ELA borate
March, 2014
Spotlight Teacher: Becky Strickland
Becky is so dedicated to professional learning and attends a plethora of workshops to stay current on best practices. Furthermore, there is not a professional book that pertains to middle school, English, or best practices that she has not read and implemented in her classroom. Becky is also a leader in our ELA department as she wrote the new 7th grade curriculum, led 7th grade PD this year,, and is an active participant in learning to lead our group in argumentative writing.
Last, but not least, previously at Bryan Middle School, Becky was named Teacher of the Year for 2010-2011.
ELA Information/Updates
Our CAL (content area leaders) have read Oh Yeah?! over argumentative writing and attended training with the author, Jeffrey Wilhelm, on March 5 and 6 in anticipation for leading PD next school year. I am excited for the PD they are going to put together for all of you! Below you will see those who will be leading your group. (NOTE: Middle school will be divided into two groups at a later date.)
MS
-Mindy Kramer
-Becky Strickland
-Jessi Ferri
MS
-Suzan Wilson
-Raquel Babb
-Renee Rethemeyer
English I
-Carolyn Klein
-Jessie Altman
English II
-Laurie Fay
-Tonishia LaMartina
English III/IV
-Theresa Maher
-Dawn Jones
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Write to Learn was fabulous this year; I really learned a lot about argumentative writing in the English classroom in various break out sessions. Also, Jim Burke was a very inspiring keynote speaker. Lastly, I had a great time learning with Melissa Corey, Becky Strickland, Victoria-Ann Rogers, Amanda Littekin, Raquel Babb, Phyllis Bilodeau, Kim Riley, Deb Kuntzman, Laura Kayser, Jessi Bulva, Kim Linneman, & Jessie Altman and can't wait to go next year!
Write to Learn Keynote!
Write to Learn Discussion!
Write to Learn Breakout Session!
Technology Tip/Tool: Padlet
Padlet is a virtual wall that allows people to express their thoughts on a common topic easily. It works like an online sheet of paper where people can put any content (e.g. images, videos, documents, text) anywhere on the page, together with anyone, from any device. In order to create a Padlet for your classroom, click the following link: http://padlet.com/
To view a video on great uses for Padlet in your classroom, click below.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_sO12Pj0Gs
Post the ways you currently use or could see using Padlet in your classroom here:
Contact Information
Email: erin.thurston@fhsdschools.org
Phone: 636-851-5546
Twitter: @ErinThurston1