Teachers Making A Difference

TEACHERS Making a difference

Welcome to Issue 1: Ripple Effect

San Antonio Educators Making a Difference James Borrego, Dr. Cathy Coker, Jesse Borrego & Rivette Pena

TEACHER OF THE MONTH The magazine by teachers for teachers

Ashley White

August 2022

Computer Literacy -Macon, GA

“exemplifies characteristics that all educators should strive to duplicate”

An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.

-Benjamin Franklin Our actions and decisions today will shape the way we will be living in the future.

The Science of Teaching www.testprepcertification.com

Editor’s letter The Ripple Effect Dr. Cathy Coker Mother Teresa reminds me of how teachers, including myself, impact the lives of students.

I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the water to create many ripples -Mother Teresa.

This magazine has cast a stone in the pond of educators. It has seen its ripple effect on how much this magazine is needed to help the teachers speak their truths. This is your time to let everyone know what you do in the classroom has had a ripple effect on not just your students but on anyone that knows you.

Teachers let me remind you what this magazine wishes to accomplish. Our goal is to encourage each of us in knowing that our pebble is making the necessary ripples it needs in the lives of our students. It may not be so visible to some, but

I know that as a teacher we impact the lives of people we don’t even know that are watching us.

As teachers we must keep in mind that we are constantly throwing those pebbles as we master what we teach.

It is C&P’s objective to help all who read this magazine to learn from each other. This is not ALL about data, scores, or benchmarks. It’s about supporting each other through those moments in time when we feel that our pebble isn’t making an impact. Let me encourage you now that no matter how big the ripples are, you are making a difference in the lives of children, parents, colleagues, and those that are invisible to you. You are being heard, seen, and appreciated because you have thrown your pebble in the pond called the classroom.

It is this Editor’s wish that you share your pebbles with us because we all learn from each other!

Teachers Making a Difference | Issue 1, August 2022

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C&P Educational Consultants

CONTENTS

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Editor: Dr. Cathy Coker Designers: Rivette Pena

San Antonio Educators Making a Difference in Their Own Way The birth of a magazine.

11 Kids Freeze Dance Incorporating movement into learning. Lessons children remember.

16 Having Fun Learning New Languages Things we do everyday, this teacher did learn not only 1 but 2 new languages.

26 6 Ways to Learn with Sidewalk Chalk Cool ways to incorporate sidewalk chalk into your curriculum.

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Editors Letter

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Brown Bagging It

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Teacher of the Month

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A Day in the Life of an Administrator

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The Ripple Effect and how it impacts us as educators.

Katey Kate’s Amazing Chocolate Chip Cookies. These sound amazing. You will rush to try this recipe.

Ashley White Computer Literacy teacher from Macon Georgia. Read about her accomplishments.

Maria Rendon describes her day as a Vice Prinicipal.

Tips for 1st Year SPED Teachers Great advice for 1st year Special Education Teachers.

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Hidden Heroes

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Teacher Authors

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Teachers Have Skills

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Dear 1st Year Teacher,

Read about how two wonderful ladies make many teacher’s lives much much easier.

View the works of fellow educators and support their endeavors.

There are many teachers who have side gigs. What are yours?

The thoughts of a 1st year teacher at the end of her first year.

Teachers Making a Difference | Issue 1, August 2022

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San Antonio Educators Making a Difference in Their Own Way Rivette Pena Dr. Cathy Coker had a vsion. She knew she wanted to make a difference. I’ve known Cathy for about 5 years. I came to her tired, close to retirement and on the verge of a family tragedy. We started brainstorming. Together, we are a force to be reckoned with. Let me tell you. So began C&P Educational Consultants.

We wanted to lift and empower the educators of today and tomorrow. We realized Teachers Making a Difference Magazine was different. I put out some feelers and I received a great deal of positive feedback. So our Magazine was born. Now did I mention I am a Math Teacher not a Magazine Editor. I had a great deal to learn.

We knew we wanted to work with teachers that needed to take their certification tests and help them across the finish line. We realized we had a great deal to offer. So we started researching and taking things slowly.

We agreed that through Teachers Making a Difference Magazine educators would be highlighted and honored for their contributions.

Articles would be written by teachers for teachers.

The magazine would embody the view of education through the eyes of teachers. It would contain articles on pedagogy, curriculum, and various commentaries on the state of education.

Then one day in early December, I suffered a loss.

