Teacher Appreciation

A few months ago, 

I had the privilege of attending Houston’s 101 Best and Brightest Companies to Work for award ceremonies.   The companies were judged on:

• work-life balance
• culture
• diversity
• communication
• employee education
• employee recognition
• employee retention

As the companies described their cultures and hiring processes, I couldn't help but think of teachers and education.  There were companies at the ceremony who described their rigorous interview and selection process, which included more than one personality testand up to eight interviews with members from various levels of the company.

The companies focused on finding people who would be the best fit for their company.  The companies all had amazing cultures based on teamwork, collaboration, and sincere relationships.  (I could talk here at length about how teachers are randomly forced to work together without any consideration of personalities whatsoever, and expected to get along, collaborate and support each other, but I'll save that for another post.)

Some companies had gyms, free healthy meals, and even nightclubs.  But one simple thing ALL the BEST AND BRIGHTEST had in common was :

EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION

Some gave recognition in forms of personal recognition during “town hall” type meetings. Some gave monetary rewards.  Some companies had regular happy hours to celebrate accomplishments.  Others gave “shout outs “on social media. 

What a simple, but meaningful idea-

A shout out on social media.

 It could be a tweet, an instagram, or a quick note on facebook. 

Recognition doesn't cost a dime.  Just a few minutes to say “great job with ( whatever it is)” and tag the person. Maybe snap a picture of the teacher or the activity. ( be careful only to get children whom have permission to be photographed, or just get the backs of their heads)

The best and brightest businesses have figured that out and they use it to encourage their employees.

And again- I can't help but think of my teacher friends.

How encouraging it would be for them to get a shout out on social media to say – you're doing a great job, and we noticed.

I was asked once if I just “wanted people to clap for me” in recognition of my accomplishments. Mainly the fact that I survived another year teaching a classroom full of "That kid." ( How dare I ask for a handshake or a pat on the back when year after year my class was comprised more and more with those kids and less and less of the "best and brightest." What was I thinking?)

I responded that I don’t need applause, but some sort of recognition for my accomplishments after 14 years of teaching, and now leaving the profession- would be nice.

But that’s ridiculous.

 Why don't we celebrate teachers everyday? 

Whether or not we agree with the present educational system.

Whether or not we like the teacher.

Seriously, administrators, how much effort would it possibly take to snap a photo during a walk through or after an ARD of a teacher who did an amazing job – maybe holding their tongue, or trying a new <<gasp>> technology or teaching method?

It’s

so

simple.

It doesn't cost a dime!  Just a quick “shout out” to someone who did something you noticed.

It’s not a nightclub.

It’s not a gym.

It’s not a bonus.

It’s not a week after a really long year where the students are told what to bring the teacher for “Teacher Appreciation Week.” ( how meaningful it is to receive a gift someone was TOLD to bring you <<eyeroll>>)

It’s a two second act

That could mean the world…

And maybe ... just maybe- 
keep teachers from 
leaving the 
profession- 
like I did.

tomatoes, politics, and baseball

Another Way

Along my journey, I have made some friends, kindred souls who share my vision for change.  Theses friends are from around the globe, and they are uniting on a shared blog called, Another Way.  Check out their latest post.

If you only read one thing today...

I am so excited to announce a blog launching today, Another Way. It is an amazing, collaborative endeavor by Martin Hodges and Ciara Brehony advocating social, emotional, and educational rights for children everywhere. If you read one other blog today, read theirs! 

Clarkson University

 This school makes my heart smile!  Clarkson University fellows  mentor students K-12 to teach them STEM skills through project based learning. That's what I'm talking about! That is the kind of learning that will stick. It's meaningful empowering, engaging, interactive learning that positively impacts everyone involved. We need more of this kind of mentorship between schools and within schools.  Phenomenal!

Sir Ken Robinson's Video

This is the video by Sir Ken Robinson which inspired me to make changes.

Dear Secretary Duncan,

I received an email today that many of you probably received as well. It was from the Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan. Now, I know someone on his staff drafted the email.  And I know probably everyone who is remotely affiliated with education received the same email.  I realize, of course, he will probably never read it, but I responded like this:

Dear Secretary Duncan,

After fourteen years of teaching, I quit.[ Washed my hands of it. Left. Packed up my books, gave away all of my teaching things, and went home.]

It wasn't that I was a bad teacher.  In fact, I am a very good teacher. Devoted, kind, caring, I put my heart and soul into each and every student.  I worked hard to meet the needs of each child.  I tried to teach in a way the learners could be successful.  I gave frequent breaks, offered hands on learning experiences, collaborative group work.  My first graders knew the meaning of “collaborate” and used it often.  I loved the kids- all of them- even the really hard to love kids.

I wasn’t asked to leave.  I earned high marks on all of my evaluations.  I got along with my administration, though they didn’t beg me to stay.  They knew I was ready to “take the next step” in my career.  In a way, they were glad to see me go.  Not because I was a bad teacher, but because I asked hard questions; questions like:

•       Why do we do things this way?

