Just Google it for first year teachers

Over the years, I learned that Google is your friend when you are a teacher.  I have listed three of my best Google Friends.  They probably don't even know I exist, but I certainly found them to be helpful.  Find these Google experts online and follow them.  There are many more, but these three Google stars will make your teaching experience much easier and they are the ultimate Pros!  These Education Technology experts share their knowledge and work with others.  They also sell books, teach classes, and have podcasts - don't be afraid to invest in your own career as a teacher.  

Matt Miller

Click here for Matt's free resources.  Matt Miller is a teacher that found a better way to teach by ditching his textbook.  He actually wrote a book called "Ditch that Textbook" and has become a most sought after keynote speaker for educators.  This is the link to his blog.   Matt is one of my favorite presenters, ever.  He is engaging and entertaining.  His ideas are so simple you will wonder why you didn't think of that.  

Casey Bell  

https://shakeuplearning.com/

Follow Casey Bell at Shake Up Learning.  She has a blog, podcast, and offers Google Certification classes.  She is an EdTechpert!  She has a wealth of information for digital teaching.  When I was teaching, I would often put Casey's podcasts on during my planning period and listen as I was working on lessons and prepping for the next day.  Casey freely shares, but she requests that you download your own copy of her work.  This link will allow you to sign up and download her cheatsheets.  The ShakeupLearning Blog contains links to much useful information from Casey.  Click here to access free downloads of her archives.  35 Remote Learning Resources from Casey Bell.  

Amy Mayer

Amy Mayer is a Texas girl and is well known for her friedtechnology teacher training and her YouTube channel.  Amy and her crew are former classroom teachers that used Google to transform their teaching and to make their lives easier.  They are fun, witty, and creative!  I learned so much from attending professional development sessions at TCEA with this group and from watching their videos.  Subscribe to this site and follow their lead!

Classroom Technology Protocols 2018-19

Please read the entire blog about technology protocol and care of devices.   Follow directions at the end.  Reading and commenting will count as a daily grade.  After you have read my blog, make a comment at the end of this post.  If you don't comment, I will assume you didn't read it. Your comment should include this statement:  "I have read the classroom technology protocols and I will do my best to abide by them.  Include one other statement from the blog that you learned.  Sign your name.  Due by Monday, August 27.    

Each Day:

• Check the number on your computer to assure you have the right computer.
• Make sure it is fully charged and ready to go. 
• Check the board in the front of the classroom to see what type of technology we are using that day.  Although we will not use the MacBooks every day, we will use frequently.  Open your computer to Canvas each day, this will help save class time.
• When you return your MacBook to its tray at the end of class, be sure it is in the correct tray and the charger lights up.  This is a courtesy to others.
• Do not carry your laptop by the screen.  This will harm the built-in camera.
• Clean the screen with wipes that are provided and never spray anything on your computer.
• Keep drinks and food away from your computer.

During Class:

