Blog 14

Week Of THE LAST BLOG!!!!!!

Level of Difficulty: FINALLY!!!

Observe

What a crazy road it has been to get here! This week, only had 2 full days. Not much teaching, mostly me transitioning from full time to moving forward into full time teaching...on my own! I have learned so much.  This week I am trying to prepare my heart and mind for my new path. I have seen where I still need to improve.

Reflect

I think one of the hardest things to learn as a teacher is how to manage it all. Though, I am still learning and growing, I have learned how to manage time, manage students and how to effectively instruct. This time we have spent during student teaching has strengthened my skill set and given me a good understanding of how to run the classroom, how to get the most out of my students and how to plan accordingly.

Focus

My focus for the next few weeks will be to get settled into my new room and school I will be starting sometime in the next week hopefully. I am so ready and excited!

Be Productive

My goal and purpose this week is to really get ready to move into the teacher role. I am trying to get my thoughts together and my plan. Looking at the curriculum map and think through how I am going to start is top priority.

Have Courage

To get in there and do this! It will be good to get almost a full year in by summer. It is going to be stressful and challenging but it will work out! I am stoked!

Begin Anew

Job

Data

ADVICE

Work hard, get after it, do great!!

Here we are! We made it!!

Blog13

Week Of Friday: November 17

Level of Difficulty: Awesome

Observe: This week I observed that I have developed a lot as a teacher and a leader. I don’t mean to sound conceded but I just believe so much more in my abilities to teach and to run an effective classroom. I see more clearly everyday how students learn and how to provide them with an education and an environment where they can thrive!

Reflect: I have been very thankful and grateful for everything my CE has done to help me and encourage me as an educator. I have learned so much and I really do not want to leave. I wish I could be in her class forever!  I also hate to leave my kids (yes my kids, that is how much I have taken ownership of this class!) They are such a great group and they are going to be upset when I leave (not as much as me though) Even as a grown man, I am probably gonna tear up a bit :(

Focus: Focus this week goes to my new possible job op. My gig at my school didn’t work out.  It went to another more qualified teacher which bummed me out. But I had another interview lined up and it worked out...well so far. They are very close in making it happen (probably over Thanksgiving break :)  Focusing all my prayers and preparations for this new job!

Be Productive: Finishing strong. It is bittersweet, but I am ready to knock this student teaching out and get in the classroom.

Have Courage Courage to start my new job!

Begin Anew Get ready to start my new class. Lesson planning, classroom design, getting settled etc….learning how to steer the ship solo (with the help of my mentor and other team mates) Start thinking about the future and present.

Data In PLC meetings, we are still making strategies available for each student and trying to develop their strengths and overcome any weak areas. I see more and more how data drives instruction and how each student needs different things.

ADVICE You got it!!  Work your tail off!! You will be stronger!!

Blog 11

Week Of Friday:  NOVEMBER: 6-9

Level of Difficulty: GETTING BETTER

Observe: This is a real quick blog. This week started off a little rough but ended well! Getting better at this here teaching thing.

Reflect: To work on this week: Finish Portfolio, Develop new guided reading groups, incorporate new classroom strategies that I am learning from the book: Teach Like a Champion Get it here for $1.99!!!. A must read...good stuff on facilitating learning, instructional coaching as well as classroom management strategies that work for all age groups.

Focus Getting the last full week knocked out!! Getting a job and all my requirements completed.

Be Productive Get all of my lessons in and get all of my students caught up who are behind work wise.

Have Courage Just to be patient on my job situation and begin thinking about the transition and how it will look.

Begin Anew Job soon hopefully

Data Took our NC check ins. My group scored an average 80% !!!! So excited and hoping to continue that pace as we move on into the year.

ADVICE Be ready for everything. Always be on your game...you don’t know who may walk in and be impressed by your teaching.

Standard 1 1A: Teachers lead in their classrooms Continuing to develop a culture of positivity and independence in our classroom. I am really sad to be moving on soon. :(

Blog 10

Week Of Friday:  OCTOBER 11/3

Level of Difficulty: 4

Observe: This week was pure craziness. First: It was Halloween on Tuesday of course. Second: It was Benchmark week (Wednesday and Thursday) Third: It was a half day Thursday (Double crazy with 3 parent conferences) and Fourth: Teacher workday on Friday! To say the least, I am not sure how we will get back on track Monday but I know we will. My students were awesome this week! Not too many behavior problems, they were great when Dr. Wesson came in….honestly, they are always great. I am so spoiled.

