Wednesday, May 15, 2019
Davies
Collaboration Celebrations!
"This is the best field trip I've ever been on!!" wrote multiple students in their reflections of working with high school students at Davies Career and Tech.
Sixty three Jamestown Sixth Graders spent the day at Davies, working in collaboration with high school leaders. The Davies students led them through expereinces in soldering their circuit boards. Sixth graders were buoyed by the encouragement and support that the high schoolers gave them, as they told them "Wow, you are so good at this." "No problem, we can fix that."
Davies students were able to dispel some of their previously expressed notions of what Jamestown residents were, as they built understanding around coding, robotics, and electronics.
One clear result of this collaboration was a broader sense of what community can be in the state of RI.
It took lots of work, flexibility, and detailed coordination, but was a huge success!!
Many thanks to all of the Davies experts--students and teachers who made this happen, as well as my teaching team at Lawn Avenue.
We are looking to expand next year and hope to continue to share the resources of Davies, and also have them use the resources of ocean access that Jamestown can offer.
Cross District Collaboration!
It is exciting to see what can happen when people put their resources together.
One of my visions as RI Teacher of the Year was to develop a system of cross-district collaborations.
I believe it will expand our sense of community for both students and teachers and serve as a means to join our small state together and lead the way in STEAM education.
It is happening!
In reaching out to Environmental Educators, state partners, and individual experts in their fields, I keep hearing, "YES!"
Everyone wants to play their part and support a cohesive community and expand what learning can look like.
We now have 7 districts that will participate in a cross-district Collaboration Celebration field trip.
Both of the Outdoor Education Sites that I met with offered time, personnel, and their location to support this innovative idea.
These are Save the Bay in Providence
https://www.savebay.org/
and the Audubon Society of RI, in Bristol.
https://asri.org/
Prior to the trip, classes will connect virtually.
Upon arriving at the location, students will meet and connect in person with an icebreaker activity.
Then, thanks to the donation of time of artists, scientists, and engineers, students will learn in their mixed group, comprised of students from different district. They will work at different stations throughout the day and learn from experts!
This is all happening on April 3 and April 10.
Stay tuned!!
Tuesday, February 19, 2019
National Teacher of the Year Cohort
Google! February 2019. Birthplace of a revolution.
Fifty seven teachers, 50+ state coordinators, and an untold number of rotating storytellers, thinkers, policy makers and dreamers came together for a week in February to tell our stories, grow-both personally and professionally and to help elevate our voice in education in an effort to move towards equity in education for all of our students.
We began our journey with celebration--for the work that's been done, for the honor of being Teacher of the Year and to have the opportunity to connect deeply with other educators around the country and begin to connect our work.
Then, we went deep. One on one, knee to knee, we shared our stories. People shared struggles, motivations, and successes. This allowed us to move forward with an atmosphere of trust.
This pattern of personal reflection being a springboard to our roles as educators and spokespersons was repeated throughout our time together. One of these topics was "Lenses Through Which We View the World." Having the opportunity to deeply reflect on how personal definitions and experiences impact my perspective allowed me to consider where my blindspots may be and how these may inhibit my connection to student experience. We were continually invited to be "comfortable with the uncomfortable."
This is what we ask of our students all the time. To be vulnerable. To share ideas. To share their work, with small and large audiences. This was a great reminder of how uncomfortable this sharing can be, but how powerful it is.
One moment of courage came when I shared my story in our storytelling session. Igniting the spark for one student in science. Seeing the transformation of a slow-moving, Eeyore-like attitude for science, to a dancing, drawing leader in class. Being able to see the student, really see him, and offer him the opportunity to use his gift of drawing shifted his perspective in science and his social relationships in class.
This breakthrough of trust and awareness is what happened over and over again at our first NTOY cohort meeting
In addition to deep personal reflection, we had speakers, panels, and presentations to learn from.
Hadi Parvoti, founder of Code.org, was among these. What an inspiration to hear "Teachers do the most important job in this country" from someone whose work I have been using for years in the classroom. A true affirmation of the work we are doing around Computer Science in RI, with our CS4RI inititiative. Parvoti noted that RI and Arkansas are ahead of the curve in implementing computer science in public schools.
