Staying current as a Pinnacle leader...

I plan to stay current with the technology by integrating it in my classroom.  I know that it will fit perfectly with Common Core.  Using the technology as a tool to teach the content is imperative.  Some of the ideas I have to stay current include:

• Add-on license in administration, using technology within the program
• Lessons with my students
• Student-created projects and lessons
• Utilizing technology to present to peers (students)
• Using technology as a professional-- blogging, sharing, pinterest
• Presenting and assisting with any presenting at my school and at the district level
• Gaining ideas from others by following blogs
• Attending the pinnacle conference (I hope...)

Please let me know if you have any suggestions.

Thanks :)

My professional development was a monthly Technology Cafe. I created and sent out a survey before beginning the Technology Cafe to survey staff needs and wants in terms of technology tools. Here is a link to the survey. Click here.

• A brief overview of what topic you taught on/focus on integration/form of delivery

Technology café sessions addressed at least one of the 5 big areas of reading through specific technology tools. Each session consisted of examples of technology integration, demonstration of the technology tool, practical ways to integrate the technology into the area of reading (or other subject area), and hands-on time to create a product. Each session had a homework assignment that would take approximately one hour. Each homework assignment was a way for educators to apply their knowledge from the workshop into their classrooms. Below is a general outline for the technology café sessions. I was able to use many of my fellow Pinnacle Leaders ideas and handouts for the sessions, so thank you to everyone for your assistance!!! :)


--September-Reading Comprehension, Writing, and Blogging
Agenda
Kidblog Handout (created by GCS ITF--thanks!!!)
Kidblog Reminders
Blogger Reminders

-- October-Integration of Content Areas and United Streaming/Discovery Education
Agenda
Discovery Education Handout (created by Emily Swartz--thanks!!!)


-- December-Phonics/Phonemic Awareness, Reading Comprehension and Spiderscribe
Agenda

-- January-Vocabulary, Stixy, Wallwisher, and Quizlet
Quizlet Handout (created by Jesse Birnstihl--thanks!!!)

-- February-Reading Comprehension and Edmodo
Agenda
Ideas for using Edmodo (created by Shannon Miller--thanks!!!)
Edmodo Teacher Guide (shared by Kyle Wood--thanks!!!)

-- March- Reading Comprehension, Animoto, and Online Storytelling 
Mixbook Handout (created by GCS ITF--thanks!!!)
*Focused on Storybird with primary teachers

-- May- Vocabulary and SMART Notebook (still to be completed this year)

• Audience reactions and how follow-up went

The audience was very responsive. At my first session I had the most participants and of course as the year continued the participants decreased. At least one participant attended each session. The audience seemed to enjoy the topics and were appreciative of any new ideas. The participants are still in the process of turning in their homework from the sessions they attended. They will have until after the last session to turn in any homework from throughout the year. At the beginning of each session I answered any questions from previous sessions. I also answered questions in person and through email.

• How this experience helped your professional growth

This experience helped my professional growth because I was able to share some ideas and my technology integration knowledge with other professionals at my schools. I think that they were able to take the information back to their classrooms and put it to use to increase student engagement and achievement. I now have the experience of presenting information in front of my peers on a regular basis.

• Changes you would make if presenting same topic a second time

I would like to have some sort of incentive for attending all sessions. The attendance decreased as the sessions continued. For the last session in May, I plan on sending out some sort of incentive for the SMART Notebook session. We are going to focus on Common Core integration and creating a lesson for next year as well as a sharing session for any lessons already created.


THANK YOU FOR READING MY POST. HERE IS A LINK TO THE FEEDBACK FORM. CLICK HERE.

Google Apps

The good...

• Students are working together synchronously and asynchronously.
• Students are able to learn at a fast pace.
• Students are using technology as a tool.
• Students enjoy google!

The bad...

• Time consuming at first to sign students on and change passwords.

What should be changed...

• I would love to spend more time with google apps and my students.
• I plan to use it to email our penpals in the future (later this year or next year) instead of snail mail or in addition to snail mail.

The top ten reasons I became a Pinnacle Leader...

10. Have fun!
9. Meet new people and network with other teachers.
8. Learn more about project-based learning.
7. Learn more about technology tools.
6. Create and plan lessons with other teachers from different schools.
5. Able to share new ideas with colleagues at my school.
4. Integrated lessons were completed over the summer.
3. Great ideas from colleagues.
2. Free technology tools such as iPods and netbooks.
And the number one reason is...Improving student learning!!!

My top 10 reasons include both why I became and Pinnacle Leader and the great things about being a Pinnacle Leader.  When I applied to become a Pinnacle Leader, I was not aware of all of these reasons.  Pinnacle is such a beneficial program for our students, staff, and ourselves.  It truly prepares teachers to be lifelong learners.

A Letter to My Younger Self

Dear Miss Dumot,


As a first year teacher you will work harder than you ever have before.  You will love your job as an educator more and more every day!  Here are the top 10 things to know as a first year teacher.


1. Monitor your students on a daily basis.  Keep track of their successes and their behavior (both positive and negative).
2. Allow parents to volunteer in your classroom.  Parent involvement is key!
3. Read professional journals and join a professional learning community.  Make sure you are up-to-date on the current research.
4. Integrate all core subjects.  It is so important for students to read about science and write about math and so on.
5. Observe other classes.  Do not be afraid to observe other classrooms and borrow ideas.  This is where my best ideas come from!
6. Physical Education is one of the most important parts of the day.  Students need a time to release their energy and take a break.
7. As a teacher you are still a learner.  Keep learning from others.
8. Hold yourself accountable for everything that happens in your classroom.  You are responsible for the success of your students.
9. Collaborate with your team and with other grade levels.  Vertical planning is so valuable!  Students should also collaborate daily.
10. Make sure your students are safe but are also having fun and learning along the way.  Students should be involved in project-based learning assignments.

Good luck and always smile!

Miss Dumot