One Year Ago Today . . . My Life Began to Change

One year ago today, I spent the morning boxing up my office to prepare it for summer, wrapping up 18 years in public education. I grabbed a drink on the way to my summer school meeting, attended the meeting, and dropped off a big box of books & supplies I planned to use the next two weeks. I then went home to check-on Mom. She hadn't been feeling well after starting her fight against cancer again. She wasn't worried about how she was feeling, but when I got home, I overroad her wants and took her to Presbyterian Rockwall. She still insisted she was fine and didn't need a fuss. While we waited in the ER, we joked around & challenged each other to see who could read the smallest letters/row on the eye chart. Neither of us was too worried. She had handled so much in years past, so this was just one more experience. The Drs ran test and finally decided they needed to send her to Presbyterian Dallas b/c it is larger and has more resources. B/c it was evening rush hour, they decided to send her via CareFlight. 

Once I arrived in Dallas, I began working on finding a sub for my summer school class. Thanks a ton, Denel Comley, for agreeing to sub for two days before your vacation. 

Once I got to see Mom and they got her settled in ICU, she still insisted she was fine. We joked about how unfair it was she got to ride in a helicopter. We have had a lot of shared experiences, but this was one she had without me.

She was doing fine. She was tired, but she had her wits about her, knew what was going on, and was getting the medical help she needed.

The following morning, she wanted to know why I wasn't teaching summer school. She hated when people changed their plans for her. She wasn't too happy when I told her I chose to be by her side rather than summer school. 

Even though we had no answers and had no idea the outcome was going to be what it was, later in the day, without her knowing, I worked out a plan with the two ladies on the summer school sub list to cover the rest of my summer school duties. I'm so grateful they could step in and work it out. I appreciate our summer school administrator, Lisa Perry's, understanding and flexibility.

The next few days moved quickly, yet slowly. I still did not believe they would end as they did. 

Educators on Summer Break

Educators, have you seen 26 Signs You’re a Teacher on Summer Break? Some of you will read it and immediately connect to several items on the list. 

My alarm has gone off 80-90% of my summer mornings.  When it hasn’t gone off, I’ve been up between 6:30 & 7:00 and out of bed soon after. I also know what most days are.  I have also been in professional dress 75% of my days off. Why?  Because my 2^nd and 3^rd jobs started the Tuesday after the year ended—teaching Summer Acceleration and writing 6^th gr Science curriculum.

There have been no beach visits & hammock swaying, or any other fun, relaxing days or activities either.  Summer is the time to get everything done that had to be put on the To Do List during the school year. I am cleaning out and cleaning up my grandmother’s house and cleaning up and reorganizing my house. This has been a huge, exhausting job.

My mind is constantly racing with ideas for the next school year, and I am reading various books and articles for ideas we can implement.

Yes, I do visit Pinterest looking for ideas for my house and school.  If I had children or some children to borrow, I would try out some of my new ideas. I had the energy, I would try out some of the ideas for the home I have found.

Sadly, because I have been so busy with housework, teaching, and curriculum writing, I have not visited the library. That doesn’t mean I haven’t read about 5 books since school let out.

Yes, my treadmill and BFF’s neighborhood streets are getting a workout.  I try to get 2-4 miles in a day.  More than when school is in session.

I hate deciding what to eat for lunch and dinner.  It just seems easier during the school year.

Yep!  An educator’s job is never finished.  We end working with one group and prepare to work with the next group. We read, find new ideas, think of ways to improve on last year, wonder about the new students and faculty, worry about those no long in our classrooms or schools, and prepare to make a difference in the lives of the students and teachers we will meet in August.

Resources:

Hudson, H. July 2, 2014.  26 Signs You’re a Teacher on Summer Break.

Retrieved from http://www.buzzfeed.com/weareteachers/26-signs-youre-a-teacher-on-summer-break-h0xt on July 12, 2014.

