tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74388983913694478102024-03-14T10:11:17.585-04:00Doc Sheilah's Cornerdocsheilahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02030799734168235846noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7438898391369447810.post-15553148356147791952020-04-19T19:52:00.000-04:002020-04-19T19:52:49.626-04:00Reimagining Education at Northern Parkway School<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 15.6933px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_gjdgxs"></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;">The conceptual idea of an innovative program at Northern Parkway School in the Uniondale School District, founded by<b> Assistant Principal Sheilah Dr. Jefferson-Isaac </b>and coined The Dreamkeepers is based on the work of researchers Dr. Vanessa Siddle Walker and Dr. Gloria Ladson-Billings. In the book, “Their Highest Potential – An African American School Community in the Segregated South” Siddle Walker shares the story of one school community in the segregated south. This school, Caswell County Training School, succeeded in providing nurturing educational environments and thrived with parental support even when faced with enormous obstacles. Siddle Walker’s research shows that the teachers and principal of this school believed their jobs extended well beyond the classroom and because the educators were genuinely interested in teaching the whole child (academically and socially), students had no choice but to be successful. Coupled with this research and conceptual model for change was the book “The Dreamkeepers - Successful teachers of African American Children” by Gloria Ladson-Billings. Ladson-Billings wrote: Culturally relevant teaching fosters the kinds of social interactions in the classroom that support the individual in the group context. Students felt a part of the collective effort designed to encourage academic and cultural excellence. As members of an extended family, the students assist, support, and encourage one another. The entire group rises and falls together. Thus it is in everyone’s best interest to ensure that the others in the group are successful. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;">The Dreamkeepers program at Northern Parkway School consists primarily of six core elementary school teachers who will use a “Whatever It Takes” model of community, accountability, and culturally relevant teaching, to embark on an educational journey with the same cohort of over 100 African American and Latina/o students, for the next four years. They are reimagining what education can look like and feel like for students, known as <b>The Dreamchasers</b>. They are committed to providing experiences for students that enhance their critical thinking, communication skills, creativity and foster collaboration. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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docsheilahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02030799734168235846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7438898391369447810.post-67195177982217672712017-07-27T16:55:00.003-04:002017-07-27T16:55:21.982-04:00Just Fine (The song that represents my summer of conferences) <span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I'm a bit of a procrastinator and so I although I've been planning on writing this post, it wasn't until reading Brenda's latest blog post (@PrincipalMN) and thinking of a song title that represented my summer, did I finally sit down to write. Of course, I was motivated by the opportunity to get my fav Mary J Blige in a blog post! So why did I choose "Just Fine" to represent my summer? Just Fine sums up how I feel after a summer of conference hopping that began on June 30th and ended on July 20, 2017l.</span><br />
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<b><i><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">June 30th - EdCampldr in Long Island, New York</span></i></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I have been a part of the EdCamp Long Island scene for a number of years and have grown my professional network across Long Island as a result. Although school had just ended a week before, learning never ends! I attended my first Breakout EDU session, sat in on a conversation about Culturally Relevant Pedagogy, and co-facilitated a conversation about Parent Camp. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">#learningisjofyul with Uniondale colleagues. </span></td></tr>
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<i><span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> "Having a really good time, I'm not complaining</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And I'm a still wear a smile if it's raining</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I got to enjoy myself regardless</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I appreciate life, I'm so glad I got mine"</span></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: red;">"Just Fine" Mary J Blig</span>e</span></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">July 8 - July 10th, Principal's Conference - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania</span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I attended my first NAESP national conference and walked away feeling a bit perplexed at the mix of emotions I felt after the conference. On the surface, I had a GREAT time! Socially it was like attending an all-star festival of educators that I've only known through Twitter and Voxer. Like Jay (@posickj) shared in his blog post: <i>People either get it, or they don't. The connections that we make via social media can have a lasting impression on our lives as educators</i>. I also had a chance to spend time with Long Island educators and with a colleague that I had worked with over 20 years ago (even though we work less than 10 minutes from each other). Below are just a few pics that made #NPC17 such a joyful learning experience! </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Members of #PTCamp Voxer <br />group since 2014</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW4WwdnCDCPqu0TAFbpj82m9f09HQpdo1Pc5mUArezztVzUhvsx0J32M7n7uRzxubCLAnxc8sD2MUKZuC4BK4-se_thG8W8aWel_fmSM-geEuBxXt19jBE5G_4vWLWL3F5CudMqwiuyrc/s1600/IMG_4025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW4WwdnCDCPqu0TAFbpj82m9f09HQpdo1Pc5mUArezztVzUhvsx0J32M7n7uRzxubCLAnxc8sD2MUKZuC4BK4-se_thG8W8aWel_fmSM-geEuBxXt19jBE5G_4vWLWL3F5CudMqwiuyrc/s200/IMG_4025.JPG" width="150" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Former Roosevelt SD Colleague </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Long Island Educators </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5AC6-NS4iSKRaT9WqFAxJc4A6-8tXVU_sKAFfj_1zVH0ugaX6qi12Tg4C8tifH3cYt76GAB1_49J9l9-VQvG3EiWMxChZ2DBYF8NtvzeoqAfSBygX8nnL4zf11Bpd5c_UP9v6Y_HcaTg/s1600/IMG_4004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5AC6-NS4iSKRaT9WqFAxJc4A6-8tXVU_sKAFfj_1zVH0ugaX6qi12Tg4C8tifH3cYt76GAB1_49J9l9-VQvG3EiWMxChZ2DBYF8NtvzeoqAfSBygX8nnL4zf11Bpd5c_UP9v6Y_HcaTg/s200/IMG_4004.JPG" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">At the Crayola breakfast with Todd and Brad</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Met Kaylen Tucker! </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I have to admit, professionally and academically I left feeling a bit empty. Sure I went to some engaging sessions, obtained some useful tips and resources but I can't say my heart and soul was moved as there was no fire that was lit. It was a bittersweet feeling but I was quickly on my way to the next conference stop and accepted the time in Philly for what it was. </span><br />
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<i><span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"No time for moping around, are you kidding</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And no time for negative vibes, cause I'm winning</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It's been a long week, I put in my hardest</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Gonna live my life, feels so good to get it right"</span></i></div>
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<b><span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"Just Fine" Mary J Blige</span></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">July 11th - July 12th - Learn Fresh All-Star Educator Summit - Denver, Co.</span></i></b></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Being selected as an All-Star Educator for this organization was such an honor</span><b style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">.</b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> Take a moment to visit <a href="http://nbamathhoops.org/">NBA Math Hoops</a> and follow the them on Twitter (@NBAMathHoops). My students have been participating for the last 3 years. Reach out to me if you are interested and would like more information. <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 12px;"><i>NBA Math Hoops is developed and distributed by Learn Fresh, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, in association with NBA Cares. Learn Fresh seeks to eliminate racial and socioeconomic achievement gaps, and ensure that all U.S. students are engaged in school and have a solid foundation in fundamental skills. </i> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></div>
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<i><span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"Feels so good, when you're doing all the things that you want do </span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Get the best out of life, treat yourself to something new</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It's a really good thing to say</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">That I won't change my life, my life's just fine"</span></i><br />
<b><span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"Just Fine" Mary J Blige</span></b><br />
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<b><i><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">July 17th - July 20th - Reimagining Education: Teaching and Learning in Racially Diverse Schools - Teachers College, Columbia University </span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Day 1 - Why Reimagining</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Day 2 - Racial and Cultural Literacies</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Day 3 - Equity Pedagogy </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Day 4 -Culturally Sustaining Leadership</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Hold up, wait a minute...a conference filled with All-Star educators that was specifically designed to talk about the promise, potential and brilliance of Black and Brown children?!?! Please, please, please take a look at the conference <a href="http://www.tc.columbia.edu/conferences/reimagining-education/curriculum/">curriculum</a> and bios of the <a href="http://www.tc.columbia.edu/conferences/reimagining-education/speakers/">Speakers</a> that were present and read their research if you are not familiar with them. Here are just a few tweets and pics from this powerful conference. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr9UgSF6fu_xGoLRixj4eSBt-cbXXm1-H89sTzHL8rwWYH3f7zdZ1ugv87lXKV17-PZlld2r1UG3HfZZbxu23YjQZXY3sXpB-anfG7l9Dx70fvZ80og17H2nSF1f6g4UATFB2lHBygifo/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-07-27+at+3.57.32+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="701" data-original-width="541" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr9UgSF6fu_xGoLRixj4eSBt-cbXXm1-H89sTzHL8rwWYH3f7zdZ1ugv87lXKV17-PZlld2r1UG3HfZZbxu23YjQZXY3sXpB-anfG7l9Dx70fvZ80og17H2nSF1f6g4UATFB2lHBygifo/s200/Screen+Shot+2017-07-27+at+3.57.32+PM.png" width="151" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGHBIrVqXZkV0WESujVzMvE_9aJrKLzBRZJbuZjCT78jaPuugo0dBHX4mBh7JjuVPDJ1El5xAZab7zM4yaBmWIu80aMPJMgA2ttJp2OvZrbOsziVTheYDPsY2D4ql9LJ6VWmRkuD4sihg/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-07-27+at+3.57.47+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="575" data-original-width="437" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGHBIrVqXZkV0WESujVzMvE_9aJrKLzBRZJbuZjCT78jaPuugo0dBHX4mBh7JjuVPDJ1El5xAZab7zM4yaBmWIu80aMPJMgA2ttJp2OvZrbOsziVTheYDPsY2D4ql9LJ6VWmRkuD4sihg/s200/Screen+Shot+2017-07-27+at+3.57.47+PM.png" width="150" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With Kass Minor! </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1qXZnlEFyOZFcasY0I9v9Hnn3W0SyaDWwOT930i0Y1FASLRas2bAbU4E-WFEwRiqoIkTAcUWQUNKT8A_XRactDQ1xOVSCDPHDsyXSKcN8-VwZ2g63dCcwaa7YJQIWokT7RHTei2HGCEU/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-07-27+at+3.56.59+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="712" data-original-width="543" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1qXZnlEFyOZFcasY0I9v9Hnn3W0SyaDWwOT930i0Y1FASLRas2bAbU4E-WFEwRiqoIkTAcUWQUNKT8A_XRactDQ1xOVSCDPHDsyXSKcN8-VwZ2g63dCcwaa7YJQIWokT7RHTei2HGCEU/s320/Screen+Shot+2017-07-27+at+3.56.59+PM.png" width="241" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjouFY-KKgA1UX0rjokIyfuxK2XB5PzJnNdvfAVfXT_EtYqKLhzYn9mNqp66LGig_kxGa-vF5gvW7z8ge0zDieW-2j121t-_EYa4dwF433UJAzjPrxvZyWE7w5kU4EyfzivKq1UandxsBk/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-07-27+at+3.57.14+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="456" data-original-width="441" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjouFY-KKgA1UX0rjokIyfuxK2XB5PzJnNdvfAVfXT_EtYqKLhzYn9mNqp66LGig_kxGa-vF5gvW7z8ge0zDieW-2j121t-_EYa4dwF433UJAzjPrxvZyWE7w5kU4EyfzivKq1UandxsBk/s320/Screen+Shot+2017-07-27+at+3.57.14+PM.png" width="307" /></a><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With Team Uniondale! </td></tr>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This conference</b><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> was just what I needed to fill that gap from the National Principals Conference. Socially, as with all of the other conferences, I enjoyed the experience. But more importantly the work that has been done and needs to be done for Students of Color was front and center. That is my life's work and that was "Just Fine" for me!</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; text-align: center;"> </span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i> "Got my head on straight, I got my mind right</i></span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>I ain't gonna let you kill it</i></span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>You see I wouldn't change my life my life's just fine"</i></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"Just Fine" Mary J Blige</span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></span><br />
