Teachers Making a Difference Vol 1 Issue 1 New Beginnings January 2024

TEACHERS Making a difference

Volume 2 Issue 1: New Beginnings Honoring Martin Luther King Jr.: Actions for a Meaningful MLK Day Teaching the Ted Lasso Way: Be a Goldfish in the Classroom

Teacher Shot by 6 year old: All in a Days Work?

The magazine by teachers for teachers

January 2024

Tap the Power of Elder Scholars By: Paul Ruez, M.Ed.

Teachers Making a Difference | Vol 2 Issue 1 , January 2024

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Editor’s Letter

by Dr Cathy Coker

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Teachers Making a Difference | Vol 2 Issue 1 , January 2024

Salutations to 2024 Starting a new year is going to be great. What is not great is knowing that I must go back to scripted lessons that have hindered my creativity.

I’ve seen many pitched presentations in sales that have gotten me to buy their resort packages.

Most presentations do work for selling products or packages because those items don’t change. They are things without a mind of their own. We teach human beings that do have likes and dislikes about things they want to learn about.

Our students are ever changing. It is hard to use scripts in teaching Reading and Math. Teachers wrestle with creating lessons that meet all their students’ learning abilities and interests. So, when scripted lessons came about, I cringe at knowing that this was going to be a detriment to our educational system.

As teachers we live on routines but most of all we live on being able to create fun lessons for students. This is why we became teachers. I don’t think teachers mind keeping to timed lessons but reading scripts on each subject is not enjoyable.

Scripted lessons are killing our creative gifts that make us great teachers. Following a system that keeps us on track is great.

I know that we all need to follow a schedule and I know what needs to be done and at what time.

Most people live on daily schedules, not just teachers. That’s life. Most people that work for any company have a routine or schedule that they follow most of the time and that works for them.

Usually having the autonomy to complete any task makes you feel successful and productive because you have the freedom to use your gifts and talents.

Knowing that I have a routine to follow is a good thing. Knowing that I must repeat a scripted lesson to get a good evaluation is so disheartening.

In my 45 years as a classroom teacher, I’ve transitioned from having free autonomy in the

classroom in the 70’s to subjugated scripted lessons in the 2000’s. I can truly say that this is Not working for most of us.

We need to have full autonomy of what and how we present our lessons. If improving scores to prove to the state that our students are on track, then give us full autonomy to be the creative beings that the field of education needs. Scripted lessons hinder our talents and our reasons why we became teachers.

I do believe that we are no longer the Sage on the Stage, but we are competent and knowledgeable.

We know what we are doing in our classrooms. We do have the right to be happy in what we do. As stated in the Declaration of Independence written

by Thomas Jefferson, “People were created by God, and they have the basic human rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” Teaching has taken away this pursuit of happiness for me and I do believe in many others as well. That’s why we have a shortage of teachers in this country.

Teachers want administrators to respect our differences. Teachers wish that administrators understand that there is not one way to teach, and we all have our own styles of teaching. They want administrators to understand that education would be boring if every teacher taught the same way. I want our administrators to see the brilliant ideas being used in the classroom and have them share them with others in the district.

I hope and pray that this Editor’s message is read by those that want to help make a change for this next year. Let’s make 2024 a memorable New Year.

To a year of New Beginnings for teachers and students. Let 2024 be a year where we get back full autonomy in our classrooms and can close those learning gaps that COVID and other unforeseen circumstances have been placed us. I salute you all and wish you a Happy New Year!

Teachers Making a Difference | Vol 2 Issue 1 , January 2024

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CONTENTS Published by: C&P Educational Consultants Editors: Dr. Cathy Coker Rivette Pena Designers: Rivette Pena Stephane Bowker Contributing Photographers and Stock Libraries: Adobe Stock Unsplash Andy Dominguez Creative Fabrica Advertisements: Dr. Cathy Coker Marketting: Rivette Pena

8 Honoring Martin Luther King Jr.: Actions for a Meaningful MLK Day

18 Self-Care Is it Selfish or Absolutely Necessary?

20 Tap the Power of Elder Scholars

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Thank you to Stephane Bowker at Working Dog Resources for providing tailored training for the layout Teaching the Ted Lasso Way: of Teachers Making a Be a Goldfish in the Classroom Teachers Making a Difference | Vol 2 Issue 1 , January 2024 4 Difference.