That is why if I get this job, I am going to have my hands full. The group in 4th grade, I have heard, struggle behaviorally and academically. So I am really not worried, but contemplating a strategy. Like I said though: I am spoiled!

Reflect: I had my first interview this week, my last observation and I am looking ahead to plan for full time status. First the interview. I honestly was not too nervous but still, I had that feeling like I wasn’t sure how it was going to go. I know everyone involved so that was a plus, I just didn’t want to be typical or scripted, which I wasn’t. They asked me things like: How will you handle the situation you are going to be in? (Behavior? Classroom Management? What is your style? How do you handle stress?)  What is your style of management? Style of teaching? (Student led/PBL/Lecture, practice, independent practice etc….) How do you feel about technology in education? What is your philosophy on homework? These are the heavy hitters I remember. There were a few curveballs (I believe this is a tactic to see how the interviewee answers a question “off script” or how do we process information quickly on the spot). One was: Falcons or the Panthers? (I think because my teammate is a diehard Falcons fan!) Another was: What kind of crazy do you bring? The hardest one honestly was: What would you change about your current classroom? This was hard because my CE was in the interview. My answer: Nothing honestly. The only thing I would change is how I deliver my lessons. I love our class vibe, structure and schedule. My issue is how do I teach two different blocks the same content when one block is higher and understands/participates/gives feedback and the other group acts bored/disinterested/doesn’t understand. This is where I have really had to differentiate and make sure I work to reach each student. But time…..(every teacher’s struggle I know.)

So all things considered, I have contemplated what my strategy will be WHEN I get in the 4th grade classroom. Notice I said WHEN not IF.  Haha!

Focus Focus has been getting portfolio finished and ready to present. I have 2 more weeks and I will be finished with my 10 week full time status!!

Be Productive Working with 4th grade to look over what the next 9 weeks looks like. I have also made sure to stay on top of my lesson planning etc...Also making sure I have enough content to add to my student teaching video.

Have Courage Courage to finish strong and get busy whenever I get hired. To continue to grow as an educator and how I instruct.

Begin Anew Hopefully a job.

Data We took benchmarks this week so we will see what students are understanding and what we need to work with them on over the next few weeks. Using iReady still to drive remediation and make sure students are getting what they need all around.

ADVICE Always be prepared, make sure you make a lasting impression as soon you start working with your school system. Go above and beyond and be willing to do extra things that no one else wants to.

Standard 1 1A: Teachers lead in their classrooms: I have been working to build independence in my students as much as possible. When they have a question, I ask them to see if they can figure it out or ask a teammate first. If they can’t figure it out together, then I will help them. Maybe not give them a direct answer, but I will lead them. I want them to develop those problem solving skills and to work as a team as much as possible.

Standard 2: I have a student who has a hard homelife and really has trouble making friends. He is a great kid but I think it is hard for him. He has 2 other boys that he likes to hang with so I try as much as possible to keep them together. He also comes to school with no snack so I keep a stash of snacks for him just in case. They are for anyone, but I bought them for him mostly.

Standard 4: Again, making sure each group has what they need academically has been a struggle because of the two very different blocks. I have had to be intentional in how I teach them both. It is very interesting to me in how to create content and how to teach in a way that supports each type of learner. In the future I will really focus on this a lot more.

This has been a great week and I appreciate my CE and Dr. Wesson for helping me, cheering me on and being there for me.  Almost there!!!

Blog 9

Week Of Friday:  OCTOBER 10/27

Level of Difficulty: 4

Observe:

This week, I feel like I am getting more of an understanding of using data, seeing student growth or misunderstandings in real time as well as how to handle each little detail of every lesson and every day. My students are still working very well for me, aside from a few who are always bickering. I am seeing what works best for me as well as the best ways I can serve my students. I am a big softie so this year I have learned it is ok to say no, not right now or drop it! Haha! My students are ok and so am I. Many times, it has been a relief because you may have those students who have repeat behavior that you may not want to deal with everyday. Many of my students are aware that I am in charge as much as my CE but they still think they may be able to get away with a little more. I have learned to be serious Mr. Abee but also silly Mr. Abee.  Students respond well when I am in joke mode, but I have to balance it so they are not thinking it is always play time.