Google also offered their services and expertise. From their cappucino station (oh, how wonderful!) to sessions on VR glasses, virtual expeditions, and internet safety, I left with new tools for my students and ideas to share with teachers!
On our last day, we had breakfast with Mandy Manning, the 2019 National Teacher of the Year. She shared her passion on teaching ALL students and told her story of how Teachers Against Childhood Detention began and the nation-wide actions being taken. This came as a result of her idea and using her cohort as a guide and driving force of action.
I have a new source of information, encouragement, and place of understanding. Thank you to CCSSO for hosting and making possible the connections with the 57 Teachers of the Year!
I continue my journey-- motivated, overwhelmed, full of hope.
Fifty seven teachers, 50+ state coordinators, and an untold number of rotating storytellers, thinkers, policy makers and dreamers came together for a week in February to tell our stories, grow-both personally and professionally and to help elevate our voice in education in an effort to move towards equity in education for all of our students.
We began our journey with celebration--for the work that's been done, for the honor of being Teacher of the Year and to have the opportunity to connect deeply with other educators around the country and begin to connect our work.
Then, we went deep. One on one, knee to knee, we shared our stories. People shared struggles, motivations, and successes. This allowed us to move forward with an atmosphere of trust.
This pattern of personal reflection being a springboard to our roles as educators and spokespersons was repeated throughout our time together. One of these topics was "Lenses Through Which We View the World." Having the opportunity to deeply reflect on how personal definitions and experiences impact my perspective allowed me to consider where my blindspots may be and how these may inhibit my connection to student experience. We were continually invited to be "comfortable with the uncomfortable."
This is what we ask of our students all the time. To be vulnerable. To share ideas. To share their work, with small and large audiences. This was a great reminder of how uncomfortable this sharing can be, but how powerful it is.
One moment of courage came when I shared my story in our storytelling session. Igniting the spark for one student in science. Seeing the transformation of a slow-moving, Eeyore-like attitude for science, to a dancing, drawing leader in class. Being able to see the student, really see him, and offer him the opportunity to use his gift of drawing shifted his perspective in science and his social relationships in class.
This breakthrough of trust and awareness is what happened over and over again at our first NTOY cohort meeting
In addition to deep personal reflection, we had speakers, panels, and presentations to learn from.
Hadi Parvoti, founder of Code.org, was among these. What an inspiration to hear "Teachers do the most important job in this country" from someone whose work I have been using for years in the classroom. A true affirmation of the work we are doing around Computer Science in RI, with our CS4RI inititiative. Parvoti noted that RI and Arkansas are ahead of the curve in implementing computer science in public schools.
On our last day, we had breakfast with Mandy Manning, the 2019 National Teacher of the Year. She shared her passion on teaching ALL students and told her story of how Teachers Against Childhood Detention began and the nation-wide actions being taken. This came as a result of her idea and using her cohort as a guide and driving force of action.
I have a new source of information, encouragement, and place of understanding. Thank you to CCSSO for hosting and making possible the connections with the 57 Teachers of the Year!
I continue my journey-- motivated, overwhelmed, full of hope.
Wednesday, January 16, 2019
Collaboration Celebrations
Cross District Collaboration!
It is exciting to see what can happen when people put their resources together.
One of my visions as RI Teacher of the Year was to develop a system of cross-district collaborations.
I believe it will expand our sense of community for both students and teachers and serve as a means to join our small state together and lead the way in STEAM education.
It is happening!
In reaching out to Environmental Educators, state partners, and individual experts in their fields, I keep hearing, "YES!"
Everyone wants to play their part and support a cohesive community and expand what learning can look like.
We now have 7 districts that will participate in a cross-district Collaboration Celebration field trip.
Both of the Outdoor Education Sites that I met with offered time, personnel, and their location to support this innovative idea.
These are Save the Bay in Providence
https://www.savebay.org/
and the Audubon Society of RI, in Bristol.
https://asri.org/
Prior to the trip, classes will connect virtually.
Upon arriving at the location, students will meet and connect in person with an icebreaker activity.