(Complete the Speech) Fill in the blanks with the correct words from the word bank to complete Martin Luther King Jr.'s famous "I Have a Dream" speech.

Word Bank: Injustice Discrimination

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Editors Letter

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Vowel Clustering

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MLK Resources

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Helps Students Make the Connection

Experience Luxurious Glamping at its Finest A REPORT ON WAR : A Historical Perspective on the Conflict Brown Baggin’ It

Teacher Shot by 6 year old: All in a Days Work?

Timid Rabbit: An Attitude of Gratitude Teachers Making a Difference | Vol 2 Issue 1 , January 2024

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Vowel Clustering Helps Students Make the Connection Between Letters and Sounds

By Elaine Clanton Harpine, Ph. D. There is no one central area of the brain that controls reading. Instead, there is a “network of connections or synaptic pathways.” When these pathways are developed, reading a word can take less than half a second, but reading does not happen automatically, it must be taught. Students must be taught how to make the connections between letters and sounds. Vowel clustering does not use rules or memorization. Vowel clustering teaches students to break words down and identify the sounds. The method that we use to teach reading is what keeps some children from learning how to read. The problem is not the teachers or the students. Reading failure is caused by how we teach reading. Vowel clustering works with the brain to make it easier for children to learn to read. For more on research about how the brain learns to read, see my blog post on teaching vowel clustering: https://www.groupcentered.com/ reading-blog/archives/03-2019

Vowel clustering works with the brain and the way the brain processes phonemes or letter sounds. Vowel clustering uses visual, auditory, and hands-on teaching techniques. Vowel clustering teaches students to match consonant and vowel sounds with their corresponding letter symbols. This emphasizes the oral letter-sound relationship. Remember, we are training the brain, building “pathways” in the brain. Therefore, it is important to organize how we teach so students can organize how they learn. We want to work with the brain, not against it. The vowel clustering teaching approach presents a visual and oral picture that struggling students can immediately identify with. Visually, students match words by how they sound not by how they are spelled. This teaches students that words can be pronounced one way but spelled another.

This visual-auditory learning technique allows students to both see and hear letter sounds (phonemes). For more on how to use a vowel board to teach letter sounds, see an excerpt from my newest book, Why Can’t We Teach Children to Read: Oh, But Wait We Can. See: https://www. groupcentered.com/reading-blog/is-readingfailure-linked-to-violence-crime-and-mentalhealth It is never too late to correct reading failure: A 15-year-old student was brought to my reading clinic because the school had said, “she could never learn to read.” In middle school, she was given coloring book pages and shuffled off to the corner of the classroom. The school was using “balanced literacy” in the classroom, and

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the student had received one-on-one tutoring in systematic phonics from early elementary school to middle school, but the student was still failing. I taught the student to read in 3 ½ years using vowel clustering.

Also: A very smart third grader was brought to my reading clinic. The student could not even read at the beginning kindergarten level. The student’s parents were college-educated and had even paid for private systematic phonics tutoring. Balanced literacy from the classroom, pullout small group phonics instruction during school, and even private one-on-one systematic phonics instruction failed to teach this student how to read. Again, I taught the student to read in one year with vowel clustering.

These are just two examples; I have many others.

If you are interested in learning more about vowel clustering, contact me at clantonharpine@hotmail. com. I am always happy to help.

Teachers Making a Difference | Vol 2 Issue 1 , January 2024

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Honoring Martin Luther King Jr.: Actions for a Meaningful MLK Day “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”

– Martin Luther King Jr.