Reflect

I am contemplating what will happen and what I am getting into with the 4th grade class. It will be great, but I am coming to the realization more and more that I am going to be teaching VERY soon. No more “help” from my CE, no more unexpected occurrences that I typically don’t handle (those legal things that our CE handles or the emails we don’t know about.) I will be doing it ALL in full swing. I am thrilled but nervous.  I have a GREAT support team though so I know it will work out fine. The students I will work with are…..how do you say…...a  little salty? There are some MAJOR classroom management strategies that I will need to implement and that is my FIRST priority.  

I am also reflecting more and more on how to be a great leader, facilitator and planner for my classroom. My CE and I have really been trying to strategize each week and know exactly what students need during instruction as well as remediation. It has been a good week for this.

Focus

This coming week I will focus mainly on NC check in benchmarks.  Getting students ready for the test Wednesday and Thursday. I will also focus on completing my video and other portfolio components so I can get in the job ASAP!

Be Productive

Next Friday is a teacher workday, so we will get a lot of planning done hopefully for the next quarter for the 4th grade ELA block. I will also talk with the teacher who is leaving to get some ideas of how each student learns and what to expect. I plan to spend some time in the classroom as soon as I can to get to know them and to get them used to me being in there.

Have Courage

Have courage to continue on and to know that this is going to be great! Also to pass my tests that are coming up!!

Begin Anew

I am going to use Google forms this week to track data from students. If you haven’t tried this, I think it is a great tool. You can list the goals or questions for your students to reach and they can fill out the forms or you the teacher can. When you have it complete, you can download the Spreadsheet as your data.  Boom already done, no need to create the sheet or add the numbers.

Data

See above! Also, I have been using Flipgrid and other assessment tools to really hone in on students understanding and pulling them throughout the week if they are still unclear.  My CE is teaching me how to know what to go over with them and how to track their process.

ADVICE

Student teachers need to be consistent and solid. It is a lot to remember, but when you are able to plan, track data, deliver great lessons and see what you need to tweak from day to day or student to student, it makes it easier on you and more effective for your class.

Standard 1 1A: Teachers lead in their classrooms

I will lead a short tutorial this week for School of Ed to show how Flipgrid is used and how easy it is to track data and excite kids for learning.

I am also continually building my community in the classroom and school: Working on the garden, making new friends in K-4th and helping other teachers within my school on projects and parent nights (and student council)  Everyone have a great week!!

Blog 8

Week Of Friday:  OCTOBER 10/20th

Level of Difficulty: 4

Observe:

This week was a turning point for me….well is hopefully going to be a turning point. I got a job offer for 4th grade!! I will have to bust my butt to make sure everything is complete with my portfolio, resume is complete and ready and finish out my 10 weeks. I am pumped..but I still have to wait to hear from edTPA as well as results for our state tests.  This would be a great fit because I will work with my CE as my mentor still and we all have the same personality and teaching philosophy so that is a plus!  I also know some of the students as well as the School (policies, procedures, ideals). The Principal himself asked me Tuesday if I would be interested. So of COURSE I said yes! I was also moderated a Twitter Chat this week, had quarterly planning ALL day Wednesday and lead a Flipgrid station at our Technology night on Thursday. IT’s been a crazy week to say the least.

Reflect

I am still feeling good about the classroom but I know I still have room to grow. I am continually critiquing myself, asking for feedback and seeing what works and what doesn’t. I have worked a lot on classroom management and making sure students are listening. I don’t like talking the whole time, but a lot of our lessons typically involve a lot of talking. This week we worked on the gradual release style lessons. You instruct one day, model the next and release on the next day. Students did pretty well with it.  Both blocks are different and each student in each group is different.

Focus

This next week I will focus on being precise, on pace, clear, and interesting/engaging. Using data to track progress and drive instruction. I see now which students need constant reminders to stay on task, which students always pull through and how students see or feel about different tasks. I think in order for our stations to be effective, students need to find them interesting and relatable. The content needs to be meaningful or what’s the point?