I lost my only daughter and was not sure how I would survive this experience. But Cathy in all her wisdom, decided I needed focus. We poured ourselves into what had now become our vision.

Every time we met we were tearing down obstacles and creating new avenues. We finally reached the pinnacle. We knew the path to our success lie in the sharing of our vision.

Our vision to enable teachers to exhibit excellence in teaching, learning, and research, and develop leaders that make a difference. We knew then and there we needed a magazine.

We also wanted to improve the reading, writing, and speaking skills of the students of today and tomorrow. Through individual training on The Science of Teaching Reading (STR) teachers will be trained and prepared to pass the STR exam.

The STR Trainer of Trainers will allow teachers to become trained and go forth to train others. This will raise the level of teaching exponentially.

C&P will provide a curriculum to best support STR and provide reading materials. Materials will include videos for training and children’s books

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Teachers Making a Difference | Issue 1, August 2022

Being the voice of teachers.

Being suportive even when no one else is.

with accompanying STR curriculum by grade level.

This is not a small endeavor. Did we bite off more than we could chew? How would we accomplish all these things? Well, where there’s a will, there’s a way. What we didn’t know, we researced and reached out to others who did know.

Cathy is amazing. She is so personable.

She reached out and made contact with Jesse Borrego, actor and educator. Who in turn, introduced us to James Borrego, educator and film who has also been lending us his ear. Together they have been able to help us with our business plan and mentoring us as we embark on our journey.

We reached out to Magazine professional who guided me through the development of our magazine. I highly recommend Stephne Bowker from WorkingDogResources.com. She is very knowledgeable and a pleasure to work with.

Get your free guide here www.workingdogresources.com

They have suggested avenues we hadn’t even considered. They have faith in our mission and for that we are greatful.

This first issue is the result of many hours of hard work, dedication, vision and downright passion. We are here to make a difference. We will do our very best. As we grow, we will highlight more and more teachers.

If you ever wonder if you are appreciated, please remember WE appreciate everything that you do. And we will help anyway that we can.

Support Our Kickstarter https://www.kickstarter.com/profile/teachersmagazine Effective Aug 1, 2022 Teachers Making a Difference | Issue 1, August 2022

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Empowering Educators

Curriculum Ideas

Need help?

Career Counseling Emotional Support Classroom Management T-Tess Strategies Contact Information

drcathycoker@gmail.com (210) 313-7739

Brown Bagging It

Katie Kate’s Amazing Sea Salt Chocolate Chip Cookies.

INGREDIENTS 2 sticks butter (softened) 1/2 cup white sugar 1 1/2 cups dark brown sugar (packed) 2 eggs 2 tsp vanilla 3 1/3 cups flour 2 heaping tsp coarse sea salt 1 tsp baking soda 1 1/2 tsp baking powder 2 1/4 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips INSTRUCTIONS 1. Combine butter and sugar and cream for 3 minutes until it almost looks like fluffy frosting. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.

2. Add eggs and vanilla and cream for another 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.

3. In a separate bowl, add all the dry ingredients together and mix with a fork. Slowly add the combined dry ingredients to the butter/sugar/egg/vanilla mixture, making sure the flour mixes into the dough until you can barely see any white streaks. *Note: These cookies have a tendency to come out flat if you do not first chill the dough. If you are planning to bake them immediately, add another 1/4 cup flour.

4. Add chocolate chips. Mix until combined. *PRO TIP: Before baking, chill your cookie dough overnight in the fridge (or outside on a cold winter night!). Cookie dough can be refrigerated up to 36 hours before baking. It helps the flour and butter absorb together and gives the cookies a deeper color and flavor. ‘ 5. Bake for 10-12 minutes at 360 degrees on a parchment lined cookie sheet (for faster cleanup). After taking cookies out of the oven, let them rest on the cookie sheet for a few minutes before moving them to a cooling rack. *Kate and I greatly differ on the cooking time. I like my cookies to be barely cooked so they are super soft and chewy whereas Kate prefers hers to be a bit on the firmer/browner side. Play around with the cooking time to determine your preferred final product (you might just have to make another batch of cookies to figure this out!)