•       Who writes these standards?

o   Do the people who write the standards have a degree in child development or human development or psychology? 

o   Do the people who write the standards understand what is developmentally appropriate, that is, what the human brain can comprehend at different stages?

•       Who is on the State Board of Education?

•       What are their qualifications?

•       I was told the standards are “research based.”

•       Who conducted the research and can I see it?

•       Why don’t you know?

•       How do you lead a school and implement the standards if you don’t know who wrote them or if they are qualified to do so?

•       What are some new best teaching practices?

•       Have you heard of flipped classroom? Blended learning? When will we have professional development about it? Why don’t you know?

Administrators don’t like to be questioned like that. Especially when they don’t know the answers.  So I began researching the answers on my own. I wasn’t pleased with what I discovered. I was disappointed to learn that money drives a lot of it.

 Another thing I learned was my school’s teaching practices were way out of date.  I began a website for teachers called LMKteachers to help teachers stay informed of best teaching practices, research, and legislation regarding education. (although I have struggled to keep up with the latter- that is a full time job in itself)

I began attending board meetings.  I listened to parents concerns.  I listened to the Executive council and board members discuss rules, policies and procedures.  I created a website to answer as many parental concerns and other topics discussed.  I shared the website with the board, the executive council, and my administration.  I received one reply: “ Thank you for sharing your ideas.”  That was it.

I could not continue teaching the way I had to teach because I no longer believe that the way we are educating our children is what is best for children.  I have to believe in what I do, and sending children through an education system developed during the Industrial Revolution to produce compliant factory workers, is not only not

 best for children, it is not best for the future, their future, our future, the future of our country. 

There isn’t just one thing to fix.  There needs to be a total overhaul of the way we educate our children. We need a future oriented education system. I do not know exactly what that looks like, but I would love to be a part of figuring it out.

To continue to be a part of the education community I have a blog http://fortheloveoflearningbycchavez.blogspot.com/

and a website for instructional learning leaders:

https://sites.google.com/site/instructionallearningleaders/

There is a solution looming. I would be thrilled to serve in developing the solution.

Respectfully,

Christi Chavez

Coding refresher

Today I brushed up on my HTML coding skills using codecademy.com . The interactive lessons, explanations, and hint buttons make coding easy. I am going to continue to practice my coding skills tomorrow using Adobe DreamWeaver. 

The one room school house as the future of learning

How can something so ancient as the one room school house have any place in future learning environments?  There was no Smart Board in the ORSH. ( one room school house)  They didn't have computers, phones, or cameras, but what they had was a social network of learning and mentoring.  Watch this video by John Seely Brown to find out more:

 The Global One Room Schoolhouse by John Seely Brown

It reminds me of an idea I had about learning and curriculum which I shared on my website Tomball Teachers  I will share it here as well: 

Taking a spin off the "flipped classroom" idea, students would use Google tutorials to learn how to make best use of the materials provided.  The students would present their findings via Google presentation.  The teachers would be learning by viewing and grading the presentations. We can expand this idea across subjects because the TEKS are aligned. High-schoolers could create presentations about plants, for example.  Teachers of younger grade levels could access the presentations to use as part of their teaching about plants.

chers across campuses and grade levels could collaborate and divide tasks such as creating or finding podcasts to use for the homework assignments.  This way, each teacher does not have to create a lesson for each day, which could be overwhelming, but instead, build community to work together no matter where the teacher is located!  

Through the use of web-cams, students at Elementary, Intermediate, and Junior High levels could watch synchronous web-casts of theatre, band, choir, orchestra, or dance dress rehearsals. The web-cast could be recorded to be viewed by other students at a different time.  Alternatively, schools situated close together could visit the high schools during such times for a real-life field trip.  The younger students would serve as a real audience for the performers while simultaneously benefitting from the shared experience.

     The Ag barns at the high-schools could also provide meaningful experiences for the younger grade levels.  Web-cams could be used for live streaming of hatching chicks.  Videos could be created by the students to demonstrate the care and responsibility of raising an animal.   

    Children who view these presentations could express appreciation and ask questions through email, web cams, or an old fashion hand written note.   This provides a meaningful experience for all involved.

Implementation 

• Provide teacher training and connections 
• Build a network of local professionals who are willing to support 
• Share with students the vision of collaborating with others to teach and learn
• Provide meaningful goals and expectations ( ie. projects) for students
• Bring in guest experts across subject matter
• Provide time for students to collaborate and construct projects

Benefits

• Teaching younger students will give a sense of purpose to older students
• Students teaching technology to each other alleviates the pressure for teachers to master it to the point of being able to teach it right away 
• Fosters relationships between students
• Proposed gain: Older students teaching younger students provides increased attention for younger students, increases their time on task 
• Teaching other/younger students promotes recognition within the larger community
• Teaching a concept uses the highest level of thinking possible- this plan embeds critical thinking skills and higher level thinking skills 
• Students may view the podcast as many times as necessary to understand the content.

