The TEACH Project

STANDARD

January Content Literacy Session

The topic for last month’s M.A.T. Internship PD Seminar was Content Literacy Strategies. Presenters Kristie Carlson and Tiffany Jackson shared the need for all teachers to see themselves as teachers of literacy. Both ladies approached the topic from differing perspectives. Ms. Carlson, a teacher leader and peer mentor for the program, is a 5th grade teacher in a departmentalized elementary school. She teaches spelling, English and reading. As such, Ms. Carlson shared valuable insight on the need for direct instruction, progress monitoring, differentiating strategies, and effective feedback in order to help young students to become lifelong, prolific readers.

W I N T E R 2 0 1 3

Table of Contents

Seminar Review pp. 1-2

Announcements p. 2

Intern Spotlights pp. 3-4

Master Mentors p.5

Expert Voices p. 6

S.T.E.M. in Action p. 7

Teacher Toolkit p. 8

*Funded by a grant from the US Dept. of Ed.

THE STANDARD WINTER 2013

2

Content Literacy Session (Continued)

2

ANNOUNCEMENTS

1

As a past secondary reading interventionist and literacy coach Mrs. Jackson focused on the effective use of interdisciplinary reading strategies to assist students in building metacognitive skills to gain meaning from text across the content areas.

The interns in attendance were given the opportunity to put the new learning in action by participating in literacy circles. In cooperative, content-specific groups, participants practiced using “The Fab Four” reciprocal reading strategies: predicting, questioning, clarifying, and summarizing to discuss a content-related, nonfiction trade book.

We have a winner! Anthony Trombatore is the winner of TEACH Project’s first ever Twitter contest! Anthony followed, mentioned and re-tweeted, his way to victory! He was presented with his prize- a new iPod- at last month’s meeting. @TEACHDELTA has updates, special features, such as “W.O.W. Wednesdays,” and informative re-tweets. Become a follower today for your chance to win!

• Upcoming seminar dates: February 27, March 13, and April 24th. • We heard you loud and clear! In response to seminar evaluations we will begin broadcasting PD

webinars that provide follow-up and additional training on previous seminar topics. Webinar dates will be announced via Warhawk email and registration will be done on the Internship Moodle site. Stay tuned!

• Coming soon- The TEACH website at www.ulm.edu/teach will feature a password-protected resource page for current and past participants. On-demand professional development for CLUs, PGP documentation, and personal growth will be at your fingertips!

One of the highlights of the evening was a student presentation by Anthony Trombatore. Anthony is a member of the math and science virtual PLC in the program. He represented his PLC by sharing how he implemented one of the instructional technology tools presented at the November seminar by teacher leaders Christina Nguyen and Darron Underwood. Anthony shared the pros and cons of using TodaysMeet in his science classroom. Students used cell phones to ask questions online while he lectured. He and student were able to address misconceptions along the way. Now that’s what I call Just in Time Teaching!

THE STANDARD WINTER 2013

3

INTERN SPOTLIGHTS

Elizabeth Rubin Elizabeth Rubin reinforces reading and math skills to 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders in a focused learning lab at Winnsboro Elementary School in Franklin Parish. The class periods run from 30-35 minutes, which means Ms. Rubin, must teach in a very organized manner to meet the needs of all students. Her pacing is excellent! The lesson is presented in a very sequential manner with every minute of class time used for meaningful instruction.

Her classroom management skills are exemplary, the students work willingly, and any off-task behavior is redirected immediately. Ms. Rubin is very receptive to suggestions for improvement, and she submits assignments on TaskStream in a timely manner. She has one of the most effective, efficient classrooms I have observed, and her classroom demeanor is right on target for the students she serves. (Nominated by JoAnn Pee)

Amanda Ritchie

Amanda Ritchie teaches English 1& 11, and is the Spanish 1&11 Facilitator Louisiana Virtual School for Forest High School. Mrs. Ritchie has a very good rapport with her students. They are very comfortable and at-ease with her and have immense respect for her. She has ultimate control of her classroom, which is conducive for a successful educational environment.