Please submit any recipes you would like to share by sending them to articles4teachers@gmail.com subject: recipes visit www.testprepcertification.com for submission requirements Teachers Making a Difference | Issue 1, August 2022

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Teacher of the Month Ms. Ashley White

By Nancy Ward Mrs. Ashley White, who teaches Computer Literacy classes at the school, exemplifies characteristics that all educators should strive to duplicate including the love she shows students as well as how she cares for her coworkers. She takes great pride in her work and works diligently to integrate her technology standards with the content standards being taught in the classrooms. She comes to school with a smile on her face and is willing to do whatever is necessary to help each and every person feel welcomed and valued. Mrs. White helps to plan activities and festivities that engage the faculty, staff, and students in celebrating our learning environment.

Mrs. White works diligently to build a school that is pleasant and engaging for our students. She works in conjunction with the leadership team to plan engaging activities for all faculty and staff in an effort to bring fun and excitement into the school. She partners with our media specialist to manage our school newsletter and helps manage our social media accounts to keep parents informed. Mrs. White coordinates our picture days and then compiles photos to put together the yearbook and oversees the competition among our students to determine whose design will become our yearbook cover. She is part of the exploratory team, who work together to plan celebrations for students to encourage respectful, responsible, and safe behavior in exploratory classes.

Additionally, Mrs. White provides Tier 3 interventions for students. The dedication to helping the students succeed is evident in her developing assessments to determine the needs

of the students and then planning differentiated tasks to target the skills the students are missing. Mrs. White is loved by her students because she is kind, loving, fun, fair, and truly cares about each of them. She gets to know each child individually and learns how best to support and encourage them in her class as well as within the larger school setting. Mrs. White plans interactive and multisensory lessons and then assesses their progress using hands-on activities as well as paper and pencil tasks.

Some teachers are just meant to be teachers, and this is true of Mrs. Ashley White. She does an excellent job balancing her love for her students with holding them accountable for the work she expects and plans for them to complete. I am inspired daily by her love, acceptance, and grace that she offers students and coworkers and how hard she works to make Mattie Wells Elementary a great place to learn. Mrs. White is a teacher to celebrate, and she deserves the honor of being showcased in your magazine.

Nominate a Teacher that you feel needs to be Showcased.

Subject: Teacher of the Month email: www.articles4teachers@gmail.com Visit www.testprepcertification.com for submission requirements.

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Teachers Making a Difference | Issue 1, August 2022

Kids Freeze Dance is a streaming service for teachers and parents that features contentthemed educational videos. Each video features the drumming of Jay on the Drums and emphasizes different content spanning Kindergarten through Third Grade while focusing on

Math and Literacy concepts.

Children are encouraged to move to the drum beat and freeze when the tone sounds. At each stopping point, Jay on the Drums will review the focus point of the video. For example, in a video about learning Addition math facts; as the child stops, they will see on the screen a math a fact like 6 + 4 = 10 and they are then instructed to say it out loud or even solve it if there is no answer shown.

For literacy, a video on the Bossy -ar sound will present an appropriate word during the freeze and encourage the participants to say it out loud; all while frozen. A side effect of this kind of learning is that of self-control.

Adding movement to everyday lessons has been something Jay on the Drums has used in his own classes for years. “Research has shown that movement during the school day benefits academic performance and improves behavior.” Jenny Vo.

Why is movement important to learning? One main reason is that it increases brain development and neuron connections. It has also been observed to help access different areas of the brain for learning all while fostering connection with others and emotional regulation.

For the modern teacher, using a streaming service in their classroom has become commonplace.

KidsFreezeDance.com does not require a sign-up fee; you can go for as long or as short as you’d like.

One additional feature is the ability to submit your idea for future videos. As the service has grown since 2020, Jay has taken many requests that ultimately lead to a larger library for all. Videos are added weekly and there is no limit to what can be covered.

Kids Freeze Dance is perfect for public school teachers or homeschooling families. Learning should be fun, and Jay on the Drums is committed to helping this be a reality for all children.

“I hear and I forget, I see and I remember, I do and I understand.” www.KidsFreezeDance.com

During a math block of 90 minutes, it is imperative that the teacher includes variety and movement in their lesson to maximize engagement. Elementaryaged students cannot be expected to sit an entire lesson and Kids Freeze Dance is the perfect resource to encourage purposeful movement.

Teachers Making a Difference | Issue 1, August 2022

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A Day In The Life Of An Administrator Maria Rendon When I would first tell my friends or family members that I was a Vice-Principal or Assistant Principal, I sensed that they imagined me sitting behind a fancy desk, in a big chair, in a big office, with my feet up on the desk. They would often ask questions such as, “how long is your lunch?” or “I bet those kids are bad” My office is your basic small office with the hand me down chair that I inherited from the guy before me. There is no such thing as lunch when you have to work all 3 lunch duties and handle any discipline issues that may occur. Lunch may happen around 2 pm or 3 pm, and by then, you might as well wait for dinner!