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docsheilahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02030799734168235846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7438898391369447810.post-86841962540943289602017-06-29T23:06:00.003-04:002017-06-29T23:19:37.575-04:00#laststopli<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: #fefefe; border: 0px; color: #212121; font-family: "roboto" , "robotodraft" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Welcome to </span><a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/s/%23LastStopLI" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: #fefefe; border: 0px; color: #2962ff; cursor: pointer; font-family: Roboto, RobotoDraft, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-decoration-line: none; white-space: pre-wrap;">#LastStopLI</a><span style="background-color: #fefefe; border: 0px; color: #212121; font-family: "roboto" , "robotodraft" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> project based on the book Last Stop on Market Street. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fefefe; border: 0px; color: #212121; font-family: "roboto" , "robotodraft" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;">*Celebrate the uniqueness of Long Island communities</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fefefe; border: 0px; color: #212121; font-family: "roboto" , "robotodraft" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;">*Create connections between educators on Long Island</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fefefe; border: 0px; color: #212121; font-family: "roboto" , "robotodraft" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;">*Create connections among students on Long Island</span></div>
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<span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start;">The idea for LastStopLI began at #EdCampldr (2016) after I facilitated the session #BreakingNews - How to talk about social issues in education centered around race. As Monique (@MDarrisawAkil) shared in her blog , "the session was devoted to discussing the recent racial unrest in our country caused by the deaths of Black men by the hands of the police and then the murder of five policemen in Texas. What ensued was a thoughtful conversation that acknowledged not only the pain that we feel but the confusion about the role of educators in tackling this topic in the classroom. We debated what we should discuss with students; who is responsible for vetting the message?” We ended the conversation by asking what's next – and the idea of a LI student book study began. I thought, perhaps starting small and breaking down the invisible walls that exist between children and communities on Long Island is better than not starting at all. Thanks to the book suggestion from JoEllen (@JoEllenMcCarthy), brainstorming with Alejandro (@A_RiveraNY) & Rosa (NieveslrRosa), discussions around racial discourse with Don (donald_gately) and technical support from Lisa (@LParisi)- here we are. </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;"> The How, Why, and What's Next of #laststopli can be anything and everything WE make it. </span></div>
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<span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start;">All tweets should include #LastStopLI</span></div>
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<span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start;">Thanks to all of the teachers that collaborated with pen pals across Long Island. However, there is one teacher, Ms. Susan Piano, that deserves a special shout-out for really embracing the #laststopli idea with her partnership teacher, Ms. Foley. Together they had their classes from Uniondale and Farmingdale write each other, share videos with each other (<a href="https://twitter.com/lilteach84/status/816686956339929088">Video</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/lilteach84/status/831511675530514433">Video 2</a>), Skype with each other, and ultimately visit with each other with a meet-up at the end of the school year. Here's Sue Paino's reflection: </span></div>
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<i><b><span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-size: large;">Our pen pal experience with Ms. Foley's second grade class at Albany Avenue Elementary was an amazing, moving, inspirational experience that's hard to even put into words. Two different communities of children cam together and were instant best friends...hugging, holding hands, etc. They did Venn diagrams together and the similarities they cam up with outweighed the differences. This is the beauty of working with young children. They only know love. They see color. They know they are a different color than another, but they don't see it as an issue. That's a learned behavior. This is why it's so important that we as educators instill and nurture a sense of acceptance in our students and seal the gap that may come along as they grow older and other influences may try and get in the way of their thinking. The love and acceptance of our children should be an inspiration to us all. </span></b></i></div>
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<i><b><span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-size: large;">#laststopli</span></b></i><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">Check out a few #laststopli tweets: </span></span><br />
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<i><b><span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></i><i><b><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-size: large;">Did you join the #laststopli initiative? </span></b></i><i><b><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-size: large;"> Do you think projects like this can really make a difference? Why or why not? Please comment or tweet/share your reflections using #laststopli. </span></b></i></div>
docsheilahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02030799734168235846noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7438898391369447810.post-70982601819453340432016-12-30T21:21:00.003-05:002016-12-30T21:21:53.733-05:00My #OneWord for 2017A couple of days before the start of 2017 and I finally found my #oneword. But before I share, let's take a look at a few words that first came to mind.<br />
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<b><i>JOY</i></b> - Personally, I think of joy as a " state of being" that I hold onto fiercely. As I shared in a tweet, "My joy is trying to exist in that sacred space between happiness and sadness". It's a constant balancing act to remain joyful, but when you truly believe that you are in control of how you feel and how you react to people/things/events around you - it becomes easy to exist in a state of joy. <br />
Professionally, I believe that #learningisjoyful and serve as an advocate for joyful learning experiences for students. So choosing joy for my #oneword felt like a cop out since I live with it everyday. </div>
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<b><i>POWER or CONTROL-</i></b> The power to control your emotions, feelings, actions, and words was something I also thought of. Being in control can be a positive attribute but wanting the power to control others can be perceived as negative. I didn't want to have a negative connotation association with my #oneword so I kept waiting for that right word to come to me. </div>
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<i style="font-weight: bold;">INTENTIONAL - </i>Doing things with a direct purpose and knowing my "why" (<a href="https://youtu.be/LZe5y2D60YU">https://youtu.be/LZe5y2D60YU</a>) led me to believe that intentional would be a good #oneword for 2017. But for some reason, it didn't stick with me! </div>
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I kept thinking...what #oneword will help me maintain my joy, remain positively powerful and in control, and intentional in my actions? Finally, it became clear and I chose: </div>
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In a world where I am constantly balancing my professional life, professional goals, personal life and personal goals, it's hard to focus on one thing at a time. As a Sagittarius, I am true to my sign! I am known to ...<span style="background-color: white; color: #0c0c0c; font-family: , sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.1925px;">juggle a million projects, hobbies and friends - t</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0c0c0c; font-family: , sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.1925px;">he more, the merrier!" (<a href="http://astrostyle.com/sagittarius/">http://astrostyle.com/sagittarius/</a>)</span><span style="color: #0c0c0c; font-family: , sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.1925px;"></span></span><br />
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<i style="text-align: right;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0c0c0c; font-family: , sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.1925px;">While enthusiastic Sagittarius helps us take risks and big leaps of faith, we can bite off more than we can chew. Under this sign’s influence, we need to know our limits. Otherwise, we can get excited about starting new projects, but fail to follow through. <a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_1840434913">(</a></span><span style="color: #0c0c0c; font-family: , sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.1925px;"><a href="http://astrostyle.com/sagittarius-horoscope).">http://astrostyle.com/sagittarius-horoscope)</a> </span></span></i></div>
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So yes, as a natural multi-tasker, I live for thrill of doing it all! But maybe, for 2017, I won't try to do "it" all. I'll focus on no more than 1 or 2 things, ok, maybe 3 at a time. I will take time to focus each day and ask myself: </div>
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1. Is "it" bringing me joy or will it bring me joy?</div>
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2. Is the "power or control" of "it" driving me or limiting me?<br />
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3. What is my intention, purpose or why for doing "it"? </div>
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Answering these questions truthfully may allow me to say NO to a lot of things and YES to things that really matter. And with less things to juggle, I will be able to <b>FOCUS</b> on the things that really matter. </div>
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<b>Wishing you a Joyful 2017! </b></div>
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docsheilahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02030799734168235846noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7438898391369447810.post-55105712836391546272016-10-09T19:34:00.001-04:002016-10-09T19:34:13.221-04:00Do you see what I see? <div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Do you see what I see? </span></div>
