Branchburg Township School District’s Post

What's in your state's literacy plan? 👉 Today, the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) approved a Comprehensive Literacy Plan which features The Language Literacy Network (Wasowicz, 2021)! “The LLN clearly shows how encoding (spelling) and decoding (reading) are distinct yet interrelated processes. Effective spelling instruction helps bridge the gap for students to become proficient readers and writers, especially for those who can read well but struggle with text transcription for fluent writing.” p. 30 Illinois Comprehensive Literacy Plan We here at SPELL-Links | Learning By Design applaud ISBE for enacting “a roadmap to enhance and unify core literacy instruction efforts statewide...ensuring all student receive developmentally appropriate and evidence-based literacy instruction”. p. 8 Illinois Comprehensive Literacy Plan Illinois Comprehensive Literacy Plan (isbe.net)

Today’s Tuesday Tip of the Week post honors superintendents and all they do to keep the staff and students safe and schools running effectively and efficiently. As many of you may know, Janine's husband, Robert Anderson, is the superintendent of Gowanda School District. There are days, even months to celebrate principals, teachers, school board members, teacher aides, administrative secretaries, etc. However, there is not a day to celebrate the superintendent of a school district, so she has chosen the month of August to celebrate all the superintendents of our school districts. It is a tough and often thankless job, but without superintendents, our schools would not function in the capacities they do. Many are unaware of their duties, so for this month of celebrating superintendents, Janine would like to highlight a few of their responsibilities: • Managing day-to day operations: Overseeing the schools and other educational, social, and recreational activities. Supervises district and building administration. • Enforcing rules and laws: Ensuring that all provisions of law and rules and regulations are followed. • Improving student achievement: Acting as leaders who strive to improve student achievement through curriculum and instruction. • Advocating: Fulfilling the role of advocate, confidant, and expert that their district and students need. • Communicating: Acting as a liaison between the public educational community and other agencies, and as a link between the Commissioner and local district officials. Send a thank you note to your school district’s superintendent as the new school year begins. You may be the first person to acknowledge them and show appreciation. We are sure it would make their day! #janineandersonsaccountingsolutions #CelebratingSuccess #Superintendents

Equity in education must be more than theory; it should be a lived experience, a tangible reality in our classrooms.   My own experiences as a student who often felt unheard have taught me the value of recognizing and celebrating the unique voices of all students. True educational equity was exemplified by the teachers who actively integrated diverse cultures into our learning experiences, valuing every student's perspective.   🔗For more insights, download our 'Inclusivity' Checklist: https://bit.ly/42q2UD8

Teacher's Day Greeting Today, May 15, 2024, we celebrate one of the most noble and fundamental professions in humanity: teaching. On this day, we pay tribute to those teachers whose vocation, dedication, and love for teaching have shaped and transformed us, often amidst an increasingly complex and fragmented society. To my teachers, to whom I owe the inspiration to become who I am today, I extend my deepest gratitude. With your wisdom and patience, you planted in me the seeds of knowledge and curiosity. In a world where your work often goes unrecognized, your role remains the cornerstone upon which the future is built. We remember with gratitude and respect those who are no longer with us but whose impact endures in the generations they educated. Their legacy is immortal and their influence eternal. Teaching is not just about imparting knowledge, but about shaping souls, cultivating values, and igniting the spark of learning. In His infinite wisdom, God has blessed us with the presence of teachers who, like St. John Baptist de La Salle, dedicated their lives to education, transforming lives and entire societies. The world needs more and better teachers, who must be recognized, valued, and dignified with fair salaries and appropriate working conditions. Education is the foundation of a better society, and within it, teachers are the architects of a more just and promising future. Furthermore, the active involvement of parents in this monumental task is crucial, for only with their support and collaboration can true educational excellence be achieved. As a grateful and blessed former student, and as a professor who cherishes the memories of his classrooms and students, I express my profound admiration and respect for all teachers. Your work is a light in the darkness, a hope in times of uncertainty, and a guide towards a better future. Let us continue to value and support our teachers, for in their hands lies the construction of a wiser, more just, and more humane world. With gratitude and recognition, Jorge Arturo Acevedo Alarid, Ph.D Grateful and blessed former student Professor with beautiful memories of his students and classrooms #TeachersDay #ThankYouTeachers #TeachingVocation #TributeToTeachers #QualityEducation #BetterFuture #TeacherRecognition #InspiringTeachers #ValueEducation #DignifyTeachers #JohnBaptistDeLaSalle #BlessingsForTeachers #TogetherForEducation

🌟 Reflecting on My Journey with the Institute on Descriptive Inquiry 🌟 As I sit back and think about the past 12 years, I can't help but feel a deep sense of gratitude for my journey with the Institute on Descriptive Inquiry. Having attended at least ten summer institutes, served on the board twice, and currently fulfilling my role as board treasurer, this community has profoundly shaped my understanding of education and the way we perceive our students. What makes the Institute so special to me is its commitment to nonjudgmental observation. Here, we engage in the practice of observing young people, their work, schools, and teacher practices in a space that fosters growth and understanding. Together with fellow educators, we embrace the philosophy that our students are whole humans, not mere vessels to be filled with knowledge. This perspective has transformed the way I approach teaching and learning, allowing me to see the richness in each student's experience. I'm excited to invite you all to a unique one-day opportunity to dive into this transformative work. It’s a chance to learn in community, share insights, and grow alongside other passionate educators. Let’s come together to honor our students' voices and experiences, and to cultivate a more compassionate and holistic approach to education. If you're interested in deepening your connection to this vital work, I encourage you to join us. Together, we can continue to elevate the educational experience for young people everywhere. Time & Location Nov 16, 2024, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM City-As-School High School, 16 Clarkson St, New York, NY 10014, USA https://lnkd.in/e5ZwR6gw #DescriptiveInquiry #Education #NonjudgmentalObservation #WholeHuman #CommunityLearning #TransformativeEducation

