Stretching the Mind at Summer Training in Tennessee...

Edutopia is quickly becoming a favorite spot for me.  I've been enjoying The Myth of Having Summers Off while reflecting on some training opportunities that I've enjoyed in the last weeks.  One of the sessions called Focus for Instructional Coaches was hosted by Patrice Richardson and Tracy Riddle our NIET Consultants for Tennessee Department of Education.

The take-away for me was the language they used and the way they monitored and adjusted.  This is what I heard and LOVED:

Shift the Lens
The Kodak Moment
I'm looking for that check in
Transparent Moment
Check the temperature of the room
Preponderance of evidence
Outpace

It was encouraging to watch Tracy and Patrice support the message with evidence.  They truly want us to improve practice and are willing to help.  One thing I love about teaching is stretching my own mind in the summer!  Thanks to the TN Department of Education for quality summer training!

I would love to hear things that stretch your mind during summer training!

I have a problem!

I have a problem.  That’s the first step – right – admitting that you have a problem?! It is called the Dollar Tree or really any Dollar Section in any store.  I look at the shelve or bins and think I need that – for what I don’t know I just know I need it!

So far, this is my closet.  I found 3 ringed binders at the Dollar Tree – WHAT!! I bought them all.  New tubs for chapter books, posters to give as cards to my teacher friends from their Math Coach and so much more.   It gives me great joy to find colored index cards and task card holders for just a buck!  It is only June and I believe there will be more to come!  Does anyone else have a problem like this or am I all alone?  Confessions of a 3^rd grade teacher!  Happy Summer!