Learning never exhausts the mind...
I have been given the opportunity to attend countless professional developments. The following are those that have impacted greatly the way I teach in the classroom and my approach at Instructional Coaching. I have learned how to integrate technology when appropriate, plan collaborative learning, and teach in innovative ways.
Gomez & Gomez Dual Language Enrichment
Gomez & Gomez Dual Language Enrichment
I had the privilege working with the BESL Team to help start a successful dual language program at Duncanville ISD. Our first year of implementation began with Pk-K and each year we have phased out the Early Exit Transitional Model and replaced it with Dual Language. The current cohort will be going to third grade in 2019-2020 school year. We have had so many visits from outlying districts wanting to observe a successful model district. Many of our classroom photos, videos, and district successes are now being shared at the Two day Gomez and Gomez Training. My role in supporting Teachers has been one of continuous growth along side them!
Thinking Maps
Thinking Maps
Through Thinking maps I was able to eliminate work sheets completely and add more rigor to my students thinking. Thinking maps are eight specific visual patterns that have become a way of thinking for my students. Visualizing our thinking allows us to have a concrete image of our abstract thoughts. Visual representations enhance the brain's natural ability to detect and construct meaningful patterns. Thinking Maps reduce anxiety by providing familiar visual patterns for thinking and working with complex ideas and situations.
Quality Teaching For English Learners (QTEL) Summer Institute
QTEL Provided me with the tools to accelerate language development, academic literacy, and disciplinary knowledge of all students, particularly English learners. QTEL summer institute shared many instructional best practices that in turn allowed me to share with other teachers in the district as well as utilizing best practices while giving professional development. The three moments in a lesson provided a clearer picture for scaffolding ELs learning.
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STEM
Through Science, Technology, engineering and math I am able to guide my students through inquiry. STEM lessons give my students a cohesive learning paradigm based on real-world applications. Through "Mind missions" students apply a real world problem, use their 21st century skills, and solve by using an engineer design process; ask, imagine, plan, create, and improve.
TCEA 2014- Advancing Teaching and Learning With Technology in Education
TCEA opened up a door of possibilities for the use of technology in my classroom. With technology students are able to create products that allow for a more relevant way of learning content. This year my students enjoy using technology to create QR codes to showcase their end products.
Coding and Computer Science
Through code.org I was able to attend professional development that would help me implement coding into the content areas. This practicum project influenced by my masters program allowed me to learn how to use the coding language "plotly". I was able to host the hour of code and students were able to learn about careers that involve the use of coding as well as apply critical thinking and problem solving skills through the use of an algorithm. Check out my coding and computer science website to learn about the impact coding and computer science can have on student learning http://tec591-0500practicumproject.weebly.com
Project Based Learning (PBL)
Authentic learning experiences are created around genuine, outside audiences and meaningful purposes. My students engage in critical thinking and 21st Century learning through PBL. Students are able to practice important skills such as research and collaboration that in turn improve student learning.
Kagan Cooperative Learning Structures
Through Kagan cooperative learning structures I am able to provide collaborative learning, that in turn promotes language growth. Students work together to learn and are responsible for their teammates' learning as well as their own. The basic elements are:
1. Positive Interdependence
2. Individual Accountability
3. Equal Participation
4. Simultaneous Interaction