Outcomes :

1. Promotes community through cooperation, collaboration, and consistency 
2. Students' projects can be saved and viewed by other students
3. Teachers of other grade levels can access and use the presentations to teach their students - takes pressure off teachers to create so many podcasts/slide shows for their units of study.
4. Consistency is embedded into the curriculum via teacher podcasts, while creativity is encouraged through students presentations 

I almost forgot!

I created a short video for 249&Hope using GoAnimate.  I still need Dave to do the voiceover.  I've used PowToons for animation before.  Here is a short self promotion video I've been working on HIRE ME!

Learning Never Stops!

I've been busy this week.  Busy learning learning learning!  It never stops, I tell you. I have been converting my plain word documents into colorful, interactive pages by using lucid press.  It was challenging at first, as many things are, but once I began, I pushed through.  Once I found the page settings tab on the right, it was easy as pie!

I keep reading about branding and creating a brand for yourself.  I wasn't sure how or what to do.  So, I decided to create a logo. I just googled "logo makers" and found cooltext.com.  There, I created this nifty logo:

Cute, huh?  It was really easy to do as well. So, now I have my own little logo.  I'm pretty excited about that.
**Tip: remember or write down the code for the colors used in your logo.  That way, the same colors can be used when you create a document.

One last thing which I'm still in the process of learning is an online portfolio website called Brushd.  I am creating my portfolio, but haven't quite got the hang of it yet.  You can check out my work in progress here.  If you know any tips on how to manipulate the gallery items, please share!  Or, if you have used a portfolio hosting site you like, I'd love to hear about that as well!

Next, I'm going to further my HTML5 and Java skills.
Happy Friday! Keep learning!

Stone Ages

My 8th grader enjoys spending time with me in the mornings on our drive to school. Or maybe it isn't cool to take the bus and it is too far to walk, so he lets me take him... Anyway, this morning he said he doesn't want to be called on in algebra because "she flips out if you answer wrong." "Really? How do you know?"I asked.  My son relayed a story familiar to many, of students working problems on the board and being belittled by an adult for working the problem incorrectly.  His teacher told one child, "What are you doing? That's not how to work it." I'm not saying she yelled, because I wasn't there, but it was said loud enough for the entire class to hear. Enough to humiliate someone.
Are we really still doing this? Working problems on the board? Belittling children brave enough to stand in front of their peers and attempt to work out a problem?  I thought that was gone.  I thought teaching had advanced beyond humiliation as an incentive.  With all of the advances in technology, isn't there a better way to teach and learn difficult concepts, like algebra, without embarrassing people?
With all of the focus on bully prevention, what training are teachers receiving about treating students as human beings with feelings.  What if the teacher IS the bully?

So- what would you do differently?  I mean, algebra is about working problems. How can it be taught differently?
I try to make lessons as relevant as possible to the learner.  So, for a group of 11-13 year olds, I would use a few simple topics- sports, video games, text messages, and parties.  Instead of a bunch of equations solving for "x," I would generate real life problems the students could relate to.  For example, use a popular baseball players batting average.  If this player continues at his current rate of .245, how many of his next 50 at bats does he need to get a hit?  Have the students write out what the problem is. Have them share their thinking.  Model by using "self talk" to demonstrate how to set up the problem. ( There is more than one correct way.) Then I would give time for the students to solve the problem on their own.  Then, I would solve it my way, and ask if anyone else solved the problem in a different way.  If someone did, I would have them demonstrate how they found the answer, having them talk through the problem while writing on the board.
Making abstract concepts like algebra as relatable as possible increases interest. Being interested in finding an answer is half the battle.   There are several apps for algebra, such as dragonbox.  The e-learning industry provides a list of 15 free algebra apps here.  There are several websites as well, like purplemath.com.

How do/would you teach algebra?

My Training Philosophy

Click to read My Training Philosophy

Back to school... or not?

Tomorrow will be the first time I have not started school with my children on the first day of school.  After 14 years of teaching, I am not going back this year.   Over the past year while teaching first grade full time, and maintaining my household family of six, I have completed my masters degree in Global eLearning entirely online.  Through this experience,  I have developed a whatever-it-takes attitude when it comes to accomplishing tasks at hand. Whatever it takes- up until midnight or later and up at six. Whatever it takes- missing out on family fun, Friday nights with friends, Saturday swims, hangout time... I missed a lot this year.  I am looking forward for it to all pay off.  It starts tomorrow, when I send my kids off to school and begin my day alone with the freedom to go to the bathroom when I need to, take a phone call when it comes in, have a change of scenery, surf the web to learn new things, or whatever else my little heart desires.  It's exciting- and a little strange.