Blitz 2014--Day 2

Today, we had to go to school as a snow day make-up day, so we planned our Blitz Day today.  7th grade did Reading and Math lessons all day, and 8th grade did Math and U.S. History lessons all day.  If classes had both 7th and 8th graders, they did Reading with a History twist.  While it was a crazy day with students making weird choices, it was a good day for reviewing.  I so greatly appreciate our teachers taking a risk and teaching something out of their comfort zone.

North Star Writing Project

Today, our district's ELL (English Language Learners) department hosted a writing workshop for ELL students from our middle schools, and it was held on my campus.  Teachers from North Texas and professors from the University of North Texas were the presenters.  There was one presenter per room and then 1 middle school teacher for every 4-5 students.  The students focused on Expository Writing.  All in all, it was a good day.  I can't wait for our teachers to use the strategies in the classroom.

Crazy Work Week and Difficult Day

Last week was so busy, over scheduled, and had me off campus 3 days.  This week, I was on campus more, but it was a busy, busy week.

I have been far less stressed this year than I have been in the past, which is nice.  But . . . the most stressful thing happens first thing every morning.  Checking with the secretary to see which classes don't have a sub and then creating a plan for those students/classes.  Most teachers/faculty do not realize what we do and what all is involved.  The most difficult days are when we have 3-4 classes not covered.  We use all the subs as much as possible, which I am sure makes them unhappy and exhausted b/c they don't get a conference period. Because our class numbers are much smaller this year, we have been splitting classes across content areas as much as possible.  Putting students in classrooms with certified teachers who know the content is better than pulling random people or putting subs in rooms.  This really upsets teachers at times, but we are trying to do what is best with students in the time we have to decide it.

Today was a difficult day.  After our meeting with Central Office personnel yesterday, I was to create a plan for one of our content areas.  I did that. It was a great schedule using teacher strengths and doing what is best for students.  They were asked to consider it, we would talk more next week, and we would implement it Feb. 18th. Instead of the teachers bringing their concerns to me, they became very upset, went to an administrator, and we had to change the plan.  I hope, at some point, they try my plan.  It would be so great for students.

The kids handled the snowy day really well and were excited at dismissal to get out and play.

Here is a picture of what Carly (aka Kitty) did all day as it snowed.  She sat and watched it through the front door.  She also spied a bird or two. (More about the snow on tomorrow's post.)

Teacher Retention

I read an article earlier, Why Do Teachers Quit?

Interesting read! 

I know, within the first 5 years of teaching, I considered quitting.  Feelings of frustration, being overwhelmed, lack of respect, facing situations I never faced before, trying to find ways to connect with children when I wasn't raised the same, and more. 

Unless you have taught, spent more than one day being in charge, doing all the paperwork, checking for understanding, and doing all that is involved in educating today's youth, you have no idea what it is like.  I have always said that everyone with children, politicians, and anyone else making decisions or having opinions about education should have to spend time in a school.

Another Good Week

Monday:  See October 14th post.

Tuesday: I had the opportunity to cover a class, see October 15th post, and then I ended the day attending a workshop, Critical Conversations.  It is a three part series on how to coach and lead teachers while having critical conversations.

Wednesday: Today, I worked with various teachers and ended the day with a meeting with other Science Instructional Specialists in the district to plan a Professional Development.  I love meeting with the ladies, asking questions, getting ideas, and more.

Thursday: Today, our 8th graders took a test to help them learn more about the skills they need to be college ready.  We had a teacher out, and since a certified teacher has to administer the test, I filled in.  I was so happy with their behavior.  Sometimes students give you a run for your money when there is a sub, a test, and a group made-up of students not normally together, but they did a great job. We also had early release for Professional Development/Curricular Planning.  I had helped organize the whole afternoon, so I supported teachers presenting to the whole group. Then, I shared some ideas I learned at last week's conference with the Reading and History Departments.  When the day ended, I was exhausted.  There was actually a moment that I thought I would not be able to get to my car and drive myself home.  Great, exhausting day!