In her classroom, she uses many supplemental aids: in Literature, for example, includes the aid of the c.d. of James Earl Jones' presentation of the Raven, thus, bringing a realism to literature. In grammar, she has many activities to involve critical thinking as well as HOTS: for example, writing obituaries, both real and fictional, or imaginary; writing short stories about famous people or someone local- such as the sheriff, etc. The students are actively engaged in learning activities the entire class period. In my opinion, she is very professional, as well as very personable and sincere in her care for her students. She is a mother, a wife, and a dedicated teacher. I would like to recognize her as an Outstanding Intern. (Nominated by Glenda Redden)

THE STANDARD WINTER 2013

4

Kendra Slover

Michelle Holly

Michelle Holly teaches in Union Parish. She started the year teaching 1st grade at Farmerville Elementary. Ms. Holly was hired late and had little time to prepare. She found herself with a room full of 6 year olds. She dug in and every visit I found her stronger and more organized. Imagine my shock when I walked into her room in November and found it empty and dark.

It seemed the October 1 numbers didn't mesh at the elementary level and a teacher had to be cut. She had been reassigned to set up a resource room. I found her in an empty classroom completely devastated. We talked that day and came to the conclusion that God has a plan and we have to have faith. Now she is flourishing. This is her niche. She loves it and the kids love her. She is doing a great job and has a new career. (Nominated by Amy Dewees)

Kendra Slover is a native of Vidalia, Louisiana. She heard about the amazing opportunity offered by ULM’s Teach Delta program from one of her friends. She was excited about the opportunity. The very first visit to Kendra’s classroom was quite interesting. It was clear that she was working in a culture totally unlike the one in which she was raised. This meant that everything that she had learned about diversity and cultural differences needed to surface. Many of her students were performing below level academically. I asked Kendra to find out what the students enjoyed most.

Viola! MUSIC!! Many of Kendra’s lessons now include learning techniques that are unique but effective. When you walk into her classroom you will find students learning their spelling words to popular rap and pop songs. The students love class. The discipline problems are almost nonexistent. Kendra loves teaching which gives her the drive to creatively craft her weekly lessons for her students, and the classroom environment overall is absolutely exciting. Kendra and her students are having fun learning and their test scores are improving. (Nominated by Valerie Fields)

INTERN SPOTLIGHTS

THE STANDARD WINTER 2013

5

Above & Beyond... Master Mentors

Dr. Valerie Fields

Ms. Glenda Redden I would like to nominate Ms. Glenda Redden for mentor of the month. She has been a very helpful and understanding mentor to me. She genuinely cares for my well being in and out of the classroom. When I was in the hospital during the fall, Ms. Redden emailed several times to check on my condition. She is always ready with a smile when she comes to observe me. Her disarming manner helped to put me at ease, which made me less nervous when being observed, both by her and by school administration. She has high expectations for me and encourages me to do well. I do not believe that I could have asked for a better mentor. It has been a pleasure to meet and work with her. (Submitted by Amanda Ritchie)

I would like to nominate my Teach Delta supervisor, Dr. Valerie Fields. From the moment I met Dr. Valerie Fields, her kind words and encouragement helped me through my struggles as a first year teacher. She has helped me realize that I am capable of meeting my goals as an instructor through dedication and consistency. I work in a high needs school district, and most of my students live in poverty. However, through the help of Dr. Fields, I have worked to include culture and things that my students love into my instruction. I could not ask for a better supervisor, and I am so proud that God put her in my life to guide me through this wonderful experience while working with Teach Delta. (Submitted by Kendra Slover)

Christina Nguyen I would like to nominate Christina Nguyen for this award. She has worked so hard for the secondary English group of interns. Not only has she given great advice, but she has also provided useful resources as well as contact information to assist us in many aspects, especially technology and special education. She is always prepared and provides a meaningful experience every time we meet. (Submitted by Leslie Utley)

THE STANDARD WINTER 2013

6

THE STANDARD WINTER 2013

Expert Voices Guide the Way

Mrs. Davis received her bachelor’s degree from Alcorn State University in Elementary Education and Masters Degree from NLU in Reading. She holds certifications for Early Childhood Education: K-12 grades; Reading Specialist; Technology Education; and Supervision and Administration. Mrs. Davis has 30 years of experience in education with MCSB as a classroom teacher, technology specialist; grant writer; program coordinator; curriculum coordinator, and administrator. She has also served as a local advocate for employees as the president of the local LAE (Louisiana Association of Educators). She has recently retired and serves as an educational consultant for Letter Perfect. Most importantly she is a wife, mother of 4 children and grandmother of 4 and expecting a new one!