Administrators are usually the first one’s on campus next to the custodians and they are often the last ones to leave. That’s if you are a good administrator.

On a typical day I arrive around 7 a.m. and hope there are no parents waiting to meet with me before my day even begins. I get my computer on, glance at my emails quickly, check my voicemail and turn on my office radio. Next I grab the Administrators power tools: keys and my walkie talkie. I head for morning duty.

The walk from point A to point B sometimes becomes a minefield of redirection: students hiding in the restroom, students trying to sneak in the buildings unsupervised, and trying to answer the random 10 questions any teacher can try to ask you as you try to get to duty on time.

On duty you chat with students as they walk by and

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Teachers Making a Difference | Issue 1, August 2022

many times not. How can you be so young and so grouchy, so early? Sometimes a “Good morning” gets you a return of a “Good morning” or often you get the obligatory grunt. Every now and then you get to have some good conversations with students who seek you out just to share something personal or talk about the weather. Being approachable helps students trust you and helps build relationships.

Once students get into the classroom the clock starts ticking and you become a Fireman trying to put out all the little fires that will develop in a day. From walkthroughs to student conferences, and parent calls, the day will fly by. The most time-consuming events are the investigations

Once students get into the classroom the clock starts ticking and you become a Fireman trying to put out all the little fires that will develop in a day.

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into bullying or mean girl/boy behaviors. Investigations involve interviewing students and getting statements and calling parents to let them know you had to talk to their child. If you can survive 3 lunches, the hardest part of the day to me, then you’ve made it. And then you hear on the radio, “Ms. Rendon, there is a parent here to see you.”

public enemy number one. No two days are the same.

On my good days I make good connections with students, have a parent on my side, and I make a teacher feel like I really care and support them.

This is the kind of day this administrator likes to have.

You never know how the day will turn out. On any given day you can have the best productive superhero day and on another day, you can be

R E

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Teachers Making a Difference | Issue 1, August 2022

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Dr. Cathy Coker I want to give a Shout out to two Support Staff at Leal Middle School in San Antonio, Texas.

Our support staff are sometimes overlooked but not today. I want to give a shout-out to Ms. Lisa Gomez and Ms. Toni Jimenez. I want the world to know how much you are loved. I could climb on the rooftops and shout it out loud so all could hear how wonderful you two are, but I won’t, only because I am afraid of heights, but I can give you both wonderful ladies a shout-out for all the world to see and read in this months’ edition of Teachers Make a Difference magazine!

Ms. Lisa and Ms. Toni from Leal Middle School.

They were my guardian angels. If you believe in Angels here are a couple of them. These ladies are kind-hearted and giving. They are hardworking and never complained about the tasks they were given. These were the Rockys of our school. These paras always greeted me with a smile every day and were always ready to sub for our classes when the teachers had an emergency.

Ms. Lisa runs the copy room at Leal M. S. and she was always there to help out with a smile on whatever you needed. Ms. Toni was supposed to be retired this past school year but she came back to help out!

I don’t think the angel squad wanted her to retire just yet, so she came back this year to serve the staff again.

They also brought us food. Being the person that I am I always talked about food and of course, these

ladies always shared what they would bring for breakfast or lunch. Thank you, Ms. Lisa and Ms.Toni for the chalupas and breakfast tacos. I’ll work on my diet next school year.

Both ladies watched over me as angels do.

If you ever need a friend to talk to I’ll lend you, Ms. Lisa and Ms. Toni. They are the support that holds the school together. What would we do without them? I’d cry!!!! I love you both very much for all that you did for me this past school year.

Nominate a Hidden Heroe that you feel needs to be Showcased.

Subject: Hidden Heroe email: www.articles4teachers@gmail.com Visit www.testprepcertification.com for submission requirements.

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Teachers Making a Difference | Issue 1, August 2022

Tips For a 1st Year SPED Teacher Dr Martha M. Briseno Dr. Martha M. Briseno is an Early Childhood Special Education expert specializing in K-2 English Language Arts (ELAR) interventions for children with communication, physical, intellectual, sensory, and behavioral exceptionalities.

relevant pedagogies, multimodalities, and the disproportionality in special education. As an educator, her goal is to ensure that all students are seen as learners, readers, and their diverse abilities as assets.

