Teacher Professional Development: I need to attend a conference to learn new and effective teaching methods that are aligned with Common Core to better support my colleagues. <profdevpilot>
This project is a part of the Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month celebration because
it supports a Latino teacher or a school where the majority of students are Latino.
My Students
The most dangerous phrase in the language is "we've always done it this way." ~ Grace Hopper
Teachers can only improve their teaching skills if they are willing to learn new and effective ways to instruct students. This conference will show me how to address the rigorous new standards of CCSS.
I am currently in my seventh year of teaching in an urban school district.
During those seven years I have earned my English as a Second Language endorsement, as well as, a Masters degree in reading. I am part of a technology group for my district that provides professional development opportunities for teachers. I am in my fifth season of volunteer coaching a running program for girls in third, fourth, and fifth grade. I am also a Golden Apple Scholar of Illinois. Majority of my career I have spent teaching fifth grade reading, writing, and language arts. This year I took on the position as the Superintendent Reading Support Teacher. I pull out students four days a week to work on guided reading to improve their fluency and comprehension. I work with first, second, third, fourth, and fifth graders. One day a week I go into classrooms to work directly with teachers. I co-teach lessons, model lessons, assist with technology, and help prepare students for state assessments.
My Project
As a Reading Support Teacher, it is my job to assist teachers in implementing the Common Core State Standards effectively and efficiently. Since these standards are new, most teachers are struggling with the rigor that is required at their grade level. I am sought out for help on a daily basis for lesson plans, assessments, and strategies. I want to be proactive and learn as much as I can so that I can help the teachers find the best way to tackle this new change. I have a great deal of experience in presenting and training teachers, which I would do with the information I learn at the conference. My main goal is to focus on the strands that my district has identified as high priorities: vocabulary, writing, and comprehending complex texts. My sessions at the conference will all focus on these three areas. I will learn as much as I can so that I can go back to my school and share what I learned. Therefore, what I learn will be passed on to the entire staff to benefit all the students.
This project goes beyond just my classroom.
I have a role in my building as a leader and in order to support my colleagues I need to know what is current in education. This conference is a valuable opportunity to learn about Common Core and how to address the standards in the classroom. By attending this conference I will be able to help every student in some way. I want to be able to share what I learned and have an open, honest discussion with my colleagues on how we can apply what I shared.
Nearly all students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mrs. Pociecha-Sparkman and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
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