IRA's Weekly Reading Eleanor M. Johnson award for 2012 is Gary Wellbrock
His blog address is:
http://www.followingyourbliss.blogspot.com/
Next year's application is due in November. The application form is below.
Sunday, July 1, 2012
The second post for this week is intended to provide information about teaching awards. Before everyone starts saying, "I am only a 2nd year teacher." or "I could never win an award." HALT! CEASE! First of all, you do not know that, or have you decided that you will settle for a mediocre career? Second, you may feel so strongly about the ability of someone you work with that you want to nominate them. I am sharing the application for the International Reading Association teacher award and the blog that last year's winner has. As the old saying goes, "Reach for the stars." Remember also, every time you reach up and do something you thought you couldn't, as a teacher, you have no idea how many children's lives you will impact. Please make any response comment you would like about what I have shared.
IRA's Weekly Reading Eleanor M. Johnson award for 2012 is Gary Wellbrock
His blog address is:
http://www.followingyourbliss.blogspot.com/
Next year's application is due in November. The application form is below.
IRA's Weekly Reading Eleanor M. Johnson award for 2012 is Gary Wellbrock
His blog address is:
http://www.followingyourbliss.blogspot.com/
Next year's application is due in November. The application form is below.
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Throughout my years of teaching I have been blessed to work with many wonderful teachers. Some have been innovative while others have been emotionally connected to the students. I know that being recognized as "Teacher of the Year" would be a wonderful prize and most teachers would humbly accept the adoration. I have often thought about the "Golden Apple Award" or the "Teacher of the Month" award and who I would nominate. However, I think the best gift we receive as teachers comes from a simple thank you from a student or from a parent. When we are recognized for pushing a child and helping that child become a better reader or person, that is all that truly matters.
ReplyDeleteI agree, I save all my letters that I get from my students and parents, since they lift me up and encourage me when I am feeling down.
DeleteSee my comment below.
DeleteI agree totally!
DeleteI agree with you 100%. Nothing is better than having a student thank you! Once thank you from a student can keep me going for a long time and is far more meaningful than any title I could be given!
DeleteI agree! Getting a thank you from a student is one of the best gifts!
DeleteI keep my "Happy Wall" up from year to year. I staple thank-you notes and letters and pictures from students. Whenever I am having a bad day, I just look at my notes and it lifts my spirits right away!
DeleteI have a smile file, I take it out on those oh so few and far between days that make me want to cry. It contains many things form my first teaching contract, to letters from students, pictures, and hand made gifts from students. It can be very encouraging on a rough day.
DeleteI have to agree whole heartily with Kristine. While I am very outspoken and social, I do not like having attention cast upon me. Each year when our school does the "Teacher of the Year" award, I shudder. I am not the type of person who likes to live in the limelight and would feel very awkward in accepting it. Yes, it would be a tremendous honor, but I would feel very awkward. Last year, I did however receive a gratifying compliment from a parent. That made me feel like I was on top of the world. The only people that knew of the remarks was the teacher, my principal, and myself. Myself and the parent are the only two I am concerned about knowing. Being told what you do matters is the best feeling in the world, and I like to keep it to myself:)
ReplyDeleteSee my comment below.
DeleteThis year our PTO gave out a Teacher of the Year Award for the first time. They attached the award to a writing contest for the students. They were to write about their favorite teacher and tell why that teacher was important. The teacher with the most "votes" won the award :)
ReplyDeleteI think that is such a great idea! The teacher that won must have felt great about the award.
DeleteI love the idea of student involvement in the nomination of the teacher. There are times when it amazes me how well our students know us and how much they pick up about our qualities and habits! Last year my students brought me a "sippy-cup" because they said I was always spilling my coffee! Haha they're always full of surprises.
DeleteOur district started a new program where graduating seniors recognize their favorite teacher from elementary, intermediate, middle, and high school. The teacher with the most votes from each level is recognized at the end of the year teacher breakfast. Every teacher that is nominated by a student gets a certificate. It truly means so much to the teachers!
DeleteI think awards are great for educators to be recognized and to receive. I really don’t need to be told that I am doing a good job or to get an award to tell me that either. What inspires me the most like other individuals have already posted are I like to receive encouragement from the students I teach and their parents. Each year that I have taught, I have students or parents tell me thank you for teaching them and for everything I do. I usually keep these letters, since it gives me motivation for the following year to keep being the best teacher I can be. In our building this year, we started giving out teaching awards in six different areas. Teachers in our building nominate other teachers or teaching assistants for these awards which are past along every two to three weeks. I found that these awards are nice way to recognize other teachers that would probably not be recognized otherwise like our teaching assistants. At times, though, it seems that individuals will nominate their friend or someone else on their grade level team. When I received an award this past year, I gave it to someone who I felt really earned it. In my second year of teaching, we had Teacher of the Year awards in the district I was in. You could nominate yourself or other teachers in the building, since it was my first year teaching in the building I didn’t know the other teachers very well, so I nominated myself. The other teachers agreed though that I had the qualities that the essay was looking for. Two other teachers and myself in the district ended up winning thousand dollars, which I ended up using to buy a new Apple computer that I really needed at the time. I feel that a lot of teachers I teach with get jealous of each other when awards are given out, so I feel that it may at times cause friction within ones building. Awards are nice to receive, but a positive word of encouragement will work just as well.