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Sunday evening, I received this (edited) email from a local community organization: </div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12.8px;"><i><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Dear Members,</b></span></i></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">(A local) Supermarket will have a hot dog cart out front</span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"> </span><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_875368392" style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(204, 204, 204); font-size: 12.8px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">on Saturday</span></span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">and</span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"> </span><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_875368393" style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(204, 204, 204); font-size: 12.8px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Sunday Oct 15 & 16</span></span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">. They are providing the cart and all the food. They are offering it to us as a fundraising opportunity.</span></b></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.8px;"><i><b><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All we need are some students and a parent or two to oversee the students. This is a great opportunity for the students to get volunteer service hours for helping out.</span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> </span></b></i></span></div>
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Did anything or any word move you? Make you think, question, or pause? </div>
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An hour later...</div>
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...while reading <b><u>The Underground Railroad </u></b>by Colson Whitehead, I read this: </div>
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Did anything or any word move you? Make you think, question, or pause? </div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Words matter. Context matter. The lens in which I view this world matters. </span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Can you see what I see? Can you feel what I feel? </span></div>
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docsheilahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02030799734168235846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7438898391369447810.post-70474871615732767792016-07-22T10:26:00.001-04:002016-07-23T12:15:16.294-04:00<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Flashback Friday!</b></div>
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One of the best things about working during the summer as a school administrator is getting a chance to read and reflect with minimal distractions. Today I decided to tackle my closet and review the contents of about a dozen binders that were just collecting dust on a top shelf. As I went through the binders, I was quickly reminded how so many "innovative" educational ideas are really just ideas that have been dusted off and repackaged. Not that I have a problem with that. But it makes me wonder (1) If it didn't work 20 years ago, why do we think it's going to work now? And more importantly (2) Why didn't it work?!?!?!? A lot to think and I will probably continue to ponder these questions as an educator but back to Flashback Friday. <br />
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As I was reviewing the contents of an administrative observation report binder, I found one of my own observation reports. It was from 1992, my 2nd year as a classroom teacher that was written by my former principal and mentor Mr. Charles McIlwain (Roosevelt, NY). <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPRtAatr6ItKIzpAGKhntqUYpaY1-azMURecrW7FKIUAEzhOveJmvobY92P6i__goviZtKj7Aq52J54yCuljNUhxN1t8cSiy8I_g7BpQgdOVv9ILQtVibnS9UZC-WqZrjTfpB3y1AVxF0/s1600/full-0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPRtAatr6ItKIzpAGKhntqUYpaY1-azMURecrW7FKIUAEzhOveJmvobY92P6i__goviZtKj7Aq52J54yCuljNUhxN1t8cSiy8I_g7BpQgdOVv9ILQtVibnS9UZC-WqZrjTfpB3y1AVxF0/s640/full-0.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here's a screenshot of the observation report.</div>
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Again,..lots of thoughts behind it, but for now I thought it would be fun to share! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKqv0kk_Ce1SD0p1MDz4LLATHZ724NJ_0zEO0U_0gQ5ZgrLNMbMTJAHvcucuyyx5je4EZ61r6ORqWHRd-kffrawmQUXbbobbrYEFM4_ne3udBkcNXcZSi7Zpd5FDg8YP7h9LYiZ8irRSw/s1600/snapshot+of+obs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKqv0kk_Ce1SD0p1MDz4LLATHZ724NJ_0zEO0U_0gQ5ZgrLNMbMTJAHvcucuyyx5je4EZ61r6ORqWHRd-kffrawmQUXbbobbrYEFM4_ne3udBkcNXcZSi7Zpd5FDg8YP7h9LYiZ8irRSw/s400/snapshot+of+obs.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "courier new"; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-weight: 700;">Teacher: Ms. S. Jefferson Date of observation: </span><b>1/28/92 </b></span></i></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "lucida sans typewriter"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="color: blue;">Ms. Jefferson began her class
by explaining to her class the objective of today’s lesson: Social History:
Essay - describe how Rap Music influences the lives of young people. (Rap
Music, Rap Artist, Incidents or Messages).<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "lucida sans typewriter"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="color: blue;">The teacher also explained to
the class that this assignment is good preparation for end/year requirements (150
words) - Students were given a work sheet to serve as a guide for the first
draft. <o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "lucida sans typewriter"; font-size: 13.5pt;">It was quite interesting to
note that there were differences of opinion as to what was negative or positive
influences often stated by "Rap Groups".</span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: "lucida sans typewriter"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: blue;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "lucida sans typewriter"; font-size: 13.5pt;">The teacher has a lot of influence on the class
because of her age and is recommended to continue this type of dialogue more
frequently for the sake of our young people</span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: "lucida sans typewriter"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "lucida sans typewriter"; font-size: 13.5pt;">Ms. Jefferson has a very good rapport with her
students and displays a genuine concern for energy providing the necessary
leadership that</span></i></b></span><b><span style="font-family: "lucida sans typewriter"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "lucida sans typewriter"; font-size: 13.5pt;">these young people need and deserve. Ms. Jefferson
is a true asset to our staff and student population.</span></i></b></span><b><span style="font-family: "lucida sans typewriter"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "lucida sans typewriter"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="color: blue;">Ms. Jefferson is extremely patient, kind, caring and provide the
time for individuals and group assistance. She is constantly encouraging
students to seek additional assistance during non-class time and after school. Ms. Jefferson arrives at school very early and remains very late in the PM for students assistance.</span></span></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "lucida sans typewriter"; font-size: 13.5pt;">Ms. Jefferson is a very young teacher and has all
the ingredients in becoming a Master Teacher and should often practice being firm, fair</span></i></b></span><b><span style="font-family: "lucida sans typewriter"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-938e26a6-12e6-87e4-b811-60788fa2bf14"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: blue;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "lucida sans typewriter"; font-size: 13.5pt;">and demanding at all times. This will come shortly if
practiced on a continuous bases. Excellent lesson</span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-family: "century" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">.</span></i></b></span></span></span><b><span style="font-family: "century" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b>Do you have observation reports from your first few years of teaching? Are your hopes and dreams still the same? If you are an administrator - does your leadership style and expectations align with your teaching style? For me, I think I have been pretty consistent - meaningful, relevant learning experiences for all students. #learningisjoyful </b>docsheilahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02030799734168235846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7438898391369447810.post-35823033664463947442016-03-22T08:03:00.002-04:002016-11-06T13:33:16.044-05:00Shhh...Artists and Musicians are Reading<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdXXQYZGnIYogqIpPWXEn9zF1vg5LNUDTafJd1RWlU2JIZKynu4vair1yjDXICWE1K5CptxBZKxzzN37c3Pc2MOdbZA6mL0ooVEHkji0yvh8fn5b-0XETT3IvGxElD0Nw48XYKGjGdlZQ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-03-19+at+9.54.01+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="355" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdXXQYZGnIYogqIpPWXEn9zF1vg5LNUDTafJd1RWlU2JIZKynu4vair1yjDXICWE1K5CptxBZKxzzN37c3Pc2MOdbZA6mL0ooVEHkji0yvh8fn5b-0XETT3IvGxElD0Nw48XYKGjGdlZQ/s640/Screen+Shot+2016-03-19+at+9.54.01+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Whenever I get stuck on a blog theme, I always go back to <b>#learningisjoyful.</b> Why? Because I believe/advocate/promote/inspire/encourage/demand joyful learning experiences for students. What makes #learningisjoyful such an easy tag line? For me, it's because joyful learning experiences can happen anywhere and anytime the learner is engaged in something that sparks joy!<br />
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Independent reading time can be and should be a joyful experience for students! This year, I have been encouraging all of the special area teachers in my building to add intentional reading time to their programs. It's been my goal to help them appreciate that reading either to students or allowing time for students to read independently does not take away from art, music, and physical education classes but can actually enhance their program. The feedback so far has been great - take a look: <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTiNYYrAGIOSjrK994ys6VR6Kxb3NhLn2YmfPiAI9twOIsmcfaWcuHMOt9V7c5b3tnxaOZGJlQpKdltfhmeX3QpGS4ER9Kc9U1Dm-KwIApq503XWmDvAe8PkYdhZGyXzD4xls8aTF2uHg/s1600/IMG_0591+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTiNYYrAGIOSjrK994ys6VR6Kxb3NhLn2YmfPiAI9twOIsmcfaWcuHMOt9V7c5b3tnxaOZGJlQpKdltfhmeX3QpGS4ER9Kc9U1Dm-KwIApq503XWmDvAe8PkYdhZGyXzD4xls8aTF2uHg/s200/IMG_0591+%25281%2529.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ms. Axel - Elementary Art Teacher </td></tr>
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At clean-up time, I have been using the books that comprise my personal collection of art books (picture books, biographies, books that deal with feelings) and this has enriched the art program. The students do not rush their work but instead of finding something to do if there is 5 minutes left in class, my student know that they can select an art book and read!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7K_sN2qaD5NTa8VHluDIEat4SXfZHwBF9a74LBudvy2D1scOZUYzVcmwFoeUUFyoBp9DjenAXS_NYHzXGmMT6xc0q6HlWKt-jFsKy3xm1P-R9lhMMTn00c6bqvin0Aa398I0bbxt_AWk/s1600/IMG_0589+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7K_sN2qaD5NTa8VHluDIEat4SXfZHwBF9a74LBudvy2D1scOZUYzVcmwFoeUUFyoBp9DjenAXS_NYHzXGmMT6xc0q6HlWKt-jFsKy3xm1P-R9lhMMTn00c6bqvin0Aa398I0bbxt_AWk/s200/IMG_0589+%25281%2529.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mr. Allen, General Music and Band Teacher </td></tr>
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By reading books about Marian Anderson, Leontyne Price, and Duke Ellington, my students have learned about famous musicians struggles and triumphs. Additionally they have discovered famous music venues such as the The Cotton Club, Carnegie Hall, La Scala Opera, The Lincoln Memorial, and Constitution Hall.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWufB-NTwcd-OlImFK8EE-7vJTOL2yUaLHlV3_EsA5FZBl8V6rcjegOl2Uejr8IqULzoosDTvVAv4rhyphenhyphen88__hPtd3IRvxyIZAwZMJ8r1ecSJiNAiWxvwymBwM1zLt9XjCfkC6jpYE0Q4k/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-03-22+at+7.58.01+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWufB-NTwcd-OlImFK8EE-7vJTOL2yUaLHlV3_EsA5FZBl8V6rcjegOl2Uejr8IqULzoosDTvVAv4rhyphenhyphen88__hPtd3IRvxyIZAwZMJ8r1ecSJiNAiWxvwymBwM1zLt9XjCfkC6jpYE0Q4k/s200/Screen+Shot+2016-03-22+at+7.58.01+AM.png" style="cursor: move;" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mrs. Green - General Music and Orchestra Teacher<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">I have found that reading to the students at the start of a general music class sets the tone of the lesson. It is usually a calmer and more thoughtful lesson after reading.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT4ja25OWP5PLlVTbTNFoATIe3aO_PE09X3jrSL3lBmNSnEjBUNyf4uJ_jGL0S4spc1ku22eb8GIqBsUC26ousVblGS3Rl_xdrGhVJqmKTrIJUAlI-TMupBiYgTXzzqBD6J5gMLF_7D-w/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-03-22+at+7.57.48+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT4ja25OWP5PLlVTbTNFoATIe3aO_PE09X3jrSL3lBmNSnEjBUNyf4uJ_jGL0S4spc1ku22eb8GIqBsUC26ousVblGS3Rl_xdrGhVJqmKTrIJUAlI-TMupBiYgTXzzqBD6J5gMLF_7D-w/s200/Screen+Shot+2016-03-22+at+7.57.48+AM.png" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mrs. Prill - General Music and Chorus Teacher</td></tr>