Then, thanks to the donation of time of artists, scientists, and engineers, students will learn in their mixed group, comprised of students from different district. They will work at different stations throughout the day and learn from experts!
This is all happening on April 3 and April 10.
Stay tuned!!
Monday, January 14, 2019
Golden Apple Awards: January
The Golden Apple Awards are a great opportunity to showcase the heart and innovation that run the classrooms of RI.
Today's awards were no different.
Often operating behind the scenes, avoiding the limelight and working diligently, special education teachers can be the magic that shifts a child's life.
Our first stop was to surprise Patricia Kilsey, of Lincoln High School, who works to help transition adult learners as they move into society. One of her students shared that she's the "best teacher" and she helps students develop life skills and links students with work options. Thank you for valuing each of our children and ensuring that others do too!
Her huge family was there to help surprise and honor her achievements.
The second taping today was also a special education teacher. Many of Keri Bettencourts 's students at Jenks Middle School in Pawtucket are non-verbal.
Our final stop was Mrs. Yessenia Rodriguez, of Southside Charter Elementary School, Providence. "Miss Yessenia" was clear about the importance of love and kindness in teaching her children. It is clear that they also feel this, as they hugged and celebrated to honor their teacher.
This classroom is a looping classroom, so students have been able to develop and continue this bond for 3 years! The students have created pledges, raps, and music on how to Choose Love when confronted with difficulty and how to deal with bullies. This safe environment where each child is seen and valued allows for deeper learning. Another unique feature of this school is that it has a comfort dog, trained and used to calm children (and adults no doubt) when necessary. In fact, the camera crew came back the next day to do a feature on the dog and its role in the school culture.
I am honored to be able to witness the work that is happening each day in the state of RI and be inspired to share these unsung heroes making a difference in children's lives each day!
Wednesday, January 2, 2019
Keynote Speech: STEM Talks
“The Importance of STEAM Education”
Keynote Speech: STEM Talks RI, November, 2018
A wonderful night and a hearty thank you to TIMES 2 Institute for inviting me to speak as the keynote speaker in the first of their series, STEM Talks.
Bodies weaving in and out, spinning, arms lifting up, hands opening, bodies frozen in place.
Repeat.
This is how we started.
Participants experienced the joy of interpretive dance, as they took the challenge of demonstrating different parts of the water cycle in small groups.
The audience, comprised of pre-service teachers, veteran teachers, scientists, engineers, and community members, practiced their assigned processes (evaporation, transpiration, etc.), then performed for other groups as the other groups inferred their topic by the representation of the scientific concept through body movement.
The importance of “A,” the Arts, in STEAM education is vital in order to be able to reach ALL students. It is necessary for future engineers and scientists to expand their sense of models that can communicate to the general public. It also will ensure that those who choose different careers are scientifically literate, enabling them to make informed decisions, and be actively engaged in their world.
In order to pull this Science Dance Party off, I needed help. Not being a professional dancer myself, I used collaboration to build and implement this strategy. Thanks to First-Works, who arranged for Israeli choreography, Rachel Erdos, to come into my classroom, I personally experienced the steps of turning content into motion. Thus began a new classroom opportunity to learn and share ideas—the interpretative dance.
This element of risk taking is essential if we are to further our own abilities as educators and expand our repertoire of skills in order to open the doors wider for students.
I shared my personal story of risk-taking as Science Communication Fellow on the exploration vessel, The Nautilus, and how it led to a transformation in my curriculum.
My adventure at sea led me to learn about ocean exploration and underwater ROVs. This then led to attending a training in building and implementing small ROVs for classroom use. What started as an afterschool program, is now an integral part of our sixth grade curriculum and continues to expand. We’re currently looking at creating a collaborative competition in Rhode Island for students from multiple districts. We have already integrated community members, used the YMCA pool, worked with engineers, and explored a nearby estuary with ROVs outfitted with cameras.
Risk-taking can lead to failure. However, it also leads us to innovation and success.
Another speaker, Noah Jenkins, also spoke about failure. He shared his story of becoming an engineer. Math was “always easy” for him and he never had the opportunity to struggle or fail in his academic career. Until grad school. It was at this point where he first had to struggle, and often revise his thinking, in order to be successful. He emphasized the need for this in early years of learning in order to fully embrace the idea of revisionary thinking and growth mindset.
