Listen Up: 3 Podcasts Every Teacher Can Learn From

-Delia Herman, Hoggard HS

If you're looking for motivation, inspiration, or innovation look no further than your cell phone's podcast app. Podcasts can offer teachers a fresh, positive outlook on their classroom in as little as 10 minutes. You can listen to podcasts on your commute to work, or while you take a walk to decompress after a long day. The podcasts below are for teachers of all grade levels and subjects.

The Magic of Blended Learning: Part II (Why it Works)

-Emily Perez, Laney HS

In my previous blog post, I reflected on my journey and ultimate acceptance of using blended learning in the secondary ELA classroom. While it is not necessary to use blended learning every day (by any means), it is a nice way to periodically break up the monotony of whole-class review, discussion, and introductions to a topic. Additionally, you might experience some of these “happy teacher moments” in the process:

EdCamp Beach: Your Chance to Attend an Unconference

-by Susan Hitt

Click on the image above to be directed to the EdCampBeach's informational page.

Edcamps are the hottest new trend in professional development.  But what exactly IS an Edcamp you may be wondering? 

The Magic of Blended Learning: Part I

-by Emily Perez, Laney HS

Earlier this year, I attended a professional development session on teacher leadership where the presenter asked us, “What is your why?” For most people (myself included), the answer was easy - the students. The kids, the young minds, the myriad of personalities that walk through our door each day, each hour. But I realized that my true “why” is more than just the students and their vivacious, complex personalities. My “why”, my “aha moment” (as my college professor used to say) is the moment I get to watch my students help each other, teach each other. Naturally, I am always looking for lessons that enforce my “why”, which is how I became a true advocate for blended learning stations in the secondary ELA classroom.  

Engaging Students to Think Outside the Classroom Walls with Flipgrid

-Hannah Moon, Laney High School

Becoming a 21st-century educator requires many of us to take a step back and evaluate ourselves, our teaching practices, and our students. For our students to be thoroughly engaged, we as educators must put ourselves in the desks of our students—how do they learn in today’s age of technology? What will keep all students engaged? How can we use the students’ knowledge of technology to our advantage?

Rescued: Why PLCs Prevent Educator Isolation

-Beth Swindell, Hoggard HS

For my college application essay (more years ago than I would like to admit), I was asked to write a response to a quote by John Donne. He writes, “No man is an island entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main….” I would bet some of you have even used this for a journal response at one point or another. I’m pretty sure I have. For whatever reason, those words are what popped into my head when I sat down to write this post. And in that reminiscing, I realized that maybe I understood more about that quote as a teenager than I have in my adult life, and especially more than I have in my career up until recently.

Self-Paced PD? Yes, please!

-Susan Hitt

Looking for ways to bring innovative technology into the classroom, but don't know where to start?

Check out the district's Be Awesome Badges to earn CEUs while also implementing new and engaging technology in your classroom! There are over 30 options with more constantly being added.