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Teachers Making a Difference | Vol 2 Issue 1 , January 2024

Martin Luther King Jr. Day, celebrated annually on the third Monday of January, is more than just a day off—it’s an opportunity to reflect on the enduring legacy of a civil rights icon and to actively contribute to the pursuit of equality and justice.

Here are a few ways that everyone can honor Martin Luther King Jr. on his day:

MLK Day is recognized as a national day of service.

Channel the spirit of Dr. King by volunteering your time and skills to a local community organization or charity. Websites like [VolunteerMatch](https:// www.volunteermatch.org/) can help you find local opportunities.

Take the time to learn more about the life and teachings of Martin Luther King Jr. Read his speeches, writings, and biographies to gain a deeper understanding of the struggles he faced and the principles he championed. Resources like [The King Center](https://thekingcenter.org/) provide valuable information.

Celebrate MLK Day by actively supporting blackowned businesses in your community. Websites like [Black Owned Business Directory](https:// officialblackwallstreet.com/directory/) can help you discover and support businesses.

6. Advocate for Equality:

1. Engage in Service Projects:

2. Educate Yourself and Others:

5. Support Black-Owned Businesses:

Take a stand for justice by becoming an advocate for equality in your community. Attend city council meetings, engage in conversations about policy changes, and support initiatives that aim to eliminate discrimination and promote equal opportunities for all.

7. Foster Inclusive Conversations: Create an open and inclusive dialogue about race and social justice with friends, family, and colleagues. MLK Day serves as a reminder that conversations about equality are essential for progress. Encourage respectful discussions that promote understanding and unity. Use platforms like [Zoom](https://zoom.us/) or [Microsoft Teams] (https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoftteams/) for virtual discussions.

3. Attend Community Events: Many communities organize events and activities to commemorate MLK Day. Attend local celebrations, lectures, or panel discussions that focus on civil rights, social justice, and racial equality. Check your local community calendar or use platforms like [Eventbrite](https://www. eventbrite.com/) to find events.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is not only a time to honor the past but also a call to action for the present and future. By actively participating in meaningful activities, we can

4. Reflect on Personal Beliefs: Use MLK Day as a moment for self-reflection.

Consider how you can contribute to a more inclusive and just society. Examine your own biases and prejudices, and commit to fostering an environment of tolerance and understanding in your personal and professional life.

collectively contribute to the realization of Dr. King’s dream of a just and equitable society.

Teachers Making a Difference | Vol 2 Issue 1 , January 2024

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Teachers Making a Difference | Vol 2 Issue 1 , January 2024

(Vocabulary)

Segregation Discrimination Injustice Prejudice Oppression Freedom Justice Segregated Teachers Making a Difference | Vol 2 Issue 1 , January 2024

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(Content Words and Meanings Worksheet)

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Teachers Making a Difference | Vol 2 Issue 1 , January 2024

(Content Words and Meanings Worksheet)

Answers:

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(Complete the Speech) Fill in the blanks with the correct words from the word bank to complete Martin Luther King Jr.'s famous "I Have a Dream" speech.

Word Bank: Injustice Discrimination

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Teachers Making a Difference | Vol 2 Issue 1 , January 2024

(Complete the Speech) Fill in the blanks with the correct words from the word bank to complete Martin Luther King Jr.'s famous "I Have a Dream" speech.

Answers:

Teachers Making a Difference | Vol 2 Issue 1 , January 2024

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Step into your fully furnished cabin where you’ll find queen-size beds complete with soft sheets, individual climate control with A/C for warmer days and heaters for cooler nights.

Embrace the indulgence of your private restroom and revel in the convenience of a futon, bedside tables, and a recharging station. Gaze at the night sky through the skylight or soak in breathtaking scenic views from the huge windows.

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Teachers Making a Difference | Vol 2 Issue 1 , January 2024

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Self-Care Sel f-Care

Is it Selfish or Absolutely Absolutely Necessary?

By Rivette Pena

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Teachers Making a Difference | Vol 2 Issue 1 , January 2024

✅ Cousin Capers: Arrange play sessions with

Balancing personal time with parenting duties becomes even more challenging when your kids follow the same schedule as you, especially when you’re a teacher. You’re off, yay, but so are they.

