in a productive way is a great way to aid them in digesting the hefty standards they are expected to master. When students... more »

It has become a common problem in our school district that our substitute positions are not filling on a daily basis.With opening new schools every year, new classroom openings are collecting all of past years substitutes or recent college graduates. Teachers, administrative assistants, and administrators are also left scrambling during the morning hours trying to fill open classrooms through the day especially on staff... more »

What would grading look like when assessing the 21st century skills such as collaboration, communication, creativity, and critical thinking? Can this be done, will standard based grading need to happen, and if so how will schools, parents, and higher ed establishments adapt to this?
21st century skills are becoming part of the classroom especially in STEM. These skills are very important in becoming college and work... more »

Let's elevate the role of NBCTs by creating professional learning teams in every state. NBCTs would work with state departments of education, the U.S. Department of Education, and other organizations to design and deliver professional growth initiatives for teachers in their state. NBCT teams, called Engines of Change, would consult with counties, districts, and school sites to support professional learning in America's... more »

It has been said that a school’s environment and sense of community can directly have a positive or negative affect on student achievement.

In taking the steps to strengthening a school’s community, teachers and staff need the opportunity to understand all inner-workings of the school. It is so often, that certain positions within the school system are underappreciated or not even recognized as important.

Giving teachers... more »

How many started your first year and were hanging on by a thread? I have. The phrase "the 2nd year is better" or reading articles on "how to survive your first year" is created and used by veteran teachers. The traditional teacher development through college and alternative programs leave 1st year teachers unprepared to tackle all of the responsibilities of a teacher. Now add on the responsibility to relay content to... more »

Using your state's writing standards and your district's writing initiatives, create a "Writing Menu" similar to the reading "CAFE" menu. This menu is displayed in the classroom. As writing topics are discussed and put into practice by the students, add these items to the writing menu for future reference throughout the year, and as a quick reminder of the tools used by writers to produce an excellent piece of writing.... more »

I will be focusing on helping my coworkers overcome mental stressors from major changes that have been taking place around our school. We all need to step back from the struggles that we are facing and focus on the most important issue: our mental health. I do believe that if we are able to overcome this mountain that we are faced with at the present moment at our school and can be more focused on the positives, our... more »

I would like to create a partnership between my school and my community by using social media to allow community organizations to send requests for services needed to our school. Then our school could better decide which service learning projects would work for our school.

As teachers we are allowed sick days, personal days, professional development days and bereavement days. I would like to see school districts add Teacher Leadership Days that would be available to teachers. During their Teacher Leadership Day they could choose to visit other school districts, observe teachers in their own district ,go to meetings with legislators, sit in on meetings at the state level, union meetings,... more »

My work is in showing teachers how to listen to students through the new methodologies that are now in use so that the student can become leaders in their community.

While standards address many learning targets in each subject area to address knowledge, reasoning, skill performance, and products of learning, I feel today's learners need more accountability to develop character and respect before they enter college or the work force. Disposition learning targets are addressed through the PE and Health curriculum in many districts, and my own school provides students with extra opportunities... more »

To effectively meet the writing demands placed on the middle school students where I am a literacy coach and to help them meet the expectations of the CCSS, content teachers are recognizing a need to develop their curriculum to include write-to-learn procedures. Write-to-learn activities in content area classes build the content knowledge and the stamina for more sustained discipline-specific writing.
I am collaborating... more »

I value the importance of Peer Observations in the world of education. However, typically it is done with someone of alike content, a mentor, etc.
It is important to remember the value of learning from any professional.
When proposed the task of Observing a peer, suggest someone in a totally different content area. For example, when I did this (I am a Health Sciences teacher), I paired up with a Business Education... more »