Friday: I began the day at a district meeting for other Instructional Specialists.  We learned (or reviewed in my case) Cooperative Grouping.  Now . . . to get my teachers to use it. I covered for the Computer Technology teacher while he attended a meeting for a few minutes in the afternoon. As I watched the students, I learned about special effects.

What a day!

Have you ever had one of those days that you had so much to do that you had no idea what time it was?  You just worked and worked and worked?

My co-worker and I spent all day preparing for campus Professional Development taking place this Thursday afternoon.  We will be having teachers present information they have learned at recently attended trainings.  It is the first time they have led PD like this, so I am excited to see how it goes.  I will be leading one session, so we worked on those materials all day.  Now we just have to make copies and finalize the guiding questions.  I hope the teachers truly take the new information and use it in their classrooms.

I also had to have a very interesting conversation with a student.  One I never imagined having.  Nope, not sharing it here, but it was a first for me.

Literacy Conference

My 2 BFFs and I submitted a proposal to a state literacy conference. (Actually, they did all the work, and I got to be included.) One friend had to back out due to a work commitment that came up, but my other friend and I headed to the host city on Friday night to attend and present at the conference on Saturday.

We presented my friend's dissertation study has a round table discussion during the first breakout session.  She did a great job, and I supported her all along the way.  I enjoyed participating in the conversation that occurred.

During the rest of the conference, I attended a session on Vocabulary/assisting ELLs and a session on Voice/using & writing poetry.  I learned some new ideas and will be sharing them this week at work.

I will organize my thoughts and present the information with a group of teachers this year.

Another Great Week in the Work World

This was a great, busy week at work!

Monday:
We had the day off today.  Woohoo!  I spent it running errands and getting things done around my house.  Did you know that if you lose the key to your lawn mower that you can buy a new one at your local hardware/lawn care store?  Yep!  It was so easy and cheap.  We thought we might need a new ignition or starter.  Thank goodness we didn't!

Tuesday:
Back to work!  I was supposed to have a meeting off campus, but it was rescheduled, so I worked on all kinds of things at school.  I think I did at least 10 or 11 walkthroughs and put together around 40 magazine boxes to organize Science manipulatives. I covered a teacher while she was in a meeting, so I taught a Resource English class last period.  I haven't done that it quite a while, but it was fun! I finished the day in a Reading Department meeting.

Wednesday:
I did all kinds of things today, including organizing more Science manipulatives and visiting more classrooms. I ended the day leading an 8th grade Science Department meeting.  We used a new format, and it went well.  There was some great discussion around our state standards.

Thursday:
We had a lot of teachers out for some reason.  Two were at Professional Development off campus, but I'm not sure where the others were.  I spent the morning making sure the subs had everything they needed.  I was supposed to cover a Science teacher while she attended a meeting, but she was out.  I ended up covering the Theater Arts teacher for half of one period, all of the next period, and then a few minutes of the last period.  I have no Theater Arts background, and I had no idea what they were supposed to do, so they behaved, but it wasn't quite like I would normally cover a class. I ended the day leading a 7th grade Science Department meeting.  We used a new format, the same one from yesterday, and it went well.  There was some great discussion around our state standards. It lasted longer than they would have liked, but the discussions were great!

Friday:
There were many teachers out again.  At least 5 had subs covering their classes, but 2 were not picked-up by subs.  I ran around all morning making sure all the subs had what they needed, etc. Once they were all settled, I helped a Science teacher with some technology. The rest of my morning was spent helping a teacher and her students with Science Fair, checking on subs, getting some materials to Science teachers, and working on some other things for the English/Language Arts/Reading Department and Professional Development.  I left midday to head out of town for a Literacy Conference.

Another Good Week in My Work World

This week has been filled with Professional Development.

Monday:
I taught 8th grade Science all day.  A teacher had a personal matter to handle that kept her from school and the sub canceled. Teaching speed = distance / time can be difficult.  :-) There was no way I could leave this for teachers or aides to do throughout the day.

