Hope in 2013- Thanks Magnetic Zeros.

Happy New Year! With my first post of the new year I want to offer you a song of hope: A hope for a better day; a hope to make better choices; a hope to be nicer to people; Hope.

 I discovered this song, Man on Fire, and band, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, late in 2012. They have made an impact on me. With many postings of their videos on youtube, you can really tell they are happy, love what they do, and want people to be happy. There are many versions of "Man on Fire" and it is a joy to see them perform it. However, when I saw the official video it really made an impact.

 I realize that Edward Sharpe, aka Alexander Ebert, is asking a lot. Indeed, he wants the whole damn world to dance with him:

 "Ohhh. Come dance with me) over murder and pain Come and set you free Over heartache and shame"

 Please watch and enjoy a nice message for the new year, Hope.

 

We need more time “flying” days.

Have you ever had a day where you were watching the clock wishing the work day would end? Perhaps you’ve had a few days like that when you teach. On the flip side you’ve probably had days where time seems to “fly.” The “flying” days happen when you and your class are engulfed in what you are doing. There's no boredom, just learning.

The next time you experience a time "flying" day, pay attention as to why. We need more time “flying” days. Wouldn’t it be great if we could have them every day?

OMG WHO THE HELL CARES!

A lot of what is taught to students bores them because it has no relevancy. If it has no relevancy, the message is lost. Many feel like Peter Griffin.

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An education like this nobody needs. Kids need to learn to think for themselves.

Another Brick in the Wall

“We don't need no education
We dont need no thought control
No dark sarcasm in the classroom
Teachers leave them kids alone
Hey! Teachers! Leave them kids alone!”

An education like this nobody needs. Kids need to learn to think for themselves.

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They couldn't be bothered

I shot these two pictures today while I was shopping. They are signs for two different businesses. My question is simple: Why were these signs allowed to be posted without some editing? I guess they couldn't be bothered.

It does not have to be this way?

-Shouting teachers

-rows of desks

-tests based on memorization.

-tests

-homework

-flipped classroom

-lack of teacher input on decisions

-lack of student input on decisions

-rewards

-awards

You may agree with some and disagree with others. However, it is good to challenge and question your beliefs regarding education.

What is good PD in 140 characters or less.

What is good PD? I asked that question using Twitter and received many responses. The responses are posted below. Can you detect any common themes?

@JPPrezz: Good PD is engaging, relevant, and participant-driven

@runfardvs: IMO good PD is aimed at classroom practice, adaptable for each teacher's situation, and has follow-up

@skipvia: A structure for providing your own PD. No institution can provide everything every teacher needs.

@mountainteacher: individualized and convenient with time to apply and reflect

@nathanpitt: interactive activities (have people DO something) and opportunities for "projects" that last beyond time of PD "class."

@erringreg: Good PD is relevant, purposeful, pushes you beyond your comfort zone enough to shift your thinking. My MEd was good PD.

@monicaannebatac: Conversations reign supreme.

@northeagles: Simple: educators spending time together discussing kids/education/professional practice-then setting goals 4improvement

@ShawnMcCusker: good PD helps teachers deliver an improved classroom experience to students.

@sonicgeekette: Good PD is learning from other educators in Twitter!

@christensen143: Brian I think good PD ties in Technology. I'm biased as the Tech Dir but we throw so much tech at teachers with little PD.

@erniec: job embedded, inquiry based, purpose driven

@techyturner: PD that is relevant and timely.

@Michelle_Horst: One that interests and motivates you as a teacher! Perhaps one chosen, and not prescribed? Ask: Will I learn as a result?

Thanks to all who responded!