Staff Meetings? Yes!

Wednesday. Hump Day. The middle of the work week. However, in my county every other Wednesday is an early release day. Loved by students yet dreaded by teachers.

As I sat in my early release training today I glanced down at my agenda. A representative from the National Teacher's Association speaking to us about benefits, beefing up our writing instruction to earn better standardized test scores, training on an online data collection system and last but not least, doing focus walks through each other's classrooms to see what we need to work on as a school. To a seasoned teacher, these meetings are just another Wednesday. However, I remember how stressful meetings like these were when I was a new teacher. So much information, so little time to think about it and actually implement it. No one ever thinks about the new teachers when planning these meetings.

Don't get me wrong, veteran teachers feel the same way about trainings. Just think about all of the trainings we have been through in our many years of teaching. Each one trying to tell us a new method or program to use or a new way we will be evaluated. Things change so often in education that it's hard to stay up-to-date with everything. However, veteran teachers know the secret to handling these types of trainings - think about what really matters.

I don't know any teacher who got into teaching for the money. If you ask any teacher why they chose this profession they will give you the same answer - the kids. When you become frustrated with all of the new information you are getting thrown at you, just remember that the only thing that really matters is the students.

I'm not saying that you don't need to listen during the trainings. However, instead of trying to do everything you discussed right away, prioritize all the new information based on how it will help your children and work down the list. I've mentioned my marathon story before. You can't decide you want to run a marathon and then just do it the next day. You need to take small steps. And don't worry if you choose the wrong thing to focus on. That's the beauty of being a new teacher - you can always blame it on your newness and ask for more training.

So the next time you are sitting at a staff meeting stressing out, just take a big breath and think about your students. Remember they are the reason you became a teacher.

What's Your CI?

Yesterday I came across a link on my daughter's gymnastics' Facebook page. It was titled "This One Mistake Could Be Holding You Back From Being a Great Tumbler". Of course I was curious because now that I'm in my 30's I have lost pretty much all of my ability to be a great tumbler. (Or at least I think I have. I'm actually not quite sure because I'm too afraid I'll break a bone if I try.) 

The article explained that the number one mistake tumblers make is to have a low Coachability Index (CI). Basically your CI is how willing you are to accept and implement new information from an authority you respect. There is actually a scale of 1-10 that you are rated on. 

While reading the article, I immediately thought of my first two years of teaching. While I was interning I was told that I was an "amazing teacher" and would definitely be successful anywhere I went. I think that gave me a complex because when I actually started teaching I thought that if I asked for or accepted help I would be admitting that I was a bad teacher. People always offered help and I turned it down just as fast. 

I suffered because I had a low CI. I thought I was too good for help and as a Professional Development Facilitator and mentor I see this a lot in new teachers as well as teachers who have been put on success plans due to low performance. 

A few years ago, I was a mentor to a low performing teacher. That year was one of my most stressful years as a teacher and it had nothing to do with the children. I always feel I need to be successful in everything that I do and being successful with her was just impossible. I sat with this teacher just about every day offering up advice, writing plans and helping her analyze data. Unfortunately, she had a very low CI. Every time I offered a suggestion, she became very defensive and would never try anything different. She ended each day with tears, but would tell me it had to be the kids because she knew what she was doing. Needless to say, she was not asked to return the next year. 

Teachers are ALWAYS learning. I'm not quite sure that there is a perfect teacher out there. Even teachers with over 30 years of experience can learn from novice teachers who have fresh ideas. The best thing you can do as a teacher is to accept constructive criticism and help. Don't offer up excuses when someone points out something they would have done differently. Instead, think about how you could make it better in the future. Suggestions may not always be successful for you, but they are always worth trying. 

Does you CI have room for improvement? 

Thank You, Betty!

Today is National Thank Your Mentor Day. In honor of such a great occasion, I would like to thank my mentor, Betty.

From the day that I first started teaching in Jacksonville, Betty VanGorder took me under her wing. She was an elderly lady who had taught for 30+ years and had transitioned into being the Standards Coach/Reading Recovery Teacher/Professional Development Facilitator. She truly wore a lot of hats, but the most important one was being my mentor.

As many of you know, my first two years of teaching in Massachusetts were a wreck. I was afraid to ask for help and I felt like I was like a slowly occurring avalanche just gathering more snow as the year went on. I felt suffocated by my work and knew that I wasn't helping my children. I moved to Jacksonville for a fresh start vowing to accept any and all help that was offered.

Betty knew that I had just moved to Jacksonville on my own. I didn't know anyone besides the people I worked with. She told me the day that I met her that it was her job to make me be successful. I believe that she took that job very seriously.

