Inspirational Teachers

Why I’m Participating in the Staff Back-to-School Picnic

by Kendal Privette on July 30, 2012

Table

 

When I read or watch the news these days, I learn about climate change. And how it affects me. And what I can do to affect it. This is a little overwhelming, really to think of just one person having an effect on, oh I don’t know, the entire atmosphere, but it has made me think of climate in terms of my school. What is our climate? Is it changing? If so, is it improving or deteriorating? Does it matter? What role do I play?

Just what is school climate? According to the National School Climate Center, it is the quality and character of school life. School climate is based on  patterns of students’, parents’ and school personnel’s experience of school life and reflects norms, goals, values, interpersonal relationships, teaching and learning practices, and organizational structures. Research shows a correlation between positive school climate and student achievement. Furthermore, just like in our physical environment, people want to stay in a pleasant climate. Teacher turn-over is lower in schools that report a positive climate.

These are high stakes, but what do we do? How much is left up to us, the educators? Isn’t it enough that we plan relevant, rigorous lessons based on national standards? Isn’t it enough that we incorporate Bloom’s Revised Taxonomy into the very fiber of our beings? We have to be relational too?

I want my school to be a favorable place, conducive to accomplished teaching and authentic learning, and that cannot happen in a harsh climate. A first step toward this favorable school environment is building positive collegial relationships. And this is why I will participate in our staff back-to-school picnic. Not just attend. Participate. I’m not talking about getting my teammates off to a table to begin unit planning. No, I will not even take a notebook or pen. I want to welcome and get to know new staff members.  I want to listen to my colleagues. And on Thursday, that means hearing about the new houses, the vacations, the gardens, the aged parents and the new babies’ accomplishments. Later, like Friday, I want to hear, really hear, their ideas about students, discipline, essential questions and assessments, but first, over a hamburger, I want to know them as people. This, I believe is a vital first step in creating a positive school climate.

So, to what have you been invited? Will you participate? What does your staff do to promote collegiality on your campus?

kendal’s personal blog is a spacious place.

Pin It

{ 1 comment }

Erin Klein From Kleinspiration Joins My Teachers Lounge

by Laura Gurley on May 25, 2012

Erin Klein.  Erin has a Masters of Education in Curriculum and Instruction.  She has worked in the public school system and private school system.  Currently, she is living in SouthEast Michigan, and has a seven year old daughter and a four year old son. In addition to being published in Edudemic magazine, she also has written for Edutopia, Edudemic, Really Good Stuff, Teaching Blog Addict, Classroom Freebies and TeacherCast.  She is also the co-author of an education book to be published this summer.  In addition to being an elementary teacher, Erin also serves as the state’s co-Technology chair for the Michigan Reading Association and a member of The National Writing Project.  She is also a SMART Technologies Exemplary Educator and an organizer for The EdCamp Detroit Organization.  Please visit her award-winning blog at: Kleinspiration.com.  You can follow her on Twitter @KleinErin.

What is your educational background?

I began my college career as an interior design major. While at Michigan State University, I was about eighteen credits shy of completing my program; however, when my husband and I found that we were expecting, I found it a perfect time to reflect on my long-term goals. I decided to change my program and start coursework geared towards education. After my daughter, Riley, was born, I knew that I wanted to be the type of teacher I’d like for her to one day have.

I completed my undergraduate degree and immediately got a job teaching first grade.  The following year, I was transferred to the middle school where I worked doing literacy intervention work with sixth and seventh grade students for a Title I school.  I also completed my Masters of Education in Curriculum and Instruction.  During this time, I traveled the country attending professional development workshops to strengthen my knowledge in the area of Response to Intervention.  I had the opportunity to co-teach the next year at the middle school level.  This was an enriching experience full of personal and professional growth.

The next year, I decided to return to the elementary level and joined the private school sector.  I now teach second grade to a fabulous group of students.  I’m fortunate to be a part of an amazing community of professionals, parents, and students.

 

What is one of your favorite things about teaching?

I really enjoy being able to guide students to independent discovery.  When I reflect on successful moments within my own experiences, they almost always stem from a project: something that was created, constructed, developed, or discussed. When higher level thinking and collaboration is involved, the task complexity is enhanced and the challenge becomes something you’re more likely to remember. In my opinion, learning isn’t about memorizing and mastering the test… it’s about making mistakes, justifying your rationale, sparking your creativity, borrowing ideas and extending upon them, seeing the abstract become tangible, and celebrating your work with a team. When I see their faces light up, I feel fulfilled knowing they believe in themselves as a learner and as a person.  Gaining confidence is so important for a child.