ReplyDeleteI like the idea your school uses for "passing along the award", it sort of reminds me of "caught being good tickets" for students. I wonder if with that many awards it will lose it's edge? I'm just asking because 6 awards every 2-3 weeks would be a lot!
DeleteYou bring up the jealousy point. I think we all tend to want to be the best teachers we can be and because of that we have competitive nature to us. We have to learn that because we didn't win, it doesn't necessarily mean we have failed. It's important to realize this and continue to strive to be better because no one is ever done improving (not even the ones that win)!
DeleteI do think sometimes award can cause competition. Competition and jealously is something we certainly don't need amongst other teachers. I have been very fortunate to work with people who are truly interested in helping me simply because they want me to become a better teacher for my students.
DeleteI can think of a few teachers that I have had in the past that should have been nominated for such an award. I also have colleagues would be much deserving of this award. One that comes to mind is Mrs. Coomer. She has three girls of her own yet she stays late every day and comes in every Sunday for at least four hours. She is always upbeat and positive and really cares about her students. This year, her husband was in a horrible chainsaw accident (he is doing better now) and while Mrs. Coomer was by his side at the hospital every day for two weeks she texted me every day worrying about her students. Not every teacher would do that. It's teachers like her that deserve such awards. I don't think award winners have to have the best decorated room or the best lesson plans in the building. They have to have the biggest hearts.
ReplyDeleteVery nicely put! Teaching is one job that MUST truly come from the heart!
DeleteMrs. Coomer sounds like a wonderfully dedicated teacher.
DeleteI don't believe my school or my school district for that matter nominates teachers for certain awards. I think it's a great idea, especially if parents, students, and even older students from the past are involved in the voting process. For instance, I grew up in western Pa and if I could, I'd love to honor my third grade teacher with some type of award. I'll never forget a compliment she gave me in passing that's been imprinted in my mind to this day. I feel teachers who have that effect on a person should be formally recognized even if it's 25 plus years later! The few words she said still live inside me today because she believed in me and saw potential in me.
ReplyDeleteA teacher I work with received an e mail this year from a former student. I think she had this student 10 plus years ago. I admit that I cried when I read it and I don't know the student. I'm sure your third grade teacher would love to hear from you no matter how many years have past. :)
DeleteIn our community we have the Golden Apple awards and it has been very important at our school to be nominated. We have had many teachers from our school who have actually won the award. Although, awards are nice the people who have been nominated for this in the past have had to do a ton of extra work just to be considered for the award. I have known a few teachers who have not even filled out the paper work given to them for the award because they would rather spend their time on the students. I personally, keep a book of the notes, cards, thank you, etc from students and have found this to be the most motivational award for me. I find that if I am having a hard day, these notes do a lot to lift my spirits and revitalize my soul!
ReplyDeleteI like your idea of keeping a notebook of the notes, cards, and thank yous and using this as a motivational award.
DeleteI worked for a wonderful teacher who told me not to nominate her for an award. She said she didn't have time for the paperwork involved!
DeleteDebbie, That is sad that your colleague felt this way. I'm sure you bringing up though made her feel very good. With all the political "mess" that is going on right now, we probably need these awards more than ever! Let's face it, we aren't getting any recognition from the upper "Powers-that-be". (I'm sure we all know who I am talking about???) LOL
DeleteI completely agree that a teacher's greatest reward is the small gift of appreciation from students. I also think that awards CAN be very political.
ReplyDeleteI like to think of awards in different ways though. They can highlight excellence for other teachers so as to provide insight into teaching for example. That is why I included the blog of the teacher who won the award from IRA last year. I will include it again. I encourage you to look at it. You don't have to agree with every professional decision made or even have the exact same expertise to appreciate the effort time and work demonstrated.
http://www.followingyourbliss.blogspot.com/
I really enjoyed looking at his blog. He seems very passionate about what he is doing. I also loved his books on the side, I have already put some of them in my amazon cart.
ReplyDeleteI think awards are nice and are a great way to appreciate those teachers who go above and beyond, even though a ton of us already do that. I have a couple teachers in mind that I would love to nominate and might. They have wonderful insights into teaching and have been my backbone these first few years of teaching.
I also think that words from teachers and parents go a long way. I love keeping my cards and looking back at them, like Mrs.Gretencord- I like to look at them when I am having a bad day.
I agree with other people who have posted that student and parent notes, cards, and compliments are uplifting. Teacher awards are uplifting as well. There are a few things about teacher awards that I view as "glitches in the system". One of which has been mentioned before, the political issue. Also, I have seen some well-deserving teachers that have not received awards and it is sad when they don't win, especially after they have put so much effort into filling out applications alongside their daily routine of teaching. I'm not saying we shouldn't have awards because I wholeheartedly think we should, I just wanted to point out some of the downsides. One thing I don't think anyone has mentioned that is probably my best reward in teaching is when you see a student accomplish something that although might seem simple to us, has been very difficult for him or her. The more often these light bulbs go off, the more often you are reminded that you are making a difference!