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I love to read stories and children's books about musicians.<br />
It helps introduce them to different genres that I also follow up with videos and of course music! The best was when I was sharing information about trombones and jazz and the students told me about a book that our art teacher Mr. Sumner had just read to them - Trombone Shorty! Another favorite of mine is Opera Cat, it really opens the students up to learning about opera.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihyphenhyphen-rRsOR92140ZjDABAh0r8ufl8oWYdg3ur8ylVj7pAbXowSb-IB1B3i9I_xuT7SpiiJU7TR_jUhyphenhyphenCUDYebazWKoT6vB0_BOuMAXss_dKoiyYgjFwlB49Owy_YG9fxLvuKBx1oP3vLDg/s1600/IMG_0593+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihyphenhyphen-rRsOR92140ZjDABAh0r8ufl8oWYdg3ur8ylVj7pAbXowSb-IB1B3i9I_xuT7SpiiJU7TR_jUhyphenhyphenCUDYebazWKoT6vB0_BOuMAXss_dKoiyYgjFwlB49Owy_YG9fxLvuKBx1oP3vLDg/s200/IMG_0593+%25281%2529.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mr. Sumner - Elementary Art T<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">eacher</span></td></tr>
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Benefits of reading - It opens your life up so that you can experience history of the world. Everything that has ever existed, every though, every dream, every big moment, you can read about and dream your own dream. In some case even visit some of these places or visit through the internet. <br />
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I read to my students in my elementary art class because I LOVE reading picture books, secondly because of the great illustrators that capture the feeling of the authors. Authors give the world a gift that we should always cherish.<br />
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<b><i>How have you spread the love of reading in your school? Please share some of your #learningisjoyful reading experiences! </i></b></div>
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<br />docsheilahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02030799734168235846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7438898391369447810.post-73032499387334238382016-03-13T15:34:00.003-04:002016-03-14T14:38:39.753-04:00#learningisjoyful with Minecraft<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 18.666666666666664px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">#learningisjoyful </span></div>
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docsheilahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02030799734168235846noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7438898391369447810.post-79700774590881489722015-12-31T15:41:00.002-05:002022-04-05T21:38:24.786-04:00My One Word for 2016 I recently participated in a Voxer book study with approximately 30 fearless women - most of whom have never met each other. Over 31 days we shared, reflected, and supported each other while reading Notes to Me - Inspirational and Motivational Reminders for Women by Dr. Kimberly Giles and Dr. Tammy Jenkins. An added bonus was these two powerful authors participated in the Voxer book study with us!<br />
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A few of my favorite inspirational and motivational reminders were<br />
<b><u>Day 4 - Love Yourself</u></b> - A reminder that self-love is about remembering to be tender and kind to ourselves and remembering to take care of our minds, bodies and spirits daily!<br />
<b><u>Day 15 - Hey Gorgeous, Yes You</u></b> - Just know it doesn't matter how tall, short, thin, or fat you are - Gorgeous is a state of mind and all about how you feel about yourself...We are all gorgeous in our own way. Take the time today to embrace it! <br />
<b><u>Day 16 - Joy </u></b>- You deserve joy not just every now and then but each and every day. Go get your Joy!!<br />
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<i>But back to my One Word for 2016 </i></div>
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At the conclusion of Notes to Me - the authors share:<br />
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<i>"Imagine being able to challenge yourself daily, gentle challenges like the little pushes in the right direction that one needs to act and make some positive changes to your life. Imagine being able to feel confident and able to say "No" to some of the many demands that are placed upon you, without the need to make up an elaborate excuse."</i><br />
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So here it is - my One Word for 2016 </div>
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For 2016, I will not only<b> IMAGINE</b> a life filled with joy, balance, purpose, gratitude, peace, confidence, focus, and love - I will remind myself each day that I deserve it, set goals to achieve it, and forgive myself on days that I fall short.<br />
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...and I will keep Notes to Me, close by as a constant source of inspiration when needed!<br />
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<br />docsheilahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02030799734168235846noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7438898391369447810.post-45049311068524215612015-12-29T15:54:00.002-05:002015-12-29T15:54:14.371-05:00They Count Also: African American Girls and Math (Dissertation review p.5) Just spent the day reading my dissertation and just wanted to share!<br />
<b><br /></b><b>Chapter 6 - Discussion, Recommendation, and Implications (page 83 of my dissertation) </b><br />
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<b><i>Implications for School Leaders</i></b><br />
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The girls in this study responded to various questions about gender and race; however these responses were limited. Perhaps this is because they have not been confronted with specific biases that test their awareness of gender and racial issues. I assert that their parents and teachers never acknowledged the potential impact or influence or race and gender on their educational and mathematical experiences. Parents may wish to shield their daughters away from this issue but successful teacher of<br />
African American students do not ignore them (Ladson-Billings, 1994). Teachers need help to understand the strengths and needs of students who come for diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds, who have specific disabilities, or who posses a special talent and interest in mathematics. To accommodate differences among students effectively and sensitively, teachers also need to understand and confront their own beliefs and biases. When we discourage students from engaging in public conversations about race and social justice, we lose an important component of education. In a multicultural society, it is crucial to help students consider diversity, understanding and the places where the two intersect and clash. We need to create classrooms that involve students in quest to make sense of their world. Such classrooms authentically address equity, educate the whole child, and value each and every student (Brooks and Thompson, 2005).docsheilahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02030799734168235846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7438898391369447810.post-22154841383854144432015-12-29T15:54:00.001-05:002015-12-29T15:54:08.649-05:00They Count Also: African American Girls and Math (Dissertation review p.4) Just spent the day reading my dissertation and just wanted to share!<br />
<b><br /></b><b>Chapter 6 - Discussion, Recommendation, and Implications (page 82 of my dissertation)</b><br />
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<b><i>What do they mean by good? </i></b><br />
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African American fifth grade girls in this study believed that their teachers are in control of all of the learning that takes place and passivity in the mathematics classroom is the key to academic success. The girls often equated being good as "being quiet and listening to the teacher". The girls did not describe and I did not observe opportunities for the girls to become empowered and independent thinkers. The girls were comfortable sharing that being quiet in class meant that they were good students. If they continue to believe that not having a voice or an opinion in class is the key to success, they will learn only how to play by the rules established by their teachers. Mathematics classes need to become places where originality, independent and creative thinking, and imagination are valued (Turner, 1995). </div>
docsheilahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02030799734168235846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7438898391369447810.post-12129451700716549502015-12-29T15:54:00.000-05:002015-12-29T15:54:04.224-05:00They Count Also: African American Girls and Math (Dissertation review p.3)Just spent the day reading my dissertation and just wanted to share!<br />
<b><br /></b><b>Chapter 6 - Discussion, Recommendation, and Implications (page 81 of my dissertation)</b><br />
<b><br /></b>One reoccurring theme that was evident from most of the participants' responses was the need to know mathematics in order to "pay bills and count your money". This simple view of the importance of mathematics may by one reason that African American girls do not pursue mathematics on higher levels. The need to "get a job" and to "make money" appeared to be the only reason the study of mathematics was important to the participants. If African American girls perceive mathematics as important only because they have to know how to count money and pay bills and not as an avenue for a variety of educational and occupational opportunities, they will not actively pursue mathematics. In trying to get students to understand mathematics, teachers may have overemphasized to these African American girls how mathematics relates to everyday life and ignored the connections between mathematics literacy and career flexibility. <br />
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For these African American girls to seek out mathematical opportunities beyond the obvious, they need innovate and creative teachers and role models to help them make the connections. African American girls have the potential and academic ability to become leaders in the mathematical community. However, the key is to alter the way they view mathematics at an early age. If African American girls are to become women with an interest in mathematical related careers, their views of mathematics must start to become more wholistic and meaningful. docsheilahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02030799734168235846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7438898391369447810.post-36503964685802735022015-12-29T15:53:00.001-05:002016-01-02T14:04:36.220-05:00They Count Also: African American Girls and Math (Dissertation review p.2) Spent the day reading my dissertation and just wanted to share!<br />
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<b>Chapter 5 -Research Findings (page 68 of my dissertation)</b><br />
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Teacher's Self Assessments - Confident and Knowledgeable Teachers<br />
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Students' understanding of mathematics, their ability to use it to solve problems, and their confidence in doing mathematics are all shaped by the teaching they encounter in school. To be effective, teachers must understand and be committed to students as learners of mathematics. They must know and understand deeply the mathematics they are teaching and be able to draw on that knowledge with flexibility in their teaching tasks. Teachers must become aware of personal beliefs, values and expectations that guide their interactions with students.docsheilahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02030799734168235846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7438898391369447810.post-948741387068128202015-12-29T15:53:00.000-05:002015-12-29T15:53:50.632-05:00They Count Also: African American Girls and Math (Dissertation review p.1) <br />
