Wendy Says

Next, I’m going to revamp my Home page. My goal is to make it “the” place for parents to visit when they have questions about what we’re doing in class. You can check my progress this summer by stopping by to visit my site from time to time.

As you are working on your own site, be sure to visit the Home administration page for tips, a getting started guide, and training videos to help you out!

Professional development is one of those things that many of us put off even though we need the hours to recertify every few years. In Arizona, I need to tackle 180 clock hours of professional development every six years to keep my teaching certificate active. The Department of Education allows teachers to mix and match hours between professional development and university coursework. In fact, my last recertification was based solely upon the classes I took to finish my master’s degree—a double whammy!

Many teachers I know put off taking those professional development hours, mostly because they can’t find quality programs to attend. My school district offers hours for some of our required meetings and workshops, but I don’t always feel like I’m getting the most out of my time when I attend these. In fact, I often feel as though my district is simply filling time with meaningless activities and meetings, just for the sake of filling time.

There are many experienced, expert teachers in my district with toolboxes filled with fantastic, fresh ideas. But the presenters at my district-level professional development opportunities are often the same district-level personnel that haven’t seen the inside of a classroom since the 90s. And my district does not offer enough hours to recertify. So I started looking for other opportunities to learn, gather new ideas, and get the most out of my valuable time.

For me, the trick was to do some research. Already holding a master’s degree, it wasn’t cost-effective for me to continue taking pricey graduate-level courses. But after a little research, I found that I didn’t have to spend a lot of money to earn those recertification hours. A local children’s book distributor offers free monthly workshops during the school year, each focusing on a different topic. A locally-owned teacher resource chain holds a low-cost summer teacher expo every year, where I can attend hour-long workshops and browse booths showcasing the latest in educational materials. And the state Department of Education, in conjunction with Arizona State University, offers free online courses via an eLearning platform.

The possibilities are out there for low-cost, quality professional development opportunities. Ask at teacher resource stores, craft outlets, and anywhere you frequent to get teacher supplies. It might take a little extra time to initially find the resources, but once you do you’ll always know where to go!

I’d love to start a conversation about other resources that are available out there. Where do you go to get your recertification hours? Your school district? A local college? An online resource? Please share!

I’m a little particular about the way things are done in my classroom. Yes, I’ll admit that I’m borderline obsessive-compulsive about it. I used to think that there was nothing worse than laminated cards that weren’t cut exactly so, or a handmade game that wasn’t perfectly straight. I used to spend hours--and I mean hours--measuring bulletin boards because I couldn't stand to look at a crooked one! Then reality set in and I decided that help was worth way more than perfection.

I’ll never forget the day my neighbor teacher and I decided to trade classrooms for a few hours. We each planned a project for the other’s class. We let the kiddos stay put, I brought my project supplies to her classroom and vice versa. When we were done, I opened up our adjoining door and began shuttling students with my supplies back into my classroom. Then I saw my friend and my heart stopped and I’m sure my mouth dropped. My kind, well-meaning friend was cutting out pieces to a vocabulary game I created. Worse yet, she was having students (the horror!) help her.

I didn’t need to say a word—one look at my face and she gushed apologies and explanations. I laughed it off, thanked her for her help, pretended like it didn’t bother me, but then steamed about it for hours afterward.

Looking back on it, now years later, I feel horrible. What was I thinking? Here was a well-meaning friend that was trying help a girl out. And I was so worried about straight lines and perfection that I couldn’t appreciate her.

These days, I’m lucky if I even have time to make new materials for my students to use. And when I do, they are far from perfect. I send projects home with willing students, solicit help from parents, and even let my 8-year-old cut out those games for me! Honestly, does it matter if it’s perfect? In the grand scheme of things, what matters is that my students have meaningful activities to do that will help them meet their own personal learning goals.

I still cringe sometimes when I see projects that are not done to my perfectionist standards. But if I can get a few extra minutes with my family or to sleep, I can overlook it. Most of the time.

If you’re like most teachers, you’ve been spending countless hours prepping your students for this year’s round of state testing. Whether you agree with it or not, state testing has become the primary method for ranking schools in our nation. And in this time of funding cuts and lay-offs, if your students don’t perform well, you may be out of a job. I know I feel the pressure with my group of talkative, active kiddos.