Betty checked on me EVERY day. Conveniently her office was right across the hall from my room. I never felt like she was in my face about anything, but instead felt as if she was a friend giving me the support I needed. When she wasn't asking me what she could help with, she was bringing snacks - mostly chocolate - and relieving stress by just coming to chat about life.

The wonderful thing about Betty was that she continued to mentor me even after I left that school three years later. She would talk to me through phone calls and emails and sometimes we would go out to lunch even after she retired.

Sadly, Betty passed away a few years ago. She truly was such an amazing person and I was so lucky to have her in my life.

Take today to thank your mentor. Most mentors go out of their way to help and they deserve to be thanked everyday!

Congrats!

I conducted business just like usual last week. I woke up each day, put on my Superhero cape, and continued to save the world from ignorance just as I always do every weekday. I didn't even realize that we have hit our halfway point of the year. It may not seem like a big deal to veteran teachers, but being halfway through your first year of teaching is HUGE! The first half of the year is always hectic for novice teachers. You spend everyday just trying to get into a routine. Although you may not fully be there yet, you can definitely see the end in sight now. You can begin your countdown to enjoying your summer off (hopefully). 

To celebrate making it this far, I welcome you into the Secret Society of Teachers. Okay, maybe there's no such group, but there are a lot of deals that teachers can take advantage of. Teachers are very underpaid. We deserve secret deals! If you join education groups such as American Federation of Teachers, you can get a lot more deals. These are just some of the deals that business offer up to us just for being fabulous:

ARTS, CRAFTS & SCHOOL SUPPLIES

1. The Container Store
   The organizational aficionados at The Container Store provide various discounts throughout the year when you sign up for the Organized Teacher Program. Register online for a free discount card to use for in-store and online purchases. If you visit a store, be sure to have your school ID.
2. Office Depot
   The free Office Depot Star Teacher Program grants privileged educators (aka those who sign up) five-percent off qualifying in-store purchases. You also get 15-percent of the price of all copy and print orders placed online or at a brick-and-mortar location.
3. Office Max
   The popular supply store offers a MaxPerks Rewards program specifically for teachers. Benefits include $10 in rewards for every $75 spent on qualifying purchases, and $2 in rewards for each ink or toner cartridge recycled. Sign-up online to get your membership card.
4. FedEx Office
   Thanks to the FedEx Office Academic Edge program you'll receive 15-percent off nearly all products, including brochures, business cards and photos. This discount is available both online and in-store.
5. Staples
   Register for the Staples Teacher Rewards Program to garner five-percent back in rewards points and free shipping from Staples.com. The program covers a slew of products, from ink and paper to teaching and art supplies. 
6. Joann Fabric
   The free Teacher Rewards Discount Card entitles educators to 15-percent off all purchases. Home schoolers are also eligible for the card and new members receive a 20-percent off bonus for signing up.
7. Hancock Fabric
   Flash your valid school ID at most Hancock Fabric retail locations and be rewarded with a discount of 10 percent on all purchases.
8. Michael's
   Receive 15% off your entire purchase every day. See a store associate for details as some exclusions may apply.
9. Hobby Lobby
   Hobby Lobby extends their 10-percent discount to a number of community organizations, including schools. The one catch is you have to pay with an organizational check or credit card.
10. Party City
    The more you spend at Party City, the bigger the discount gets. Save between 10 and 20 percent when you bring a signed letter on official letterhead from an officer of the school.
11. A.C. Moore
    A.C. Moore has increased the discount available through their Teacher Discount Program. Teachers can now save 15 percent on both regularly-priced and sale merchandise.
12. Inkjet Willy
    Inkjet Willy is a popular comparison site that helps you track down the lowest prices on ink and toner, and educators can save an extra 10 percent on orders of compatible or remanufactured cartridges using the coupon code WILLY10.
13. Pets in the Classroom
    This unique program offers K-8 teachers grants to help cover the cost of a pet for the classroom. The maximum grant amount is $150, but there are also a number of different grant types to help pay for pet supplies.
    
      
    
    BOOKS & MEDIA
    1. Barnes & Noble
       Through the B&N Educator Program teachers can save 20-percent off the publisher's list price on purchases for classroom use. During Educator Appreciation Days they offer discounts up to 25 percent.
       
