What Great Teachers Do Differently - Random or Plandom?

Random or Plandom?
Todd Whitaker talked about this when he was with us in April.  "Great teachers have a plan and purpose for everything they do.  If plans don't work out the way they had envisioned, they reflect on what they could have done differently and adjust accordingly." (Whitaker, 82).  The key words in the previous sentence are "what THEY could have done differently".  They referring to themselves.

Whitaker gave the example of the lyceum.  Great teachers know where the problem children are likely to be seated and they sit themselves right next to those students.  The other teachers congregate in the back of the auditorium and try to manage the students from the back (which has been proven to be ineffective time and time again.)  Another example is that Johnny and Timmy do not work well together, so instead of allowing kids to choose groups, the teacher figures out a way in which the two young men will not be working together.  "Great teachers intentionally arrange, rearrange, alter, and adjust the structures that frame their teaching." (Whitaker 81)

MRVED Business

Upcoming Meetings
May 15, 2017  Principals' & TAC combined
May 24, 2017  Superintendents' Council

June 21, 2017  MRVED Board (7 p.m.)
June 28, 2017  Superintendents' Council

April 13 - Todd Whitaker Recap
The MRVED staff would like to thank everyone for participating in the April 13 day of professional development.  From the evaluations it appears Todd Whitaker was a hit!  Below are a couple quotes
from the evaluations.

"He kept my attention, was very funny, and re-energized me heading into the last portion of the school year."

"He was engaging and helped me reflect on how to be a better teacher."

"He has lived this profession, he knows what it is like being a teacher. It was honest and engaging and was exactly what I needed to hear. I actually bought a copy of his book that night!"

"He was upfront, brash, entertaining, and not afraid to call out poor behavior all while providing positive feedback!"

"He had 600 educators engaged and laughing and sharing for 2 hours! Unheard of! Wonderful morning!"

Passion Projects

Passion Projects
As we near the end of the year, teachers are often looking for projects to keep their students occupied yet still learning something.  Passion Projects would be a perfect fit for the class that is struggling and limping along to the end of the year.  Passion Projects are not a new idea by any means, but with the addition of technology can now be taken to the next level.

There are many different ways to do Passion Projects or as others may call it Genius Hour.
Passion Project Idea 1
Passion Project Idea 2
Passion Project Idea 3
Genius Hour Idea 1
Genius Hour Idea 2

Summer Slide

Start With a Book
The "Summer Slide" is real!  No, we are not talking about going down the giant water slide at the local pool.  We're talking about kids losing some of their achievement gains from this past school year over the summer months.  Unfortunately the slide affects our low-income families at a higher rate than any other group.

Research tells us that a student who reads as little as 4 to 6 books over the summer can prevent the summer slide.  Access to books is critical during the summer, especially for low-income families.

What Can You Do?
Below are a couple resources and ideas to develop summer reading programs for your students.

National Summer Learning Association
Start With a Book
First Book Marketplace

Summer Reading List

Summer Reading List
With only a month (or less) of school left I thought it would be good to get a list of books to read over the summer months.

What Great Teachers Do Differently - Todd Whitaker

Innovators Mindset - George Couros (MRVED Keynote Speaker Spring 2018)

Teach Like a Pirate - Dave Burgess

On Your Mark - Thomas Guskey

Better Conversations - Jim Knight

50 Myths and Lies That Threaten America's Public Schools - Berliner & Glass


All of these books offer great discussion points and make you think about teaching and learning.  Brandon has read many of these, so if you are looking for something specific, contact him (braymo@mrved.net).