Lucky for me, I work with a  group of teachers that share and pool resources so all our student can succeed. But what if you’re not so lucky? Here are some resources that might help:

• Buckle Down – While not free, these grade-specific books are a great resource of student and teacher workbooks that correlate directly with your own state’s standards and tests.
• Your state department Web site – Most states offer practice and sample tests that you can print for your students as you prepare for the yearly tests.
• EDinformatics – This site offers a listing of many states’ former tests that can be printed for sample and practice test questions.

Now, when it comes down to time to take the test, it’s up to your students to take their time and do their best. But if you’ve done your part in preparing them, you should have no fear. But be sure to pump up your class, offer them reasonable rewards for meeting their goals, and don’t put too much pressure on them. And good luck!

If you have strategies that have worked in the past, be sure to share!

The new year always brings a fresh perspective and new challenges. I love to sit back during this busy time of year and take a look back at where my students have been this year and where we’re headed, both as a class and as individuals. And, with that, I take a new look at our class's goals.

My school district is very goal-driven. Teachers and students alike create goals during the school year and we all map out what we will do to meet those goals. It’s not always easy, but I look for creative ways to help my students understand what the goal-setting process is all about.

I’m a runner and I have a specific goal of what I’d like to accomplish—a marathon. This requires training, just as students must “train” to meet their academic goals. I’ve mapped out for my students what I’m doing to achieve my goal, both short- and long-term, going as far as writing down the miles I run every day for them. Then we talk about how I can’t expect to not run, then go out one day and run 26 miles. Just as my students can’t expect to not do their homework or not study, then expect to meet the expectations at the end of the year.

As you head into this school year’s “home stretch” in January, set some goals for yourself—both personal and professional. Share them with your students. Then talk to them regularly about what you’re doing to meet those goals.

Similarly, have your students set their own goals. Give each student a manila folder with a goal sheet stapled inside. Have each student write down one personal and one academic goal using a template. Collect the folders for safe keeping, but review them with your students at least once a week. Are they doing what they said they needed to do? Did they meet their goals? If you have a class goal, display it prominently for everyone to see to encourage students to reach it.

Meeting specific goals boosts the self-confidence of everyone involved and paves the way for future success. For more information on setting goals, check out this Goal Setting Guide.

Keeping kids engaged seems to be getting more difficult every year. Children are exposed to more and more technology on a seemingly daily basis and, as teachers, it’s our job to keep up with them. Every school district has different resources available to teachers and students. Some with ample training; others with limited resources and training for the resources they do have.

So what’s available out there? What should you be asking your administrators for? I’m not as tech-savvy as some of my coworkers, but I love to learn new things and I’m always looking for new ways to engage my students. Here are just a few of the technology pieces I’ve used or learned about:

• Document Imager. This is a huge step up from the typical overhead projector. In the age of limited paper and photocopies, the document imager allows the teacher to project a plain piece of paper or manipulatives for the whole class. Not only do you save paper, but no more buying those pricey transparency sheets either!
• LCD Projector. Want to show a short video or a PowerPoint presentation from your computer? This is the way to go! The projector hooks up directly to your computer, allowing you to use a wide variety of interactive computer programs with your students.
• SMART Response. The SMART Response system allows each student in your classroom to respond directly to specific questions throughout a lesson using individual remote controls, ensuring that every student is engaged in the lesson. And embedded quizzes and individual student reports make it easy to modify your instruction to benefit every student.
• AirLiner Wireless Slate. You know you need to move around your classroom throughout your lesson, but it’s difficult when you need to manipulate a SMARTBoard. The AirLiner allows you to do whatever you need, from the back of the classroom if necessary. And with more than one slate, multiple students can interact at the same time.

There are many, many more technology pieces available for classrooms. But many times these are not available because of limited budgets. So look for a grant! Search the Web for technology grants or check out Technology Grant News, Teachers Network, or Engaging Technologies. Local banks, power companies, and other businesses often offer technology grants to teachers as well. Join the 21^st Century and apply!

I’m very interested to find out what technology resources you’re using in the classroom and whether you’ve found them effective. Please share!

The Web is a great communication vehicle—but only if the information is up-to-date, informative, and timely. If you have a MyTeacherSite Web site, it’s time to check in.

While some information can stay on your site throughout the school year (such as your class schedule, your biography, and class policies), other information should be changed regularly. How can you find the time in your already busy day to make changes?