ReplyDeleteI think it is always a wonderful thing to be recognized for a job well done. Within my school district, positive recognition is something that is lacking. We do very little to encourage “reaching for the stars.” If you are a quiet teacher who does not announce and brag about everything you do, you may never get a positive critique. I think recognition is a powerful tool when done correctly. If politics and favoritism get in the way, the power is diminished. I think there are those teachers who inspire us and make us want to try harder, and those teachers should be recognized.
ReplyDeleteI have found that it is the quiet teachers who just do their thing are the ones that I need to pay more attention to. I have never been a fan of "promoting" yourself. If one is asked to share the good things they do in the classroom, that is one thing, and a good thing at that. However, if someone constantly brags about their teaching, something just isn't right. I know this is my opinion but it seems to go with what someone said earlier when they mentioned that teaching is from the heart.
DeleteI definitely agree that one of the BEST rewards a teacher can receive is watching their students grow and succeed!! When you witness them applying their learning, it is the best feeling ever. Our school did something new this year. We had a giant wooden giraffe named Goodwin that was passed around to different classrooms and staff that were doing a good job. It was passed around the school from staff member to staff member. If you received the giraffe, our principal would post a picture of you and your class with it and post it in our weekly newsletter. It was a fun way for our school members to show their appreciation for each other.
ReplyDeleteIt would be difficult for me to imagine winning a teaching award. I think the primary reason is I feel like I am always learning, a constant student so to speak. Strangely, at our school teachers winning awards tend to be scrutinized. Scrutinized to the point that almost every teacher who has been nominated as our “Princeton District Teacher of the Year” has after the fact been forced to resign because of some skeleton in their closet. It is a running joke at our school that you don’t want to be recognized as the teacher of the year. Although, I can certainly think of several teacher in particular who should receive recognition for their work as a teacher my department head Dennis Simpson is a man who is certainly worthy of such an honor. Dennis has been my department head and unofficial mentor since I started teaching. As a mentor never once has he said he did not have time to help me with an issue or share some of his knowledge. He can work with a multitude of student abilities all within one classroom. He goes above and beyond what most teachers consider to be part of their responsibility as a teacher. I could go on and on…but I would certainly be willing and supportive of nominating him for an award. I can’t think of a more deserving teacher!
ReplyDeleteOh my gracious! That is horrible that they have had to resign. It should not be like that, at all. I agree that people tend to scrutinize the teachers who win, it happened in our school to a teacher who won the Diocese Teacher of the Year award. She won out of many Catholic schools in the county. I think she deserved it, however many others feel differently. Personally, I think it is sad that awards have come to that. They should be celebrating and learning from the teacher who won.
DeleteWow, this takes the "politics" issue to a new level!! I personally feel this idea of "skeletons in the closet" is just plain mean! I would think that the district would realize this and try to somehow change it -- perhaps cancel the whole thing???
DeleteYIKES! Seems like the teachers who win awards at your school fare worse than the politicians running our country!
DeleteMy district/building has nothing to recognize good teachers. This bothers me sometimes because there are a lot of amazing teachers that should be thanked. I think some of the bad teachers may be pushed to work harder if others are being recognized and they aren't.
ReplyDeleteA lot of you have mentioned keeping the notes/letters you receive. I do that too! I have a scrapbook that I add to each year with the notes from kids and parents. Having that book to look at on rough days really does rejuvenate me!
I agree that recognition sometimes does motivate teachers to look at where they are and ask themselves if they can do better. That is the flip side to teachers that are doing everything they can and not receiving awards.
DeleteOur PTO always provides us lunch three times a year to just say thanks for the job we are doing. To me, this is much more meaningful because EVERYONE is being recognized for their hard work and dedication.
DeleteEvery year on our district’s “Opening Day”, all the schools’ Teacher of the Year nominees gather on stage. One person has been chosen as Teacher of the Year for the district based on outstanding achievements and dedication to education. Before announcing the winner, these qualifications are shared with all the district employees, and I am always interested to hear them. This is an inspiring way to start the school year. I think that by learning from educators that are making a difference, we can do the same. I like that the recognition happens on a school and district level. I think it is a wonderful idea that the Indiana Reading Association is also recognizing excellence in education!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds great -- it would be inspiring. Who chooses the teacher? How are they nominated?
DeleteWhat a wonderful idea! Is one teacher chosen from each school as a nominee or can multiple teachers from a school be chosen?
DeleteMegan, this is how the school I student taught in did it, it was in Georgia. Each school choose a Teacher of the Year, then it went to the district and then to the state. I thought it was great!
DeleteI really loved reading the blog, and I agree that being nominated for an award like this would be completely flattering and something very much appreciated. I think it's special to nominate those who go above and beyond and could name several teachers that I teach with that I would like to nominate, or even teachers I had when I was in school that I still remember. However, I also agree that small tokens of appreciation throughout the year or during the day from students, parents or colleagues are so meaningful. I have a folder in my email with positive notes from parents, and also a little box of notes, cards and mementos of touching letters or things my kiddos have given me. I definitely pull those out when the "rough days" come along! I appreciate that the IRA is reaching out to educators and taking time to recognize teachers!
