Kentucky Connected Educator Day 18

 Michelle Hendricks

Hope Street Group Fellow

Bullitt County Schools

In what ways are you connected?

 Connected: Via social media with teacher networks created from past professional developments/trainings with teachers around the country; then the obvious.  Facebook, believe it or not, gives me much of my information.  National organizations (NSTA, ASCD, NCTM, KEA, etc.)...reading, reading, reading--there is SOOO much information out there; just not enough time to utilize all of the resources.

How does being connected impact your practice?

Wow.  The teacher networks I'm involved in around the country are fabulous places for idea exchange...mostly because the people involved in those types of communities are go-getters, who are constantly looking to improve their practice and try new things.  The most vibrant and active community that I'm part of stemmed from attendance at the Phil Mickelson-Exxon Mobil Teacher's Academy, which teachers had to apply for and be accepted as a part of.  I think the types of teachers who are actively seeking out opportunities are the ones most likely to be forward thinking and open to change.

How does being connected impact you as a professional?

I would echo what I said in question #2 and add that conversations with active teachers are inspiring and beneficial professionally and in daily practice.  They help you become part of a virtual PLC.

 What resources or tips would you recommend to colleagues wanting to become connected?

I would recommend anyone to find a little bit of downtime and do some surfing, join a professional organization, read the ads, take a little bit of time to browse KDE, Google educational catchphrases that you're interested in, watch some TED Talks, check out the Facebook pages of educational organizations.  There is SO much out there.

Michelle Hendricks is in her 9th year of teaching in the public schools. Currently a 4th grade teacher at Freedom Elementary in Bullitt County, Michelle began her career in special education, teaching in both high school and elementary settings. Michelle is originally from Michigan, where she earned degrees in Education and Theatre from Hope College. She also holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Indiana University. Michelle is an alumnus of the Phil Mickelson Exxon Mobil Teacher’s Academy and the Honeywell Educators @ Space Academy programs. Before entering the classroom, Michelle spent several years touring the country as a children’s theatre educator. Through this experience, she realized that no matter where we are—in northern New Mexico or eastern Kentucky—kids are kids, and they deserve the very best that we have to offer. Michelle is interested in the development of curriculum and instructional practices, as well as finding ways to effectively share relevant information to empower educators.

Kentucky Connected Educator Day 17

Jana Bryant

Hope Street Group Fellow

Daviess County Schools

In what way(s) are you a connected educator?

I participate in Math Design Collaborative, National Science and Math Institute (Advance Ky), National Board Certified, KEA, twitter, smartbriefs from NBCT, Edweek, NCTM, ASCD; Hope Street KY Fellow, Student Achievement Partners - Common Core Advocate, watch webinars, edutopia, TED talks
.

How does being connected impact your practice ?

I immediately have exemplars in the field that I can reach out to and get advice.  Shout out on twitter can answer your questions immediately Having "good housekeeping seal of approval" best sites to always trust works best.  Cruising the internet has become too complicated sometimes to find high quality material. 


Give an example of how does being connected impacts you as a professional?

My teaching practice has become so enriched.  Reading articles about current topics inspires and motivates.  Helps me find solutions.


What advise would you give someone just starting to get connected?

Smart Briefs are very informative; find one for your subject area.
I really enjoy reading items on twitter.


Jana Bryant is the Math Staff Developer for Daviess County Public Schools in Owensboro, KY. Over the last twenty years, she has taught mathematics in grades 5 through 12 and at the post-secondary level. During the 2012-2013 school year, Jana facilitated a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to scale the Math Design Collaborative (MDC) work for grades 6-12 within the district. She will continue to design training sessions for math teachers and provide support through the modeling of the MDC Formative Assessment Lessons and the assessment for learning strategies. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Master’s in Mathematics Education from Western Kentucky University. Jana is also a National Board Certified Teacher in Adults and Youth Adolescence in Mathematics. Jana co-created and authored several Student Organizer titles for Pearson. She assists with grant writing for the Daviess County Schools Foundation, serves as a Common Core Advocate, works as an adjunct instructor, and is actively involved in school and community partnerships. 