What books/resources have shaped you or would you recommend to other teachers?

Honestly, I really enjoy reading educational blogs that other teachers share.  I also try to stay current by reading daily news articles published surrounding topics in education.  Because I’ve been a student most of my life, I find that research journals help to shape my instructional practices as well.  I’m a firm believer in having my pedagogy rooted in evidence based practices.

With that being stated, the following are a few of my favorite books that have helped to shape who I am as a teacher:

  • There are no Shortcuts by Rafe Esquith
  • Readicide by Kelly Gallagher
  • The Book Whisperer by Donalyn Miller
  • I Read It, but I Don’t Get It by Cris Tovani
  • In the Middle by Nancie Atwel
  • Drive by Daniel Pink
  • anything by Robert Marzano and Eric Jensen or Alfie Kohn
  • TED Talks

What aspect of education are you most passionate about today?

I am very passionate about educational technology.  While in college, I managed a business for a number of years. For this corporation, I developed all of their training materials. I traveled to new locations and facilitated the launch of new openings. This process from hiring, training, and developing materials helped to solidify my passion for education. It was easy for me to work with the adults I coached. I had a lot of time to shape the manner in which I dealt with different individuals and personalities. This practice opened my eyes to a style of management that proved to be quite effective: facilitation. I enjoyed presenting the framework and then observing the collaboration of the staff. Their collective creativity brought a heightened sense of quality to the company. I quickly learned that they were much more invested in their position by the ownership they had in their ideas. Therefore, I absolutely believe that my role in business helps (even today) the role I play in the classroom. Regarding technology… it’s simple: if the tool fits – use it. There are days where my students are so very invested in technology, (even as second graders) and there are days where we simply create using our hands and collaborate with each other. I believe balance is the key. It’s important to integrate technology not because ‘it’s the way of this generation’ but because it is effective and streamlines instruction. As the famous quote goes… “The more ways you teach, the more students you reach.” Because technology is engaging and offers platforms to differentiate, when used appropriately, it truly can impact learning in a positive manner.

What is a favorite inspirational quote that encourages you to teach with intention?

“Kids don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care”

What advice would you give a younger teacher?

Being a new teacher is one of the most precious times of your life.  There will be hugs, tears, and smiles.  Always be true to yourself and honest with others.  Stay current on best-practices and always keep strong pedagogy in mind.  Remember that technology is not about bells and whistles but rather a tool to enhance the learning objective.  Remember to stay organized and do not become overwhelmed with the ‘little stuff.’  Enjoy every moment and stay grounded in your purpose for your profession.

 ****************
Thanks, Erin!  We are so excited to welcome you to the monthly writing team here at MyTeachersLounge.com!  And, readers, be sure to stop by Erin’s blog, Kleinspiration, and read more from this inspirational teacher/blogger/technology guru!
Pin It

{ 0 comments }

Play-Advocate Jenny Kable Joins Our Team

by Laura Gurley on April 25, 2012

I am so excited to be welcoming a new voice here at My Teachers Lounge. I noticed Jenny’s blog a while back for its color, its creativity, and its practicality, and when Jenny agreed to write for our blog on a monthly basis, I was thrilled. Because Jenny speaks consistently about something that those of us in the trenches of education desperately need to be reminded of– the power of play. Take a minute to familiarize yourself with Jenny here, and then be sure to jump over to her own blog, Let the Children Play, for a visit, as well. If you are an early childhood educator or an elementary teacher, you’ll definitely want to bookmark it for future reference. You can also follow her on twitter: @preschoolplay         - Laura Parker, Editor

**********************

Jenny Kable.  Jenny has a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education and has over 15 years experience teaching young children from birth to five in a variety of early learning settings, including owning and directing her own Long Day Care Centre.  By day she teaches at Kinma, a small progressive preschool nestled in the beautiful Australian bush and by night she blogs at Let the Children Play, a place to celebrate play in the lives and education of young children.  Jennifer has a passion for play-based learning, connecting young children to nature and creating irresistible learning spaces for children, both indoors and out.  She lives in Sydney with her husband and two sons.

*****************
What is your educational background?
I completed a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education at Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia.

What is one of your favorite things about teaching?

Where to begin!  Relationships are at the heart of our early childhood program, and it is the relationships that I find most satisfying.  Relationships with the children, relationships with the families, relationships with staff members and relationships with our bushland surroundings.  It is a privilege to nourish and support young children’s relationships with themselves, with their peers, with the teachers and with the world around them.  And that spark of excitement or imagination or curiosity in a child that leads us on a path of learning and discovery is hard to beat! 