𝐓𝐄𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐒 𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐃𝐀𝐘, 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐍𝐄𝐄𝐃 𝐓𝐎 𝐊𝐍𝐎𝐖 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐍𝐄𝐄𝐃 𝐓𝐎 𝐃𝐎 1. In the 1940s a group of educators and educational organizations began lobbying for a day to honor teachers. 2. In 1953, the courageous Eleanor Roosevelt persuaded the 81st Congress to proclaim National Teacher Day in the United States. 3. 1980 that the National Education Association (NEA) and its affiliates pushed for Congress to establish a national day solely dedicated to recognizing teachers. 4. In 1985, the first full week of May was designated as Teacher Appreciation Week, with the Tuesday of that week designated as National Teacher Day. 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐓𝐎 𝐃𝐎: 1. Write a THANK YOU note to a Teacher expressing appreciation for all he/she has done in your life. 2. Give the Teacher a Breakfast or Luncheon Treat. 3. Give the Teacher a gift. 4. Decorate his/her classrooms. 5. You can decide to buy him/her a course. 6. Offer them a personalised recognition. 7. Create a memory photo collage. 8. Share the story of how the Teacher impacted your life. Generally, Teacher Appreciation Day is a moment to acknowledge the invaluable contributions teachers make to every society. Teachers play a pivotal role in shaping future generations, imparting knowledge, fostering critical thinking, and nurturing personal growth. They often go above and beyond their call of duty, dedicating time, energy, and passion to their students' development. Recognizing and appreciating teachers is essential not only for boosting morale but also for highlighting the significance of their profession. By showing gratitude towards teachers, we affirm the importance of education and the profound impact they have on individuals and communities. A Teacher's impact last a lifetime #TeachersAppreciationDay

As we approach World Teacher’s Day this Friday, have you ever thought about the emotional journey new teachers go through during their first year? I wanted to share an interesting and insightful piece from our friends across the Pacific who have identified five phases of emotion new teachers often experience. Their findings underscore the critical need to support early career teachers transition through that initial period of doubt or disillusionment.   Early support is a crucial component of Growing and Nurturing Educators (GANE), our strategy to attract, support and retain teachers in the Independent school sector. One of our key GANE projects begins while student teachers are still at university, placing them in a school one day a week for a whole year to experience the full cycle of four school terms and apply their university learning in a real-life environment. Pairing them with a trained and dedicated Mentor Teacher provides vital insights into effective teaching practices, goal setting and classroom management.   There’s no substitute for well-rounded, practical school experience early in a teacher’s career, and our goal is to ensure that the first phase of anticipation lasts as long as possible - helping teachers thrive from the start.   Independent schools interested in learning more about GANE and supporting the next generation of educators can reach out to AISNSW through this portal bit.ly/4hbhMMs   “Phases of First Year Teaching” by Ellen Moir: bit.ly/3BHeVLd  

Articles on how career technical education unites job training and academics with insights from Coachella Valley Unified School District, Bellflower USD, Lynwood USD, Paramount USD and Oroville Union HSD; school closure guidance and best practices for local educational agencies with Cupertino Union SD and Baldwin Park USD; and ways school systems like San Juan Unified School District, Desert Sands Unified School District and San Diego County Office of Education are striving to help newcomer students succeed academically and personally are included in the latest issue of California Schools. Glendale Unified School District’s Super Tutors program, the benefits of expanded learning opportunities, findings from a recent study on the associations between school safety and student outcomes, tips on establishing governance agreements and legal trends are among other topics explored. The issue features interviews with 2023 Board Member of the Year Mary Helen Ybarra of Corona-Norco Unified School District and 2024 CSBA President Albert Gonzalez of Santa Clara Unified School District as well as a CEO’s note on challenges related to unfunded mandates. Read the magazine now:

Many states are placing restrictions on culturally responsive teaching methods and how these can be taught in teacher preparation programs. CTS California Educator Diversity Project Director Kai Mathews spoke to EdWeek about the implications of this on student engagement: “It’s not just for the historical knowledge and facts. It is also when we’re including students from a diverse background, to see themselves in the making up, and in the composite of, history and of society, and we’re bringing it into the classroom. There’s a relatability that then comes with the content that we’re teaching. It’s not just math for math’s sake.” Mathews highlights how important it is to make education relevant and meaningful to keep students engaged in learning. When students can’t relate to the subject content, schools are more likely to face larger problems like chronic absenteeism and student apathy. Read the EdWeek article at https://lnkd.in/e8wSVc3S #culturallyresponsiveteaching #socialjusticeeducation #teacherpreparation #teacherpreparationprogram