Keys to Instructional Excellence

Last week's in-service was excellent!!! I really learned a lot. The title of the in-service was "Keys to Instructional Excellence: What Effective Teachers Know, Do, and Understand." The basic aim of the two day workshop was to show teachers how to be better teachers and to create a plan to ensure a highly successful classroom based on three keys. Those keys were: a) managing your classroom, b) planning for instruction, and c) teaching and assessing for learning. It didn't matter if you were a rookie or vetern. The workshop offered something for everyone. I feel very fortunate that I work for a district that takes professional develop of its teaching staff seriously.

Mindset

I realize that I don't have to report back to school until next week but that week before reporting back is always important. It's the time that I start getting my mind back into gear for the coming school year. I start to get into the habit of going to bed early, getting up early and start gathering those necessary classroom supplies. There's a part of me that hates to go back to work and another part that just can't wait to be teaching kids again. Actually if i had a three week vacation in June, I'd be ready to teach again in July. Looking forward to the new school year and the great students in the Phoenix Elementary School District!

Summer Musings

Summer is going well. This time always allows me the time to charge up for the next school year. I've been going over new lesson plans for the coming year. Next week I'll be going to an in-service for new teachers in the district. Remember this is going to be my second year here in the Phoenix Elementary School District. It's a great district and I still can learn a lot.

This week...

I apologize for not posting a recent blog. The week is already halfway over and the month is coming to a close. I've been working with the third graders on Monday. We're studying and learning about the Olympics. The students really enjoyed viewing the opening ceremonies of the Beijing Olympics. The students were impressed with the hard work of the Chinese people and the different kinds of technology employed during the opening ceremony. They thought the "Bird's Nest" was a cool stadium.

Well the students are back and I think that's GREAT!!! I'm very excited about the new year. Phoenix Elementary is a fantastic district and it's the students that make it so. I'll write more later on this week. Bye.