How do you prioritize self-care while caring for your children? Is it selfish or absolutely necessary?

cousins.

✅ Theme Park Magic: Invest in season passes

with free family invites.

✅ Day Camp Delights: Enroll your kids in day

As a parent of three and an educator to many, I get it, but not everyone does. Be ready for judgment.

Then, toss those judgments aside, and let’s tackle this challenge together. We’ve got this!

camps for exciting activities.

Prioritize Yourself!

parents for monthly sleepovers.

Just like the airline staff advises parents to secure their oxygen masks before assisting others, the same principle applies here. You can’t effectively care for anyone if you’re not taking care of yourself first. No guilt allowed! Your family should thank you, though they might not because, let’s face it, kids can be a tad selfish. Just saying.

Ideas for Your Kids

✅ Parent Partnerships: Swap days with fellow teacherparents.

✅ Sleepover Squad: Form a group of four

Ideas for You

☮

WorkFree Bliss: Unwind and let go of workrelated stress.

☮

Personal Growth: Enroll in a class—whether it’s yoga, art, or music—just for you.

☮ Romantic Escapades: Plan a date night to

✅Family Fun Time: Organize playdates with

rekindle the romance.

✅

with a sexy adventure.

extended family members.

Grand Getaways: Plan sleepovers with the grandparents.

✅

☮ Adventure Awaits: Inject some excitement ☮

Solo Date Night: Revel in quality time with yourself.

Auntie Adventures: Facilitate quality time with aunts.

Self-care is not a waste of time.

Self-care makes your use of time more sustainable.

– Jackie Viramontez

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Tap the Power of Elder Scholars By: Paul Ruez, M.Ed. You or colleagues are “getting up there” on the age timeline and seeing the need for your vision and skills you continue to share strategies and tactics you know are successful.

But not having the financial horsepower or knowledge of a public relations firm, or the $5000 per year to pay Muck Rack to access their media database or the time to send your valuable offerings to all your contacts on LinkedIn, you think… “ya know, maybe I should have paid that $30,000 to $50,000 for a PhD and now I’d be taken a little bit more seriously.”

At 74, I remain very active. See my work posted to LinkedIn and Teachers Making a Difference Magazine for example. I see the lack of critical thinking skills exploding in hate, anger and incivility and publish work like: https://bit.ly/ UseEducationNow Prior to my teaching career I earned critical experience as a US Army Combat Correspondent Photographer in America’s war in Vietnam. This prompted my writing and teaching Conflict Resolution Curriculum so hopefully our younger citizens would have the skills to find non-bloody (non hate) ways to resolve differences.

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I have strategies and tactics that work, but the challenge of being perceived as one with tangible solutions, in our image based culture, is real.

Having a Masters in Education does help but being a “Doctor” often goes a little further.

One answer… Colleges, universities and even organizations can set standards and award Emeritus PhD’s to those elder scholars who are continuing their contributions to the community. I have proposed this to San Diego State University and to Concordia University Irvine where my bachelors and masters came from. No reply from either. I have also proposed this to The MacArthur Foundation where they could award a less or non funded Fellow award. Likewise I have suggested that Muck Rack award one year use of their data base to elder scholars meeting standards. No reply from either.

If this makes sense to you, please shake your tree of influence and let’s tap the care and expertise of our elder scholars before it’s time for them to check out.

Ruezrt@gmail.com

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Ruezrt@gmail.com

A REPORT ON WAR : A Historical Perspective on the Conflict

by Santosh Kumar A Brief History of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is a long-standing and complex dispute over land, identity, and sovereignty in the Middle East. This report provides a historical perspective on the conflict, highlighting key events and turning points.

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1. Historical Background:

3. 1947 UN Partition Plan:

Late 19th Century: The Zionist movement, seeking a homeland for Jews, gained momentum in Europe, particularly in response to rising antiSemitism.