    2. PBS
       Educators who sign up for the PBS LearningMedia program will receive free access to tens of thousands of videos, games, lesson plans and other educational materials for the classroom.
    3. Books-A-Million
       Certain brick-and-mortar locations grant teachers a 20-percent discount on most purchases just for asking. Call ahead to be sure your local store honors the discount and, if they don't, see if they offer a compromise.
    4. MagMall
       Teachers will receive special pricing on magazine subscriptions ordered through MagMall. Tell them the name of your school and your position there to receive discounts up to 50-percent off.
    5. The New York Times
       Teachers can get one of America’s most popular newspapers delivered to their door at half-pricethanks to their special rate for educators. Plus, the first four weeks will cost you just $0.99.
    
    
    CLOTHING
1. Ann Taylor Loft
   Fashion forward educators are rewarded for their posh style through the Loft Loves Teachersprogram. Register to get 15-percent off all in-store purchases, plus an introductory discount for new members.
2. The Limited
   Show a school ID or valid pay stub when you shop at any The Limited location and snag 15-percent off your entire in-store purchase. The offer is good for all items on the racks, walls or tables. In other words, everything.
3. Aerosoles
   Show your school ID at Aerosoles stores and take 15-percent off any footwear purchase of $39.99 or more.
4. New York and Co.
   New York and Co. grants any educator with a valid school ID 15-percent off every in-store purchase.
5. J. Crew 
   Visit the local J. Crew, flash your school ID, and be rewarded with 15-percent off designer duds from the dapper dudes. This discount is only available in stores.
6. CJ Banks/Christopher and Banks
   Teachers can enjoy 10-percent off their in-store purchases at both stores. All you'll need is your school ID at checkout.
7. J. Jill
   With a valid teacher’s ID, you’ll get 15-percent off full-price, in-store purchases.
8. Banana Republic
   Banana Republic offers a 15-percent off deal to any teacher with a valid school ID. This deal must be redeemed at their store locations.

      ELECTRONICS & SOFTWARE

1. Apple Store
   The House of Jobs is surprisingly generous to teachers of all grade levels, offering varying discounts up to $200 on computers and accessories through the Apple Education Store. This offer also includes librarians, home schoolers and university profs.
2. Bose
   The Bose offer is primo, particularly for those in need of sonic stimulation. Variable discounts are available on all music systems and accessories. Call their Sales Solution Team at 1-800-353-4027 for pricing and to place an order.
3. Dell
   If your school is affiliated with Dell you can get 2- to 4-percent off the final price of any desktop or laptop, as well as software peripherals. Call Customer Service before paying to apply the discount.
4. Cell Phone Companies (Verizon, AT&T, Sprint)
   This discount varies by provider, but teachers can save loads on a personal cell phone bill, sometimes up to 20 percent a month. Visit your provider's business or discount portal and input your .edu email address to check if your institution is registered.
5. Adobe
   Shop direct from the Adobe Education Store and receive discounts on select software, including bundles and suites. Adobe requires proof of employment as an educator before applying the discount.
6. HP
   Sign up for the HP Academy program to receive exclusive discounts and free shipping on all orders.
7. Lenovo
   Teachers may receive a discount on their purchase from the computer connoisseurs at Lenovo simply for being, well, themselves. Call Customer Service at 1-866-968-4465 to see what kind of discount they will offer.
8. Sony
   Discounts on projectors and flat-panel displays vary when you register and buy through the program portal, but most lie in the 5- to 10- percent off range.
9. Software Express 
   The online outlet Software Express grants discounts of up to 85 percent on a host of programs from Adobe, McAfee and Microsoft. Submit copies of your valid school ID and state driver's license to Customer Service before completing your order.
10. Academic Superstore
    Academic Superstore is another online software outlet that sells a slew of products for up to 85-percent off. Discounts are available year-round with proof of employment as a teacher.
11. JourneyEd
    This is yet another site where educators can find huge savings on popular software. After placing your order, confirm your status as a teacher to apply the discount. 

INSURANCE

1. Farmers Insurance
   Farmers extends additional discounts to teachers, but these special rates vary based on state and prior driving record. For more details, contact a local agent.
2. Liberty Mutual
   Liberty Mutual extends extra benefits such as a $0 deductible for damage that occurs on school property or during school-related events. Because it’s insurance, rates are dependent on your state and driving record.

