Dialogue with My Department
I noticed that some members of my PLC seemed resistant and/ or uninterested in the Second Language best practice research that I brought to our meetings. Last year, I thought of the idea of a Teaching Lab -- a place in which we could teach a lesson or share an instructional strategy for immediate application in the classroom. When we tried it, some department members found it difficult to make themselves vulnerable and open to "criticism". I decided to take a different approach this year.
I decided to use some of the strategies that I learned and presented about from Elena Aguilar's The Art of Coaching Teams. During our first Inservice day, I decided to use the Compass activity. This gave all of us insight into each other's personalities and working styles. I've also been more deliberate about listening and being sensitive to everyone's needs. I came to discover that the teachers wanted a toolkit of strategies to be able to use immediately:
I've also been more deliberate to ask and celebrate PLC successes. |
My Principles of Second Language Teaching & Learning
How Do I Provide Comprehensible Input?
System for Teaching & Planning
Last year I started out the year using planbook.com. After giving it a chance for several weeks, I determined that it was not the best tool for me. I need to be able to outline my lessons, adjust according to students' needs and write notes. A paper plan book is more appropriate for me. My problem with commercially-made plan books is that they never have enough periods - or the blocks are too small. As a result, I created my own template and adapted it this year:
Being an introvert, I am reflective both in my personal life and in my teaching practice. I have been known to make notes in my plan book as well as in my electronic files. I formalized my beliefs about Second Language Teaching and Learning based on best practice research. I have also worked to be more responsive to my colleagues in my PLC. I feel that I've grown a lot as a teacher leader this year!
Email & Google Drive Folders
Many students feel more comfortable sharing homework assignments with me via email. I also have a large number of students who share information with me on Google Drive. To avoid being overwhelmed, I immediately file student emails in a folder by grade level. This has been a tremendous help.
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Evidence of Students' Learning
Notebook for "evidence of learning" contains anecdotal information as well as assessment results (formal and informal) about each student. I also note trends and put my evaluation criteria for various assessments.
Attendance
In most classes, there is a student attendance taker. If there isn't, I take attendance. If someone is absent, we write the date. I also use the following short cuts:
L -- late (unexcused) Lok -- late (excused) G -- guidance N -- nurse In addition, I put warnings and strike notes on the seating chart as a quick reminder for later. |
Spanish Club Attendance
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I keep my Spanish Club roster, attendance and accounting on a Google Spreadsheet. This allows me to share the information with Amy Allen since she helps me with the club. Students are responsible for checking themselves in during each meeting. The roster allowed for easier creation of email lists for parents and students.
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I decided to rely more on the seating chart function in eSchool. Having a pictorial seating chart is necessary given our flexible seating arrangement. It's also helpful in emergencies or for substitutes to have a paper copy of the seating chart available. I like having anecdotal records in my evidence of learning notebook. I feel that when I notice trends, I can really focus my instruction to students' needs. Keeping track of student data can be a daunting task, but I feel that I manage well by keeping on top of paperwork and having a common sense system in place.
Grade Book
A short description of each assignment (or the learning goal) is provided. Grading criteria are also included (or attached) for both formative and summative assessments. When appropriate, a link to the task is included.
A short description of each assignment (or the learning goal) is provided. Grading criteria are also included (or attached) for both formative and summative assessments. When appropriate, a link to the task is included.
Remind Site & App
Websites & Canvas
I have a link from my DTSD teacher page to the site pictured below. I wanted to have my sites and resources organized by grade level. I am exclusively using Canvas this year and wanted to have a clear explanation of how to enroll and easily access class resources.
Two-Way Email Communication
Last year I started to better communicate students' progress using Home Access Center. As you can see, I am very transparent with each assignment, its connection to learning goals and the assessment criteria. I have also been communicating more regularly and deliberately with parents. I started during the first week of school and continue to email regularly -- every few weeks. I have found my positive relationships with parents to be especially helpful when dealing with missed work or with discipline issues.
Online PLN
Effective Communication with my Department/ PLC (and Colleagues that we've Adopted)
In years past, I focused more on myself in this domain. Given the changes in my PLC, I thought it to be more appropriate to focus on the needs of the group. How could I make their lives easier? How could what I learned on social media help me to accomplish this? How could I get support from other teachers of Comprehensible Input using these tools? Selfishly, if my department members' school lives are easier, my life is easier. Keeping everyone informed has been KEY to this! I need to keep in mind that everyone in the department is passionate.
Social Media to Develop a PLN
Participation & Presentation at Conferences
Professional Reading & Learning
While preparing for my presentation at iFLT, I read The Art of Coaching Teams (Aguilar). This was EXACTLY what I needed knowing that our department dynamics are changing. I love to learn! Reading books and articles with practical classroom applications and listening to a weekly podcast help to keep me fresh, curious and innovative.
Nearpod Certified Educator
Participating in School Events
Co-Presenter at District Conference Day
Middle School World Language Department Coordinator
This year I spent more time learning independently. I did extensive research about flexible seating and deskless classrooms. I also spent A LOT of time writing and planning Spanish 2 curriculum as I was teaching it. I love the creative aspect of the curriculum process! Lately, I've been dabbling with Breakout EDU. I put together a piece meal kit and adapted an already-made Breakout in Spanish. I have also been brainstorming a breakout for 6th graders to use during Kenbrook week. Lisa Butler has already offered to help me with the logistics.