Professional Development
Syracuse City School District - April 2021
The PL Team is committed to coordinating efforts to provide daily opportunities for training and support for our SCSD Staff that would help them to maintain continuity in communication and learning for our SCSD Students & Families during the Covid19 Pandemic & beyond. The following is a summary report of that work for the past calendar month.
April PD Session Topics
The following professional learning offerings were available to staff:
- Weekly Demo Lessons by Content/Grade Level (267)
- Social Emotional Learning Integration (6)
- SCORE: Student-Led PD (6)
- Self-Paced PL Playlist (4)
- PL-LC 101: Learner Champion (1)
- PL-LC 102: Flexible Learning Environments (3)
- PL-LC 103: Flexible Learning Environments (3)
- The Person You Mean To Be Book Study (24)
- Learning Walk Inquiry Cycle Asynchronous Online Course (1)
- Canvas Training (2)
- SyraFuse Cohort 6 Recruitment Informational Sessions (2)
- SCSD PL Coach Office Hours
Overall Rating: 1 (Poor) to 5 (Excellent) Stars - 4.42 -
March 4.63 - February 4.57 - January 4.53
December 4.63 - November 4.65 - October 4.59 - September 4.53
- The students do an awesome job of breaking the ice and discussing hard topics. They found awesome videos to highlight the topics as well as provide great examples for us teachers to consider in our profession and life.
- Made me realize how important it is to self assess myself for hidden biases.
- The information about implicit bias was very real and applicable to everyone, and thinking about it made me reflect on my own behaviors.
- I really liked the multiple use of break out rooms today to engage with multiple participants.
- Excited to begin using the virtual field trips!
- Loved the resources for social studies and viewing the pacing guide was helpful.
- I like the structure for this PD with the self-paced Nearpod and live instruction PD.
- So thankful for direction in teaching Poetry Unit. This is my first time! PowerPoints so helpful!
- Math - Thank you for showing us relevant examples. As a new teacher it is always helpful to see the best practice for teaching the skill.
- SCSD Physical Education Department PD - Collaborating with each other, exit tickets and instructional strategies. The PE Dept. Admin always puts on high quality PD's for us.
- The sharing of virtual materials is the greatest gift EVER!
- Loved the tech tip!
- I will be using some lessons around complimenting and kindness within the classroom. I plan to try something building wide from my class.
- Learned about the several ways to use the word blending in the classroom on top of all the resources that are in the canvas course.
- Such valuable and moving stories were shared by students about AVID experiences, and how it has shaped their lives!
- It is nice to see that they are now getting more specific with the training we would like to receive and asking us for our input.
- The information was informative and helpful for using language and content objectives, building background, meaningful use of visuals, academic vocabulary, and student engagement. This will help me to support my ENL's in a class where I have no additional ENL support.
- Good opportunity to meet with colleagues from other buildings.
- Student led conference was amazing. I'm glad they were able to show the content to teachers. We definitely need more of these PD's.
Constructive Feedback Quotes - April 2021
- Students are amazing and the content is so important, but this type of PD would be more meaningful with smaller groups. 367 attendees does not allow for meaningful dialogue or engagement with the content - it only allows for stand and deliver PD.
- The content shared about bias and how it impacts our lives and the lives of others was informative. It was heavily focused on negative bias toward African Americans males… I would have liked to have seen a more balanced discussion.
- I loved these meetings prior to yesterday. I enjoy taking notes and feeling prepared for the next week. I have not felt anything other than stress the past 2 days to get on the meetings and it is very difficult to pay attention after a busy day. Maybe these meetings shouldn't be on Monday and Tuesday when next week seems so far away. Maybe the meetings could just be recorded ahead of time and the expectation is they are watched at some point during the week.
- Would prefer more time and ideas for students and relationships as opposed to content.
- Missed entire session due to buses.
- I can't get on because I am taking my curb to curb students. I come on late and am lost for the entire session. The instructors are great the timing is TERRIBLE.
- It seems like in-person learning is not the priority since so many materials/videos/Seesaw activities are targeted toward virtual students.
- There is a lot going on at the end of the day. It is difficult to be mentally present when there is a giant to-do list of things to prepare for the following day, as well as communicate with other teachers and staff members in preparation for the week.
Weekly Demonstration Lesson Sessions
Feedback Responses by Building/Program (4749)
Teacher Highlights
Melissa Radley, Grades 3-5 Science Demo Teacher
Hello! Thank you for taking the time to read this. As, grades 3-5 Demo science teacher I collaborate with the science department to create engaging lessons that allow students to build and expand their science content knowledge.
This has been a wonderful and challenging experience. It is difficult to narrow down the best parts though I believe the best part is being able to get my hands dirty with science content. This is the first time that I am teaching most of this content so it is a great feeling to learn alongside with students. Another amazing part of this role is being able to highlight SCSD student science success. I enjoy when teachers send in their students demonstrations of content knowledge. This provides me with feedback on how to design more effective lessons.