The United Nations proposed a plan to partition Palestine into separate Jewish and Arab states with Jerusalem under international administration.

Balfour Declaration (1917): The British government expressed support for a “national home for the Jewish people” in Palestine.

The plan was accepted by Jewish leaders but rejected by Arab leaders.

4. 1948 Arab-Israeli War: 2. Post-World War I: League of Nations Mandate (1922): Britain was given the mandate to govern Palestine, leading to increased Jewish immigration.

The State of Israel was declared on May 14, 1948, leading to a conflict with neighboring Arab states.

Armistice agreements were signed in 1949, leaving Israel with expanded territory, and displaced Palestinians in refugee camps.

Tensions between Jewish and Arab communities grew as both sought control over the territory.

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5. 1967 Six-Day War: Israel launched a preemptive strike against its Arab neighbors, resulting in the capture of the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and other territories.

The occupation of these territories remains a major point of contention.

6. Peace Process: Multiple attempts at peace negotiations have occurred, including the Camp David Accords (1978) and the Oslo Accords (1993).

Despite efforts, a lasting peace agreement has remained elusive, with issues like borders, refugees, and Jerusalem remaining unresolved.

[ NOTE] - The group Hamas is considered a terrorist organization by various countries and international bodies, including the United States, the European Union, Israel, Canada, and Japan. This designation is primarily due to its history of engaging in acts of violence, including suicide bombings, rocket attacks, and other forms of terrorism, particularly targeting Israeli civilians. Hamas’s charter calls for the destruction of Israel, and it has been involved in numerous conflicts with Israel, leading to the loss of civilian lives on both sides.

7. Current Situation: On October 7, 2023, group of Hamas terrorists from Gaza strip attacked Israel. They killed innocent civilians and beheaded hundreds of young babies, looted the home of people and raped women. They even took 203 people hostage. They fired atleast 7000 rockets from their base in Gaza destroying many houses and killing people. The rocket attack was so much intense that even Iron Dome, the defense system was overwhelmed and didn’t delivered much.

One the same day, thousands of people gathered for a Nova music festival , in the northern part of the country, terrorists saw this as a potential to wage a war against Israel and the Jewish people and infiltrated in to the country. Many border cities like Sderot are completely destroyed, all the houses are burnt, there is a pile of dead bodies and those who have remained alive have migrated to the cities like Telaviv and the southern part of the country.

But still, there is no peace, every time people have to go into the underground banker to save them after the air raid sirens are heard. There is a continuous rocket attack and one can hear a continuous sound of shelling every now and then.

It seems Jewish community has been given a death sentence by the people surrounding the Israel. Also Iranian proxies and terrorists groups like Hizbulloh have been on a offensive and killed many people in the northern borders of the country. Till now, according to the government data, atleast 7000 people have been killed in the ongoing war and this number is supposed to go up in the coming days as the government is going to launch the counter offensive in the Gaza city to flush out terrorists from there. At the same time, thousands of people have been displaced.

There is a grim feeling of sorrow and distress in the people. Families of those who have been kidnapped are pleading the government and the IDF ( Israel Defense Forces) for their release and safety.

There is a great economic and personal loss to each and every people of this country as life will not be the same which used to be earlier after this war.

Jewish people ask this question to every person in this world that Up to how much long we will be attacked on the name of our religion and faith , do we not have the same right as the other human being present on this earth? This type of question is asked by each and every child of Israel, from every world leaders. Why is there so much AntiSemitism among the world?

Despite all these things the people of Israel are

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Teachers Making a Difference | Vol 2 Issue 1 , January 2024

very much resilient and confident. In this hour of difficulty, you can see that every Israeli is standing firmly against all the atrocities and would fight back till the last man as this fight is for the sake of humanity and the existence of the Jewish people.

Like this there are many stories of people who have be through this suffering and distress. But still standing firmly for the country because they think this is the war for their existence.

