I often think that at the root of teaching, it is about having deep content knowledge and 1,000 pounds of courage. In more professional language, teaching is about intention, flexible, and not forgetting your wellbeing and the wellbeing of others. It makes me think of our Learning Models Framework. Our Learning Models Framework are designed to be intentional and flexible, focusing on personalized, responsive learning, centered on student success. Personalize because no matter the learning model you are guaranteed to a world-class education regardless of location or time zone constraints. Responsive because we cater to the student needs in these demanding and disruptive times. Most importantly, we are committed to student success in authentic and rich technology with reliable relationships. If you would like to know more about the Learning Models Framework view the AISC website 2020-2021 tab. What is at the root of teaching for you? Is it setting you up to be successful this year? Let me know how I can make your year better.
Wednesday, August 12 Faculty Meeting
We will virtually come together at 3:45 via ZOOM (link in the calendar invite) to hear updates about AISC Curriculum Documentation and dedicated workdays on the curriculum. Looking forward to seeing everyone there! No prior preparation is required.
2020 - 2021 Wednesday Meeting Master Schedule
AISC Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee
As I shared at this week’s all faculty meeting, here is more information on the work of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. Topics such as international-mindedness, cultural competencies, and anti-racism are on all of our minds and need to continue to be part of our future planning. After two all school announcements and principal nominations, we have identified a diverse and collaborative group of AISC people to focus on bringing awareness and action about equity, diversity, and inclusion to our faculty. Thank you to those of you who have expressed interest, anyone who told me they were interested was included in the committee. If you would like to know more about the committee action, guiding questions, and action steps, see the DEI planning document. If you would like more resources, see the Worthwhile Readings at the bottom of the blog.
EAL Shout-out!
Have you met your English Language Learners (ELLs)? I have been trying to meet all of them and all of you. I have attended meetings with High School, Middle School, and Elementary EAL Teachers. It is great to see what you are doing. Here is what I am doing:
- Updating the AISC EAL Webpage. to include all the helpful resources: AISC language philosophy the WIDA Model, and the California ELD Standards
- Supporting teachers to co-plan, co-instruct, co-assess, and co-reflect as shown in the Co-Teaching Infographic
- Sharing literacy resources from Teachers College Reading Writing Project. Have you seen these for Grades KG to Grade 8
- Managing WIDA testing (student WIDA scores are in PowerSchool!) and how these scores are used
- Exploring ways to support all AISC teachers
Please write to me with a question or send me a calendar invite if you would like to talk. It is always best to meet as co-teaching teams. Looking forward to supporting you.
Professional Learning and Development
Thank you to the AISC teacher who have signed up to participate in the GOA Designing for Online Learning for Elementary School Teachers August 10 -14, 2020.
Designing for Online Learning: Elementary/Lower School is a one-week course for educators interested in deepening their understanding of designing online learning experiences for primary grade levels. We have modified one of GOA’s most popular educator courses, Designing for Online Learning, which since March 2020 has served 15,000 educators across 100+ countries. This course follows the framework of original Designing for Online Learning with a focus on strategies, examples, resources, and tools for teachers of younger students.
Interested about the course, ask the participants:
Lynn Schneider | Becky Thomas | Hilary Barron |
Finny Daniel | Fer Latorre | Deepa Jacob |
Amy Sedestrom | Jane Fijman | Alex Ray |
MaryKelly Bello | Jack Bissonnette | Teena Marie Pennefather |
Priya Kathare | Vigna C | John Merletti |
Morgen Wettergren | Amritha Thomas | Elliot Fijman |
Rebecca Semrick | Priya Venugopal | Dan Love |
Leontheen Briggs | Chaitanya Satyakumar | Vanessa Lopez |
Keeley Tagtmeyer | Sobha Daniel | Preetika Royappan |
If you are interested in taking a GOA course, like the ones listed below. Let me know!
Wellness at AISC
All the information on Faculty Wellness from our Wellness Coordinator, Priya Venugopal, click HERE for AISC WELLNESS MATTERS BLOG to stay updated. We have lots of exciting events planned so be sure to check in!
Free Resources!
New York Times
AISC wants to give you a New York Times Subscription! Below is what you need to know and our AISC Librarians Babs and Marion!
Marshall Memo
Do you know about the Marshall Memo? "The Marshall Memo, published 50 times a year since 2003, is designed to keep principals, teachers, instructional coaches, superintendents, and other PreK-12 educators well-informed on current research and best practices. Kim Marshall, drawing on his decades as a teacher, principal, central office administrator, consultant, and writer, lightens the load of busy educators by serving as their "designated reader." What it takes him 20 hours to create each week, subscribers can read in 20 minutes." ---https://marshallmemo.com/
The cost of this service is covered by the library and the Memo will be delivered right to your inbox.
Please submit the very short questionnaire below before Friday, August 28th, and let Babs know if you have any questions. https://forms.gle/7pEWV4EMgsMCVhFJ9
Virtual Tools Playlist by Walter
Ever wanted to know how to make a Kahoot, or FlipGrid, or Padlet? See the Virtual Tool Playlist by Walter he will (virtually) give you a tutorial.
Worthwhile Reading
As promised here is the start of many resources to expand your view on diversity, equity, inclusion, cultural competencies, implicit bias, and anti-racism. Read, share, talk, and get back to me and members of the DEI Committee: Vanessa, Babs, Nick, Jayanthi, Jason, Dan, Michele Ness, Mary Kelly, Sruthi, and Shari.
Articles & Letters:
TED talks:
- Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Danger of a Single Story
- Ali Michael – How can I have a Positive Racial Identity? I’m White!
- Dr. Dena Simmons – How students of Color Confront Impostor Syndrome
- Priya Vulchi and Winona Guo on Racial Literacy
- Moving Beyond the Statement: Implementing Anti-racist/DEI Systemic Change
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