Spent the day reading my dissertation and just wanted to share!<br />
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<b>Review of Research (page 15 of my dissertation)</b><br />
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Adenika-Morrow (1996) reported that "in no academic area does the nexus between race and gender claim more casualties than in the area of mathematics and science-and no group has been more excluded than African-American girls. Studies of women generally overlook women of color, and studies of students of color de-emphasize gender difference" (p.80). Adenika-Morrow (1996) also suggested that it takes a significant amount of courage for African American females to make nontraditional educational and career choices. Because of the need for some African American women to become financially independent at an early age, Adenika-Morrow suggests that African American females generally made safe career choices (service and clerical positions, teaches, nurses, and other low-paying female dominated jobs) and avoided obstacles in which they would have to negotiate their way into White, male dominated careers. <br />
<br />docsheilahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02030799734168235846noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7438898391369447810.post-41852580006290607582015-11-09T18:51:00.003-05:002015-11-09T18:56:15.666-05:00Reflections from a 1st timer after #nerdcampli<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12.8px;">There are emails that you wish you never opened, emails that make you mad, emails that make you laugh and emails that you want to cherish forever. The following email is one to cherish. It came from a first time edcamper after attending #Nerdcampli. I was given permission to share the email but was respectfully asked not to include names. For anyone thinking about attending an edcamp - I hope these words inspire you to try one. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Wow!! What an incredible afternoon. While I generally don't respond after conferences, I feel I need to say a few things about today's events:</i></b></span></div>
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<b><i style="background-color: white;">First, thank you for telling me about it! I am going to be signing up for the one in July as well. </i></b></div>
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<b><i style="background-color: white;">Second, hearing (and meeting) Lynda Mullaly Hunt was both an honor and humbling experience. What she showed us is that those students who are 'invisible' are really the ones we need to make the MOST visible. I read her novel Fish in a Tree again when I came home. I actually could see some of my students in her novel and will be approaching their education differently. </i></b></div>
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<b><i style="background-color: white;">In the next session, while I was very interested in listening to how to introduce YA novels to students and make connections to them, it was Mrs. Hunt's session that still played in my mind ('my mind movie' if you will). I was able to have many conversations with other educators and administrators after her session and wrote down many other books/novels/stories that my students will be able to relate to as well. </i></b></div>
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<b><i style="background-color: white;">I also will be ordering "affirmation" cards from Vistaprint for my students. </i></b></div>
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<b><i style="background-color: white;">I apologize for the length, but never have I been so moved, humbled or touched by someone the way I was today. </i></b></div>
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<b><i style="background-color: white;">I hope to make my invisibles--visible!!</i></b></div>
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<b><i style="background-color: white;">With deepest and sincerest gratitude,</i></b></div>
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<b><i style="background-color: white;">(A very PROUD teacher)</i></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-small;">This is just a sample of the responses and reflections shared by our teachers after attending #nerdcampl1. On behalf of the entire Northern Parkway Admin team - thanks for taking a chance on a Saturday attending this un-conference. #learningisjoyful </span></div>
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docsheilahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02030799734168235846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7438898391369447810.post-1591934502806003552015-10-19T20:14:00.003-04:002015-10-19T20:14:26.695-04:00<br />
#learningisjoyful<br />
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<a href="http://info.character.org/blog/learningisjoyful">http://info.character.org/blog/learningisjoyful</a>docsheilahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02030799734168235846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7438898391369447810.post-15154283958973088562015-07-29T19:03:00.000-04:002015-07-29T19:03:15.575-04:00Leaders do have Superpowers<i>On July 20, 2015 - I came across an #edtechchat on leadership. I read tweets about what leaders should do, how leaders should act, ineffective leadership styles, and great quotes about leadership. Although I didn't have time to participate fully in the chat, I did leave something for participants to think about:</i><br />
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Fast forward to the week of July 27, 2015. I had the wonderful opportunity to attend the Long Island Summer Literacy Institute in Merrick, NY (<b>#LiLit15</b>). My reading session, hosted by Jennifer Brady (@bradylitcoach) reminded me that educators need to lead<i> readerly</i> lives if we expect our students to be readers. <br />
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The amazing author Kwame Alexander aka <i style="font-weight: bold;">The Newberry Medalist for The Crossover Kwame Alexander </i>inspired us and reminded us that our students won't "dance naked" unless we do (@kwamealexander). <br />
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My writing session was facilitated by <b>JoEllen McCarthy</b> (@JoEllenMcCarthy). In her usual enthusiastic and contagiously joyful way - we were reminded that as educators - we also need to lead <i>writerly </i>lives if we expect our students to be writers. JoEllen gave us time in our session to write about things that we are experts on. After listing my areas of expertise on an "Investigations start with I" chart - I chose the theme of leadership (inspired by the #edtechchat) to reignite my writerly life.<br />
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<b><u>Leaders </u></b></div>
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Maybe we are not superhuman.</div>
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But as people in the position of leadership we do possess superpowers. </div>
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We have the power to </div>
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*belitte</div>
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We also have the power to </div>
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*empower</div>
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*validate</div>
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*collaborate</div>
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*celebrate</div>
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Maybe we are not superhuman. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">But we can use our superpowers for good! </span></div>
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Summertime and #learningisjoyful. Can't wait until the final day of the Summer Institute as writer, poet and educator Georgia Heard (@Georgiaheard1) will surely remind me of something Joyful! </div>
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docsheilahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02030799734168235846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7438898391369447810.post-14539940653867927122015-02-23T00:05:00.001-05:002015-02-23T00:05:48.193-05:00Another Recovered Post - PD - Teacher Choice<h2 class="date-header">
Sunday, May 4, 2014</h2>
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<a href="http://docsheilah.blogspot.com/2014/05/professional-development-teacher-choice.html">Professional Development - Teacher Choice</a></h3>
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This year my administrative team made a commitment to differentiate our professional development opportunities for our teachers. This was particularly important for me because<br /><br />1) I hate going to professional development sessions that do not meet my skill level. Whatever the topic is, there should at least be a choice between beginning/intermediate and intermediate/advanced.<br />and<br />2) Simply stated - Some topics and presenters are boring.<br /><br />Our last pd session was held at our school from 3:10 - 4pm and included approximately 36 teachers. Here is an example of what our school principal emailed the staff:<br /><br /><h3>
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<i>Team,</i></div>
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<i>Tomorrow's staff development session will be our final session of this school year with the theme of differentiated professional development.</i></div>
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<i>There are three sessions being offered tomorrow where everyone will have the opportunity to not only examine current research in the areas identified below, but also join in a collegial discussion on how these topics impact us here at the school. </i></div>
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<i>There is NO need to sign-up for a session. We will begin at 3:10 pm tomorrow. Light snacks and refreshments will be available. The sessions to choose from are as follows:</i><br /><i><br /></i></div>
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(1) Keeping "Learning Joyful" Until the Last Day of School: How to survive the home stretch. Participants will share research, ideas and strategies to help you through the last 6-8 weeks of school. Participants attending are encouraged to BYOD as a component of the session will explore research found via social media (Twitter) Location: Library </div>
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(2) ADHD & ADD an explanation not an excuse</div>
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Participants will focus on attentional differences and how they impact our classrooms. There will be a discussion on what is ADHD & ADD? Participants will walk away with proven strategies to use in the classroom. Location: 513</div>
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(3) Causes and Cures in the Classroom: Getting to the root of academic and behavioral problems. Participants will explore the work of Margaret Seale to examine strategies and tools to help us diagnose root causes and develop targted, effective interventions for our students. Discussions will focus on how we can help students overcome difficulties and experience real success in the classroom. Location: 512</div>
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Sometimes we attach the name of the presenters but this time we did not. We really wanted the teachers to choose based on topic not presenter. Each group had between 10-14 participants. I conducted "Session 1" because that is my passion (see blog entry #1 and entry #2). We conducted the session in a collegial circle format where everyone shared ideas, strategies, what's worked, and what ifs. </div>
<u><br /></u><u>Reflections: </u>~ Many participants remained and kept discussing after 4pm (always a good sign!). ~I shared a lot of the cool stuff I've been learning and inspired by via Twitter. I conducted a mini-Twitter workshop and had 3 more teachers sign up. I showed them a recent Responsive Classroom chat #rcchat and we searched ideas for Morning Meeting group activities.~Teachers shared websites such as noodle.com, their favorite outdoor learning experiences, and reflected on their best school experiences as students.~One teacher came to my office the next day still excited to share what she wanted to do to close out the year~One teacher texted me the following: "Your pd" was awesome. I came to school early today so kids could try noodle.com prior to the test. They love Zumba" <br /><br />By the way, we didn't wait for district level permission or approval and did not focus on what might or might not happen as a result. We just did it because we are passionate educators that are excited about what we do.</h4>