Conclusion: 8. Testimony of Victims: There are many stories of people who have been the victims of this war, one such is JoRuthchild, she is a mother, who has lost her two children and her husband in this brutal attack, she was attending the Nova music festival and all of a sudden, terrorist launched attacks and in this attack her everything was ruined but she survived somehow but her life is not same as earlier. She describes how brutally her children were beheaded infront of her and she was raped infront of her husband and later her husband was shot dead.

Another story is of Johenesh, who lost his family but went to the war as a soldier and said he had not time for mourning rather have the call for the duty in armed forces.

So the bottom line is that there is a deep suffering and grim feeling due to the war, many children have become orphan and many mothers have lost their children, many lost their loved ones and families but still standing firmly against all the atrocities. The government has called 300000 reservist for deployment at the border. The street and roads which ones used to be giggling with people are now empty and the cities have became ghost towns. All the schools and businesses are closed. People are living in bankers. But still they believe that every thing will return to normal as always peace prevail at last.

Hello, I'm Santosh Kumar, a versatile writer and passionate educator, weaving stories and knowledge across diverse subjects. Let's connect on LinkedInhttps://www. linkedin.com/in/santosh-kumar46b782200 as we embark on a shared adventure through the pages of my newly written book. 📚✨ !!

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Teaching the Ted Lasso Way: Be a Goldfish in the Classroom In the realm of feel-good television, “Ted Lasso” has captured hearts worldwide with its optimism, kindness, and genuine belief in the power of positivity. While the show’s main character, Ted Lasso, navigates the world of professional football, his approach to leadership and personal interactions carries valuable lessons that extend far beyond the sports field. For teachers, embracing the “Ted Lasso Way” in the classroom can foster a positive and effective learning environment.

1. Start with Positivity: Ted Lasso’s infectious positivity is his superpower.

In the classroom, beginning each day with a positive mindset can set the tone for a conducive learning atmosphere. Greet your students with enthusiasm, acknowledge their strengths, and inspire them to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. Remember, as Ted says, “Be a goldfish” — let go of the past and approach each day with a fresh perspective. (Yes, I know that the premise that a goldfish has a 10 sec memory is false, but the idea is still sound)

2. Build Relationships: Ted Lasso’s success lies not just in his coaching skills but in his ability to connect with people.

Similarly, teachers can enhance the learning experience by building strong relationships with

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their students. Take the time to understand their interests, concerns, and aspirations. Cultivate an environment where students feel comfortable expressing themselves, knowing that their teacher genuinely cares about their well-being.

Students will do anything for a teacher that truly cares about them. Don’t try to “B.S.” them, their poop meter is strong. Fake is not a good look on a teacher. As a teacher, I tried very hard to make a connection with all my students. I never regretted the effort I made to connect with my students.

3. Foster Team Spirit: One of Ted Lasso’s mantras is the importance of teamwork. In the classroom, promote collaboration among students. Create a sense of community where everyone feels included and valued.

Encourage teamwork through group projects, peer-to-peer learning, and classroom activities that foster a supportive learning community.

4. Embrace Challenges with a Smile: Ted Lasso faces challenges with a grin and an unyielding belief that things will get better.

Teachers can adopt a similar mindset when confronted with difficulties in the classroom.

Whether it’s adapting to new teaching methods, addressing behavioral issues, or navigating unforeseen circumstances, approaching challenges with optimism and resilience can inspire students to do the same.

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5. Be Authentic:

7. Model Kindness:

Ted Lasso is unabashedly himself—a genuine and authentic individual. Teachers, too, can benefit from being true to themselves in the classroom.

Authenticity builds trust with students, creating an environment where learning feels more personal and meaningful. Share your passions, experiences, and even your mistakes. Vulnerability can be a powerful tool for connecting with students on a deeper level.

Kindness is a cornerstone of Ted Lasso’s character.

Teachers can create a positive classroom culture by modeling kindness and empathy. Demonstrate respect, active listening, and understanding. Foster an environment where students feel safe to express themselves, and where kindness is a guiding principle for interaction.