Tuesday:
Today, I had the opportunity to attend a training with a guru assisting us in understanding our state assessment and what it takes to understand our state standards in association with the state assessment questions.  We focused on Reading today.  I am so excited to be working with Reading/Language Arts again.  I am having to really pull from deep in my memory and research to find answers to help my teachers.

Wednesday:
This morning, I attended a workshop (part 1 of 3) on how to lead/participate in Critical Conversations.  I was with my principal, new assistant principal, and former assistant principal.  I enjoyed working with them and learning the information. I reaffirmed that I am a good listener and horrible talker (with those I don't know well). I also found out that I am pretty good at coaching people on how to have critical conversations, but I don't like to lead them.

Thursday:
Today, I had the opportunity to attend a training with the same guru from Tuesday, but today, we focused on Science. The training was slightly different as the assessments are different, but the info was good.  I can't wait to use what I learned next week.

Friday:
I spent the morning at our local super store purchasing supplies for Science teachers to use the next six weeks.  The shopping, unloading, sorting/organizing, and delivering to classes takes hours.  I was so hot and sweaty by the time I finished.  I ended the day assisting an 8th grade English teacher while her SpEd Inclusion teacher was in a meeting.  It was great getting back to my English roots helping the students write/edit their essays.

When a Teacher Is Wrong

What do you do when you know a teacher is wrong but won't admit it?

A friend's child was taught by a first year teacher using an incorrect textbook, probably outdated too.  The child was taught, given a page to label from the text, told to study, and then tested.  On the test, the child labeled the diagram correctly, ignoring the incorrect information taught and labeled.  These items were counted wrong and points taken off.  When my friend questioned it, she was told by the teacher that she referenced the text book, a co-worker, and had given the children the information to study.  She didn't apologize, didn't change the grade, and wouldn't acknowledge that she, the book, and her co-worker are wrong, and everything else found on the internet, other text books, other resources, and the knowledge of three Doctors go against what she says/found.

This is what bothers me:
1. An entire grade level of children was taught incorrectly.
2. The teacher would not admit she was wrong, right the wrong, reteach the students, and correct the grade. She still believes she is right.
3. It is possible an entire grade level across an entire district has learned the information incorrectly.
4. A text book used across the country is wrong.

How would you handle a situation like this?



Side note:  I am sure I possibly taught things wrong and handled situations incorrectly as a young teacher, but I hope with the experiences I have gained that I would handle those situations better now.

Teachers, Are You Tired?

A friend posted a link to the Accidental Devotional blog article, To the Teachers, Already Tired, so I thought I would share.

http://accidentaldevotional.com/2013/09/19/to-the-teachers-already-tired/

Are You Mighty or a Clod?

In Sunday School, we have been studying Adam Hamilton’s Enough: Discovering Joy through Simplicity and Generosity. Today, the following quote was used:

“This is the true joy in life, the being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one; the being a force of nature instead of a feverish, selfish little clod of ailments and grievances complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy.” (George Bernard Shaw)

We discussed it through religion and who we are to be as Christians, but I also thought about it as an educator, and it led me to wonder: 

Are you mighty or a clod?

As an educator, we have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children.  If we choose to "be mighty," we are purposeful in what we do in trying to meet the needs of each student.  If teaching is just a way to get a paycheck, then it is easier to "be a clod."

I wish I could remember more of his comments around "being mighty," but educators have a choice, and if we choose to "be mighty," we choose to make a difference and change the world.

I hope you choose to

 And, teachers, if you do, hang in there!  Our jobs are tough, but we can do this with the support of others.

Whatever It Takes

I am used to working in a "Do Whatever It Takes" environment.  You put students first, and you do whatever it takes to meet students' needs and help them be successful. 

I'm sure, after I say this, if there are any people from work that read this, they will have one more reason to be mad at me or rant about me at Happy Hour, but here it is.