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docsheilahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02030799734168235846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7438898391369447810.post-88642065030802880222015-02-23T00:04:00.001-05:002015-02-23T07:39:17.897-05:00Recovered Post <div class="header-outer">
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I originally started this blog with this description: There's always something "book worthy" happening in my school each day.... So here it is....a glimpse of my work as an Elementary Assistant Principal. But I realized this blog has become more than just my work as an Assistant Principal. This blog reflects the intersection of me as an Educator, a mom, and my everyday life...1 blog account that represents who I am professionally and personally. I can't separate what makes me me!</div>
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Tuesday, May 27, 2014</h2>
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<a href="http://docsheilah.blogspot.com/2014/05/questioning-empowering-skill-for-all.html">Questioning??? An empowering skill for all...</a></h3>
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<b style="color: #0b5394;">"Questioning" was the topic in #sunchat on May 25th. Many good ideas where exchanged around the topic and I shared the following</b>:<br />
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<i>1)Some Ss have mastered art of silence/avoidance 2 questions and 2) Questions are great...if we allow time for Ss to answer them! And not the same student(s) that dominate all discussions. </i><br />
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I shared these tweets because as an assistant principal I've noticed that in most (not all) classes questioning is always one directional - from teacher to student. Typically a teacher will pose a question, a few students will raise their hand to respond, and the teacher will choose a student to answer and the lesson goes on and on and on. Once in a while a teacher will choose a student not raising his or her hand and 9 time out of 10 the student will sit quietly until the teacher asks someone else to help that student. That's why I stated that some students have mastered that art of silence/avoidance. But than again, these are my students -Black and Latino students in a predominately Black and Latino community with a high percentage of low-income households. Are students in "other" communities taught to speak up confidently and challenge what's in front of them. Are students in other communities expected to think critically and creatively while students in the community I serve expected to sit quietly and not question or challenge anyone or anything? While I didn't share these thoughts during #sunchat it was clearly on my mind. Why didn't I add these ideas to the chat? Well, the chat was so positive, I didn't think it was appropriate for me to jump in with a Tweet about race/class and communities that are often underserved in the educational system. But than I read the following excerpt from @JovanDM:<br />
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Second - Where are all the black educators on Twitter? by <a href="https://twitter.com/JovanDM">@JovanDM</a></div>
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<i>@JovanDM wrote: Twitter and other social media outlets where educators congregate NEED the voices and experiences of Black educators and other educators of color because our experiences are often unique in that we must simultaneously grapple with the challenges of implementing curricula, integrating technology, navigating race and racism, and addressing students’ social and emotional needs in a way that many, though not all, of our White counterparts don’t have to. Our challenges, frustrations, hard work, innovation, and triumphs will remain the stuff of fairy tales if we don’t share them with one another and the world.</i></div>
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Wow -this spoke directly to my heart and soul and led me right back to my initial thoughts about questioning. Yes, the #sunchat was about teachers asking good questions in class but should teachers be the only person in the class asking questions? And if so, how do we really get our students to think critically about anything? Black and Latino students are sometimes told by their parents not to question authority, just sit back, be quiet and listen to what the teacher says. If a student questions a teacher or adult in the building they can be labeled as disrespectful, disobedient, or "at risk". How and when are we to develop a community of thinkers if they are never allowed to question who or what is in front of them? </div>
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If students do not know how to ask questions or if they have been conditioned so long to think that they can't ask questions, than it is our responsibility as educators to model when and how to ask questions. We must work to empower all students and give all #studentsvoice. </div>
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I am absolutely making this one of my instructional goals for the 2014-2015 school year and as I seek to find my voice in the Twitter and blog world, I will no longer hesitate to add my views as a Black educator to mainstream Twitter chats. Because if I don't, who will? </div>
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Posted by <a class="g-profile" href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/02030799734168235846" rel="author" title="author profile">docsheilah </a>at <a class="timestamp-link" href="http://docsheilah.blogspot.com/2014/05/questioning-empowering-skill-for-all.html" rel="bookmark" title="permanent link">11:42 PM</a> <a class="comment-link" href="http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7438898391369447810&postID=1967255098395800826&isPopup=true">1 comment:</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=7438898391369447810&postID=1967255098395800826&from=pencil" title="Edit Post"></a><br />
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docsheilahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02030799734168235846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7438898391369447810.post-48076079728768834352015-02-21T16:04:00.001-05:002015-02-21T16:05:50.112-05:00Beyond the Bake Sale - #ptcamp - Week 2 reflections<div class="header-outer">
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Beyond the Bake Sale - #PTcamp Week 2 Reflections</h2>
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<b><u>My role as an administrator in developing partnerships</u></b><br />
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This year the administrative team at my school has decided to work with cohorts of teachers and serve not only as their immediate supervisor but also as their coach/mentor/partner in education.<br />
By developing more of a partnership with teachers our hope is that we will be able to directly support more teachers, students and families academically, socially and emotionally. We are a K-5 building with approximately 780 students and 36 class sections. We will each have 12 teachers (2 per grade) in our respective cohort.<br />
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I believe that the key to success in my cohort will be to help teachers develop true partnerships with the families in their classrooms. I believe that developing partnerships on a class by class level with be more authentic and meaningful rather than trying to meet the needs of all families on a school-wide level at the same time.<br />
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We all know what works and Beyond the Bake Sale is a great resource to remind us of best practices. But with all best practices, they only work if you actually do them...consistently....and with the same level of enthusiasm in the beginning of the year until the end of the year.<br />
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So as excited as I am about the possibilities, I am more excited about starting small and making meaningful connections with my cohort of teachers, their students and their families.<br />
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Success builds Success was a phrase that Michele S. used in reference to the idea of starting with small steps on the way to your goal. I trust that the success I will have with my cohort of teachers and families will lead to success with all teachers and families in my building. I will celebrate the growth that is made each day, each week, and each month as we work toward school wide partnership practices.<br />
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2/18/14</div>
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docsheilahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02030799734168235846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7438898391369447810.post-23729058695467894902015-02-21T16:01:00.001-05:002015-02-21T16:01:15.601-05:00Beyond the Bake Sale - Week 4 #ptcamp<h2 class="date-header">
Wednesday, July 23, 2014</h2>
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Beyond the Bake Sale - #PTcamp Week 4 Reflections</h3>
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<i>I might not be able to do everything, but I can do SOMETHING!</i><br /><i><br /></i><i>I have to admit, the last chapter that I read for this week's reflection (Chapter 9) was so far my least favorite chapter in the book. Up until Chapter 9, I was able to relate to specific ideas, strategies, goals that I had control over. Chapters 1-8 helped me reshape, refocus and get reenergized. But Chapter 9 almost deflated me. Almost, but not quite. Chapters 1-8 made me remember that I could do something to develop and enhance partnerships, advocacy, and trust, but chapter 9 appeared to take the power away from me and into the hands of the Superintendency and Board of Education. But I quickly got back on track and told myself I might not be able to do big things that immediately influence what happens on a district and community level, but I can do big things in my school and for the parents, teachers, and students that I work for and with every day. </i><br /><i><br /></i><i>So I decided not to spend a lot of time with Chapter 9. That was my choice. And we all have choices and the power to make a difference and we have the power to change what we do and how we do it. So instead of feeling like I have little or no control regarding policy, I'm just going to do SOMETHING that is meaningful and beneficial for my school community...and have fun doing it. I can only trust that what I do can eventually become policy but I cannot wait for policy to determine what I do. </i><br /><i><br /></i><br /><div style="text-align: center;">
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<i>Oh, I usually refer back to a tweet that I read or wrote when I'm writing this blog. So this week I tweeted: MT: <b>Parents have choices. Sometimes parents just feel like doing something else instead of going to a school event but still care about education. </b></i><br /><i><br /></i>I wrote this because all to often in the education community we look at attendance at events as the measure of success and equate that to family involvement. In my school we moved away from attendance as the only measure of success because sometimes parents are just doing something else and can't change their schedule because the school is having an event. For example, a typical week for me (Educator and a mom) can include a PTA meeting at the school I work in, a reading workshop at my son's elementary school, a concert at my other son's high school and a Board of Education meeting in either the school district I work in or the school district I live in. I can't attend all the meetings/events and still have a balanced professional and personal life. So I have to choose. And my choice will be determined by which event/activity will I get the most out of, which one is a non-negotiable, and which one will keep me out of the house for the least amount of time. But if I choose not to attend the reading workshop, will the teachers at my son's school think I'm not involved or I don't care about my son's reading progress? Totally not a true statement but can be perceived that way based on the traditional lens of attending events = parental involvement.<br /><br />Another idea I just want to share and get out there is that some parents and students would rather learn on their own and support their children in a different manner. Some families are just not interested in small talk or social functions. That is a very hard concept for me to wrap my head around as just my presence on social media indicates I am a social person. But what about those in our community that are not social. Are we conditioned in our society to respect their option of being in their own space and learning at their own pace. I recently came across the book:<br /><div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