As a social worker, Martha has experience in psychosocial rehabilitation services for adults with exceptionalities as a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP-II) with MHMR, community outreach, and writing health related curriculum as a health educator for marginalized groups in Southwest Houston.

Tips for 1st Year SPED Teachers

Her career in education began in 2004 and it has been dedicated to serving special populations as a teacher and an advocate in various school districts in Texas. In 2021, Martha co-edited and published the book The Kaleidoscope of Lived Curricula: Learning Through a Confluence of Crises. Her interests include critical race studies, culturally

•Review and organize your students’ IEPs in a system that works for you.

•Review all IEP dates and create a calndar of due dates.

•Make Positive contact with parents and establish a collaborative relationship.

•Create an agenda for IEP meetings to help you stay on track.

•Ask for help when needed and be willing to accept the help.

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Teachers Making a Difference | Issue 1, August 2022

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Having Fun Learning New Languages Anne Lascano I am Anne. I studied art because I thought it was “my thing”. Even though art is a great part of who I am, what is truly my thing has everything to do with literature and languages; but somehow, I was never aware of that, until I made the mistake of studying art.

When I was a child, I liked to create stories -write them- and illustrate them, I also liked to play “to think in other languages”, particularly English, because I grew up in the border with the United States, and in French, because my mother is French. I always enjoyed the different sounds languages have to offer, and since I had the required abilities to comfortably read subtitles, I preferred to watch movies in their original language, whatever it was.

When I met the love of my life -at 15-, I started writing (to him) poetry. Thanks to him I discovered that writing is the most satisfactory way my soul expresses itself.

But I studied art. Why? I think I had literature and languages in me in such a natural way that I wasn’t aware of how important they were for me. And that’s the reason I spent quite some time looking for something to study, I even went to a vocational psychologist who suggested greatly that I became an actress (ha, ha!).

But the day came in which I realized that, I had taught myself English and French. This is what I did to self-learn two languages:

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Teachers Making a Difference | Issue 1, August 2022

1. WATCH MOVIES The first step was to watch movies that I GREATLY enjoyed, in their original language and with Spanish subtitles (my native language). But I didn’t watch them just once, I watched them enough times to perfectly understand what was going on in every scene and understand the dialogues between the characters.

As I mentioned earlier, I enjoy very much the sounds each language has, then focusing in the actors speaking made me, unconsciously, familiarize with the language’s phonics. And it was especially good for me because, by watching the movies several times, I secured the necessary repetitions for learning.

Afterwards I started watching the same movies in their original language with subtitles in the same language; this way I could listen and read what was being said, and at the same time I knew what was happening because I was familiar with every

scene and the dialogues. Besides, for fun, I would imitate the pronunciation and the accents, which was extremely beneficial.

This way I started to identify words and phrases with their meanings and their grammar, and in common situations, sometimes pronounced properly and with neutral accents, but also with different accents.

2. LEARN BY MEMORY THE LYRICS OF MY FAVORITE SONGS

Have you ever misinterpreted a song in a different language and butchered it by messing up the lyrics? It sometimes, happens to me. Even after all these years I still mess them up. Unbelievable!

Don’t you think?

So, what I did to learn the lyrics correctly is: • Listen to the song and read the lyrics.

• Look for the meaning of the words I don’t understand.

• Listen and sing the song reading the lyrics and knowing what it means.

deny that my visual side appears because I enjoy seeing the words. What’s more, I must admit that many of my senses enjoy reading. Not only sight, I also enjoy feeling in my fingertips the texture of the pages, and my smell is thankful for the scent of books -old and new-; and, if we go deeper, we could assume that we have other senses that are not just physical and that are benefited by reading; I mean the imagination and the curiosity. All these little -immense! – pleasures guided me towards a fluid, calm, REAL and PERMANENT process of learning a language. I must confess that my books suffered the consequences because they ended up filled with notes of meaning of words and translations of conjugations, expressions and phrases in general. But it was worth it!

In conclusion, through reading and other activities that I’ve always enjoyed, I effectively learned English and French without realizing it. My goal was not to learn English and French, it was simply a strong inclination that I had, it was my curiosity, my longing for understanding the movies, the songs, the books… especially poetry, there’s no greater pleasure than to read a work in its original language, in its original feeling… don’t misunderstand me, translation is an art, and a very beautiful one, I myself am a translator, but there is something: a charm, magic, a certain power and an enormous pleasure in being able to read, hear, see, in the original language.