Teachers I work around have not had to act as every other teacher in the nation normally does.  They have not been held accountable and have not had to research, make, and create whatever is needed to teach their students. There is so much complaining about working long hours, not being able to balance work and home, and not having enough time.  All the things these teachers, some who have been teaching 8-10-12 years, are now experiencing should have been experienced their first few years of teaching.  The stress of teaching, figuring out the bureaucracy and paperwork, getting everything done, attending meetings, planning lessons, and balancing work and home lives is what first through third year teachers struggle to figure our and learn.  These teachers should have that by now.  Yes, the beginning of the year brings about some of those struggles, but the amount of stress and complaining around these issues is out of control. Many are not stopping to realize that they are fighting a change that will happen with or without them. 

My second year of teaching, I switched schools and grade levels.  I was given brand new state standards, a simple scope and sequence, and an extremely old textbook, which we didn't have enough student copies for every student.  Everything I did that year, I figured out on my own.  I bought my own resources, created my own lessons, did everything on my own.  Eventually, the district coordinator started having professional development sessions to help us with content and lessons.  Even with that information, I still had to do my own thing.  This is what has made me the teacher I am.  I love to research and create.

I have been amazed at the lack of professional development these teachers seek out.  I am a life-long learner.  I sought out any and all related professional development.  Most of these teachers do not. 

Teaching is not an 8-4 job.  For those who really "do whatever it takes" and do "what's best for kids," they are working 24-7 from August until June.  Thinking, creating, worrying, and so much more. 

I love watching the changes that are taking place.  It is hard, stressful, and not the happiest environment, but things are a changing, and our students will benefit.

"Don't Let Them Suck Your Fun Circuits Dry"

A very moving letter to teachers by the mom of a little girl killed at Sandy Hook in December 2012

Mother of Sandy Hook Victim Writes Powerful Letter to Teachers

Feeling Educationally Thankful

We have now been back in school with students for two weeks, and while I have not personally heard serious, down right frustrating griping, I sense it.  I know it is happening.  My co-worker has heard it. I can read people's faces, feel the stress in the air, and just know that teachers are stressed, frustrated and more.

Part of me is grateful teachers don't gripe around me, and I am glad I don't know what they are specifically saying about me.

My role has changed this year.  It is finally what I thought it was going to be when I took the job two years ago.  Don't get me wrong, I have gained experiences and enjoyed parts of what I did the last two years, but it wasn't the day-to-day job I thought I was getting. Now, I attend planning meetings for all content areas.  I get to go back to my ELAR and History roots and recall concepts, topics, and ideas to help those teachers. I attend Team meetings to assist teams with tasks focused on the 130 students assigned to each of them. I am working with teachers who need a few ideas, support, or assistance. I am observing students to help teachers come up with ideas to get students back on task or under control so everyone in the room can learn. I am supporting new teachers who might otherwise be on their own (like I was my first two years of teaching). I do walkthroughs, which will assist teachers instructionally, which will help our students be successful.

While I have not heard with my own two ears any griping about what I am or am not doing, I know that this role bothers people. I believe they are questioning why I am in and out of their rooms, and they are probably worried I am taking all I see and hear straight back to our Administrators.  Well, all I can say is that they should come talk to me. 

My main goal: Help teachers be the best they can be so our students can learn and be successful. The first week, I went in and out of classrooms just checking on teachers.  Not checking up on them, just checking on them.  It is rough starting a year, especially with the changes they are experiencing, so I was just checking to see if they had questions or needed anything.  Now that the year is moving along, I am seeing if anyone needs help with things I know our Administrators are looking for when they are doing walkthroughs.  I can help with the expectations posted on the board. I can help make a lesson more engaging. I can help with content a teacher may not quite understand. I can help with a disruptive student. I can find a new strategy to use. I can support a struggling teacher. Again, my role is not to get teachers in trouble or to be negative; it is to help and support. 

My role is to help however I can, but I do not give bathroom breaks or cover classes for teachers to make copies, run errands, or do things they need to do before or after school or during lunch or Conference time. It is not my job to clean out and straighten storage areas that I did not mess up.