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<u style="background-color: white;"><b>Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Stop Can't Ta</b><b>lking by Susan Cain</b></u><br /><div style="font-size: 12px;">
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Q: Quiet offers some terrific insights for the parents of introverted children. What environment do introverted kids need in order to thrive, whether it’s at home or at school?<br />A: The best thing parents and teachers can do for introverted kids is to treasure them for who they are, and encourage their passions. This means: (1) Giving them the space they need. If they need to recharge alone in their room after school instead of plunging into extracurricular activities, that’s okay. (2) Letting them master new skills at their own pace. If they’re not learning to swim in group settings, for example, teach them privately. (3) Not calling them “shy”--they’ll believe the label and experience their nervousness as a fixed trait rather than an emotion they can learn to control.</div>
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Just wanted to add this piece because as we push for partnerships, let's remember that as wide as we open the doors for families to join us, some would rather show their support behind closed doors. </div>
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docsheilahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02030799734168235846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7438898391369447810.post-23341892040805152822015-02-21T15:28:00.002-05:002015-02-21T15:28:41.072-05:00There's no place like home<h2 class="date-header" style="background-color: #333333; color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; margin: 0px 0px 1em; min-height: 0px; position: relative;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #cccccc; letter-spacing: inherit; margin: inherit; padding: inherit;">Thursday, December 4, 2014</span></h2>
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<a href="http://docsheilah.blogspot.com/2014/12/theres-no-place-like-home.html" style="color: #cc0000; text-decoration: none;">There's no place like home</a></h3>
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Back in 1987...<br /><br />My reflections for this post brings me back to 1987, the year I graduated from High School. Deer Park High School, Deer Park, NY (Long Island). Here's my yearbook page:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The page - like Deer Park High School - represents the racial make-up in my high school. Majority White American , 20-25% Black American, and about 5% other nationalities. I share this HS snapshot because it helps tell the story of where I've been, what I've done, and who I am know. I was always pretty friendly and had no trouble fitting in with any group I chose to be with. Although in the cafeteria, I mostly sat at the "black table". In HS, I made a point of joining almost every club and activity the school sponsored. I remember clearly joining the Yearbook Club, not because I wanted to be journalist or photographer, but because I said to myself - if no Black people join the yearbook club, we won't get our stories told or our pictures in the yearbook. I joined the Prom committee because I thought, if we want to have a say in song selection, at least one of us will have to be on the committee. I made sure my grade average was high enough for the Honors track because I needed everyone to know that Black students were just as smart as everyone else. I was on Student Council because I wanted to...well you get the picture. </div>
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Fast forward to college, Howard University(HU) - an HBCU - Historically Black College or University. For 4 years I didn't have to worry about "my story" being told. For four years I had the privilege of joining clubs and organizations that I was interested in. I didn't have the need or internal pressure to be a part of something to be noticed, I just went along and did things that I enjoyed. I didn't have to sit at the black table but rather sat with people based simply on common interests. </div>
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Post college: Earned my Masters in Instructional Technology at New York Institute of Technology. I missed my HU but I really didn't care that there were only a few Black students in my classes (like in high school) because the main goal was to earn my degree, not make friends. Plus I attended every night class with bff, Michele. We worked together during the day in a predominately Black elementary school and attended school at night in a totally different world. </div>
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Are you starting to get a sharper picture of my world view? If not, let me continue. Post grad work let me to a doctoral program at Hofstra University. Similar to NYIT with the make-up of doctoral students, the professors I engaged with at Hofstra had a very clear vision of Social Justice and understood their role was to help develop a new generation of leaders that worked to address inequities, enhance teacher performance and maximize student learning. Although many times I was the only Black female student in class, my voice was never silenced and the perspectives I was able to offer based on my personal and professional experiences were valued. </div>
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But I live on Long Island, one of the most segregated communities in the U.S. (for real - google it). So every day I am living in world in which I negotiate who I am all day long. I live in a mixed, mostly African American "wealthy" community, my sons attend public school in a mixed, majority White middle income school district, and I am a school admin in a lower-income community of Caribbean, African, Black American and Latino students. I am part of way to many community organizations because I still feel the need to have my story/voice heard. </div>
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Is it my choice or my responsibility? Maybe it's a little easier for me to find my voice no matter where I am because I've been doing it for so long. But what about others who don't participate in organizations, or join committees, or social media chats, or get involved with people who do not look like them? Have they tried but did not feel welcomed? Do they feel connected? Do they think that one voice won't matter? Is it because of a bad experience or the lack of shared experiences? Or is just easier to stay in your comfort zone? </div>
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How do we encourage more critical and courageous conversations regarding social justice issues that affect our communities, children and our future if we are unable to sit at the same table together. </div>
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If you are already at the table making decisions and the table is at a restaurant you or your best friend owns, or if you or your parents are already on the school/community board, or if you are expected to be in grad school, you may not realize that it's not easy if you are on the outside. It's deliberate work, it's intentional, and it's time consuming to alway have to be the one to join something in order to have his/her voice heard. Maybe if the door was open a little wider with the "come on in we have been expecting you" sign it would be easier. But if the door, which has been traditionally closed for certain groups of people, remain closed, with no welcome sign, you might not get new people to knock (unless they are like me). </div>
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But by the way, feel free to come to my school, stop by my table, knock on my door, or eat at the restaurant my friend owns. There's also a house for sale in my neighborhood if you really want to get to know me. There's no place like home. </div>
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docsheilahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02030799734168235846noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7438898391369447810.post-6789694899214287972015-02-21T15:16:00.002-05:002015-02-21T15:20:24.201-05:00My #oneword for 2015 - NOW<h2 class="date-header" style="background-color: #333333; color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; margin: 0px 0px 1em; min-height: 0px; position: relative;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #cccccc; letter-spacing: inherit; margin: inherit; padding: inherit;">Wednesday, December 31, 2014</span></h2>
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<a href="http://docsheilah.blogspot.com/2014/12/my-oneword-for-2015-now.html" style="color: #cc0000; text-decoration: none;">My #oneword for 2015 - NOW</a></h3>
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Inspired by my #ptcamp pln to choose one word that provides you with a vision for 2015 instead of a New Year resolution, a few words immediately came to mind... <b><i>Joy, Present, and Today.</i></b><br />
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<b>JOY</b>- I often end my educational tweets with the hashtag #learningisjoyful because I truly believe that education/school/teaching/learning should be a joyful experience. Joyful as defined by being fulfilled, not just joyful as fun and games. In my personal life, I strive to have a joyful existence, but the reality is that sometimes I feel sad, depressed, angry, annoyed...anything but joyful. Although these moments are fleeting, they are real emotions that I experience. Choosing joy as my #oneword would have "fit" me, but I also think that it would force me to mask some real emotions that I sometime experience.<br />
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<b>PRESENT</b><span style="font-size: medium;">-</span> is another word that I toyed around with. It is so important to present at school with my students, colleagues, teachers, parents, etc. It is equally important for me to present at home with my family. But sometimes I just want to be alone. Sometimes I'd rather watch tv, or check my phone, or read a book uninterrupted. I know it sounds selfish, but as important as it is to take care of others, it is just as important to take care of yourself. And if taking care of myself means I'm not always present for others, well forgive me.<br />
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<b>TODAY</b><span style="font-size: medium;">- </span> I tossed around with the word today the last few days. I think it was the idea of taking one day at a time that seemed profound. Or this quote that I read~<br />
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But as I thought more about the word <b>today,</b> it seemed somewhat limiting to me, as if I was not allowed to think of the past or the future.<br />
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So I decide on the word <span style="font-size: medium;">"<b>NOW</b>"</span>. Focusing on the <b>NOW</b>, allows me to be <b><i>presen</i></b>t for whatever I am doing at the time...present for others or present for myself. <b> NOW </b>allows me to experience a range of emotions on my journey towards <b><i>joy</i>. </b> And <b>NOW</b> allows me to enjoy <b><i>today,</i></b>reflect on yesterday while I plan for tomorrow. I actually blogged about being in the <b>NOW</b> a couple of months ago.<br />
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<b><u>Learning to Love the Right Now</u></b></div>
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Sometimes I have to remind myself to live in the now.</div>
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To appreciate what I have now.</div>
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To love who I am now.</div>
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To love the life I have now.</div>
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Not the life I had years ago.</div>
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Not the life I had yesterday.</div>
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Not even the life I had a few hours ago.</div>
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Not the life I imagine ten years from now.</div>
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Not the life I wish for tomorrow.</div>
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Not even the life I might have a few hours from now.</div>
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But my Life. Right. Now.</div>
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#itsjustthatsimple #butwedrathermakeithard (@docsheilah 7/7/14)</div>
