Gotta know when to hold 'em....

Today I spent the first 2 morning periods at one of the middle schools  continuing to work with a teacher and his 8th grade students on their climate change challenge based learning project.  Today the students were working to refine their project ideas as well as to work on their Cacoo diagram.  Some groups are doing well, but others really need guidance on what specifically they will DO.  I spoke with one group and it reminded me of my trip to Waste Management in Stickney this summer with a teacher and his summer school students.  This group really wants to help Berwyn recycle more.  The teacher has his work cut out helping each group identify a project and make it happen!

I also attended the principals' meeting.  It is always refreshing to hear all of the good things going on in the district!  I also got some great leadership advice on decision making....based on this song! "Gotta know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em, know when to walk away, know when to run."

In the afternoon I met with the teachers regarding blogging.....I need to do some work on this...

Call

I called Meagan today to let her know that I will be available to her from this point on for whatever it is she wants to work on.  I made sure to tell her that she is a great investment of my time and that I will do anything I can to support her.  She was a little surprised but also very pleased.

I am looking forward to what we can do!

My Replacement

Today after school I met with Scott, the teacher who replaced me as 8th grade science teacher at Freedom.  I went over some basics of the class with him, and how I ran things.  I gave him some resources for the safety and metric system units as well....suggesting some new and fun ideas to make the lessons more engaging and to integrate more technology.  Sometimes I still surprise myself with how natural many of these ideas are for me.

Scott is going to do great!  He has so much energy and is excited to be a Freedom Patriot!

A little bittersweet to be in my old classroom and to see it so different....but I am still excited about my new role.

iCoach Job Description

This is the job description we all wrote back in April......good things to keep in mind as I move into this new position.

Instructional Coach

Job Description

Goal
To provide essential support for the district by facilitating a creative and collaborative environment through coaching, training, and leadership.

Qualifications

• ISBE State Certificate with appropriate endorsement(s)
• Experience in leadership roles such as: providing and attending professional development (in-district and out-of district), Team Leader position, school committee membership and leadership, integrating technology into curriculum, etc.
• Superior communication and interpersonal skills

Responsibilities

• Facilitate implementation of learning standards, district instructional models, and technology in all district schools.
• Work with teachers in the development of integrating technology into instruction.
• Model best instructional practices through actual classroom demonstrations.
• Introduce teachers to new methods, materials, and instructional strategies that, through research, have proven to increase student achievement.
• Meet with teachers individually, in collaborative teams, and/or with departments, providing practical support on a full range of instructional strategies to integrate technology into curriculum, instruction and student work.
• Assist teachers in differentiating instruction through the use of various technologies.
• Engage in reflective practices to identify successes and challenges.

• Participate in professional development, research,  reading, and inquiry sessions to stay abreast of developments in best classroom practices, technology, and assessment.
• Work collaboratively and communicate effectively with administrators, teachers, and other school staff to strengthen all aspects of the instructional program.
• Advise administrators, teachers, and other school staff regarding professional development sessions based on staff input and assessment of what students in various grade levels and content areas need to work on to meet district and/or school goals.
• Consult on district and school level technology budgets and purchases of hardware, software, and related resources as well as district technology plan.

It is official...

My new position was approved!  Next school year I will begin my new role as an Instructional Coach (iCoach for short) in my school district.  All together there are 5 of us.  I am looking forward to the incredible impact I KNOW we will make on teaching and learning in our school district!