Blog Post after 2019 iFLT Conference
Click HERE to read my reflections.
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Essential Standards Chart
Click HERE to view the living document.
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Teaching, Planning, Curriculum Readjustment/ Notes
My Principles of Second Language Teaching & Learning
New Comprehensible Input Strategies
I think that I might be too reflective sometimes - if that is possible. I make notes in my plan book for the little day-to-day things and in my electronic files or hard copy folders. As a PLC, we're constantly sharing resources and ideas. Using Rubicon Atlas, Google Drive folders, and even Pinterest have allowed us to share resources very easily. Since we are all in the same hallway now, our conversations are even more organic, authentic and more of a focus on student learning than ever before!
Since March, although the PLC communicates more via text and Zoom, I've come to realize that we are NOT all on the same page. I have several goals for the summer and upcoming year. First and foremost, we need to REALLY examine our group norms - and hold each other accountable to them. It dawned on me that because the group wants to "keep the peace", we are allowing one person's opinions or resistance to shape most of what we do. I can't enable this type of culture anymore even if we need to have difficult discussions.
Since March, although the PLC communicates more via text and Zoom, I've come to realize that we are NOT all on the same page. I have several goals for the summer and upcoming year. First and foremost, we need to REALLY examine our group norms - and hold each other accountable to them. It dawned on me that because the group wants to "keep the peace", we are allowing one person's opinions or resistance to shape most of what we do. I can't enable this type of culture anymore even if we need to have difficult discussions.
Badges on Canvas
I started using badging (for grammar points) on Canvas as an experiment two years ago. I have slowly expanded my use of badges for explicit grammar instruction - which is what I'm told is the "expectation". Now I open the badges, and students can progress through them at their own pace.
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Evidence of Students' Learning
Spanish Club Attendance
I keep my Spanish Club roster, attendance and accounting on a Google Spreadsheet. This allows me to share the information with anyone who helps me with the club. Students are responsible for checking themselves at the start of each meeting. The roster allowed for easier generation of email groups for parents and students.
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Teacher Access Center to Document Student Behavior
Keeping Track of 504 Plans in eSchool
Late Work - Screenshot & Email
It was a huge time suck for me to keep checking for completion of badges on Canvas or nuggets on Senorwooly.com. This year, I implemented a change. When submitting late electronic work, a screenshot of evidence needs to be emailed to me. As you can see, one student sent a screenshot of badges completed. The other showed me that he took the quizzes and earned the badge. So far, so good!
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It's interesting to see the evolution of my management of student data. Technology had made this so much easier. I did note that I was spending way too much time re-checking for students' work online. Implementing the screenshot for late work system has helped both me and the students so much: Less time suck for me, more responsibility and buy-in for the students.
Emails during Remote Learning 2020
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Start of the Year Handouts for Students & Parents
Back to School Night Presentation
Canvas to Post Lesson Plans
I post my lesson plans to Canvas. Originally I wanted a student to be in charge of keeping track of each lesson, but it did not work out. I moved to posting my lesson plans (an outline) as well as any class stories and pertinent links/ files. This has been great for students who have missed class and keeps families informed. I also use the calendar function and the announcements.
Email Exchange with a Parent - negative to a positive
Being transparent with grading, sharing classroom happenings, and being positive with email exchanges all help to make a richer relationship between school and home. Parents (and kids) want to know what is going on, and they feel comfort in transparency.
My Department/ PLC
Professional Organizations
Canvas Page for 8th grade Advisory
At the beginning of the year, there was a lot of confusion and miscommunication about 8th grade Advisory. We didn't seem to all have access to the same information at the same time. After hearing people complain as well as feeling frustrated myself, I decided to create an Advisory 8 Master Course where we could ALL add to the lessons and have other helpful resources available in an easy-to-read format.
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.
Presenter & Cohort Coach Intern - iFLT 2019
I was hired to be a cohort leader for the conference in the summer of 2020. Sadly, the conference was cancelled due to the Pandemic.
iFLT 2019 Reflections
Co-Presenter at District Conference Day 2019
Professional Reading & Learning
I'm very proud and excited that I was invited to be a Coach at iFLT. It felt so rewarding to work and spend time with the "big names" in World Language. I really needed my cup to be filled after last school year. I felt so valued, appreciated, and validated with my beliefs and feelings. One of the biggest takeaways was: In spite of us looking like we have it together, ALL of us have our vulnerabilities and our bad days. That's okay. We need to honor that and boost each other as best as we can.
Technology Recognition
School Events & Committees
Middle School World Language Department Coordinator
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Mentor to Samantha Bryant
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I feel so supported! I love being able to try and succeed but also to try and fumble or fail. I make every attempt to surround myself with positive, caring individuals - for my professional and personal well-being. This profession is too hard to be in a vortex of negativity!
My husband works in Maryland, and it has had a definite impact on our schedules. I have become more selective with the activities that I do, especially after school. In doing that, I am able to create a better balance between work and home - and ultimately am in a better "head space" than in the past.
My husband works in Maryland, and it has had a definite impact on our schedules. I have become more selective with the activities that I do, especially after school. In doing that, I am able to create a better balance between work and home - and ultimately am in a better "head space" than in the past.