Wildcat News
George Washington Carver Creative Arts Center 11.6.16
Be Thankful You Are an Educator! I (Ideas taken from Stephanie Wrobleski)
Teaching is not a profession known for instant gratification. Sometimes, we teachers can feel completely unappreciated. Dubbed a “thankless job”, teaching comes with many daily challenges. Grading, meetings, more grading, planning and the seemingly hundreds of tasks we are charged with can make us feel frustrated and burned out. More often than not, we take on much more than our job description. Everything from improving student’s academic abilities to making up for their inadequate home life leads to a feeling of overwhelm and negativity.
In his 2011 Reader’s Digest article, “How to Be Thankful and Improve Your Life”, David Hochman discovers that “life gets better when you adopt and attitude of gratitude.” In other words, look at life from the “half full” point of view instead of the “half empty” one. Take time to appreciate yourself and the positive aspects of your profession.
Teachers Be Thankful....................
Your Heavy Teacher Bag.......
because it symbolizes your employment. Take a moment to think about how many people you know who have been laid off. According to The Wall Street Journal, there were over two million people collecting unemployment in early October. Be grateful you are not one of them.
Rising at an early hour...
since going to work early means you can leave early. Although most of us take work home at night or on weekends, the actual hours we are required to be "at the office" allow us to be home at a reasonable hour. Welcome the idea that you can get home before dinner actually begins.
Parent meetings...
because they are an opportunity to reach out to parents and students. Meeting with parents is a chance to connect with a family and demonstrate your willingness to help. Take advantage of the possibility that may make a positive impact upon parent and student.
Student loan statements...
which are invoices for an educational investment. A good percentage of the world’s population does not have the opportunity to seek higher educated. Be thankful for yours.
A noisy classroom...
which signifies productivity. Learn to embrace the racket that comes with learning. Noisy students are discussion books or significant classroom topics. Be thankful that your students are excited to learn.
The pile of unread books on your desk...
because it is evidence that you can read. According to a 2009 USA Today article, a federal study found that one in seven US adults cannot read well enough to comprehend a newspaper article. Acknowledge that the ability to read makes your life better.
A full email inbox...
which symbolizes your ability to communicate. Out of all the email or voicemail correspondence we get, there will be a “thank you” from a parent or a commendation for a job well done. Appreciate the ability to communicate.
A lesson that doesn’t follow the script...
because it means your students are thinking. Embrace those teachable moments that may not be part of the master plan. Pride your self on being confident enough to teach off the cuff once in a while.
Challenging students...
who help you become a better teacher. Meeting a challenge only makes us stronger and helps us learn more about ourselves. Be thankful for the opportunity to grow as a person and as an educator.
Data Charts Your Course! (Data Meetings on Thursday, November 10, 2016)
Preparation : Before the Meeting:
- Select 2-3 most critical(lowest mastery, most frequently tested) standards from current Common Assessment ( Items used Item Analysis data report, upcoming lesson plans/materials and Instructional Planning Calendar (select 1 high, 1 medium, and 1 high) bring a hard copy for each participant.
- See Pass Success ( S.E at highest mastery ) 1min.
- See the Exemplar - Narrow the Focus (S.E. at lowest mastery; 2-3 standards) Interpret the standard(s) 7-8 min,
- Review the assessment items for 1 standard only 2 min. See the Gap in performance across questions (Item Analysis Report) See the Gap Within Question Responses
- State the Effort and Conceptual Misunderstanding
- Plan for the Reteach - Start with the Assessment for the Reteach
- Plan the structure
- Be very specific
- Practice
Dates To Remember
November 5 - Executive Ed Team Meeting
November 8 - Executive Ed Meeting
October 31 - November 3 - District Common Assessment
November 4 - End Of 2nd Six Week Grading Period
November 7 - Beginning of 3rd Six week Grading Period
November 7- Students Conferencing and Goal Setting Starts from Data on the
2nd Common Assessment.
November 10 - Data Meeting @ George Washington Carver Creative Arts Center
November 21-25 Thanksgiving Break
November 28 - Instructional Calendars Due for the 4th Six Week
Every Monday PD Series 3:30 -5:00
Wednesday Grade Level Meeting
Thursday PLC - Lesson Plan Check- In
Lesson Plans and Targeted Assessment due every Wednesday by 4:00 p.m.
Student conferences weekly