Staff Development

Vocabulary is critical across the board.  To make this staff development more effective, I would probably request those attending to bring a vocabulary list they use.  There are lists available for ALL disciplines, even if teachers have to pull them from a textbook.  When showing the Word List tab, teachers can also participate by suggesting words and checking the list.  I will have teachers search the Shared Lists for key words relating to their disciplines.  This lesson definitely needs to be done in a lab.

Professional Development

I'll not lie.  I have been known to cringe at the words, "You will need to attend this professional development session on...."  I know, too, that there will be "cringers" in the crowd when I announce my professional development.  However, I promise to do my best to help my coworkers see that what I am teaching has a direct impact on their classrooms.  I won't just "throw it out there" and hope they "get it."  I will teach only what I believe truly works, for if I believe it, then they will believe it.  As adults, we have had enough education to want to see the "bottom line" in all that we do.  I'll be up front with the uses and benefits and, hopefully, my coworkers will respond positively to my message.  Teachers need to continue to study and train.  We must keep up with what is going on.  However, we must respect the knowledge our teachers already have.  In the end, it will all be good.

Transforming my Classroom

I have to admit, I've pretty proud of how far I have come in my classroom with technology.  Like many teachers, I tend to be a control freak and I don't like to share my "toys."  I've moved away from that attitude and tried to let the students take over the learning.  One of the ISTE standards speaks to Personal Responsibility and that is big item for me.  I tell my students from day one that they have to take ownership in their education.

This coming fall, I intend to do even more.  I like to move the furniture around.  It keeps students guessing, since teenagers aren't really too fond of change. Students will collaborate on a daily basis, if at all possible. Communication is the key to success in the 21st Century and I want my students to take advantage of all the possibilities available to them.  It's my job to make sure they do.

All of my vocabulary lessons on online at vocabahead.com.  Many of my students, and the class pictured here especially, loved completing the online quizzes to study prior to taking my test.  They would shout answers, argue about the correct answer, etc.  It was my favorite part of the week!

Life Long Learner

As a Pinnacle Leader in Gaston County, one of the main expectations is that we commit to being life-long learners.  To that end, I have joined my Pinnacle counterparts for the second summer to learn more and more about integrating technology into our classrooms.  It is a great, if exhausting, experience!

In a way, it's a lot like summer camp.  We are enjoying catching up with our friends from last summer, renewing friendships, and sharing secrets to success in our classrooms.  Our "counselors" know their subject and we are in information overload.  Again, not a bad thing.

Being a life-long learner is a challenge but, in the end, a true benefit both to me and my students.