1. Screens Down – Anytime someone is speaking (teacher, speaker or other students), screens will be tilted down.  Nothing is more distracting to you or to others around you than someone surfing the web.  Putting the screen down will help bring attention to the task at hand.
2. Tech-Tips – It is required for you to have a Chrome toolbar set up on your computer. Always make sure you are logged in to your Chrome toolbar.  Your name should appear in the top right corner of your screen.  The minimum bookmarks you should have at this time are Canvas, BISD, Google Classroom and NewsELA.  Others will come at a later time.  Bookmarks are a HUGE time saver.  
3. Sound – All laptops will be muted during class time.  If you are working on an independent project, you may listen to music with your headphones, one headphone ONLY.  Do not assume you can leave headphones in when you enter the classroom.  When I begin speaking, remove your headphones. 
4. Camera Use – Your laptop and iPad is equipped with both a digital camera and digital video recorder. With these tools, we will create a multitude of projects from footage and photos you take. There are expectations that the photos and videos taken are appropriate and in good taste. The subject should always be asked before an image is taken of them. Privileges of these two tools will be revoked if used inappropriately. Please refrain from taping video and snapping pictures of people without permission.  Please refrain from taking selfies with the iPads.  
5. Self-Management – If it is not related to the task assigned, you should not be doing it during class. This includes email, Googling, and social networks. Self-Management of digital access is a lifelong skill that relates to productivity.  Do not change the home screen on your computers. Manage your files and keep desktop clutter to a minimum.  
6. Saving work – You should be saving your work.  Everyone has a Google Drive.  You should save all of your work in your own drive.  You can drag all types of files into the drive, even if they are not google files.  Word, Excel, PowerPoint, jpg, png, PDF..
7. Students may not have phones out in class without express teacher permission.  This means unless we are using your phones for an assignment I have asked you to complete with your phone, it stays out of signt.  
8. You may not charge your phones from the laptops!
9. Cell phones will need to be left in the classroom when you go to the restroom.  Leave your phone  in the deignated cell phone holder located in the front of the classroom.   Failure to comply will result in consequences.   See Richland HS cell phone policies for 2018-19. Referrals will be submitted for cell phone offenses:
• 1st offense - device held in office for pick up
• 2nd offense - Parent picks up at the end of the day
• 3rd offense - Parent picks up after 24 hours
• Refusal to surrender phone - 1 to 3 days suspension
• Multiple offenses - 1 to 3 days ISS, parent pickup and loss of electronic privileges on campus

Thanks for reading.  Now comment!  

End of Year Video 2018

End of Year Video 2018. 

What do you think?

Think of a school where you studied topics, rather than say Math or History.  In Finland, the world's leader in education will begin replacing subjects with topics.  Their new focus in education is primarily focused on secondary level schools.  Finland will be replacing their subjects with topics that will prepare them for their working life.  Click here to read about what this means.

After reading this article, give two good reasons for this new education focus and two good reasons against this new plan.  What pitfalls do you see in implementing this new reform of their education system?

As always, follow the rubric.  Include a hidden link to the article in your blog.  This blog is due on Friday, April 20. 

Rethinking Learning and Teaching

Things are changing!

Read this blog from TCEA about rethinking our learning models for the Fourth Revolution.

Click here to open the link.

Give an explanation of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.  After reading some of the suggestions on how to rethink current teaching models, give three suggestions on how you will adapt or change current teaching models in your future classroom and to fit with the needs of the Fourth Revolution.

Use the rubric for best results.  Blog is due on Monday, April 2.

Good Instruction

We have been working on lesson planning for the past week or so.  Planning instruction for learning is one of the most important skills good teachers possess.  Taking it a step further, after you have formulated your plans, now is when you put it all together in front of your class.  Good instruction is just as important as a good plan.

What is good instruction?  Take a few minutes and think about effective teachers you have had in your life.  Think about ineffective teachers you have had.  What was the difference in the two types of teachers?  I am thinking it probably has something to do with the way they presented the information.
Some hints to make you an effective presenter:

• Know your material!  If you don't know what you are talking about, your students will sense this.  
• Speak with a loud enough voice to be heard by all of your students.  Relax the nerves. 
• # 1 rule is to be prepared!  Students know when you are winging it.  Don't be that teacher!
• Practice with a friend or in front of a mirror before your lesson.  Those that practice do so much better than those that don't!

A good way to be a good teacher is to watch videos of other good teachers.

• The Teaching Channel is a good place to search for videos that show good teaching.  
• You can sign up for a free account with an email address.  
• This will enable you to save videos and lesson ideas for future use.  
• Be sure to write down the email and password you used.  

Your blog assignment is to find a short video (2 to 5 minutes) of a teacher that teaches the same grade level as you are teaching on The Teaching Channel.

• Write a review of the video. 
• Write down the "Questions to Consider" and Answer the "Questions to Consider" found on the side panel of your video.
• Copy the URL of the video and hyperlink on your blog.  
• Take a screenshot of your chosen video that shows the questions on the right panel. (like I have done for you)
• The name of your video should reflect the name of your Teaching Channel video.

As always use the rubric for best grading results.  This blog is due on Monday, February 5.  

Precepts

In Wonder, you should have learned about Mr. Browne's precepts. Be prepared to explain your precept in detail.  Keep reading... It only gets better!

What is your Precept?