And if I had known that I was learning languages, and had had a tutor to guide me, I’d probably learned many other languages. But it’s never too late! Learning languages is a beautiful process, as long as the process is right for you.

Repetitions. They’re an excellent way of learning.

Repetitions through activities you enjoy, in my case the movies and the songs were ideal. I enjoyed it so much, I didn’t realize I was actually learning.

3. READING Another of my favorite activities is reading.

Of course, I don’t like all kinds of readings. I particularly love novels. They entertain me and intrigue me; I want to know more. Moreover, I can’t Teachers Making a Difference | Issue 1, August 2022

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Teacher Authors She offers a candid and humorous description of why she has chosen not to have children. This book will help you understand that being a mom is not a role that every woman desires to play. She will help you understand why it can sometimes feel lonely as a childfree woman and that there is a large support network available for women like you and her.

Andy is riding the school bus for the first time. Which, for most kids is not a big deal, but for Andy, it’s debilitating. You see Andy suffers from Anxiety and this is the story of how his friends helped him ride the bus when he couldn’t do it all by himself.

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Kelly Hawkins

This offers an honest description of teaching English at the high school level. Most books on teaching only tell you about the positive aspects of the profession and there is nothing wrong with that, but education is a complex world to navigate. People should enter a teaching career armed with as much accurate information as possible.

Rivette Pena

Teachers Making a Difference | Issue 1, August 2022

This study guide has 150 selected-response questions, 141 open-ended discussion questions, and 1 Constructed response scenario with a rubric.

We are confident that if you follow our 7-step plan in preparation for this test you will be destined for success.

Rabbit has a huge mission. Mother Earth has asked Rabbit to please help her from suffocating from all the trash found on the beach and in her oceans. Rabbit looks at this mission as a vacation, and soon all his friends follow him to help in cleaning the waterfront and the ocean. Mother Earth is very happy that not only did the animals help but the local people from the nearby town join him as well.

This is a story about a timid rabbit that discovers the secret to living an abundant life. Mother Earth commissions Rabbit to reveal this secret to the world. Rabbit’s insecurities are keeping him from revealing this important message to the people of the villages where he lives now. With the help of his friends, Rabbit reveals the secret to prosperity: helping the people live a prosperous life.

If you are resisting change for the sake of change, then this is your story. Let Rabbit teach you that any form of resistance will surely persist. This universal law is called the law of resistance.

This law ensures that whatever you resist, you will experience repetitive encounters with that resistance. Repetitive unhappy experiences will eventually force you to let go of your fear and help you deal with your situation consciously.

Submit Teacher Author information to articles4teachers@gmail.com Subject: Teacher Authors visit www.testprepcertification.com for submission requirements

The Lost Stones is a riveting story with intense action and suspense. This science-fiction YA novel is suitable for the young and old at heart and will entice the reader’s attention as the mystery and power of the stones is revealed.

Julie Hendrix Teachers Making a Difference | Issue 1, August 2022

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Dear Ms. Weaver, Ms. Weaver

I’m a first year teacher and the school I’m at encourages teachers to have class pets. What do you suggest?

Just remember to consider allergies, space in your class and cost. Your students will of course shower it with love. But pets don’t go into storage for the summer so pick something you don’t mind spending the summer with.

Sincerely,

Hoping this was helpful!

1st Year 5th grade Teacher

Sincerely,,

Dear Ms. Weaver,

Ms. Weaver Dear 1st Year 5th grade Teacher, Congratualtions on your new adventure. A pet is a great way to teach your students responisibility and community. Class pets can foster a sense safety and can help the students’ emotiional and mental growth. A classroom pet can enrich the classroom experience. Students can learn nutrition and how to care for animals. They can see how their actions affect others.

Things to consider when choosing a pet are allergies, space, care, and expense. Some suggestions may be hamsters, gerbils, rabbits, lizards, frogs and fish. These are just a few. Picking a pet is a personal choice. I know that I can’t even keep a plant alive so any class pet would be cursed.

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Teachers Making a Difference | Issue 1, August 2022

If you have a question for Ms. Weaver email: dearmsweaver@gmail.com subject: Dear Ms. Weaver,

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Teachers Making a Difference | Issue 1, August 2022

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Teachers Have Skills

I have created a plethora of tried and true lessons and games that I am excited to share with other teachers. All of the materials have been tested and have proven worthy of sharing with others! Enjoy!