Ms. Ford holds several licenses and certifications including: Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Speech Pathologist, Certified Teacher, Certified School Counselor, Certified School Administrator and National Board Certified Counselor. She received her B.A. in Speech Language Therapy and Speech Drama from the University of Louisiana Monroe. She completed her Masters of Arts in Guidance and Counseling Education with a minor in Psychology also from ULM. Ms. Ford also holds a second Masters in Human Relations & Supervision from Louisiana Tech University and has done Post Graduate work as The University of Mississippi, Louisiana State University & the University of Louisiana Monroe with and emphasis in Marriage and Family Counseling. Leona’s, professional career includes positions in Speech Therapy, School Counselor, Director of Minority Engineering and Co-Op Programs, University Counseling Center/ Coordinator of Career Development, Supervision of Speech and Counselor interns and Director of Special Populations.

Mrs. Trimble holds a BS in Business Education and a Master's Degree in Education in Reading and Sp. Ed. with a minor in Computer Science. She is a certified reading specialist and is also certified in sp. ed. and K- 12 school counseling. During her diverse 27-year career she has taught reading, special education, and business education, served as a high school guidance counselor in both Texas and Louisiana, and served as the principal of a private, Christian school. At present Mrs. Trimble’s expertise are being put to use as Grant Facilitator for the Ouachita Parish School district which includes facilitating programs such as AVID, Health & Fitness, Advanced Placement, Credit Recovery, Graduation Coach, etc. at all levels. She is also a member of the Compass/LANA/DIG Teacher Observation and Evaluation Teams for OPSB.

Mrs. Janet Davis

Mrs. Linda Trimble

Ms. Leona Ford

Mrs. Christy Valentine Mrs. Valentine received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education and my master’s degree in counseling from LA Tech University. She has been in the field of education for over 16 years working as both a classroom teacher and elementary and middle school counselor where she had the opportunity to supervise school counselor interns. Mrs. Valentine is also a mother of 3, ages 13, 9, and 5. She is actively involved in her church and the community as a member of The Junior League of Monroe, The Children’s Coalition as a Community Action Team Member for Fetal Infant Mortality Research, as well as the PTAs at her children’s schools.

THE STANDARD WINTER 2013

7

Ready, Aim, Fire! Anthony L. Trombatore

Mr. Trombatore is a secondary Physics, Chemistry and Biology II teacher at St. Frederick’s

Alumni Spotlight

Connecting Through Cyber Space

The catapults were used as the culmination project of the unit on vectors and projectile motion. The students had been illustrating and working problems to show the concepts, but the hands-on approach allowed them to put their work into action. The students could make a catapult, trebuchet, or ballista style launcher. They could use any materials, but had to be able to launch a 1-kilogram projectile a minimum of 10 meters. I made standardized projectiles in two shapes for the different launchers. Once the students had finished, I brought fun objects to launch, to spice it up (things like golf balls, baseballs, tennis balls, & toilet paper rolls). The students love the project every year, and allowing the physics to be put in motion largely increases their understanding.

My name is Kendra Slover, and I a long distance TEACH Project student. I teach third grade Reading, English, and Social Studies at Ferriday Upper Elementary in Ferriday, Louisiana. Most of my students live in poverty, and the majority of them are below level in terms of academics. My students have improved greatly from the beginning of the school year and they are willing and trying hard to learn. They are very loving, and I enjoy teaching them. The TEACH Project has been very beneficial to me.

I live two hours away; therefore, being able to take the classes online and attend the seminars online has been very convenient. I am grateful that I am able to gain the resources and knowledge just as the students near the university can. My supervisor, Dr. Fields has been amazing. Every time she observes me, she is encouraging and full of advice. She has helped me learn how to continually think about my students’ culture in my daily lessons. I am able to use things that my students love to help them learn. We beat on tables, sing spelling words to rap songs, and act out everything from vocabulary words to the Civil War. My students work really hard, and I am grateful that God placed me at my school under the leadership of the TEACH Project.

Kendra Slover, Ferriday Upper Elementary

S.T.E.M. in Action!

Congratulations to program alumni, Tom Riggs, for being selected as Fellow in the prestigious NSTA New Science Teacher Academy! Only eleven science teachers from the entire state were awarded with this top honor, and Tom is the only representative from Northeast Louisiana. He will now participate in a year-long professional development program designed to help promote quality science teaching, enhance teacher confidence and classroom excellence and improve teacher content knowledge. Tom is a 2012 graduate of ULM’s M.A.T. program that ended a 25-year career in chemical engineering and decided to share his knowledge and passion for science with the next generation. He was selected as a STAR intern in the program last year and now teaches Chemistry, Biology, and Earth and Space Sciences at Claiborne Christian School in West Monroe, Louisiana.