Write your own personal precept -

• If you use a quote, credit should be given to the originator
• You should use CANVA to create a Postcard with your personal Precept on it.
• You can get a free account by logging in with an email and password.
• When you are finished, click on Share, then Embed - Copy the embed code or download as a JPG and upload or embed on your Blog.  
• This is a Book Club grade and a Blog grade. 2 grades.

Scan the QR and learn About the Author, R. J. Palacio

Due by January 5, 2018.

Initiative

 

Definition

in·i·ti·a·tive

iˈniSH(ē)ətiv/

noun

noun: initiative; plural noun: initiatives; noun: the initiative

1.

the ability to assess and initiate things independently.

"use your initiative, imagination, and common sense"

2.

the power or opportunity to act or take charge before others do.
"we have lost the initiative and allowed our opponents to dictate the subject"

Assignment

Year 1:  You are now beginning your third week as an EAT intern.  You should begin to get a feel for what needs to be done in your classroom.  You should begin to show initiative in your classroom.  
Year 2:  You have been in the classroom as an intern for over a year now.  This is a refresher for you, answer the following questions below about initiative.  Do you think you are showing more initiative in your second year than you did your first year?  

The assignment this week is as follows:

1.  What does initiative mean to you?  In your own words please!

2.  Make a list of at least 10 ways you can show initiative as an EAT intern in your field site classroom. (whether you have actually done them or not)
3.  Find at least five words that are synonomous with initiative.  List them.

3.  Write a paragraph that indicates some actual things you did during the week to show initiative in your classroom.  How did this impact your mentor teacher or students? 

4.  Why is initiative such an important characteristic for a teacher to possess?

This blog is due on Monday October 30.  Follow the rubric for best results. 

How would you handle this?

Read the scenarios below.  Choose ONE of the potential situations you could encounter in your internship.  Post an entry on your blog that reframes the outcome by generating a solution that would be an appropriate and professional way to handle the situation as an EAT intern.  Your response should have clarity while avoiding vague recommendations.  Be sure you state which Scenario you are writing about.  Discuss at your table.  This is due at the end of class on Friday.  

Scenario 1  

You left campus for lunch and when you returned to campus you missed the bus that transports EAT interns to your field site campus.  You don’t have a car, but your boyfriend (girlfriend) said that he (she) could take you to your field site.  You took him (her) up on the offer.  When you boarded the bus to return to your home campus, another intern asked why you weren’t on the bus earlier.  You asked the intern not to point this out to your EAT teacher, Mrs. Crabby, since no harm was done.

Scenario 2

You are at your EAT field site.  Although you know you are supposed to have your phone put away at your field site, you check it and see that you have a message from another intern in your class.  He said that he had an early dismissal and left the field site campus just a little early, but when he did, he forgot to sign out.  You think this is a bit strange because you never saw him ride the bus to your field site in the first place, but you agree to sign him in and out because you want to let him know he can trust you. After all, Mrs. Meddlesome, your EAT teacher, stressed that it is important to establish relationships with your students and others with whom you work. 

Scenario 3

You have just arrived at your field site.  Your teacher is absent and you have a substitute.  Previously, you have been in charge of monitoring the reading groups each day, and even though you were not aware that your mentor teacher would be gone, you know that you need to follow the routine so the students will progress. The substitute tells you that she has everything under control and you may leave because there is nothing for you to do. You decide your field site mentor will have plenty of time to get the reading groups caught up tomorrow so you go to the classroom next door where your EAT friend is interning.  The two of you move to the corner of the room and work on homework the rest of the period so you won’t disturb anyone.

Scenario 4

You are about to change into your field site attire and realize you have forgotten your field site shirt and name badge.  The bus will be leaving in three minutes.  You have on jeans with holes, and a low cut top.  You saw Mrs. Petty, your BCTAL EAT teacher, at your field site yesterday.  Since you think she will not be stopping by to visit interns at your field site, you hop on the bus without your EAT attire, taking your chances that you will not be discovered.  After all, if your field site mentor teacher and principal don’t say anything, there is no harm done, right?

As always, follow the rubric for best results. 