There are some challenges. It has been difficult to balance both roles, demo teacher and 3rd grade virtual teacher at Huntington. At times it has been difficult to balance both roles and not feel ineffective. From these challenges, I have learned that we truly are all in this together and I applaud the efforts of all teachers’ dedication to our SCSD students.
Being a demo teacher has greatly impacted my work as a both a teacher and learner. Teaching lessons at WCNY has guided me to look at content from a student’s perspective, focus on meaningful objectives, and provide students with differentiated opportunities to demonstrate their knowledge. I have also had to wear different teaching hats and determine best practices for in-person, hybrid, and virtual teachers. At times this can be overwhelming but none the less it has helped me to grow as an educator.
Students! Students make this work rewarding. When teachers share with me how and what their students are learning from the Science lessons I am ecstatic. It takes away all of the stress and overwhelming feelings.
I think the biggest piece of feedback I have received has been to accept challenges even when it’s difficult and we don’t believe we are ready to. Our students need us to be in their corner and for us to do what’s right by challenging our own thinking and biases. Being a demo teacher has challenged my thinking and ultimately I believe is making me a better educator for all.
One of the best highlights would have to be the opportunity to work alongside Colleen Mayberry. She continues to provide me with support, encourages me to trust myself, and to always laugh. Thank you all! We got this!
Katy Vadala, Grade 8 ELA Demo Teacher
I am the 8th Grade ELA Demonstration teacher also; I am the IR teacher at Syracuse Stem at Blodgett. As the 8th Grade ELA Demonstration teacher, I am responsible for creating resources that align with 8th Grade ELA curriculum to use in their hybrid and/or virtual classroom.
My favorite part of the job is getting to work with teachers from across the district on a weekly basis. Coming together has allowed us all to share amazing resources as a team.
The biggest challenge is making the content accessible to all learners.
Some of the feedback I have received is teachers asking for help differentiating the resources to meet the needs of the students in teachers' classrooms. With this feedback, I have been able to assist teachers in turning the resources I give them into resources they can use for the varying level of students in their classrooms.
The highlight of this work has been the collaboration with teachers across the district. I truly believe teachers are the greatest resource for each other.
Weekly Choice Sessions
Feedback Responses by Building/Program (1021)
Breakdown by the Core 4 Elements of Personalized Learning
Self-Paced Action Research Playlist
SCSD Personalized Learning Office Hours
Annual Showcase led by Fuse Fellows
Cohort 5: 2020-2021 School Year
During the months of March and May the Cohort 5 SyraFuse Fellows led and will be leading professional development sessions to share best practices for personalizing in-person, hybrid, and/or virtual learning. Find the schedule, meeting links, recordings and resources for these sessions linked via the button below.
Don't miss out on upcoming May sessions: May 5th, 12th, and 19th!
SyraFuse Fellowship Highlights
Fuse Syracuse (SyraFuse) strives to implement and scale personalized and blended learning across the Syracuse City School District by creating and training teacher leaders as change agents. The Fuse Syracuse initiative recruits a group of educators called Fuse Fellows for a 1-year fellowship. Fellows will be trained on personalized learning models and best practices, blended learning tools and strategies, coached on classroom implementation, and supported to establish their own “Lighthouse Classroom” to serve as a model of personalized and blended instruction in their building and district.
Fuse Fellows are passionate, curious innovators in their schools who model a growth mindset, and are open to trying new things and taking their practice to the next level. They are natural change agents for their schools, and welcome the opportunity to advance the field through their own leadership and instructional innovation. We are now working with cohort 5 of the fellowship!
Stacey Marsh, Webster
Why SyraFuse?
I set out to improve my own teaching practices to increase engagement and achievement with my current and future students, but it never occurred to me that I would positively impact other teachers in the process.
SyraFuse Reality
What could be better than a team of coaches who stop everything to help you out? The Fuse coaches provide resources, discussion, choice, and voice in order to give teachers what they need to be successful. I was certain that I would never run a PD session, but I did it. I had the courage to share my breakout room and goal-setting strategies, and I found equally valuable information during Fuse breakout sessions and Learning Walks.
Virtual Teaching Highlights
I let myself be more creative and take risks.
My students and I learned together. We had a team mindset from the beginning.
We learned to give technology advice to each other, troubleshoot problems, and share tips and tricks.
Families let me into their homes. We met siblings, cousins, parents, and grandparents.
We saw puppies the day after they were born and witnessed daily growth until they were all sold.
We saw a baby sister the day she came home from the hospital.
Weekly check-ins were for checking in -- not behavior reports.
Take-Aways
Classrooms don't have to fit in a perfect box. It can feel messy when you're trying to get to know students and find the strategies and tools that work best. Virtual teaching taught us all that sometimes we just need to step outside of our own comfort zone and do what works in the moment. I knew I had to find ways to teach the curriculum and meet social-emotional needs. I spent so many hours creating activities and carving out time to get to know students to give them what they need. What makes the time commitment worth it? It all comes together when you see the face of kids who reach a goal, step out of their comfort zone, make a breakthrough, or tell you that they log in on time just to hear your voice.