ReplyDeleteI believe that my school district has a lot of amazing teachers. We have one teacher at my school whom people compare to Miss Frizzle because she dresses up almost every day, is very animated, and engages her students with "being there" experiences. One of our teachers also won the "Teacher of the Year" award for the whole state a year ago. In my school system, we have an award called The Rose Award. This is awarded to any staff member (teacher, custodial, administrative, bus drivers, aides, cafeteria, nurses, secretaries, maintenance, etc.) who exhibit outstanding qualities and actions. My school also passes out a Giraffe Award. This award is given to a staff member at the school who "sticks his/her neck out" for fellow staff members or for the students. I liked Dr. Walker's comment that it doesn't matter what age you are. You can still receive an award for excellence. I received the Giraffe Award after working only one year in my school district. It was a great feeling knowing that I was making a difference. I personally think that verbal compliments from parents, students, and fellow staff members are the best awards because it shows how much you are making a difference in that one child's life. I love receiving pictures and letters from my students telling me how much they love having me as a teacher, what they like doing in my classroom, and how much they'll miss me next year. I think that those are the ultimate awards.
ReplyDeleteAndrea-The two awards you mentioned being given in your school corporation sounds like a great idea. I would think, just like with students, those awards would be somewhat motivating for staff members to pursue excellence. The corporation I worked for did not present any kinds of awards to staff. I'm not sure why, but I like the idea!
DeleteI love these award ideas!! It would really make people feel important no matter their role in the school.
DeleteThis may be a little off topic, but I feel it relates in a way. Some of you have mentioned that your schools do nothing to honor teachers who really work hard. In my opinion, my school does something that allows good teachers to feel like bad teachers. That is allowing parents to choose teachers. I've only been teaching for four years, so many parents don't know me but I do feel that I do a great job to the best of my ability. Yet, it seems that the teacher in my grade (principal's daughter) and the teacher in 2nd (principal's wife) get the kids who have parents who care. Now I am not saying all the teachers who get picked are related to the office staff, but many are in all grades. It really had me down this year when I was hearing who had picked who (it's always all over Facebook) for next year. It made me think wow, am I really doing such a bad job that everyone wants the teacher next door? I think the entire school is full of great teachers, so it's sometimes a slap in the face to have the same ones picked over and over again. Does your school allow parents to pick teachers and is it so open and political if so?
ReplyDeleteThis is discouraging to hear. This has happened in a school I taught at too. I find it very discouraging to teachers who aren't picked. The schools I have been a part of don't allow parents to pick teachers, but I feel some get the opportunity to. I doubt you are doing a "bad job". Just keep your head high and block out the politics around you. You and the students you get will know how wonderful of a teacher you are and will appreciate your hard work.
DeleteI have never heard of schools allowing parents to choose specific classroom teachers. Do you teach in a smaller district? Our parents are allowed to write a letter about the personality of their child, but they are not allowed to request teachers. I could see how this would be hurtful, especially when it is posted all over Facebook. Try not to let it get you down.
DeleteI do teach in a small town and as far as I know parents have always been able to pick. However, I don't think it was as popular when I was going through the system myself but now it's all parents talk about. I've also heard of other schools where a letter asking not to have a specific teacher is allowed due to family ties or any other issue and the letter may or may not be considered. I think that's a much better idea. I feel with the new RISE evaluation system this will really turn into a problem.
DeleteI know that as a teacher, I wouldn't want to know whether students were in my classroom because their parents wanted them to be in there or not. I also wouldn't want to know if a student was in a colleague's classroom because they had written that they didn't want them to be in my classroom. I try really hard, not to know how the students in my room were placed there. (Mostly to guard my own sanity.) The parents are allowed to fill out a personality questionnaire about the kind of teacher that they want their child to have, and as a teacher I can go and look at those questionnaires to learn more about my students. However, I choose not to do this. If a student is in my classroom, that's what was meant to be. That's all I need to know. I'm there to help every child, whether they requested me or not. I guess, if I were in your shoes, that's the approach that I'd take. You are there for those kids that need you. (Along the lines of parents putting their requests on Facebook, oh my! I would hide their feed from my view, and if a friend wants to tell you what they heard...I'd ask them not to say.)
DeleteWow, I cannot believe that the parents choose the teachers who are honored. Parents are not at the schools every day and all day to see what every teacher does. I can definitely see how this would make you and other teachers feel bad. You know what you are doing to make a difference, and your students notice it, too.
DeleteI've only been at my school for a year but I do think a parent can request. This doesn't mean they get it automatically, but they can ask for a specific teacher. I asked one of my teacher friends about placement (our rooms were very uneven this year with some having all great kids and a few with all the troubled ones) and she said that the teachers normally place the students. We didn't do this, but I'm assuming it was because of time issues. We do fill out a student profile and there is a place for us to write any comments, such as not to place certain students together or personality quirks). I personally didn't write a lot about my students because I feel it is important for next years teacher not to prejudge based on my opinion. We also color code for interventions and behavior issues.