The opportunity to struggle and revise our approach must be embedded in all grades. This can be done using pathways of STEAM, as we transform our classrooms into spaces for design, innovation, collaboration, and joy.
Tuesday, December 4, 2018
STEAM Collaboration
Exciting things are happening!
Today, I was able to work with Katherine Sutton of Davies Career and Technical High School in Lincoln, RI.
What better way to spend an afternoon then to geek out in a robotics lab with students teaching me about their coding? Me asking questions about what formulas they are using in order to code their robots to meet the challenge of stopping at various distances. Students worked together, were welcoming and focused on meeting various challenges.
There are now several schools interested in collaborating on SeaPerch. These range from High Schools in Smithfield and Lincoln to Middle Schools in Jamestown and Scituate.
We are working to link classrooms and potentially design our own competition. Building community and expanding STEM in Rhode Island are motivating us to find new ways to have students engage in real world engineering design and work with varied groups of thinkers.
The classrooms that I visited are designed more like work-spaces; students moving about based on need for support or space.
Katherine and I are excited to provide opportunities for our students to collaborate!! Her seniors are redesigning their robots and we hope to have them present to my 6th graders!
In addition, we are hoping to find a way for the high school students, now soldering experts, be the volunteers for middle school students as they learn to solder circuit boards!! We are working to find ways to fund the transportation of the experts to our site.
Conversely, we may be able to travel up to Lincoln and practice in their pool, while at the same time learning from some of the student experts.
I previously had the pleasure of sharing SeaPerch with Liz Rusillo, of Smithfield High School, who teaches engineering and design. We talked about possibilities of using ROVs in her program, as well as joining forces with other teachers around the state.
Exciting things are happening!
Today, I was able to work with Katherine Sutton of Davies Career and Technical High School in Lincoln, RI.
What better way to spend an afternoon then to geek out in a robotics lab with students teaching me about their coding? Me asking questions about what formulas they are using in order to code their robots to meet the challenge of stopping at various distances. Students worked together, were welcoming and focused on meeting various challenges.
There are now several schools interested in collaborating on SeaPerch. These range from High Schools in Smithfield and Lincoln to Middle Schools in Jamestown and Scituate.
We are working to link classrooms and potentially design our own competition. Building community and expanding STEM in Rhode Island are motivating us to find new ways to have students engage in real world engineering design and work with varied groups of thinkers.
The classrooms that I visited are designed more like work-spaces; students moving about based on need for support or space.
Katherine and I are excited to provide opportunities for our students to collaborate!! Her seniors are redesigning their robots and we hope to have them present to my 6th graders!
In addition, we are hoping to find a way for the high school students, now soldering experts, be the volunteers for middle school students as they learn to solder circuit boards!! We are working to find ways to fund the transportation of the experts to our site.
Conversely, we may be able to travel up to Lincoln and practice in their pool, while at the same time learning from some of the student experts.
I previously had the pleasure of sharing SeaPerch with Liz Rusillo, of Smithfield High School, who teaches engineering and design. We talked about possibilities of using ROVs in her program, as well as joining forces with other teachers around the state.
Exciting things are happening!
Golden Apple Awards--December
Another great opportunity to elevate the work that is happening in the state of Rhode Island.
The first taping of the day started at Central Falls High School with Marcela Garces. Ms. Garces came to Central Falls as a child from Columbia. She knows first hand the experience of not being able to communicate to those around you.
As a high school ELL teacher, she helps students develop language skills so they can communicate effectively. She spoke passionately about her students and their desire to learn and access new opportunities.
Thank you Ms. Garces for your passion and dedication!
Our second stop was Davies Career and Technical High School where we visited Ms.Amy Meyer's classroom. Her student nominated her and wrote about how Ms. Meyer changed her life, indicating that her Graphics Art class not only taught her skills, but gave her the confidence to show her art in public.
Inspired to follow her passion, the student is pursuing Graphic Design as a career.
Many thanks to the teachers of the State of Rhode Island, changing lives every day!