Be Productive

I plan on completing the majority of my portfolio, continue to think through the lessons and stay on top of my duties throughout the week (grading, checking homework etc….)

Have Courage

I need courage this week to hang in there, think positive and be thinking about the end goal.

Begin Anew

This week I will begin to think about moving into the lead teacher role professionally. What I want in my class, how I want my students to operate etc. If I get this job, I want to hit the ground running so I will start planning with the teacher, asking her: (Info, what are the students like? What ways do they learn best, what are your procedures with behavior etc…)

Data

This week in MTSS we are still looking into one of our students. He is very smart, but he is ELL, ADD, and well, he has some learning interferences as I like to say. He can nail multiplication facts/but he can’t solve the standard algorithm. He knows prefixes, but he can’t remember them or what they mean. He is very forgetful, last one to get ready to switch classes, last one to get all of his materials out, last one to get his homework out. Takes 1 week to complete a 20 question quiz….the list goes on and on. He is THE sweetest most considerate student EVER! But we are totally stuck as to how we can help him. He has a twin, but he outscored him in many benchmark and mastery exams.  We are still figuring out how to help him.

ADVICE

Get as much done as you can as early as you can. You never know what job or opportunity will open up for you as a student teacher!

Standard 1 1A: Teachers lead in their classrooms

I was a leader in my school this week during my flipgrid demonstration. I explained this new tech tool to parents and how it is used. I think that everyone who came really liked it and were excited about it! It was a great opportunity to show parents and students the ways in which we use tech in the classroom. I hope the #flipgridfever will continue to spread in our class.

I have worked a lot on: Standard 2.2: Teachers encourage an environment that is inviting, respectful, supportive, inclusive, and flexible. Each student in my class needs something different. I have put out “fires”, made each student feel cared for and loved and I have seen the effects of this! Students who normally don’t respond are responding. All of these things are needed to run an effective and orderly classroom.

Week 6

Week Of Friday:  OCTOBER 10/6

Level of Difficulty: 4

Observe:

What a great week! I had such a great time with my students and I learned more and more about how to be a better teacher. I spent most of the afternoons fretting over edTPA but we are almost over it!

Reflect

There are still MANY things I can perfect as a teacher. I am still working on being a better speaker and instructor. I want to get away from the Lecture model of teaching and empower students to learn as they go by experiencing education.  It is proven that students retain more understanding by experiencing meaningful content. This will be something I will focus on in the coming weeks.

Focus

I will focus more on clear expectations and thorough planning. Students need structure and they need to be independent. IF we do everything for them they won’t learn. My students could do with a healthy dose of this type of learning.

Be Productive

EdTPA….nuff said!

Have Courage

To get through student teaching and come out a way better instructor and facilitator. I am learning so much from each of my CEs and I will continue to research ways to become a BETTER teacher. It’s a process.

Begin Anew

Leading all Guided reading groups.

Data

iReady is continually our best friend right now. We have data dives about every week. We also have MTSS meetings every 2 weeks and we have been implementing different ways to improve our student’s well being and skill level. We have a student who is severely ADD and is also an ESL student. To be continued….

ADVICE

You can do it….don’t give up!!

I continue to build my skills as an educator. I have been learning the BEST way to prepare lessons and tasks for my students each week based on their learning styles and their understanding. I have also tried to improve on my assessment strategies and data to drive instruction and to help students get the most out of their day.  We will always be mitigating fights and arguments, so learning how to best do that has been a goal of mine. He said she said gets old sometimes.  :)

Week 7

Week Of Friday:  OCTOBER 13th

Level of Difficulty: 4

Observe:

Wow.  First I observed I haven’t blogged in two weeks. Sorry everyone. I know you all have been waiting in anticipation. Well, this week has gone very well. I am getting more of a teacher voice and learning how to REMEMBER every part of the day and the week. I am getting better at pacing as well as going over my lessons throughout the week to make sure everyone is on the same track! I also observed that I can do this!

Reflect

This week, I have reflected on the structure and flow of my lessons. Sometimes I learn the best order to use when teaching and directing students during the lesson...sometimes it is after the fact. But these little flubs help me to know HOW to do it better each time!

Focus

This week’s focus is getting and KEEPING student attention. My second lesson (after lunch) is rough sometimes. Students are like zombies so I am thinking of incorporating some GoNoodle or something. I hate when they are laying their head down while I am instructing. I am also going to add more interactive elements as well.