DeleteI have been through 4 principals in my very small school. We have allowed parent requests throughout the years; however, sometimes it was through parents simply telling the principal, sometimes they had to jot it on a note, then there was the time parents had to fill out a rather lengthy form if they want their child in a particular classroom. Sometimes I think that parents have a true reason for requesting -- for example, where my kids go to school, there were 2 kindergarten teachers, one was very "old school" and the other was more hands-on and allowed a lot more movement through the day. I requested that my son be put in the second classroom because he had ADHD and it would have been a bad year for the teacher and him if he would have had to sit still all day. The "traditional" teacher was also a wonderful teacher, my daughter had her. But because of learning and teaching styles (especially since it was the first year) I knew where my son needed to be.
DeleteParents in my district are allowed to nominate teachers for teacher of the year. Most of the time I think parents do a good job...but I have to say some teachers are nominated year after year. They have a good following of students who love the teacher. Although some teachers are loved because they will allow students to do whatever they want...parents often times are not involved enough to know the difference between a good teacher and a popular teacher.
DeleteParents are not allowed to request teachers, but you can always predict what students will get what teachers if they have an involved or "well connected" parent.
DeleteT Whitaker, interesting you should bring up this point. We had a teacher in our building that all the parents wanted their child to have. One of our past principals let this happen. Her class was a lot of fun and fluff, her test scores were always fine because she generally had the "cream of the crop" in students that were going to do well anyway. She was recently moved to another building and from what I understand her test scores now reflect the "fun and fluff" model...not good at all. I'm anxious to see if parents now still want her for a teacher....
DeleteAt my school parents can request a teacher but it is not always granted. A few years back I asked to be moved to 2nd grade but was told that a few parents didn't like me so I wouldn't be moved. However, interesting enough, I was moved to 3rd grade by the same principal the following year so I became their teacher anyway. I took it as a challenge to make sure I was on top of my game so they would have nothing to complain about. I wasn't successful in that they could find something extremely small to point out that I was doing wrong.
DeletePart of the new guidelines for teacher evals should address this situation, yet do not. It will be even more frustrating if you are to be evaluated partially by student performance on tests. Schools will need to work harder to "evenly distribute" the high achievers. This past year I had many of the students who had involved parents, but it was because they requested/demanded their child NOT be put in the other third grade teacher's classroom because she screamed all the time. She has now retired (thankfully). Normally my school does not take requests, but the principal understood the situation, and even transferred two kids during the school year. I did feel sorry for this other teacher though because it made her look bad.
DeleteI think it would be such an honor to be nominated for an award by my colleagues or principal. It would mean so much to me that they are seeing my hard work and dedication. I would have to agree with many others when they say the best reward is getting a compliment or thank you from a child or parents. It is so gratifying to feel appreciated for what you have done. I think my school and district have so many wonderful teachers. So many of them would be well deserving of a teaching award.
ReplyDeleteI think teaching rewards come from the time spent with our students. No one goes into teaching for the money or recognition, we typically value the intrinsic rewards of teaching. However, you are right, it is an honor for your colleagues to recognize your hard work. We motivate our students with praise and recognition. Why are we so quick to shy away from it?
DeleteThe blog was interesting. I really enjoyed the book list down the right hand side. I chuckled at one of the blog posting about solids and liquids. The teacher put the objects in water to see what would happen to them and students replied using scientific vocabulary. One girl replied, "matter of factly they got wet". This is what makes working with children so rewarding. Love them!
ReplyDeleteAgreed! I had to laugh when I read that. Sometimes the answer is right in front of us :)
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteOur district has a Teacher of the Year program. Each school in the district nominates at teacher and they are recognized as the school's Teacher of the Year. The district then selects one teacher to be the District Teacher of the Year. The district then submits an application to the state for their Teacher of the Year award. The building level nomination is a form that peers fill out. The person nominated is not aware of the nomination. Our school has many great teachers. Usually 7 or 8 teachers are nominated for our building Teacher of the Year award. It would be nice to find a way to recognize more than one teacher during the school year. I have nominated colleagues for our Teacher of the Year award, but I have never thought about searching out awards outside of our district.
ReplyDeleteI thought Gary's blog was very insightful. He is very passionate about his work and is well respected in his school. His blog provides excellent examples of classroom activities and ways he promotes continual professional growth. I love the book recommendations and the fact that he goes to Barnes and Noble to check out new children's books. After looking at his blog, it was easy to see why he was the winner of the IRA Teaching Award. I think his blog helped to make the award application process easier for those who nominated him. The evidence needed was there.
I think that it is so great that teachers are being recognized for their hard work in your school corporation. I am sure it would feel like a huge honor just to be nominated! :)
DeleteI really enjoyed visiting Gary's blog. You can see that he is very interested in literature and keeps up on current books. I started a blog this year in my classroom, but it is nothing like Gary's. I am always amazed at teacher blogs like Gary's. It was easy to see that he is a wonderful teacher.
ReplyDeleteI think the application for the IRA grant is interesting. It seems fairly simple. The one part that confused me is that if you win you are expected to attend the IRA Conference, but have to pay for your own expenses. Depending on where you are from and where the conference is, this could be a large chunk of money. In a way, you are winning to be able to attend the IRA Conference. Not that I would complain, I would love to attend that conference, but I do think it is a little deceptive.
