I taught my students proficiency levels today! I know this may seem pretty much common sense to most World Language teachers but this is the first year that I have actually explained the levels and had my students actually discuss samples. Let me ‘splain! I left the classroom in 2013 and became an Instructional Coach …
At the end of each year, I always spend time reflecting on the previous year. I use time during the summer, tweaking lesson plans and creating activities. I think about what worked and what didn’t. I ponder my students’ performance and how I will try to motivate them during the upcoming year. So, how was …
As a young teacher starting out, I thought it was normal for teachers to think about ways activities and lessons could be improved. This has to be what they taught in Education courses…right? Having sought the alternate licensing route, I had no idea about what it was to be a reflective teacher and neither did …
A few years ago, I was presented with a set of classes that were somewhat challenging. All of my previous classroom management strategies just did not seem to work with this crew. I wrecked my brain (and the internet) to research other alternatives. As a high school teacher, I never shied away from using elementary …
How I Used a Classroom Version of PBIS to Manage Classroom Behavior Read More »
After a year as a Curriculum Coach, I have decided to return to the classroom. I miss the students. I miss the feeling of accomplishment. I miss creating lesson plans and developing activities. I just miss teaching! The thing is, however, I am not only returning to the classroom in a new district but a …
I recently attended a professional development session with Eric Jensen, the author of Engaging Students with Poverty in Mind and other books about brain-based learning and teaching. Although I had skimmed the book Teaching with Poverty in Mind, I was prepared for a long day! When I walked in and saw the tables filled, I …
When I tell people that I am implementing the flipped classroom model, the first thing most of them want to know is how much prep time is involved. Initially, there is A LOT of prep time involved. You have to create and/or search for videos for the content you want to present to the students. …
I am nearing the end of my my first year flipping and I am contemplating on changes I want to make during the upcoming year. I know the first thing I will do this summer will be to record my lessons with me in the video (following the FIZZ model from NC State). I currently …
So, I have been thinking a little bit about my vodcasts. Right now, they are either PowerPoints or Standard Deviant videos. I want to change the format and follow the FIZZ lecture board concept. Basically, the teacher will actually be in the videos using prepared lecture boards with content. I have to go find someone …
So, the students are still having a hard time stayinng focus. I am implemented a revised version of PBIS to hopefully motivate the students to move at a steady pace. So far, the majority of Spanish I is about where they should be. However, Spanish II-IV is still lagging behind. I will need to focus …