Be Productive

We have been working on Genius Hour projects this week. IF you don’t know, you should check it out. It is a chance for students to learn (become a “genius”) about something they are passionate about. It gives them a chance to teach themselves and others about their passions! https://www.geniushourguide.org/

Have Courage

To continue to grow and get my tests BEHIND me. Also to continue to take each day at a time and do my BEST!

Begin Anew

I have started taking over Genius Hour block for my neighboring teacher. I have a free time during her Technology block so I volunteered to help her out.

Data

We have been using iReady to continue to drive our remediation block as well as our weekly meetings with our groups during stations time. It seems overwhelming but I think it is working great!

ADVICE

It’s all worth it!

Standard 1 1A: Teachers lead in their classrooms

This coming week we are having a technology night to show parents and other teachers what we are doing in our classroom. I am showcasing www.flipgrid.com and how I have used it in the classroom.  This is going to rule and I can’t wait.  It is a great assessment tool as well as a collaboration, vlog/expression tool.

I also have been leading my students during recess (Thursdays) in a garden study/work group. This has been great and the students LOVE it!!

Blog #5

Week Of Friday:  SEPTEMBER: 22

Level of Difficulty: 4

Observe:

We had a sub on Tuesday so I didn’t skip a beat.  I made sure that everything was in order and she was able to help me with a few behavior issues and also helped to mediate stations. I am out of the first block so I could teach math, but second block I stay the entire time. It was the closest I have been so far to having my own room.  Though my CE lets me learn a lot on my own running things, it was cool knowing that I CAN do this.  

Reflect

Some things that I know I need work on would be delivery, cadence and classroom management AGAIN! I know, but I have good days and bad BUT I am learning to develop my teacher voice and getting through to my students who have issues with behavior, following directions and staying on task.  I will begin to incorporating a behavior contract with a few students this week.

Focus

This week I am continuing to focus on being fluent with my instruction, being clear and being concise. I believe the way you speak to students really helps them engage and understand what you are saying.  Sometimes you may have trouble saying what you want to say and that is ok.  But how you recover is crucial. It there is ANY misconceptions you must address them then instead of waiting. It is better to go ahead and make sure everyone is tracking.

Another continuous focus I am working on is transitions. Making sure students are preped and ready to work as well as when we switch classes or between station time and lesson segments. This helps provide the BEST environment for students to learn. It irks me when I have allowed students to not be focused for more than 5 minutes. EVERY second counts! Not that they should be robots and FORCED to listen to us, but the more time it takes to focus, the less free time they will have throughout the day when they could be doing things THEY want to do.

Be Productive

Spending the day at Gardner Webb Friday. Working on EdTPA writing so that I can get ahead. Almost finished with edTPA!!!!!

Have Courage

This weeks courage is to PASS edTPA. Also I am beginning the week with a new vigor and goal to develop my teaching style a bit more. I think sometimes I am so engrossed in everything around me I feel stiff and boring but the students give me feedback by their yawns and seem unengaged at times. It is important to be ourselves, but I feel I have a fun personality so I want it to show more this week. I will focus my lessons and design in more engaging direction. Students need to move and experience education as opposed to sitting in desks and listening. We are trying to develop more team designed activities and practice. Engagement in learning is one of the BEST ways for students to learn as we all know, so that’s my goal!!

Begin Anew

See the paragraph above.  My CE is also allowing to try some more things to incorporate into my lessons that I have created.  This is the best way and time for me to try some things, see how they work with my students and see how to appropriately plan for them to see them through. Sometimes I have tried things with students and they didn’t go as well because I didn’t model enough, didn’t appropriate plan, or they just were not effective.

Data

We have been using data from iReady as well as formative assessments to drive our small groups. We either focus on specific skills that need to be addressed (phonics, fluency, vocabulary etc….yes even 5th graders can improve on these literacy goals).  We are also trying to nudge those who have potential to grow.

ADVICE

Don’t give up. Think through every lesson and make sure it is not just a delivery dump of information. Build in practice that is meaningful, engage students and be mindful of each type of learner. Differentiate as much as possible and keep good notes of learning progress.  STAY ORGANIZED!