Classroom Computer Protocol and Technology Update

The beginning of the school year was hectic and there were several issues with technology during the first two weeks. Because we were "behind" so to speak, we didn't go over usual technology protocol for use and care of tech tools.   Please read the entire blog and follow directions at the end.  Reading and commenting will count as a blog grade.  After you have read the blog, make a comment at the end of this post.  If you don't comment, I will assume you didn't read it.  Your comment should include this statement:  "I have read the classroom computer protocol and technology updates and I will do my best to abide by them.  Include one other statement from the blog that you learned.  Sign your name.  Due by Friday, September 22.    

• Check the number to assure you have the right computer
• Make sure it is fully charged and ready to go. 
• Although we will not use the Macbooks every day, we will use frequently, have it already opened or immediately pull it up when you get into a class, this will help save time.  
• When you return your Macbook to it's tray at the end of class, be sure it is in the right tray and the charger lights up.  This is a courtesy to others.
• Do not carry your laptop by the screen.  This will harm the built in camera.
• Clean the screen with wipes that are provided and never spray anything on your computer.
• Keep drinks and food away from your computer.

1.  Screens Down – Anytime someone is speaking (teacher, speaker or other students), screens will be tilted down.  Nothing is more distracting to you or to others around you than someone surfing the web.  Putting the screen down will help bring attention to the task at hand.
2. Tech-Tips – It is required for you to have a Chrome toolbar set up on your computer. Always make sure you are logged in to your Chrome toolbar.  Your name should appear in the top right corner of your screen.  The minimum bookmarks you should have at this time are Canvas, BISD, My Blog, Your Blog and additionally you should have the goo.gl URL shortener as an add on.  Others will come at a later time.  Bookmarks are a HUGE time saver.  
3. Sound – All laptops will be muted during class time.  If you are working on an independent project, you may listen to music with your headphones.  Do not assume you can leave headphones in when you enter the classroom.  When I begin speaking, remove your headphones. Do not charge your phones from the laptops. 
4. Camera Use – Your laptop is equipped with both a digital camera and digital video recorder. With these tools, we will create a multitude of projects from footage and photos you take. There are expectations that the photos and videos taken are appropriate and in good taste. The subject should always be asked before an image is taken of them. Privileges of these two tools will be revoked if used inappropriately. Please refrain from taping video and snapping pictures of people without permission.
5. Self-Management – If it is not related to the task assigned, you should not be doing it during class. This includes email, Googling, and social networks. Self-Management of digital access is a lifelong skill that relates to productivity.  Do not change the home screen on your computers. Manage your files and keep desktop clutter to a minimum.  
6. Saving work – You should be saving your work.  Everyone has a Google Drive.  You should save all of your work in your own drive.  You can drag all types of files into the drive, even if they are not google files.  Word, Excel, PowerPoint, jpg, png, PDF..

Thanks for reading.  Now comment!  

Ron Clark and the importance of Rules

You watched The Ron Clark Story last week.  Ron Clark founded The Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta, GA. Please click here and explore his website.   If you are on social media such as Twitter and Facebook, consider following him to see what exciting things are going on in his model school.  

If you missed the movie, it is on YouTube, watch it!

Your assignment is this, address the following questions in a conversational dialogue. Remember, you will need to follow the rubric for best results.  Refer to the prompt in your blog.  

Written content on blog:

• Why are rules important for learning? 
• How can rules help to keep a classroom running smoothly?
• What often happens in a classroom that is void of rules?  

Google Doc with pictures:

• Create a Google Doc of your rules, then Hyperlink your Google Doc Link of the classroom rules you made.
• Include the consequences to your rules.  Rules are nothing but words, without consequences.  

Due Friday, Sept. 8 before class begins.
As always, you will need to follow the rubric.
Have a great week!

End of year video 2017

 End of year video 2017

Welcome back!

Hello everyone! So glad you are in my class this year!

There are lots of changes this year at BCTAL.

