* We are back! We haven’t forgotten about you! With the end of the year busyness, we put this show on hold until now! Thanks for taking the time to listen to us- we really appreciate it, we are getting back in the groove!
* We have a lot of new listeners and followers on Facebook, so this episode and the next could be an “introduction” for you!
* In response to the One Question survey (what tech skill do you need help with or know more about?) and our free giveaway– 19 Tech Skills Every Teacher Must Develop This Summer, we hope to address those topics in the next shows, so stay tuned! You’ll also receive weekly emails from us filled with tech tips and resources.
End of Year Reflection- interview with Sharon
* What are the hardest part/challenges of teaching this year and why? I had a LOT of SPED students, so it was hard reaching all learners, especially gifted students. Also, we had a lot of new learning management systems to learn without much training, so it was overwhelming despite the fact that I see myself as a tech savvy person.
* How did you overcome it? I didn’t overcome it, but I tried to reach out to colleagues for help/tips.
* How was it different from your first year? As a 5th grade teacher in my 1st year, I was just trying to get ahold of the curriculum and figure out how to teach all the standards without much support. I definitely didn’t know how to differentiate learning like I can do now.
* If you were the principal/head of your own brand new school, what would you do? Being that we are all siloed at our schools, I’d try to start connecting my teachers with those nearby and/or in the same grade level, whether it be by Google+ group, face to face, email, etc. Other teachers can help troubleshoot for each other. Sharing ideas is so important and we need the support.
* How would you find time for your faculty to collaborate? Would you build in on a Saturday or Sunday? If they get paid, but not all day. I’d build in throughout the school year in a Meet Up group. My principal is part of a cohort of other schools and he collaborates with other principals, but we don’t talk to other teachers.
* What’s one thing you want to learn more about and why this summer for next year? What can you improve on? I want to learn how to implement reader’s workshop in my classroom as I’ve had a quick training on it by a wonderful teacher who was trained at Teacher’s College at Columbia University. I didn’t get trained very well in learning how to teach reading and it’s something that I need to get better at. I have colleagues at my school that know it pretty well. This summer is all about watching our boys grow and enjoying friends. We just celebrated our 6th wedding anniversary and saw Doug E. Fresh and BBD (Bel Biv Devoe) in concert! Very soon, we’ll be seeing Taylor Swift, too!
* As you know, our eldest is going to be a Kindergartner and is attending a Kindergarten readiness camp. As a parent of a Kindergartner now, what are you looking for in a teacher and how does it affect your own thoughts as a teacher? Someone that is fun, firm and teaches my son the importance of making good choices, communication and problem solving skills. I’m not worried about academics and think that socialization is very important. Someone who is openly communicative with us as parents. I don’t want to be a high maintenance parent. I know we have a common understanding, just like his preschool teacher.
* What’s the best teaching advice you’ve ever received that you remember? Remember to take care of yourself (workout, eat healthy, socialize with friends) and go to the restroom at every break possible!