Kentucky Connected Educator Day 16

                                        Randy Barrette 
                                                       Hope Street Group Fellow

    World Language & Culture Teacher

                                                        Menifee County High School



In what way(s) are you a connected educator?

I am following several professional networks on Twitter and Facebook, and I read daily feeds from Accomplished Teacher Smartbried (NBCT), ACSD (Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development), Education Week, the ACTFL (American Counsel Teachers of Foreign Languages).
I also lead a group of about 15 world language educators through a PLN on an Edmodo site.


How does being connected impact your practice ?
From the world language sites I get ideas.  For example, three days ago I was reading a post from a colleague in Virginia who gave some useful ideas for improving student-to-student interaction in the classroom.  He backed this up with theory to help make sense of the strategy and activity.  I tried and it had an immediate and positive impact on my students.


How does being connected impact you as a professional ?

I consistently make comments on the articles published in the Ed Week summaries.  Often times people from across the country comment, or give me feedback.  This has sharpened my ability to argue for what I believe needs to change in areas such as teacher evaluation and teacher preparation programs.  I also benefit from reading and discussing - albeit asynchronously - with colleagues from different background.


What advice would you give someone just starting to get connected?

Find 1 or 2 Smart Briefs that represent your interest area, as mine are World Languages and Teacher Preparation Programs. Follow these daily; take 15 minutes at least.  Set up a Delicious account, or other tool to collect and bookmark important url that you will go back to when you have more time.  Turn this into as much a habit as possible.  Eventually, take a chance and respond, give your opinion; it feels good.  Then learn from others.


Randy Barrette is a High School Spanish and World Culture teacher at Menifee County High School. After completing a tour of duty with the U.S. Army, Randy returned home to study International Relations at the James Madison College of Michigan State University. He then earned a Master’s Degree in International Development from Ohio University. He began his teaching career in Baltimore City Public Schools in 1997. In addition to teaching Spanish, he facilitated the introduction of Mandarin classes, started a Global Nomads Classroom to Classroom Program, and is a school leader in Technology Integration. In 2011 and 2012, Randy was named a top three Kentucky high school teacher through the Kentucky Department of Education’s Teacher of the Year program. Randy is a National Board Certified Teacher and served as president of the Kentucky World Language Association. He also teaches Spanish Language and Culture, Methods of Second Language Teaching, and Technology Integration for K-8 teacher candidates at Morehead State University. Randy and his wife of 22 years have also traveled and worked together abroad extensively; one of their two children was born in Pakistan and the other in Thailand.

Kentucky Connected Educator Day 11

Lindsey Childers, 

Hope Street Group Fellow

In what ways are you a connected educator?

I use Facebook, Microsoft Lync, LinkedIn, Google Docs, PBS Works, and various interactive webinars/discussions to connect with other professionals and experts in this field.

How does being connected impact your practice?

In today's world of education, if you are not connected, it is very difficult to stay caught up with the changing systems, policies, and procedures that directly impact what we do.  There are a world of ideas and knowledge at the tip of our fingers and if you do not choose to connect, you will miss out!  I am able to keep myself updated with curriculum changes, resources, ideas for classroom instruction, management, etc.  I have also created a good system of contacts when I need them.  For instance, my connections on LinkedIn helped me coordinate a speaker for the school I am currently involved in which was great!  I have been emailed or contacted by people that I don't even know because they have heard of me and have questions or want to bounce ideas.  It is a great way to advertise your own talents and expertise in an ever-changing field.  It keeps my personal options open and helps me find quick answers to difficult questions

How does being connected impact you as a professional?

I would echo the answer to question #2. 

What advice or resources would you offer to colleagues wanting to become connected?