• We have a new principal. Ms. Carol Adcock, formerly an AP at Richland High School and also responsible for online learning within the district.  
• We will have an enhanced cell phone policy within the classroom.  Cell phones are a wonderful tool for education, but they also can be a HUGE distraction.  We will have a new policy that ensures that you are learning while in the classroom, and will not let your cell phones be a detriment to your learning.  
• Here are links to the new Course Outlines for 2017-18.  EAT I     EAT II
• New TEKS this year.  See course outlines.
• We will be using Canvas as a learning management system.  Some of you have already used it with other teachers.  All assignments and information will be posted on Canvas going forward.
• We will be using Google tools extensively this year.  You will be required to use your g.birdvilleschools account on Canvas.  I will help you get onboard if you have not used it before.  
• Don't forget about TAFE and Educators Rising.  TAFE Region Competition is on December 1 at UNT.  Get Excited!

I am looking forward to seeing the familiar faces again and I can't wait to meet all of my new students!  This will be a great year!

Life Skills that Define Readiness for the Workforce

Are you ready for the real world?  What exactly are those skills that make you ready or not for success?   Click here and read this article about the 28 Life Skills that Define Success.  There are many overlaps with Habits of Mind on this list.

• Read and digest the infographic.  
• Pick out three of the skills you feel you don't have and elaborate on how you can work toward achieving this skill in the future.  Label as "Skills I need to work on"
• Pick three skills that you think you've got and explain why you feel this way.  Label as "Skills I Possess"

For best results, always use the rubric.  This blog is due on Friday, March 3 by the end of class.  

It all starts with a plan

We have been working on lesson planning for the past week or so.  Planning instruction for learning is one of the most important skills good teachers possess.  Taking it a step further, after you have formulated your plans, now is when you put it all together in front of  your class.  Good instruction is just as important as a good plan.

What is good instruction?  Take a few minutes and think about effective teachers you have had in your life.  Think about ineffective teachers you have had.  What was the difference in the two types of teachers?  I am thinking it probably has something to do with the way they presented the information.
Some hints to make you an effective presenter:

• Know your material!  If you don't know what you are talking about, your students will sense this.  
• Speak with a loud enough voice to be heard by all of your students.  Relax the nerves. 
• # 1 rule is to be prepared!  Students know when you are winging it.  Don't be that teacher!
• Practice with a friend or in front of a mirror before your lesson.  Those that practice do much better than those that don't!

A good way to be a good teacher is to watch videos of other good teachers.  The Teaching Channel is a good place to search for videos that show good teaching.  You can sign up for an account with your email address.  This will enable you to save videos and lesson ideas for future use.  

Your blog assignment is to find a short video of a teacher that teaches the same grade level as you are teaching on The Teaching Channel.  

• Write a review of the video. 
• Write down the "Questions to Consider" and Answer the "Questions to Consider" found on the side panel of your video.

Embed the video on your blog.  Look for the embed symbol on each video toolbar.  Click on it and it will give you the embed code to copy.

As always use the rubric for best grading results.  This blog is due on Monday, February 6.  

Absences add up

Attendance is important.  How many times in your site school, have you had to work with a student who has been absent?

Click on this link and search the website on things that can be done to improve attendance.  Regardless of the reason, they hurt a child's ability to succeed in school.  Look at your own attendance record, have you missed class two times per month?  If so, have you gotten behind in your work?  

In your blog, you need to discuss three ideas of how to prevent student's getting behind due to absenteeism.  What can be done to encourage good attendance?  Incentives?  Extra help? Consequences?  Talk to parents? Think about this.  If you are wanting to become a teacher, you should be modeling good attendance to your students.  

The  title of your blog is "Absences add up."  As always, use the rubric for best scoring results.  This is due on Friday, Dec. 9 in class.  

Student Projects

Congratulations and BRAVO to all of the hardworking BCTAL Richland TAFE students who competed and qualified for state contest.  The TAFE Teach for Tomorrow Summit is scheduled for February 17 - 19, 2017 and will be held in Arlington the Arlington Convention Center, Sheraton Convention Center and University of Texas Arlington.

Todays blog is due Wednesday, November 9.  Whether you competed or not, now is the time to show off your project or teacher created material.

