Getting Organized!

I know I've mentioned this before, but one of my favorite blogs is Dr. Frank Buck's Getting Organized.  He is always writing about practical tips, whether they are using electronic resources or paper resources.  In fact, my monthly newsletter focuses on his work, so if you'd like to read more, click on the right to sign up for the January e-newsletter!

Trouble Staying Organized?

This month's newsletter (you can sign up on the right if you'd like) focused on getting and staying organized.  Here's five tips from my friend Frank Buck:

1.     Use tickler files so your desk stays clear and papers appear when you need them.

2.     Adopt one tool, either a paper planner or software which syncs between your computer and phone. Put everything in it.

3.     Identify all of your tasks which repeat weekly, monthly, or yearly and put them in your system. You’ll never have to think about them again.

4.     Use one paper journal to take notes during phone calls, meetings, and parent conferences. At the end of the day, decide what actions you need to take as a result of what you wrote.

5.     Get your email Inbox to “empty” every day.

    Be sure to check out his blog and other resources, including his books for teachers and leaders.Both books are available from Eye on Education. 

Teachers are Heroes

Need a bit of inspiration today?  Check out this website, which will remind you of the fact that you are a hero--even if noone tells you!  You matter, everyday, ever moment, for every student you teach.  Never forget it. 

For Principals: Free Webinar on Rigor and the CCSS

Click here to register for my webinar with the National Association of Secondary School Principals!

Join noted author and speaker Barbara Blackburn for a special webinar examining instructional rigor and the upcoming Common Core State Standards (CCSS).

The CCSS will require an increased focus on rigor in the classroom, but at the same time, if everyday instruction is not rigorous, the standards cannot be fully implemented. In this webinar, Barbara will discuss the meaning of instructional rigor, elements of a rigorous classroom, and examples of strategies for all subject areas.

Drawing on her experience as a teacher, professor, and consultant, Barbara works to raise the level of rigor and motivation for professional educators and students alike. She will be a featured speaker at the Ignite 2013 conference, February 28-March 2 in National Harbor, MD, leading a student-focused session titled "Motivation + Engagement + Higher Expectation = Student Success."

IPads in the Classroom

One of the best resources I've found on using IPads in the Classroom is the google user group in the San Diego area.  Their postings and responses are very helpful!For example, one of the recent postings asked what NOT to do when implementing IPads in the classroom.  Excellent responses!

What Does a Teacher Make Video

If you've never heard Taylor Mali tell his version of "What a Teacher Makes", take 3 minutes to listen to this!  It will inspire and uplift you. 

High Expectations for Students

On March 2, I'll be presenting at the NASSP conference in Washington, DC.  On February 6, I'll also be doing a webinar for them on Rigor and the Common Core State Standards.  Prior to the conference, I'll be blogging for them regularly. Here's the first one:

Our expectations for students begin with our beliefs that each can succeed.  Often, we say that we have high expectations for every student, but subconsciously, that may not be true.  I overheard a teacher comment to a new teacher, “I had that student last year. She was always in trouble.”  Despite his best efforts, the new teacher subconsciously lowered his expectations for that student.   It’s critical to move beyond our words to truly believing that each student in our classrooms can and will succeed.
For the rest of the entry, click here!

Videos for the Common Core

I was recently contacted by the Teaching Channel and had the chance to review their site.  It is filled with videos of quality teaching and innovative ideas, many of which are linked to the Common Core State Standards.  It's definitely worth a look, but once you start looking, you'll end up spending some time on the site, so plan accordingly. 

Three Words for the Future

What is your vision for the new year?  If you imagined that 2013 would be your best year ever, what three words would you use?  Here's a great column on that concept!

Getting Organized E-Newsletter

My newest e-newsletter is out today!  This month's topic is Getting (and Staying) organized for the new year.  Five minutes of your time and you'll find at least two new ideas!  Sign up today.

Motivating Your Students for the New Year

Are you looking for ways to recharge your students for the new year? 
 Do you teach students who are intrinsically motivated? Intrinsic motivation comes from within. It’s the sense of working toward something simply because we want to or because we feel a sense of accomplishment, and it is relatively easy to know when a student is intrinsically motivated. Students are motivated internally when they pursue an activity independently, enjoy the activity, don’t want to stop working until they are finished, move beyond the minimum expectations, and don’t care if there are rewards attached.
Check out my full article here!