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Showing posts from August, 2022

Because of A Teacher II: Stories from the First Years of Teaching

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When I learned that there was going to be a second book in the Because of a Teacher Series, I immediately hit the purchase button. This summer #walkread brought me thoughtful reflection and joy in this Summer 2022. Here are my biggest takeaways from George Couros and the amazing contributors. I love this reminder from George Couros at the start of the book, "You are always a new teacher. Help kids find their voices, not replicate yours." I will consistently remind myself that as I begin my 20th year, it is my first 20th year. It shouldn't ever be the same and my goal is to support everyone I work with in their growth, not in mine. Part I of the book focuses on The Importance of Relationships.  Dr Latoya Goffney teaches us that in order to build relationships we must really focus on making our students feel important. If we focus there, everything else falls into place. Allyson Apsey reminded me to ask myself, "in what ways do you empower students as leaders?"

We all need Small Wins

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  I just realized that this is my 20th year in Education! Happy start to another school year! I have been a teacher, Pathway chair, Instructional Coach, TOSA, Admin, and Academic Innovation Leader.  Over this last year, I came to learn something that I will continue to keep in mind as I approach each and every day of the school year.  WE ALL NEED SMALL WINS! The last few years I have been asked to support staff in learning to tools, skills, and applying them to their day to day. I used to approach the opportunities with a mindset that I didn't want anyone to miss out on any information. I would use every minute and give everyone everything I thought they could ever want.  I came to learn that this firehose approach is very overwhelming for most people. What I now do is focus on the small wins. What is one thing that you want to get out of this professional learning? What is a small tip that I can show you right now that will help you build in confidence so you know you can try some