The griping, stress, and negativity I know is spreading through the campus is not good for instruction or students. I remember there was a point in my 4th year of teaching that I had to make a choice.  I was struggling with a situation in my class and I was in a new grade level. I was negative all the time.  I remember the very moment that I said to myself that I had to make a change and be more positive--even if I didn't feel like it. From that moment on, I had to find the positive in the day, the moment, the child, the situation.  It changed my life and my teaching. Whenever I start feeling overwhelmed or negative, I have to stop and make myself think positively.

There are changes taking place on my campus, and if some of the teachers do not make a purposeful change in their attitudes and become more positive, their year is only going to get worse.

The changes taking place are not any different than any great campus would do normally.  The expectations and procedures being put into place this year are what most teachers think of as normal, and those teachers probably wouldn't understand why teachers on my campus are struggling or griping. I am so grateful to have had wonderful administrators while I was in the classroom. The Principals and Assistant Principals were strong, had high expectations, and could lead teachers and students to do and be their best. I may have been a pain or immature, but I learned from each of them. Eva McKinney, Treva Franklin, Becky Reidling, Daron Aston, Valerie Nelson, Jeni Piepenbrink, and Leigh Kovalcik put up with me, led me, and molded me into the educator I am today. It took me leaving the classroom and working with other amazing, strong administrators for me to see and understand what I do now.

I will continue with my positive attitude and assisting teachers.  Our students deserve it.

The End of the First Week of School

How was your first week of school?  Thoughts?  Feelings?

 

Exhausted?

As mentioned before, we have a new principal, so high expectations and accountability have been discussed and put in place.  Feelings have been mixed, shown, & vented, exhaustion has been felt, and negativity is starting to span out across the campus.  The changes put in place are really no different than would be expected or seen on other campuses.

Change is a process that the teachers must go through to understand and accept. They have to create new habits and procedures to get their work finished, realize the changes are what is best for the students & aren't going away, and will have to eventually accept the changes and become more positive.

Have you gone through changes at school?  How did you get through them?  Do you have tips for others?

1st Day of School 2013-2014

How was your or your child's 1st day of school?

Last night, I joked with Mom about her taking my picture today to start of the 1st day like when I was younger.  We were just kidding around.  After I was up and dressed this morning, she got up to take my picture.  Sweet lady!  I wouldn't let her take it b/c my hair wasn't ready. :-)  I really didn't need a picture. This morning was my 17th 1st day of school as a public educator.  (Although I have experience while in high school and college, I don't normally count that.)

Our 1st day at school seemed to run very smoothly.  It was a great start to a great year.

Since I am not in a classroom, I helped in the office by answering questions and pointing families toward the library to speak to the Registrar.  I spent the morning checking on teachers and students by visiting all of the classes inside the building at least once and some more than once. We received some new equipment for the Science Dept., so I inventoried that.  We realized we are missing some of our technology, so now we are on the look out for that.  After eating lunch, I revisited classrooms one to two more times, helped a Team take their group picture, had my picture taken for our school website, hooked up a computer and printer for a teacher, and met with a few 7th grade Science teachers to help them make a decision.

I am really surprised with the amount of walking I did and how much I was standing on my feet that they do not hurt more.  As a matter of fact, they hardly hurt at all.  I wonder if that means they will be killing me tomorrow night.

My niece started school last Wednesday, and she has had a good experience so far.  My nephew started today, and his day went well too.  I am praying they are able to be in the same school soon.

Well, because of the website picture, I did get a picture on the 1st day.  Now, remember, this is at the end of a long day.  No time to freshen up.

Convocation

During this year's Convocation, we had the opportunity to hear Jamie Vollmer, businessman, education supporter, and author of Schools Cannot Do It Alone.  After a short introduction, he began with the Blueberry Story.

He spoke about educators having the power to make the change necessary for the rest of the country to understand and appreciate education and what we do on a daily basis.  Educators must speak positively about their jobs, co-workers, and students whenever in public. They must use their voices to change the public's negative perception of teachers and schools.

I really enjoyed his speech, and now I would like to read his book.