Middle School Math TEKS based Activities Gr 6-9 Alg. Fun Math activities and rigorous assessments.

Many free activities.

Teach Happy! I love trying new things to keep teaching and learning fresh and fun!

Enjoy the Freebies Finding Slope from a table Partner Activity

(c) A Math Mindset 2017 This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC

submit your information to articles4teachers@gmail.com subject: Teachers Have Skills Visit www.testprepcertification.com for submission requirements 22

Teachers Making a Difference | Issue 1, August 2022

Dear 1st Yr Teacher, Hannah Rosales I’m so grateful for the experience I had as a clinical teacher this semester being able to pour into these students’ lives. I got to witness not only their artistic growth but their overall growth too. Creativity isn’t something that you can lose.

Everyone is made to be creative, we just doubt our ability as we age.

Creativity is expression in the form of art, music, writing, dance, theater, etc. I didn’t just teach these youth art but to know they have a purpose in life and to be confident in who God created them to be.

This upcoming generation needs to know that their life has meaning. Life is not supposed to be meaningless. And I want them to know that they can celebrate all moments big and small. I think the most humbling moment was seeing a student (whose behavior I had to re-direct a lot) ask me, “Miss can you sign my yearbook?” He was one of the first ones to ask and even through that constant correction, he saw the genuine care I had for my students.

I want them to strive for excellence because I can see their potential. Students want to know not only that their teachers genuinely care about them, but that they make mistakes too. Students are not above their teachers, but when they are taught, they will eventually mirror those same characteristics that their teacher displayed. A good teacher, however, will also learn from their students.

Picture a teacher walking in a classroom on Monday morning, coffee in one hand, lesson plans in another. She’s thinking about the three children of her own, all under the age 6 and how to juggle Mom life and teaching life. But now, it’s 8 o’ clock and it’s time for her to start her day. Picture another teacher walking into a classroom, basketball plays

in one hand, lesson plans in another. He’s thinking about his wife, family, coaching and then realizing the college basketball game he was going to take his son to see, falls on the same day as the 8th grade boys basketball tournament.

Now picture 30 students, some who stayed up late and are sleepy, some who just went through a break up, some who are just wanting to belong.

When all that comes together, you see reality. But you also see sacrifice from these teachers and you see students looking up to influence. The outcome of that day depends on one thing: attitude. You can be the most capable and knowledgeable teacher, but if your attitude is a cup half-empty instead of half-full, then it will show in your day and your students will be able to tell too.

To all the first year teachers: There are going to be hard days. There are going to be days of laughter and days of tears and days where you cannot stop smiling. Remember your purpose. Remember the joy of teaching. Remember that the impact you’re making is not just for one school year, but for a lifetime. Persevere and stay on course.

Teachers Making a Difference | Issue 1, August 2022

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The Science of Teaching Reading?

You’ve Got Questions We Have Answers E.L. Mendes The Science of Teaching Reading is a huge component of Kinder thru 3rd grade. Texas House Bill 3, passed during the 86th Texas Legislature, established the requirement that all teacher candidates who teach students in grades Pre-K-6 demonstrate proficiency in the science of teaching reading on a new, standalone certification exam.

This requirement took effect on January 1, 2021.

evidence-based assessment, and instructional practices to promote students’ development of grade-level skills within the following components of reading:

The STR exam will be required for the issuance of five certification fields.

(4) phonics (decoding and encoding);

•Early Childhood: EC – Grade 3

(6) vocabulary development;

•Core Subjects with Science of Teaching Reading: Early Childhood–Grade 6

(7) syllabication and morphemic analysis;

•Core Subjects with Science of Teaching Reading: Grades 4–8

(9) comprehension of informational text; and

•English Language Arts and Reading with Science of Teaching Reading: Grades 4–8​ •English Language Arts and Reading/Social Studies with Science of Teaching Reading: Grades 4–8

What does STR entail?

The Science of Teaching Reading is a body of research conducted that outlines the best way to teach reading. STR is about applying knowledge of developmentally appropriate, research and

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Teachers Making a Difference | Issue 1, August 2022

(1) oral language development; (2) print awareness and alphabet knowledge; (3) phonological and phonemic awareness; (5) reading fluency;

(8) comprehension of literary text; (10) beginning strategies and reading comprehension skills.