What books/resources have shaped you or would you recommend to other teachers?

I have a strong interest in creating natural playscapes for children, and in helping children to feel connected to the natural world so Rusty Keeler’s Natural Playscapes. and Richard Louv’s The Nature Principle and Last Child in the Woods are all well-thumbed copies on my book shelf.

Alfie Kohn’s What Does it Mean to be Well Educated; The Schools Our Children Deserve; The Homework Myth and What to Look for in a Classroom have all helped to shape my progressive approach to early childhood education and are a must read for anyone who wants to find out more about alternatives to mainstream schooling or who are concerned about the current directions in education.

The blogging world is a constant source of motivation and inspiration for my day to day teaching experience, and you can find my favorite go-to blogs listed here.

And last but not least, I have just finished reading The Power of Play by David Eklind, which emphasizes how important play is in the life of a child, whether they are infants, toddlers, preschoolers or primary aged children.

What aspect of education are you most passionate about today?

Many of our children are caught up in a rushed and hurried society. We rush our children from activity to activity; we rush them to achieve and we rush them to read and write at an early age.  Our increased expectations of children have seen more formalised, academic programs in preschools despite the fact that everything we know tells us that children learn best through play.  I am a strong believer in providing a preschool program rich in play where creativity, imagination, adventure and wonder are nurtured and nourished.

What is a favorite inspirational quote that encourages you to teach with intention?

“It is paradoxical that many educators and parents still differentiate between a time for learning and a time for play without seeing the vital connection between them.” Leo F. Buscaglia

What advice would you give a younger teacher?

That as teachers, we are learners first!  I learn new things all the time – from my colleagues, from other teachers, from blogs, from reading and from the children themselves that challenge the way think and teach, or give me a new perspective.

Tell us a few random things about yourself. . . .

I find my two chickens, Polly and Noodle, hilarious.  Happiness is a pile of books on my bedside table.  I’m tall, which is handy for reaching those top shelves in a preschool storeroom!

I have a shameful addiction to the “Real Housewives” series.
*******************
Have a question for Jenny about the importance of play or about her experiences?  Feel free to ask it, or to drop a comment welcoming her to the team! Also, be sure to check out the latest project/resource for educational play she’s been working on of late . . .
Pin It

{ 2 comments }

The Problem with Education {Better Plans or Better People?}

March 27, 2012
The Problem with Education {Better Plans or Better People?}

What are the problems with our current education system?  Is it too much testing, or not enough?  Is it a lack of funding or an excess of paperwork or too many required workshops on those professional development workdays? Is it the over-zealous, but out-of-touch, government or the central office? Do we need better plans and [...]

2 comments Read the full article →

Angela Watson Joins Our Team

February 24, 2012

We are so thrilled to be inviting Angela Watson of The Cornerstone for Teachers to our monthly writing team here at MyTeachersLounge.  Angela is an educational and social media guru with a resume that is inspiring in and of itself. She’s not only written two books and is working on a third, but she currently [...]

4 comments Read the full article →

Teaching the Holocaust, from the Daughter of a Survivor. {Guest Post by Marsha Goren}

February 5, 2012

The following guest post is by a subscriber and teaching colleague, Marsha Goren. Marsha’s mother survived the Holocaust, and now Marsha has launched a website with educational resources to educate students about the realities of this global tragedy. In January of each year, the UN declares a day to remember the victims of the Holocaust. [...]

3 comments Read the full article →

Greatness Might Be Simpler Than You Think

February 4, 2012
What Makes a Great Teacher?

What makes a great teacher?  The kind the students talk about three years later?  The kind whose classroom is a place of excitement and not one of dread?  The kind that really affects minds and attitudes? Check out the following news video and tell us if you agree with their list of the three most [...]

2 comments Read the full article →

Introducing Jill Scott

January 26, 2012

Hello Teacher Friends. My name is Jill Scott, and before you get too excited, I feel I should tell you up front that I’m not the famous one. I am, however, happy to be here on Inspired Teacher, although looking around I wonder if I might be a little professionally immature for a site as [...]

40 comments Read the full article →

Introducing Inspirational Teacher Steve Reifman

January 18, 2012

We are welcoming three new teachers onto our writing team in the next month. I’ll be introducing the education-guru Angela Watson of The Cornerstone for Teachers and the hilarious Jill Scott from Controlling my Chaos in the near future, but today we get to meet our new monthly contributor, Steve Reifman. With several books and 18 [...]

2 comments Read the full article →

← Previous Entries