THE STANDARD WINTER 2013

8

Virtual Learner Mark Sandlin, Bangkok Christian International School

I teach at Bangkok Christian International School (BCIS) in Bangkok, Thailand. I originally began in ULM’s M.Ed. program in June 2011 and later transferred to the M.A.T. and TEACH program. My experience has been challenging yet encouraging throughout. I bet I'm ULM's biggest fan in Thailand! —I have often told other teachers here in Bangkok about my wonderful graduate program. It seems miraculous that my long-distance internship was even possible, for I am really looooong distance. I’m so grateful to Dr. Thillainatarajan Sivakumaran for being my first point of contact with ULM, and for telling me before I applied that he thought it would work for me to do my internship here in faraway Bangkok. DeWanna Greer, Dr. Mike Beutner, and Whitney Sutherland were also such helpful early correspondents who gave me hope that someone like me could fit in to the online program. Now I’m in the final stretch (hoping to graduate this Spring). The internship has been thorough, with the bar set high, and with accompanying technical challenges faced by having to videotape my observations as well as trying to capture them live on Google Hangout. Dr. Valerie Fields, my supervisor, has been wonderful, giving me much helpful feedback and reflection. My school is small and so most teachers wear multiple hats. I teach Language Arts to grades 9-12—four different thick textbooks. I keep finding myself wondering, “Wait a minute—is this the class studying Macbeth? Or is this one Antigone (or Don Quixote, or Gulliver’s Travels)?” I have several times pulled out the wrong textbook. On top of that I teach Bible (the Gospel of John) to the seniors. This week I’m accompanying the seniors on the Senior Retreat; we’ll be staying in house boat/rafts on the River Kwai near the famous WWII Bridge. I’m told we’ll bathe in the river water. Whew! I’m beginning to feel my age (50). My students are almost all Asian—Thai, Korean, Chinese, one African. Class sizes are small.

One of the highlights of my “virtual experience” has been watching the online seminars and often hearing someone mention Bangkok or me; I practically tear up. It just really moves me to see how hard the ULM/TEACH team (and the wonderful AV team!) works to ensure that I am reached, assisted, and included. I feel deeply indebted for this kindness. I am halfway through the internship and beginning my final semester of the M.A.T. By God’s grace I am nearing the end of the program, but I suspect that my relationship with ULM and my wonderful teachers and fellow students will continue for many years to come.

Our seniors (try to find me somewhere in the picture!)

THE STANDARD WINTER 2013

9

Teacher Toolkit Practical Professional Development to Go

2

Student Development

⇒ Science o http://www.sciencemag.org/content/

332/6032/895 ⇒ Technology

o http://www.sedl.org/pubs/tec26/flash.html

⇒ Mathematics o http://mathwire.com/archives/algebra

.html ⇒ English

o http://www.netc.org/focus/challenges/literacy.php

⇒ Social Studies o http://www.ncss.org/positions/servic

elearning ⇒ Special Education

o http://www.readingrockets.org/article/5838/

⇒ Art Education o http://www.edutopia.org/arts-music-

curriculum-child-development ⇒ Foreign Language

http://ncssfl.org/papers/index.php?allstudents

1

This Month’s INTASC Standards Focus

Content Pedagogy Ø Science

o http://www.csun.edu/science/ref/measurement/orders_of_mag/index.html

o http://www.msteacher2.org/ Ø Technology

o http://mkoehler.educ.msu.edu/tpack/

Ø Mathematics o http://www.nctm.org/resources/con

tent.aspx?id=1618 o http://www.msteacher2.org/

Ø English o http://www.ncte.org/

Ø Social Studies o http://www.ncss.org/resources

Ø Special Education o http://www.teachervision.fen.com/s

pecial-education/teacher-resources/6640.html

Ø Art Education o http://www.intime.uni.edu/model/te

acher/pedagogy/Art.html Ø Foreign Language

o http://www.cal.org/resources/archive/rgos/methods.html

University of Louisiana at Monroe

Strauss Hall 260. 700 University Avenue Monroe, LA 71209 www.ulm.edu/teach

Editors Tiffany Jackson, M.Ed. Professional Development Coordinator TEACH Project

Cho Yi Sit Graduate Assistant TEACH Project

Sahara Ricks Graduate Student TEACH Project