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I want to think about the choices I make in the <b>NOW. </b>I want to start <b>NOW </b>making better choices when it comes to my health and wellness. I want my children to know that the choices they make <b>NOW</b> may impact their future. I want to be the best educational leader and student advocate I can be <b>NOW. </b> I want to love and support my family and friends <b>NOW</b>. I'm sure I will slip up every <b>NOW</b> and then and lose sight of the big idea. But I plan on living my life with many more positive, intentional and focused <b>NOW </b>moments so I can appreciate the laters to come. </div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Happy New Year!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">#2015 #bestyearever</span><br />
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docsheilahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02030799734168235846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7438898391369447810.post-87273081724277477092015-02-21T14:48:00.001-05:002015-02-21T15:07:14.052-05:00Educational Admin + Mom = It's handled! <div class="MsoNormal">
About a year ago I participated in a Twitter Chat where the topic was related to school administration. As expected, there were comments that read "administrators should do paperwork before or after school and spend all day visiting classrooms, being visible, etc. etc." Well I agree AND disagree. I am a mom of two boys (young men) and most of my before school time and after school time is dedicated to them. Does that make be a bad/poor administrator if I choose to use my out of work time for my children? Nope!<br />
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In fact the chat was just before Mother's Day 2014 so it seemed especially fitting at the time to write a post about balancing motherhood with educational leadership. <br />
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Without recreating the enitre post (which I deleted but luckily saved a word document draft), I just wanted to remind myself..and you if you are reading this...of the following:<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">...to all of the supermoms out there that are also school administrators, it's ok to carve out some time in your school say to actually do administrative work. Unlike teachers, we do not have an uninterrupted lunch hour or scheduled preparation time built into our work day. So, don't feel guilty spending about 25% of your day in your office. Yes, we have to connect with our students, be visible, lead learners, creative and caring leaders, teacher of teachers, etc., etc., but we also have to write reports, make phone calls, complete observations, and sometimes just take a minute to eat, relax and recharge. Because when our school day is over we have to be moms and just like we have to "be there" for our students and teachers, we have to "be there" for our own children....and sometimes that means staying in your office during school hours and signing off at the end of the day. </span></i><br />
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<i>PS - This message applies to all administrators - those that are dads and those that do not have children outside of their school/family children. Do what works best for you and know that there is no one way to be a successful administrator. Success is being happy knowing that each day you strive to do the best for yourself, your family and your school community. What works best for each one of us will greatly depend on the size of your building, your support team in the building, your support team at home and the level of responsibility you have outside of school. </i><br />
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docsheilahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02030799734168235846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7438898391369447810.post-92022439609081006382015-02-21T14:40:00.001-05:002015-02-21T14:46:37.385-05:00My professional journey<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 18px;">I've been thinking a lot lately about my professional journey, well not so much about the path that has been taken, but what's in store for me next. But let's start at the beginning.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18px;">I always wanted to be a teacher. I thought about becoming an accountant for a few months in high school because I love mathematics and heard the pay was really good :) but after taking an accounting course in high school, I knew that I would be bored out of my mind.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 18px;">I graduated from HS in 1987 and attended Howard University in Washington DC on a full academic scholarship to study Elementary Education. See, I actually went to school for education, it was not a career change. I graduated from Howard U in 1991 and was accepted into the Teachers College Masters Program for Mathematics Education. Yes, I was still interested in pursuing mathematics....but...when I saw the tuition for Teacher's College I decided that instead of going straight to grad school I would seek a teaching job. I was fortunate to find a job in the Roosevelt School District under the leadership of Charles McIlwain. Here's a glimpse into that experience that was published in ASCD, 2013.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 18px;"> Fresh out of Howard University, I was eager to begin teaching, not fully aware of the complexities of working with pre-adolescents, parents, and colleagues. There were nights I went home questioning my chosen profession. But with the unfailing support and encouraging words I received daily from my principal, Charles McIlwain, I survived my first year. His guiding philosophy was rooted in the belief that you must first be able to connect with students before you can teach them. He took time to mentor you educators and treated us like consummate professionals even when we struggled. Now that I am an assistant principal, Mr. McIlwain's legacy continues to influence my interactions with students, parents, and teachers. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 18px;">I began grad school in my second year of teaching and studied Instructional Technology at New York Institute of Technology. I completed that program in 1995 and the following year I entered a dual admin leadership/doctoral program at Hofstra University. Earning a doctoral degree was next on my list as a personal goal after being inspired by the African American doctoral students that graduated from Howard University in 1991 (*I never knew that a doctoral degree was something that someone like me could earn).</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 18px;">I earned my administrative certification in 1998, the same year my first son was born. In the summer of 2000 I decided to pursue my first administrative position. Unfortunately there were limited opportunities in Roosevelt SD so I began to look outside of that district. I landed my first administrative position as an elementary AP in the Uniondale School District in 2000. I had a 2 year old son, I was in a doctoral program AND I was split between 2 elementary schools in the district. Talk about the number of hats I had to wear on a daily basis! Doctoral studies were challenging, but I took the slow and steady route (aka the 8 year plan) and accomplished my goal! Oh and by the way, I had my second son while completing my studies and working full time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 18px;">As you can imagine, the last thing on my mind was seeking a new job with young children and doctoral work. When I completed my doctoral studies in 2006, I needed a minute, more like a year or two to just breathe and enjoy my post-doctorate life with my family. I did not want the added pressure of becoming a new principal and having to put in extra hours of work just to prove myself at a new job. My children were young and I wanted to be involved in their school life as much as possible and I knew that I could balance so much more as a tenured Elementary AP than a non-tenured Principal. For the last 10 years, I've been actively involved in my children's elementary, middle, and high school PTAs, attended school trips with them, concerts, reading celebrations, etc. all because I was comfortable and secure in my position as AP!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 18px;">Now that my youngest son is finished with elementary school and my oldest is a junior in high school, I've been asking myself - is it my time to pursue something else? The answer is always Yes...and No! No - because I still love the comfort and security of being a tenured elementary AP. But Yes, because I have so much to offer and share with the greater educational community, not just my school/district. Maybe I can consult or teach a college course? I enjoy being part of professional learning communities and being a connected educator. I have been inspired by my #ptcamp experience (see previous blogs) and I've been able to share my insight via Twitter chats and conferences such as #edcampLI and the upcoming NABSE - National Alliance of Black School Educators - conference in November. These experiences keep me motivated.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 18px;">This is my 24th year as a professional educator and I still get asked why I haven't sought a principalship. The truth is I just haven't felt like it. I'm having fun, I'm learning, I'm making a difference in the lives of children and I don't really need another title or new job to continue those things. I love my balanced life and I don't wish to add anything that will upset it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 18px;">What's your story - what choices have you made and what choices are you considering? Are your choices personal or made due to pressure and the expectations of others? I'd love to hear from you - please share your professional journey as well as your next steps.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 18px;">Thanks to MAStewartMA.blogspot.com for inspiring this post!</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">nded my first administrative position as an elementary AP in the Uniondale School District in 2000. I had a 2 year old son, I was in a doctoral program AND I was split between 2 elementary schools in the district. Talk about the number of hats I had to wear on a daily basis! Doctoral studies were challenging, but I took the slow and steady route (aka the 8 year plan) and accomplished my goal! Oh and by the way, I had my second son while completing my studies and working full time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">As you can imagine, the last thing on my mind was seeking a new job with young children and doctoral work. When I completed my doctoral studies in 2006, I needed a minute, more like a year or two to just breathe and enjoy my post-doctorate life with my family. I did not want the added pressure of becoming a new principal and having to put in extra hours of work just to prove myself at a new job. My children were young and I wanted to be involved in their school life as much as possible and I knew that I could balance so much more as a tenured Elementary AP than a non-tenured Principal. For the last 10 years, I've been actively involved in my children's elementary, middle, and high school PTAs, attended school trips with them, concerts, reading celebrations, etc. all because I was comfortable and secure in my position as AP!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Now that my youngest son is finished with elementary school and my oldest is a junior in high school, I've been asking myself - is it my time to pursue something else? The answer is always Yes...and No! No - because I still love the comfort and security of being a tenured elementary AP. But Yes, because I have so much to offer and share with the greater educational community, not just my school/district. Maybe I can consult or teach a college course? I enjoy being part of professional learning communities and being a connected educator. I have been inspired by my #ptcamp experience (see previous blogs) and I've been able to share my insight via Twitter chats and conferences such as #edcampLI and the upcoming NABSE - National Alliance of Black School Educators - conference in November. These experiences keep me motivated.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">This is my 24th year as a professional educator and I still get asked why I haven't sought a principalship. The truth is I just haven't felt like it. I'm having fun, I'm learning, I'm making a difference in the lives of children and I don't really need another title or new job to continue those things. I love my balanced life and I don't wish to add anything that will upset it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">What's your story - what choices have you made and what choices are you considering? Are your choices personal or made due to pressure and the expectations of others? I'd love to hear from you - please share your professional journey as well as your next steps.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Thanks to MAStewartMA.blogspot.com for inspiring this post!</span></div>
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