John Dermody, Corcoran
History Teacher & SyraFuse Cohort 5 Fellow
Hi! My name is John Dermody and I teach African American Studies, United States History and Government, and Active Citizenship at Corcoran High School (Go CTF!!!). I applied for the fellowship in order to be a part of a dynamic, growth minded teaching community and to push myself to develop into an advanced personalized learning practitioner. I greatly appreciated working with the PL coaches to develop my classroom into a space where students can become independent and where I could learn to use the various platforms that we used to develop our virtual/hybrid classrooms.
I really enjoyed the SEL homeroom and the time that we were given each morning to get to know my students. I also consider ways to plan my lessons, discussions, and reflections with students to allow them to share their voice and perspective in my classroom. I have found success developing lessons around various media and primary and secondary resources which have led to deep conversations with my students about issues that impact the world around us. I have developed learning menus and content strands that students can choose from to personalize their investigation into themes present in their history courses. Completing Fuse missions and working with the other Fuse fellows has allowed me to develop ways to organize and deliver content as well as collaborate with other colleagues. I would like to use the skills and strategies that I learned as a Fuse Fellow to design a classroom environment where students are leaders and they are able to develop their own community.
Student & Family Support provided by SCSD School Librarians
Prekindergarten – Grade 12 Library Media Specialists in the SCSD provide helpdesk support to students and families in the SCSD. They are available between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM Monday – Friday each week. Families are able to sign up for virtual help directly on the Syracuse City Schools Website.
Elementary Support Calendar & Stats
Elementary LMS Highlight
Robin Young, Edward Smith PK-8
I just LOVE being a Library Media Specialist, especially at Edward Smith, where I have been for 22 years!
I have been a librarian for 30 years! When I was studying for my degree, the Internet wasn’t widely available. My first job was at a college library as a music librarian. Then I taught Kindergarten at a small private school in Miami and created their library. When we moved to Syracuse, I worked in the Central Square School District before finding my dream school at Ed Smith!
One of the things I love about being a LMS is I never know what the day will bring and every day is different! There is so much to do and learn! I get to read books to students and teachers, help everyone find the perfect book to read or use in class, fix technology, teach how to use technology, collaborate with teachers, buy books for the library, work with everyone in the building and watch the students grow and learn over 9 years.
I love seeing current and former students out in the community. I have really gotten to know our students and their families, and some of my current students are the children of former students. And one former student is now a colleague!
I also love seeing and purchasing all the amazing new books that are constantly being published. I have been trying really hard to find books that represent all of our students. There are now so many books that feature students of color, students from different countries and students from different religions. I had a book on display that had a little girl in a hijab on the cover. A girl in my library, who was wearing a hijab, picked up the book, turned to me and said “This girl looks like me!” in such an excited voice. I was so happy she could make that connection.
This past year has been really difficult. I really miss teaching the student in the library, but I have also enjoyed getting to know the parents in a different way and helping them with their technology issues. Still, I’m hoping for a more typical school year in the fall.
I can’t imagine doing anything else. If after 30 years I still love what I do, I’m pretty lucky.
Secondary Support Calendar & Stats
Secondary LMS Highlight
Colleen Shiel, Henninger HS
I attended SUNY Cortland for my undergrad and received a BA in graphic design, with a minor in Art History. After earning my bachelors degree, I realized I didn’t have that many employment opportunities by remaining in Syracuse. Therefore, I decided to continue my education at Syracuse University. I earned my Masters in Library Science, with a CAS in digital libraries. This was the best decision I have ever made. I have been a Library Media Specialist in the SCSD district for thirteen years. I worked as the K-8 Librarian for two years at Roberts. Then, I worked at Lincoln Middle School before I became the Library Media Specialist here, at Henninger. I love being a librarian because I'm always forming positive relationships with students and staff.
During hybrid learning, the SCSD librarians’ roles are more focused on tech support to families, students, and staff. I truly miss having in person conversations with my students, such as discussing events and activities going on in their lives. I miss hearing fabulous book recommendations and book reviews. These days, most of my conversations seem to be focused on troubleshooting technical issues. Although it is still rewarding to assist others with solving technology problems; along with reassuring them that everything will work out, I extremely miss the normal face to face conversations I used to have. Even though we are doing Book Club virtually, I am thankful that we have the option to continue it. It is so wonderful to hear student discussions, laughter, and I am thrilled they are enjoying their time together.
Also, I am very grateful for the amount of collaboration I experience with the other high school librarians in the district; along with the amazing support system all the SCSD librarians have throughout this whole district. We are truly a community.
PD Newsletter Archive 2020-2021
Manami Tezuka
Syracuse City School District
Email: mtezuka@scsd.us
Website: http://www.syracusecityschools.com/districtpage.cfm?pageid=585
Location: 1005 West Fayette Street, Syracuse, New York 13204, USA
Phone: (315) 435-6358
Twitter: @SCSDPL