Getting Certified In Texas, all teachers Pre-K thru 6 must be certified by the end of the year. Many veteran teachers have not had to take a certification exam in many years. Some teachers are finding it difficult to pass the exam. C&P Educational Consultants is offering a free 6 hour trraining as an Introduction to STR. Visit www.testprepcertification.com or use the info button on the next page.

You Need Training?

C&P Educational Consultants are offering an Introduction to the Science of Teaching Reading.

6 hours If you are interested in a FREE training, fill out the registration form below:

Information Location, Date and Time will be emailed to all participants.

Sign up before all seats are filled.

Visit www.testprepcertification.com for information Door Prizes

Free Materials

Gift Bags

Breakfast and Lunch Included

Teachers Making a Difference | Issue 1, August 2022

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By Shea LaFontaine

I’ve spent countless hours this summer watching my son, Adrian, play with sidewalk chalk. He’s obsessed! If there’s one thing I’ve learned watching him - sweat dripping, chalk flying across the pavement - it’s that sidewalk chalk can be an extremely powerful learning tool!

Since we bought our first box of chalk a few months back, he has learned to write several letters, numbers, and symbols, draw smiley faces and penguins, and identify pretty much every shape I could think of (not to mention colors)... and he’s only 2 1/2! Sidewalk chalk is super engaging, gets your students outside, and can be adapted to teach just about anything. Here are 6 of my favorite sidewalk chalk learning ideas (psst... I saved the best one for last!).

One: “Chalk Cards” Task Cards With Chalk1 Like task cards, but with chalk! Task cards are great for getting students up and moving. The basic idea: spread cards with different questions or math problems on them around the classroom, hand out a response sheet on clipboards, and off they go. Task cards are a great way to turn a worksheet into a hands-on, engaging activity that requires movement and cooperation. Instead of spreading

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Teachers Making a Difference | Issue 1, August 2022

out cards, write the questions or problems with sidewalk chalk! A traditional sidewalk works well for this because each square segment of the sidewalk is like a different “card.” If you don’t have a sidewalk, any traffic-free paved surface will do. I’ve created a “Chalk Cards” response sheet that you can grab for free here. Just add sidewalk chalk and clipboards!

Two: Math Drawings You had all the fun writing the chalk cards in that last idea, let’s give your students a chance to get their hands a little chalky this time. Drawing math models is great for building conceptual understanding. Sidewalk chalk just makes it way more fun. Some ideas: fraction models, geometric shapes and figures, multiplication/division arrays and equal groups, illustrating word problems.

Check out my Mathtionary game here to snag some cards you can use to inspire math drawings and even turn this idea into a game!

Let’s give your students a chance to get their hands a little chalky.

Three: Sight Word Practice This idea works well for reading or writing sight words. It’s also great for practicing spelling in the upper grades!

For reading practice: write some of the most common sight words (or whatever words you want them to practice reading, really) with chalk all over your paved area.

Have students find a partner and walk around together. As they discover new words, they take turns reading the them aloud to one another. Partners provide accountability and allow students to build collaboration and participation skills.

For writing practice: spread students out on the pavement and give them each a piece of sidewalk chalk. Call a word aloud and have them try their best to write it with the chalk. This can be adapted to work for upper grades spelling word practice as well!

Four: Handwriting Practice This one is simple but effective and has worked wonders for my toddler! Lower grades can practice upper and lower case letter writing while upper grades practice their cursive letters. Spread out some cards with examples of how to correctly form the letters, hand out the chalk, and let them have at it! If you need to differentiate this activity, consider drawing lines to help particularly sloppy writers stay neat and organized.

Five: Illustrating the Curriculum I love this one because the possibilities are endless! Just give them chalk and let them draw! But find a way to relate it to whatever you are learning.

Draw a character or scene from a book you are reading. Draw a concept you are learning in science - the solar system, moon phases, the rock cycle, types of clouds, etc. Play sidewalk chalk Pictionary. Students take turns drawing what’s on their card while the rest of the class tries to guess. So. Much. Fun.

Six: A Life-Sized Board Game This one is my all-time favorite. Draw a life-sized game board with chalk (or have your students do it). You can even add special spaces like “move ahead,” “roll again, “go back to start,” etc. Find a dice (preferably a big one) and let the games begin! This can be played just for fun, like at recess, but there are also many ways to make it educational. https://www.lafountaineofknowledge. com/blog Teachers Making a Difference | Issue 1, August 2022

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Teachers Making a Difference | Issue 1, August 2022