HOTELS & ATTRACTIONS

1. Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel
   Teachers are eligible for a variety of discounted rates at the Swan and Dolphin hotel, located securely in the center of Walt Disney World in Orlando. Availability also varies based on season and demand. Mention you're an educator when booking.
2. Marriott Hotels
   Marriott grants teachers a discount at a slew of hotels across the nation. Whether you book on-line or in-person, show your school ID at check-in to receive the special rate. Rules on this discount are a bit vague -- they mention government employees, which would imply only public school employees -- but most hotel employees don't bite. Feel free to ask.
3. Regal Cinemas 
   Regal Cinemas regularly have discount tickets for teachers (and students), good for all show times. Call or visit beforehand, as not every location honors the discount or offers the same price. Like there's time for a film with all those papers piling up, anyway. Guess that's why summer exists.
4. SeaWorld 
   Register for the Teacher Study Pass program, an exclusive for K-12 teachers in Florida, Texas and Southern California, and get unlimited free admission for the year. Bring a copy of your teaching certificate, a current pay stub and photo ID to the SeaWorld front gate to obtain a new pass or renew an old one.
5. National Park Service
   Show a valid school ID at a slew of National Park Service visitor centers across the nation and receive 15-percent off many purchases. The discount doesn't apply to park entry fees, camping fees or Smokey the Bear petting zoo fees. 
6. Kennedy Space Center
   Florida treats its teachers well and occasionally lets folks from Georgia in on the fun. Registered educators from both states are eligible for a free, full-fledged Educator Study Pass. Show a valid teaching certificate and recent pay stub to any ticket agent for an annual pass.
7. Legoland Florida 
   Florida teachers K-12 can enjoy an entire year of free admission with the Florida Teacher Pass. Bring your most recent paystub, Florida photo ID and teaching certificate to receive your pass.
8. Elvis Presley's Graceland 
   K-12 teachers receive free admission to tour the former Memphis, Tenn. estate of The King with a valid school ID or recent pay stub. 

Grab the Bubbly!

Happy New Year! This is one of my favorite times of the year and it's definitely not because of the cold weather (or the fabulous champagne I drink on New Year's Eve)! Nope, this is the time of year (along with the start of school) when you get to start off with a clean slate - and boy is mine in need of some cleaning this year!

All year long we have our students work on meeting their goals, both big and small. Whether it's to get William to write neater or to get Mariah to learn some new letter sounds, we are constantly setting goals for our children. Now is the time to start setting your own goals. I'm not talking about running ten miles everyday (but hey, if you want to try that then go on with your bad self!).

For my first few years of teaching I had a hard time with conference notes. I always conferenced with my students but had a hard time keeping up with the notes. I would start off each year finding the perfect method and would attempt to use it. The problem was that it wasn't "perfect" for me so I would fail at my attempt. Each January I would make it my goal to try something new. Unfortunately, it took me six years to find a method that would work for me. However if I didn't set those goals twice a year, I'm not sure I would be able to keep up with my conference notes today. I'm here to help you be successful on your first attempt.

I know setting goals as a new teacher isn't easy. I'm sure you have a list of things that you want to work on this year. My advice - pick one. That's right, just one. Perfection can't happen overnight. Eleven years ago I ran the Boston Marathon. Growing up watching the Marathon on TV was a big deal for me. We always had the day off from school to celebrate Patriots Day, but for me it was so that I could watch the runners and imagine how one day that would be me. I had run track in high school, but hadn't run at all after that besides the occasional jog every now and then. When I decided that I needed change and was going to leave the state of Massachusetts, I knew that I couldn't do so without reaching my goal. However, I didn't go out on the first day and run 26.2 miles. If I did I would have given up because I couldn't do it. Instead, I started off by running a mile and slowly built up my stamina until I could handle the entire marathon.

As teachers our ultimate goal is to be the perfect teacher who everyone (adults and students) loves and gets great evaluations and test scores. However just like a marathon, we need to take small steps to get there. The best way to reach our goals is by setting 'SMART' goals.

Each goal should be:
Specific
Measurable
Attainable
RelevantTime Limited

Specific - Pick one area that you want to focus on and narrow it down to make it as specific as possible. (I will keep my desk neat by organizing it into piles - "Must do ASAP, Do When I have free time, and not important but I should keep just in case".)

Measurable - How will you be able to tell if you are meeting your goal?  (I can tell if I am meeting this goal by looking at my desk. If it is messy, I am not being successful.)

Attainable - Is this a realistic goals? This is a very important criterion. If you are not setting attainable goals then you feel like a failure. No one deserves to feel like that, especially new teachers! (This is an attainable goal because it won't take up too much of my time.)

Relevant - Does this really matter? Is this goal worthwhile? ( This is relevant because keeping an organized desk will allow me to meet time deadlines and keep up with data.)

Time-Limited - Setting a time limit gives you a sense of urgency. What is your completion day? (My desk will be completely organized by February 1st and I will check up on it on the first of every month.)

So now it's your turn to set a goal. Make it a SMART goal and for heaven's sakes - keep it real!