I would say first…don't be afraid.  There are so many people that shy away from technology and connecting to others because they don't know what to expect.  Sometimes we feel that if we just don't step into that change, it won't happen.  The bottom line is that our world is evolving faster than we can keep up!  Start with one network, friends that you are comfortable with - don't overwhelm yourself with the color of your background screen or your favorite movies or quotes.  Instead, focus on the purpose of your connection and allow yourself to branch out from there.  You will find that each connection you make will benefit you in a slightly different way so embrace the contacts and just watch how it will increase your knowledge and confidence as an educator.  I think that as your confidence builds, it becomes a little easier to continue to branch out. 

For the past three years, Lindsey Childers has been an elementary school principal at Indian Hills Elementary School and for the 2013-2014 school year will transition into a district-level curriculum specialist/primary assistant principal position to broaden her ability to work with all elementary schools in the district. Lindsey began her educational career as a 1^st grade teacher. She has also taught third and fourth grade over the years before becoming a curriculum specialist and a principal. Lindsey received a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education, Summa Cum Laude, from Murray State University. She completed her first Master’s degree in Teacher Leadership from the University of Illinois and her second Master’s degree in Education Administration from Murray State University, graduating both programs as Summa Cum Laude. She looks forward to assisting in the understanding and enthusiasm of educators across the state as the educational system continues to grow and improve in order to meet the needs of all students.  

Kentucky Connected Educator Day 9

Pennye Rogers, Hope Street Group Fellow

 Todd County Central High School

Elkton, Kentucky

In what way (s) are you a connected educator?

I  am connected through National organizations, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and through professional networks. I try to make some time each day to stay connected to other educators in order to keep up with relevant issues and opportunities.  KEA also keeps me informed about professional development and leadership opportunities to promote effective teaching. 

How does being connected impact your practice? 

Being connected provides a network of experts to offer advice or to keep me informed about topics relevant to my job.  I learn from professionals in my networks and sometimes share my own experiences to help others. 

How does being connected impact you as a professional?

Being connected provides many opportunities for real discourse that shapes the way I teach.  I have learned about and participated in opportunities through my network that allowed me to provide my students with classroom materials that my school budget could not afford.  I have been active in grant work that trained me in specific strategies to actively engage students for enhanced learning. 

What advice or resources would you recommend to colleagues interested in becoming connected?

 I would encourage all new teachers to become involved in professional organizations such as content-specific groups and KEA.  Connect with teachers you meet through professional development opportunities and take time regularly to stay connected through meaningful discourse.

Pennye Rogers has been in education at the secondary level for 24 years. She currently teaches High School Physics, Anatomy/Physiology, Chemistry, and Biology while also serving as the Science Department Chair at Todd County Central High School in Elkton, Kentucky. Pennye has a Bachelor’s of Science in Biology with a minor in Mathematics, a Master’s degree in Biology Education, and a Rank I in Physics Education from Western Kentucky University. Pennye earned her National Board Certification in AYA Science with emphasis on Biology. She has worked with the Kentucky Educators Association (KEA) National Board Jump Start program for 5 years. She is a member of the Kentucky Science Teacher Association (KSTA) and Delta Kappa Gamma teacher sorority, a board member of the Kentucky Association of School Councils (KASC), and a former member of the state School Curriculum, Accountability, and Assessment Council. Pennye is married with three children and is expecting her first grandchild this year. She lives on a cattle farm and raises most of her own food. 

Let’s see what some of our partners are up to…

 

Center for Teaching Quality (CTQ)-they are working on a webinar series for any and all teachers that would like to get involved. Teachers will have the opportunity to connect with others in sharing their knowledge and expertise as well as receive resources and learn ways to elevate both themselves and their students around the Common Core State Standards. This online “collaboratory” is completely led by teachers, through posts and responses.

You can access this virtual community through the CTQ website.

Hope Street Group-they have developed several trainings focused around the new Professional Growth and Effectiveness System, starting with PGES 101. The State Teacher Fellows will be conducting this training within their Professional Learning Networks across the state. To learn more about Fellows in your area, click here.

Connect with the Teacher Fellow and join their Professional Learning Network (PLN).  Their PLN invites include their local colleagues, building association rep, fellow district teachers, members of their respective subject area organizations, etc.

We look forward to connecting with you and we value you as a teacher leader!!