Standard 4:B: Teachers plan instruction appropriate for their students

I continue to strive to strengthen this area of my weeks. Again, I want to be effective as an educator most of all and above all else. I don’t want any student to be confused as much as possible.

Goals for the week:: Complete EdTPA, work on pacing, start a behavior contract with one of my students for Portfolio and find my teacher voice/personality.  Hope everyone has a great week!!

Blog 4

Week Of Friday:  SEPTEMBER: 22

MY CREW!!!

Level of Difficulty: 4

Observe:

One thing I really tried to observe is how well I lead students through each lesson. One thing I have struggled with is pacing and sequence. I really need to develop more as an efficient and thorough facilitator. An example is the order in which I let the lesson unfold, how I decide to tweak the lesson depending on the response/understanding (are the students ready to try it independently or do they need more direct instruction?) or how I walk students through each segment of the lesson.  This is an ongoing skill I am working on.

Reflect

This wasn’t my strongest week at all. It just seemed off.  I looked at all the video to see what the issue was. Part was behavior, part was my instruction methods and some of it was just confidence.  I don’t know why. I have been really comfortable in the classroom. My goal for next week is to simply be better.

Focus

This next week, focus is going to be on Math EdTPA and developing lessons for guided reading.

Be Productive

Continue to progress, continue to be prepared each day, and continue to develop my craft!

Have Courage

Having courage to get through edTPA :)  

Begin Anew

I will continue to work on management of students. I also am working on being a more effective instructor. I sometimes feel students are not following along or are lost. Sometimes that is because they are exhausted, sometimes they are just quiet (not when I want them to be though haha!!) I have explained to them that it is important for me to get feedback from them because if they are not answering or participating, I assume they understand.  Plus I am trying to get them to work as a team. The more engaging the lesson though, they certainly participate more.  I have also noticed if they are able to discuss as a group first, they are more likely to respond when I review with them.   

Data

We continue to learn more and more about our students! During our PLC meetings, we are using the data from iReady (a diagnostic software our district uses for Reading comp) to drive our remediation block. Now we can target SPECIFIC areas of weakness that students are having.  We have developed groups and now we can create (and HAVE created) lessons to address these students during that block.  This is so much better than throwing a dart at a dartboard and hoping whatever we use to teach will work. (not that we do that, but you know what I mean)

ADVICE

Know your content. Even if you already do, READ over your book or reading passages for that day, read over you notes, make a list of points to hit and know exactly what you are going to do. Our CEs are pros and they could do this with their eyes closed.  We are still learning so every advantage we can take to make our instruction time better we need to.

Standard 1 1A: Teachers lead in their classrooms

This week I have started being more “in charge” when correcting students and directing them. 5th graders are still very dependent on direction, but they are able to become more independent throughout the year. You HAVE to be as consistent as you are with any age.  You also have to follow through if you give them a consequence for their action.  I am fortunate that I have some great students to work with, but I still have to let them know I am in charge JUST as much as my CE.  

Standard 2: Teacher creates a safe and loving environment for their students.

Each week it seems I find that “one” student that needs an adult to take the time to listen. One of my favorites (they are all my favorites) explained her dog was dying and they had to put it to sleep yesterday. She ACTED like she needed help with her work.  When I came over she started telling me about her dog. I took the 3 minutes out of what I was doing to listen and express my condolences. These little moments, TO ME are a huge part of why I wanted to become a teacher. OF course you have those students who complain about a snowflake hitting their hair, but they need that assurance as well that you care and that you will listen….just make sure it is not a distraction tactic. But it is still good to be cognisant of these situations.

Standard 3: Teachers know the content they teach in the classroom

I am constantly learning how to instruct better.  Knowing different methods, strategies and techniques really helps. Knowing content is imperative to instruction. I have purchased a few books and read several blogs. It seems explaining the content in a way that is clear to students is the task at hand. We know the content but conveying is the difficult task but it is doable.

Standard 4:B: Teachers plan instruction appropriate for their students

As we continue to use our iReady data, we continue to develop instruction that is effective and specific. For whole group, we continue to look at what the learning objective is and work the lessons around that. This is one thing I am very mindful of and something I REALLY want to get better at. Some veterans I work with have such a great handle on this and can manage this area with their eyes closed. I hope to reach that status one day.