Surviving the Holiday Season

The other day I was casually scanning through some Facebook posts, when I came across a comment my friend made about her winter break countdown. It gave me goosebumps to think that a much needed break would soon be here. However, my goosebumps left after I read another friend's reply that her classroom would be "controlled chaos" until break. 

Hmmph, "controlled chaos". If that is what a teacher of 20+ years thinks of this time of year, I can imagine what a new teacher is going through. I promise you, survival is possible. It doesn't need to be "controlled chaos". 

The biggest problem with this time of year is that even though the kids are excited for break and the upcoming holiday, we are even more excited! Here are a few ways to try to relieve some of the stress and chaos:

1. Plan students' presents ahead of time - I find the best presents are the free kind. Yes that's right, FREE. Each month I send home Scholastic book order forms. The parents may buy books by sending money directly to me or by purchasing online. I may only get one or two parents to purchase in a given month, but I try to sell it the best I can. I send home lots of reminders, including emails and text messages (through Remind101). In late November, I am able to use my banked points to receive free books. This year I was able to get over 80 books for my students and I still have points left! The students love getting books for presents and I love the fact that I am giving them quality material to read at home. 

2. Keep the students busy - I find that if I keep them busy, they don't have time to get chaotic. I try not to change the routine too much.  The key to keeping them busy is to include activities for fast finishers and constant brain breaks. I find most of mine on Pinterest (my not-so-secret obsession). This is an awesome board to try out.  

3. Don't let behavior expectations slide - Let your students know that even though it is the giving season, you are not about to just give them good behavior grades without earning them. Your behavior management needs to be stronger than ever right now. Starting off strong each morning and keeping it that way throughout the day will show your students that they need to continue to follow the same rules as they always have. 

4. Show them love - Many students need a little extra love during this time of year. Whether you work in an inner city school or a school in a wealthy area, you are always going to run into students who are struggling this time of year. I have had homeless students who cannot afford presents, students who had sick parents who didn't have the strength to put a celebration together, and students who have lost parents or family members and the holidays just reminded them that they weren't around. These students simply need to feel loved. Give them a few extra hugs. Simply let them know that they are special to you and that you care about them. 

5. Remember what it was like - I remember not being able to sleep the night before Christmas. I remember driving my parents crazy asking for a new Nintendo (yes, the original one). When things get a little crazy just remember that you were once in their shoes. These are exciting times for everyone. We push our students so hard throughout the year, sometimes it's nice just to step back and watch them be happy. 

I wish everyone the merriest of holiday seasons! Remember to relax and reenergize. Don't spend the entire break doing schoolwork - remember teachers need a break too. 

Kids Just Wanna Have Fun . . .

While sitting at my daughter's gymnastics class yesterday, I was thinking about just how much we have squeezed the fun out of school. Watching her be so happy and laughing while she was learning the new routine made me jealous of her teacher. I seriously thought about quitting my job and becoming a gymnastics instructor. (If you know me then you know that is pretty funny. I may have been a cheerleader when I was in school, but all my coordination left after having two kids. I'm lucky if I can get through a day without tripping at least twice!) The point is that I miss seeing my students laugh and play.

Kids need to have fun. Let me say that again - they really NEED to have fun. As teachers, we put so much emphasis on learning the standards so that they can pass the state assessments that we have taken out all of the fun. I saw a funny political comic the other day about how we are just creating "children of the core". It's true. Even though our children come in very different, we are expected to have them exit our classrooms at the end of the year knowing all of the same material and we truly have taken all of the fun out of it. Recently we even had to take away recess. We can sneak it in every now and then, but the fact is there is too much to teach and too little time. My eight and nine year olds are having to sit in a classroom all day long and learn. What kind of a childhood is that? It's not much better than going to work all day long.

How do I add fun back into the classroom?  Dancing. It's pretty simple. If the students work hard and get all of their required work done in time, I play a Just Dance video for them at the end of class. They are pretty easy to find on YouTube. The kids enjoy them because they are current pop songs and I enjoy them because I LOVE seeing my babies happy. Their true personalities get to come out. They get a much needed brain break and they get to develop socially.

Sometimes I will even throw them in when I start to notice that I am losing them. I always find something positive someone has done - "Oh, my goodness! Tommy has written so neatly today! Guess what? He earned the whole class a brain break!" The children then get 3 minutes to recharge their brains and have fun and come back ready to learn.

There are other brain breaks out there - just Google "brain breaks". However, I really enjoy watching my students have fun and get to be themselves through dancing. I warn you though, the ones who you think are quiet and shy will truly show out and be the craziest dancers!