I think it is great that you started your own blog. Was it difficult to get started? Do your students get on the blog? I would like to create my own blog in the future, but I am not sure if I have the time to dedicate to it right now.
DeleteThe blog was very simple, and my students each had their own blog as well. I used it mostly as a place for them to publish work that their parents could see. I used my blog for links for the kids, or video of the students working in class. My goal for next year is to find ways to get the parents more interested in visiting my blog. The hardest part for me was remembering to take video and pictures to put on the blog.
DeleteIf you are interested, here is the link to my blog. http://kidblog.org/MrsMillus/author/mrsmillus/
I have used a couple of different blogs, but kidblog.org is extremely user friendly. You can also see the student blogs by clicking on all blogs at the top.
I love the I-STEP music video! It was so cute and creative. Thanks for the information about the blog!
DeleteI agree with Elizabeth! The I-STEP song was awesome! I laughed the whole way through. I am moving back to first grade this next year and would love to steal that idea!
DeleteI think a lot of times teachers go unrecognized for all the great things they do. There are many teachers that are dedicated, hard-working, and genuinely passionate about their job. Formal and informal awards are a great way to show those teachers their work is noticed. There is a Teacher of the Year award for each building in my district and a Teacher of the Year award for the entire district. We also do an informal recognition every week at my building. Staff members or students can nominate a staff member for showing a character trait. That staff member will get a “touchdown pass” that is put in a bucket for a drawing. At the end of the week, the school counselor will draw several names, and those staff members get recognized over the intercom (and a Diet Coke)! It is a simple, yet great way to show appreciation to those who work hard. I think sometimes it is the little things that really make educators feel appreciated.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed looking at Gary’s blog, Follow Your Bliss. Just by looking at it, I can tell he is enthusiastic about education and teaching his students. I cannot imagine the time he puts into keeping his blog updated, let alone his time he spends on teaching. I liked the children’s books he recommended, and I loved his five life lessons he told during his speech at the eighth graders’ graduation. He must really be an inspiration to those who know him. It makes sense why he won the IRA teacher award. I truly think some of the best lessons I learn are from fellow teachers.
I love the "touchdown pass" idea. It is a great way to recognize many different teachers throughout the year. I like that students can nominate the teachers as well.
DeleteWow, Teacher of the Year! Yes, I will admit that such an award is a dream that I privately have. However, I wouldn't dare to nominate myself. Is it common for teachers to nominate themselves? Is that how the Indiana State Teacher of the Year is selected? I like how some of the blog posts share the district selecting both a school's teacher of the year and a whole district teacher of the year. That would be such an honor to have your colleagues come together to nominate you. They are the ones that see both your hard work and the fruits of your labor.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed looking at Gary's blog. He lives is beliefs in education. Being not only a literacy teacher, but also a teacher of deaf students gives him a unique perspective on learning. I tend to follow blogs that have authors in similar positions to my own, but his blog brings a different viewpoint that is important for my own understanding of literacy. I can see why he was chosen.
My only question about the IRA Teacher of the Year is...what do you have to do at the conference, if you are required to be there? Accept your award, and walk off stage? I'm not sure how thrilled I'd be about addressing the entire conference... :)
Isn't it interesting how teachers are the first to shy away from public speaking but yet we do it every day??? I realize it is on a different level, at a conference we are with our colleagues and might feel we have to "impress" them and with our kids we are so much more at ease!
DeleteI also agree with you about Gary's blog. I enjoy blogs and really like reading any.....they can be addicting. He was a good choice for the winner - I think anyone can agree!
DeleteI can't stand public speaking either......
Gary's blog was great! I hope to spend more time looking at it later, but really liked all the book ideas. Like most, I keep all the cards, e-mails, and gifts from my students and their parents. They mean so much to me. I think that there are many teachers deserving of awards who are never recognized and thankfully are rewarded everyday because of their dedication to the students. I worked for a wonderful teacher who told me not to nominate her because she didn't want to do the "work" if she won, meaning the paperwork involved. She said she just wanted to teach. I don't know what is involved if a person wins, but more paperwork doesn't sound like fun :) Our school sent an e-mail with teacher of the year (I assume for our district) and asked us to vote. I thought it was nice to be able to see all the teachers that were nominated. It would be an honor to just be nominated, but I'm still more excited about the cards and notes from my students and their families.
ReplyDeleteDebbie, it made me laugh that your friend didn't want to the "work". There is a teacher at our school who we always say we are going to nominate for the Diocese Teacher of the Year, she just stares us down and says, "over her dead body, it's too much work." I know that there is a lot of paperwork involved, but sometimes I think it is worth it. So many teachers can learn from the award winners.
