The Boardroom

This morning I received my first issue of The Boardroom, which is the monthly electronic newsletter published by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.  According to the congratulatory letter that I received from the CEO of the National Board when I certified,  an automatic subscription would be available in my in-box after I became Board certified.

 

I read the issue cover to cover but was particularly interested in several sections. There was a piece that reported the results of the first ever National Board Certified Teachers (NBCT) census.  I participated in the census (it felt like 1000 questions!) the week after I became certified and the results are now being published. I am pretty humbled by the company I keep. Here are some of the results:

A second section that I know I am going to enjoy is "What we're reading." This month's recommendation is Professional Capital by Andy Hargreaves and Michael Fullan.  I have read some of Michael Fullan's books for a graduate class I had taken on school leadership so I am familiar with his work.  Professional Capital makes a case for investing in the the capability of teacher leaders such as NBCTs to advance the entire teaching profession.   I received a generous gift certificate to a book store from one of my students for Christmas, and this will be the book I buy!

Leisurely reading the issue was a great way to spend Saturday morning, and I'm looking forward to January's edition in my mailbox!

Holiday Celebration and Author's Tea

Every year just before the holidays I invite families in to our classroom for a Holiday Celebration and Author's Tea.  My students have been writing informational books.  The Tea provides a very specific audience for their writing which causes them to become motivated to write.  Families send in snacks and drinks, the children share their books, and parents provide feedback.  These are pictures of the children practicing reading their books before the tea.  You will notice how they have learned to become excellent listeners and speakers.

Here are some of the pictures from the actual Author's Tea and Celebration:

Parents then provided feedback to their children with this "Two Stars and a Wish" form.  Parents were able to write two great things their child had done in their writing.  Then they wrote a wish - something that their child could work on in their writing.  

Thank you to everyone for your support in making this event happen for your children!