Thursday, November 8, 2018
Golden Apple Awards--November 2018
Another day of celebrating great teachers!!!
Student choice rings loud and clear in Rachel Greenberg's classroom at Asa Messer Elementary School in Providence!
Students themselves wrote nominations for Ms. Greenberg. Many explained the impact of choice on their learning; they loved being able to choose their station rotation in order to meet their learning goals. They appreciated the wealth of materials in the Maker Space from which they could choose in order to problem solve. This requires deliberate planning and facilitation.
It appears effortless, but is well planned and purposefully designed. Thanks for making learning fun with songs, accents and compassion. Student comments repeated described her as "compelling."
A well-deserved honor!
Our second visit of the day was to Elizabeth Baldwin Elementary School to surprise Ashlee Hudson in her classroom.
She excels at creating an environment where all students are risk-takers, building community and honoring everyone's contributions. Her colleagues wrote about her never ending quest for learning and excitement to try new techniques, always seeking to increase student engagement and depth of understanding.
Her ability to encourage multiple perspectives will serve students in the future as they become leaders in their communities and innovators in their chosen fields.
Our final visit of the day was to the home of the "Nerd Herd," at North Providence High School, where we awarded Michael Gianfrancesco the Golden Apple Award.
The creation of the Nerd Herd was his brainchild five years ago. His student explained how it created a safe space for him to just be himself. This ability to recognize a need, then respond to the need by creating a solution is what makes Mr. Gianfrancesco stand out as an amazing educator!
The creativity and energy that he brings to the classroom was also noted by his student. His enthusiasm, caring, and availability will leave a lasting mark on all who are lucky enough to be in his classes.
Many thanks to all of the amazing educators that I get to meet, learn from, and whose stories I hope will continue to inspire others!
Student choice rings loud and clear in Rachel Greenberg's classroom at Asa Messer Elementary School in Providence!
Students themselves wrote nominations for Ms. Greenberg. Many explained the impact of choice on their learning; they loved being able to choose their station rotation in order to meet their learning goals. They appreciated the wealth of materials in the Maker Space from which they could choose in order to problem solve. This requires deliberate planning and facilitation.
It appears effortless, but is well planned and purposefully designed. Thanks for making learning fun with songs, accents and compassion. Student comments repeated described her as "compelling."
A well-deserved honor!
 |
| Ms. Greenberg and students explain the importance of flexible seating. |
Our second visit of the day was to Elizabeth Baldwin Elementary School to surprise Ashlee Hudson in her classroom.
She excels at creating an environment where all students are risk-takers, building community and honoring everyone's contributions. Her colleagues wrote about her never ending quest for learning and excitement to try new techniques, always seeking to increase student engagement and depth of understanding.
Her ability to encourage multiple perspectives will serve students in the future as they become leaders in their communities and innovators in their chosen fields.
Our final visit of the day was to the home of the "Nerd Herd," at North Providence High School, where we awarded Michael Gianfrancesco the Golden Apple Award.
The creation of the Nerd Herd was his brainchild five years ago. His student explained how it created a safe space for him to just be himself. This ability to recognize a need, then respond to the need by creating a solution is what makes Mr. Gianfrancesco stand out as an amazing educator!
The creativity and energy that he brings to the classroom was also noted by his student. His enthusiasm, caring, and availability will leave a lasting mark on all who are lucky enough to be in his classes.
 |
| Michael Gianfrancesco (right) with Ian, his student who returned from college that wrote the nomination. |
Many thanks to all of the amazing educators that I get to meet, learn from, and whose stories I hope will continue to inspire others!
Wednesday, October 24, 2018
Touro Synagogue
On October 20, 2018, I was honored to speak at Touro Synagogue, the oldest synagogue in the United States!
I shared my experiences of being a forever student--learning what I don't know, and getting involved in some of the state initiatives.
One of the true delights that I shared with the congregation is the opportunity to work with educators from around the state. I am constantly buoyed by the energy and expertise of those with whom I am working!
The audience was delighted to learn of all that is happening in education and many hope to get involved at their local schools.