DeleteSuch awards are excellent ways of recognizing the outstanding work of teachers who should be appreciated in our districts. The only concern is ensuring that the application, voting, and award process ensure a sense of fidelity and objectiveness in their selection process. While it is nice to be recognized as the "Teacher of the Year" for your school, township, or even your state, the greatest recognition is that which many people have already shared: a simple thank you. The greatest gift, recognition, or act of gratitude that I received during my teaching career was a well thought out e-mail from a parent at the end of the school year. In the future, I'd like to pursue such recognitions that enable me to continue to provide my students with excellent resources and opportunities.Ideally, I'd like to use my work,create a portfolio, or share a compilation of lessons that allows me to be recognized while helping my students.
ReplyDeleteYou have made a good point, receiving awards provides you with resources that you might not have otherwise. My sister-in-law won a Teacher of the Year Chamber of Commerce award and received $3,000 for her classroom. It was a huge honor for her and it allowed her to buy things for her students that she would not have been able to purchase on her own.
DeleteWhat is Girls on the Run? Sounds interesting...
ReplyDeleteLike many people have already stated, I think awards for recognition of hard work and dedication are great. I think these awards could help motivate some teachers, and it's nice to recognize teachers and staff who work hard and dedicate themselves to the job. However, for me personally, it was the emails, cards, and comments from parents, students, and other teachers that meant the most. There were a couple of notes that had been sent by parents that really stood out to me, and to be honest, I did think I had really done anything special for their child. I've keep all those emails, cards, and notes because they are a nice reminder on days and weeks when I've felt I've struggled or failed in the classroom and as a teacher. There are SO many great teachers out there, and I think they should be recognized for all they do for their students.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed looking at this teacher's blog! I loved the books that he had scrolling down the side and I'm interested to check some of them out! You can tell just by reading his blog that he is passionate about teaching and his students. I enjoyed that this teacher was a male, because so many people associate teaching with woman. I think that is something positive to see!
ReplyDeleteI think the thing I have read over and over from everyone is that we don't like or want recognition from others, we find joy in the little things that come from our students and our parents. I think that everyone that does decide to go into teaching does it to make things better and improve the life of children. We don't do it for the recognition, the awards, or the pay (haha). I think people are honestly destined to be teachers and we're all in this field because we were meant to help children. I honestly would take a compliment from student or a parent than from another teacher any day! :)
This teacher reminds me of Mr. Harry's Kindergarten. I found him on YouTube and he is so passionate. My students love his songs and videos. It is great to see males teaching and being recognized because as you said many people just think of females as teachers.
DeleteCurrently at my school we do not recognize teachers with awards in anyway. Coming from a very small community I am not sure how teacher awards would work in our school setting. Things tend to be run very politically here and I am afraid that although awards would be so uplifting and heartfelt to teachers, it could cause more damage than good. When I was completing my student teaching my cooperating teacher gave me a great piece of advice. She told me to buy a little box to keep all parent/student letters in. Then she told me that whenever you receive a bad phone call or letter from a parent, open up the box and remember how many lives you have touched. She also told me that all teachers will get a bad letter or phone call sometime in their career, no teacher is perfect. I took her advice! I only have to look at the box and it brings a smile to my face!
ReplyDeleteI like that advice your cooperating teacher told you, I have a folder that I keep all the notes students have given me. Yes, every teacher receives a negative phone call in their teaching career. I feel that giving teachers awards at times causing jealousy among teachers and makes them have ill feelings toward one another at times, it just depends on the teaching staff.
DeleteIn my corporation we do not recognize teachers with awards. We are a small corporation and I don't really know how it would work. We have many great teachers and we teach because we love teaching! We do our best everyday and love being with kids. Each year I keep all of the notes and pictures that my students and parents give me. I hang up a few at a time and then place them all in a box at the end of the year. I love looking through them and seeing how far the kids have come. Those are the biggest rewards! Yes, we would love to be recognized and celebrated for all that we do, but in a sense we are by our students and the pictures and hugs that they give us. We are appreciated!
ReplyDeleteYes, I agree awards are nice but eventually they will just collect dust. The biggest reward we as teachers receive to see our student's smiling faces enter our classroom each day. I also like to keep the notes that students have given me over the years.
ReplyDeleteI love this guys picture! He may not look very enthusiastic, but he defiantly come off that way in his posts! It is funny that you ask if we are okay with being mediocre because I feel like a lot of people are okay with that! I also sometimes thing, how cool that they are doing that (such as the blog) and forget that I am just as capable of doing that as they are! I have gotten myself into a lot of things this way (and tend to over fill my plate, but I always learn something!).
ReplyDeleteIt is always encouraging to hear someone tell you, “Hey- that was a great lesson.” Or, “I’m really impressed with what you’re doing.” A compliment or “pat on your back” gives many of us the continual drive to always want to do our best. I think that “Teacher of the Year” awards are a nice way to recognize someone who goes above and beyond on a daily basis. Because this only happens once a year, my school district always presents “Making a Difference Staff Member of the Month” so that an individual is recognized on a monthly basis. These awards, like mentioned above, are a nice way to say thank you to those individuals who are working hard to make a difference. The only concern with these awards, though, is that the process of selection is fair. In many buildings, there are numerous staff members who could be selected at any point in time to receive such an award- I think that it is important to remain consistent and fair in the selection process.