6. Celebrate Successes, Big and Small: In Ted Lasso’s world, victories are celebrated, no matter how small. In the classroom, acknowledge and celebrate the successes of your students, whether it’s mastering a challenging concept, completing a project, or showing improvement. Recognition boosts confidence and motivates students to continue putting in effort.

Incorporating the “Ted Lasso Way” into teaching isn’t just about imparting knowledge; it’s about creating an environment where students feel seen, heard, and inspired to reach their full potential. By infusing positivity, building relationships, embracing authenticity, and remembering to “Be a goldfish,” teachers can make a lasting impact on their students’ educational journey, just like Ted Lasso does in the world of sports.

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Brown Bagging It

Taco Salad INGREDIENTS 🥗 Spring Mix

🥗 English Cucumbers (chopped) 🥗 Broccoli Florets (chopped) 🥗 Carrots (finely sliced) 🥗 Red Cabbage (shredded) 🥗 Grape Tomatoes (sliced) 🥗 Mexican Blend Cheese (shredded) 🥗 Ground Turkey seasoned in taco seasoning 🥗 Dressing of your choice (I use low fat Italian) Enjoy!Directions 1. Combine ingredients.

2. Top with sour cream, salsa or your favorite dressing.

3. Enjoy!

Credit: https://www.instagram.com/stephs.dlux.kitchen/?e=74210268-298c-4ffe-ada5-dc79f773d82f&g=5

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Teacher Shot by 6 year old: All in a Days Work?

by Rivette Pena In the intricate tapestry of education, where teachers bear immense responsibilities beyond the traditional scope of imparting knowledge, Abigail Zwerner’s recent legal battle illuminates the unforeseen challenges inherent in the noble profession. As a dedicated educator charged with shaping the minds of future generations, Zwerner’s experience goes beyond the academic realm, exposing assumed liabilities that extend far beyond the anticipated responsibilities of a first-grade teacher. The recent ruling by Newport News Circuit Court Judge Matthew Hoffman allowing Zwerner to proceed with her $40 million lawsuit against the school system marks a crucial juncture, challenging the prevailing notion that the risks faced by teachers fall exclusively under the provisions of workers’ compensation.

Newport News Public Schools sought to block Zwerner’s lawsuit, asserting that she was eligible only for workers’ compensation benefits, typically covering a decade of pay and lifelong medical care for on-the-job injuries. However, Judge Hoffman disagreed, asserting that Zwerner’s injuries did not directly stem from her employment and were not exclusively covered by workers’ compensation. He emphasized that the risk of being shot by a student is not inherent to the role

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of a first-grade teacher, countering the argument that such incidents are common occupational hazards.

Zwerner, who endured significant injuries to her hand and chest, spent nearly two weeks in the hospital, undergoing multiple surgeries. Alleging that school administrators had ignored prior warnings about the student possessing a gun, Zwerner’s case sheds light on the critical role administrators play in ensuring a safe learning environment. Expressing satisfaction with the judge’s decision, Zwerner’s legal team, including Diane Toscano, Jeffrey Breit, and Kevin Biniazan, underscored the ruling’s importance in their pursuit of justice for Zwerner. They highlighted the unexpected nature of the incident, emphasizing that no teacher anticipates facing a firearm held by a six-year-old student, and expressed their determination to seek accountability and a fair recovery.

While the school board plans to appeal the decision, asserting that Zwerner’s injuries are linked to her job and should be covered under workers’ compensation, the judge’s ruling challenges the widely held belief that such

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cases are strictly bound by Virginia’s workers’ compensation law.

Zwerner’s case resonates as a powerful narrative within the broader discourse on education, prompting reflection on the multifaceted role of educators. Teaching goes beyond being a mere instructor; it encompasses being a guardian of safe spaces, a mentor cultivating character, and an advocate for the well-being of students. The assumed liabilities inherent in education, from addressing diverse learning needs to navigating complex interpersonal dynamics, become intrinsic to the profession.