First, set up your site so that specific pieces either have their own page or their own section. For example, create a section on your Home page for homework assignments. Using the formatted page options, you can easily add, edit, or delete an assignment. It might take a little playing around with to get it to look just right the first time, but after that it will be a cinch! The same can be done for daily announcements and upcoming events.

Then make a date with yourself. We all create lesson plans and many of us turn them in to our administrators each week. Once you turn in your plans, add the homework assignments to your Web page. Simply click on “Add Assignment” in your MyTeacherSite account and fill in the necessary information. After you’ve saved your changes, be sure to click on the link at the top of the page and visit your site to ensure that the assignment appears the way you intended.

The most important thing is to make sure the information appearing on your site is timely. Most schools link directly to teachers’ Web pages from the staff listings so you never know when a parent, administrator, or community member may check out your site. But it’s not necessary to spend more than just a few minutes each week to keep your site up-to-date, as long as you have a few tricks up your sleeve. Be sure to check back again for more tips on how to have a great teacher site!

For many of us, school is back in session. Let the madness begin! Due to budget cuts in all corners of the country, educators face changes and challenges like never before. How do you stay sane this year, in the midst of salary cuts, large class sizes, and increased responsibilities? Great question! I wish I had all the answers, but I can only relay some of what works for me.

Over the years I’ve learned that, while it sure would be nice, I can’t control everything. I had an unexpected professional change this year. I could have gotten upset and let it ruin my year but instead I decided to roll with it. What better way to challenge myself and grow as a teacher? I will make the best of things with the help of my colleagues, friends, and teammates—luckily most fit into multiple categories.

Budget cuts usually mean fewer teaching resources. Our district is asking teachers to be creative as we teach with fewer worksheets, copies, and workbooks to go around. Frustrating? You bet! Impossible? Difficult, but not impossible. Kids need paper-pencil practice while they’re learning, but this is a great opportunity to give them some hands-on practice as well. I plan to use lots of discussion, journaling, interactive games, and individual whiteboards in my classroom. All of these work with all grade levels! And the fact that document cameras have made their way into classrooms everywhere is a huge help.

With fewer staff members to take on the workload, many teachers may feel burned out earlier than usual this year. My school has a close staff with teachers pitching in to help out others regularly. I’m lucky. For those that aren’t so lucky, look to a trusted colleague or grade level teammate for some help. Share lesson plans and teaching strategies and don’t forget to ask for help when it’s needed. And pitch in to offer a fellow teacher some help if you see someone struggling.

We may not always agree with decisions our lawmakers or administrators make—I certainly don’t. But the key here is your students. They shouldn’t suffer because of poor decision-making. Find a way to make the best of this school year and let’s all cross our fingers that things look brighter next year. Maybe you have some tips to keeping sane this year. Please share!

As each school year tends to go on forever, it always catches me off guard when it ends so quickly. At this point in the school year, students and teachers alike are usually burnt out on the day-to-day routines of school. So this is a great time to take a step back and do something out of the ordinary.

Now that state testing is over, district benchmark assessments are nearly complete, and next year is just a glimmer in our eyes, I suggest you do something fun to bid farewell to the 2008-2009 school year. There are so many ideas to choose from, most of which can incorporate learning standards!

• Take a walking field trip to a nearby store or restaurant. Have students calculate what they will purchase ahead of time, plus tax.
• Assign students to write a letter to next year’s teacher, highlighting what they learned this year and what their hopes are for next year.
• Demonstrate citizenship by having students create cards for residents of a local assisted-living facility.
• Hold a penny drive for a nonprofit organization. Set a goal for how much your class would like to raise. Then, work on marketing and advertising to encourage others to contribute!
• Encourage students to choose a story from their writing portfolio and “publish” their own book. You can purchase blank bound books online from various sites.
• Teach something that interests you but isn’t necessarily a part of your district’s curriculum. Maybe you lived in or visited an interesting part of the world. Teach a short unit on it!
• Let your students do some teaching. Allow them to choose a topic to become an expert in and then teach what they learned to the rest of the class.
• If you are a 6^th grade teacher, have your students visit 5^th grade classrooms to talk to the younger students about what to expect. Maybe they can even teach a lesson to students on something they learned during the year.

We’re all anxious for those last few days of the school year to pass us by. But don’t let your guard down on your class. Students need to be engaged in learning activities through the last day of school. Relax too much and you will pay for it in poor behavior in your classroom!