Many thanks for the congregation for the honor of sharing my experience and the warm reception and support for education!
I shared my experiences of being a forever student--learning what I don't know, and getting involved in some of the state initiatives.
One of the true delights that I shared with the congregation is the opportunity to work with educators from around the state. I am constantly buoyed by the energy and expertise of those with whom I am working!
The audience was delighted to learn of all that is happening in education and many hope to get involved at their local schools.
Many thanks for the congregation for the honor of sharing my experience and the warm reception and support for education!
Wednesday, October 17, 2018
Milken Awards Ceremony
As I approached Mary Fogarty Elementary School in Providence, I was awed by their outside garden. Above ground planters painted with vibrant colors were filled with plants ready for harvest.
I was not surprised that this was the home of the next Milken Awardee.
 |
| Michelle Johnson, Milken Award Winner being congratulated by last year's winner., Lauren Hopkins |
It is clear that this is a place where student ownership is the norm. Staff consistency facilitated events, but the students were the focus, with the exception, of course of their honoree--
Congratulations to Michelle Johnson!!!
Prepare RI Summit
Prepare RI Summit:
Hosted at Rhode Island College, the opening remarks focused on integrating work-based experiences for students to help them envision possibilities for their futures and being prepared and connected to realize this future in Rhode Island.
Commissioner Wagner noted that putting the students' needs and demands first means that we need to shift our schema of what the system looks like.
In one workshop run by Andrew Cortes, the idea of apprenticeship is explained.
I can't help but consider the student teacher model as an apprenticeship model. However, what pre-service teachers lack is a wage. Instead, student teachers meet the "on the job learning" requirement, but lack the "earn while you learn" component.
Hosted at Rhode Island College, the opening remarks focused on integrating work-based experiences for students to help them envision possibilities for their futures and being prepared and connected to realize this future in Rhode Island.
Commissioner Wagner noted that putting the students' needs and demands first means that we need to shift our schema of what the system looks like.
Andre Perry of the Brookings Institute, was clear that he is successful due to opportunities that were created for him. "If we want folks to get a quality job, there's no way that will happen without employers getting a glimpse of their potential employees."
The idea of affording people an opportunity that wouldn't otherwise be available to them is a key component in building community and a well-prepared workforce.
Apprenticeship Programs, and Implications of Student Teaching
I can't help but consider the student teacher model as an apprenticeship model. However, what pre-service teachers lack is a wage. Instead, student teachers meet the "on the job learning" requirement, but lack the "earn while you learn" component.
In addition, Cortes talks about the importance of the earned certificate at the end of the apprenticeship program and that in some sectors, like construction, this certificate is good all over the country. In education, teachers can earn their teaching certificate; however, the reciprocity is limited to specific states.
How can we expand this so that all teacher credential programs are recognized in all states to afford teachers more options for teaching and to enlarge the pool of qualified teachers so that people from other states are encouraged to apply in high need areas in different states? How can we financially support pre-service teachers in their year of service?
District Teacher of the Year Meeting
District Teacher of the Year Meeting
What a truly invigorating evening!
I had the extreme pleasure of spending the evening with 2019 RI District Teachers of the Year. The energy, enthusiasm and expertise that filled the room were truly uplifting.
After Opening Remarks from Commissioner of Education Ken Wagner, we had a work session focused on increasing cross state collaboration. Several teams emerged with a plan to connect classrooms across the state.
I am so grateful that they were excited about the vision of building cross-district communities, and expanding our sense of what is possible in education across the state of Rhode Island.
I look forward to watching and supporting this growing vibrant community!!!
What a truly invigorating evening!
 |
| 2019 RI District Teachers of the Year |
I had the extreme pleasure of spending the evening with 2019 RI District Teachers of the Year. The energy, enthusiasm and expertise that filled the room were truly uplifting.
After Opening Remarks from Commissioner of Education Ken Wagner, we had a work session focused on increasing cross state collaboration. Several teams emerged with a plan to connect classrooms across the state.
I am so grateful that they were excited about the vision of building cross-district communities, and expanding our sense of what is possible in education across the state of Rhode Island.
I look forward to watching and supporting this growing vibrant community!!!
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