In the ever-evolving landscape of education, it becomes imperative to acknowledge and address the diverse challenges educators face, challenges that extend beyond the expected scope of their profession. The ruling not only necessitates a reevaluation of Virginia’s workers’ compensation laws but also initiates a broader conversation on the multifaceted role of educators. To be an educator is to embrace the complexities, navigate the unexpected, and, above all, empower the minds that shape the future. As eloquently expressed by Henry Adams, “A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.”

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Teachers Making a Difference | Vol 2 Issue 1 , January 2024

Kelsey Rodriguez StarConsultant

2107175578 kelseyrodriguez223@yahoo. com

https://Kels1320.scentsy.us

Math Activities forIdeal Middle School and Algebra I for : Engaging Classwork Activities Self Checking Digital Activities Assessments Homeschool Practice

Teachers Making a Difference | Vol 2 Issue 1 , January 2024 35

Name

Date

Period

Adding Integers

+++++++

1. - - - - -

With/Without Models

2. -- -- - + - ++++

3. - - - - - - 4.

5.

6.

0

8 + (-5)

5

6

3

3 + (-4)

3 + (-4)

4

1

0

-7 + 12

7.

8.

11

14

0

8

9

7

15

0

0

9.

-6 + (-4) + 17

13

0

2

2 + (-5) + 3

10.

0

15 + (-17)

11.

0

-6 + 10 + (-8)

12.

11 + (-17)

0

13.

16 + (-10)

14.

-5 + (-12)

15.

-12 + 7

12

Blue ( -6, 2, 5), Green (4, 6, -4), Pink (7, -3, -7), Purple (-5, 3, 0), Yellow (-2, -1, -17)

c A Mathmindset 2022 36

10

Teachers Making a Difference | Vol 2 Issue 1 , January 2024

Winter Adding Integers v2

Teachers Making a Difference | Vol 2 Issue 1 , January 2024 37

AVAILABLE ON AMAZON

38

Teachers Making a Difference | Vol 2 Issue 1 , January 2024

Name:____________________

Date:_______________

Rabbit Teaches Attitude of Gratitude Book 1 The Timid Rabbit Series ®

By Dr. Cathy Coker This rabbit does not know that he is cute, creative, cuddly, and very approachable. No one has ever told him that. That is why he is afraid of his own shadow at times. Boo! Yelp! Poor Rabbit, he does not know that he is a legend in his field. Rabbits act as guides between heaven, earth, and the underworld. In the earth plane, Rabbit is a sound navigator, having perceptions that pilot him through the darkness. Because of this, Rabbit represents sensitives and seers and their psychic powers. If you see one, it is one of those moments in life when we must “hop to” even in unfamiliar surroundings, using our inner light for direction. This poor little rabbit does not do much hopping nowadays because he does not know where to go. He is afraid of getting lost. Maybe he needs a GPS system. But how will he go buy one if he does not leave his house?

1.

What are some adjectives that the author uses to describe rabbit?

2.

Why does the author say that Rabbit is a sound navigator?

3.

What advice would you give to Rabbit to help him?

Teachers Making a Difference | Vol 2 Issue 1 , January 2024 39

Name:____________________

Date:_______________

Rabbit Teaches Attitude of Gratitude Book 1 The Timid Rabbit Series ®

By Dr. Cathy Coker

Word Scramble Scrambled 1. ictaevre 2. eutc 3. neeiprotcps 4. gleedn 5. aargnoivt 6. btrbai 7. rcdteiino 8. fmiruaialn 9. eeetbwn 10. rewspo

40

Teachers Making a Difference | Vol 2 Issue 1 , January 2024

Unscrambled

Name:____________________

Date:_______________

Rabbit Teaches Attitude of Gratitude Book 1 The Timid Rabbit Series ®

By Dr. Cathy Coker

Use Words In A Sentence words

Sentences

1. creative 2. cute 3. perceptions 4. legend 5. navigator 6. rabbit 7. direction 8. unfamiliar 9. between 10. powers Teachers Making a Difference | Vol 2 Issue 1 , January 2024 41

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Teachers Making a Difference | Vol 2 Issue 1 , January 2024