TAFE Competitors:
Include a description of each project you entered.  Show a picture of each event you were in, can be a screen shot, etc.  List what you placed and what you will need to do to get ready for state.  Include a picture of you at the awards ceremony.   Title of your blog is - Region competition results

Non Competitors:
Include the directions and steps for using your teacher created material.  Include a picture of  your TCM on the blog.   Make arrangements to show this in your site classroom.  Title of your blog is - My teacher created material

My first days as an intern

This blog is for YEAR 1 Interns only.

My first days as an intern:
What I was feeling as I walked into my classroom the first time. What was I wearing?  What happened next?  It should be a narrative, not in a list!

• What school you have been placed in?
• What is the grade level?
• Your mentor teacher / teachers name.  How long have they been teaching?
• Link your teacher's webpage to your blog.
• What subject is going on while you are there?
• What do you do when you are in the classroom?
• What are you most looking forward to doing in your classroom this year?
• Take a picture of your mentor teacher and include in your blog.  

As always, use the rubric for best grading results.  This blog is due on Friday, October 28.

What would YOU do?

Blog Due on Friday, October 7.  Year 1 Only

Read the scenarios below.  Choose ONE of the potential situations you could encounter in your internship.  Post an entry on your blog that reframes the outcome by generating a solution that would be an appropriate and professional way to handle the situation as an EAT intern.  Your response should have clarity while avoiding vague recommendations.  Be sure you state which Scenario you are writing about.  Discuss at your table.  This is due at the end of class on Friday.  

Scenario 1  

You left campus for lunch and when you returned to campus you missed the bus that transports EAT interns to your field site campus.  You don’t have a car, but your boyfriend (girlfriend) said that he (she) could take you to your field site.  You took him (her) up on the offer.  When you boarded the bus to return to your home campus, another intern asked why you weren’t on the bus earlier.  You asked the intern not to point this out to your EAT teacher, Mrs. Crabby, since no harm was done.

Scenario 2

You are at your EAT field site.  Although you know you are supposed to have your phone put away at your field site, you check it and see that you have a message from another intern in your class.  He said that he had an early dismissal and left the field site campus just a little early, but when he did, he forgot to sign out.  You think this is a bit strange because you never saw him ride the bus to your field site in the first place, but you agree to sign him in and out because you want to let him know he can trust you. After all, Mrs. Meddlesome, your EAT teacher, stressed that it is important to establish relationships with your students and others with whom you work. 

Scenario 3

You have just arrived at your field site.  Your teacher is absent and you have a substitute.  Previously, you have been in charge of monitoring the reading groups each day, and even though you were not aware that your mentor teacher would be gone, you know that you need to follow the routine so the students will progress. The substitute tells you that she has everything under control and you may leave because there is nothing for you to do. You decide your field site mentor will have plenty of time to get the reading groups caught up tomorrow so you go to the classroom next door where your EAT friend is interning.  The two of you move to the corner of the room and work on homework the rest of the period so you won’t disturb anyone.

Scenario 4

You are about to change into your field site attire and realize you have forgotten your field site shirt and name badge.  The bus will be leaving in three minutes.  You have on jeans with holes, and a low cut top.  You saw Mrs. Petty, your BCTAL EAT teacher, at your field site yesterday.  Since you think she will not be stopping by to visit interns at your field site, you hop on the bus without your EAT attire, taking your chances that you will not be discovered.  After all, if your field site mentor teacher and principal don’t say anything, there is no harm done, right?

As always, follow the rubric for best results. 

Rules

You watched The Ron Clark Story last week.  Ron Clark founded The Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta, GA. Please click here and explore his website.   If you are on social media such as Twitter and Facebook, consider following him to see what exciting things are going on in his model school.  

If you missed the movie, it is on YouTube, watch it!

Your assignment is this, answer the following questions in a conversational dialogue. Remember, you will need to follow the rubric for best results.  Refer to the prompt in your blog.  

• Why are rules important for learning? 
• How can rules help to keep a classroom running smoothly?
• What often happens in a classroom that is void of rules?  
• Either upload or screenshot the classroom rules you made for your future classroom.
• Include the consequences to your rules.  

Due Monday Sept. 12 before class begins.
As always, you will need to follow the rubric.
Have a great week!