ReplyDeleteLike many of us have mentioned, we didn’t pick the teaching profession for the recognition we receive. However, it’s the small things that are worth the most. A simple thank you from a student, parent, staff member, etc. is just as valuable as an award presented to you from an administrator. Students are the ones that we work with on a daily basis- they are the ones who benefit from all of the hard work put into our profession. When one thanks you for the work you are doing- or the same from a parent- that’s the biggest “pat on the back” I can receive.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed looking at the blog that Dr. Walker posted a link to. I always find it really exciting to be able to share educational ideas and take note of other teachers who are doing amazing work. Teaching is such a joy, and I find that I do what I do for the children. However, like many people, I do enjoy hearing praise and thank-yous for the hard work that I have put in. Sometimes I notice that a simple thank-you e-mail from a parent will make my day! I'm glad that certain programs create teacher recognition awards, because I truly feel there are MANY deserving educators who can be publicly rewarded for all the hard work that they put in!
ReplyDeleteAs teachers (and many of us women) we tend to have some of the same characteristics - we are perfectionists, we want some praise every once in a while, we like positive attention, we go above and beyond because we want to, not because we have to. Other qualities are that we never really think very highly of ourselves, we never sing our own praises, we never think what we do is good enough. It's sad to see that we put all the time in we do and don't brag on ourselves enough. I think this is a great way to do so. We need to give ourselves compliments - it sounds silly but its true. We need to take compliments (if someone tells you they think you have a cute shirt, say thank you, don't say, 'well, I got it at Target, it was on sale...just say thank you. if someone tells you you did a good job in the classroom, say thank you!) It's critical that we take time to celebrate what we do and be proud of what we do. Thanks for sharing Dr. Walker.
ReplyDeleteBrynn, I agree completely! We all do a lot and need to remember that.
DeleteOur district awards a teacher of the year award every year. The award rotates around the schools in our district so each school gets to choose a teacher for the award every 5 years. When it has been my buildings turn, we are asked to think of someone we think is deserving and write their name down for the principal. The teacher with the most votes wins. It is a nice way to recognize some of the hardest working, outstanding teachers we have in our building. The community also selects a teacher of the year for each school based on writing pieces from our students. I have to say, that it's usually the intermediate teachers that win this award. The community doesn't seem to understand that kindergartners and first graders may not write as much but will definitely tell you why they're teacher is the best! I think it's nice to award teachers but as others have said, the greatest rewards are those that I get from students. Whether it's an actual thank you note or a smile because they understand what they're learning!
ReplyDeleteI am always for teachers receiving the praise and honor due them. I have never worked in a school where the teachers were awarded like this and I really wonder how it would have affected the dynamics within the staff and their performance. This award is clearly focused on celebrating exemplary teachers who positively impact no only students but their staff as well. I do like that the nomination letters come from all involved in the education process (administration, teachers, parents, and students). You can tell that IRA takes this award very seriously and wants to make it hard to win. Their line of “no pictures or scrapbooks” allowed as data made me smile. It made me picture a little girl writing “My teacher is the best because she is nice.” That would never be enough evidence to win an award like this, but if a teacher received a note like that from a student it might mean just as much as if they had.
ReplyDeleteI must say that I never really thought I cared that much about being told I was doing a good job or having parents/students tell you thank you (don't get me wrong, it always felt great and gives you that little hop in your step) but when I moved to the UAE to culture that does not say those things, you realize that no matter if you think you are doing a good job or not, it is nice to hear those things every once in awhile. I have always thought it was nice when teachers were given awards for great teaching, but I also have always thought that I know several other teachers who are just as worthy and feel like they should get their moment too. I feel like we should be supportive of our colleagues and tell them when we think they are doing a great job because you never know if they need that boost (maybe they don't know how great they are doing). I must agree that my greatest moments are when I see my students learning and they realize it and they GLOW! They might or might not tell you thank you, but you can see that you have helped them to learn and grow and that's what is important! (I know that in kindergarten this is always easier to see.)
ReplyDeleteI must say I absolutely loved reading his blog! It had great ideas, it was a fun and easy read, and it shared insights into his classes. I have bookmarked and can't wait to keep reading! Thank you for sharing!
Yes, I agree that it is good for teachers tell other teachers they work with in their building that they are doing a great job, so it will build a sense of community.
DeleteI also think that it is nice to let your colleagues know when they are doing a good job. Sometimes I feel like it's more of a competition than anything else. We should be working together as a family to make sure that we are all doing fantastic things as educators.
DeleteThat is exactly how I feel; many times it is like teachers are trying to compete to see who has the best ideas and who is the best, but aren't we supposed to be there for the children? I have always thought staff should work together as a community; after all that is what we are teaching our children. But I have been in schools were that is definitely not the case. I think we should praise each other and show each other respect, just like we expect our students to do.
DeleteThanks for sharing Gary Wellbrock's blog on literacy. The dedication and commitment to his students and the world of literacy is very apparent in his posts. I enjoyed exploring some of the children's books he highlights. He seems like a very down to earth and dedicated teacher. This blog makes me feel like blogging in general could be something more attainable than I originally thought. He is a great example of an outstanding teacher and I really enjoyed looking at his posts!
ReplyDeleteI agree with everyone's about this being an amazing opportunity. As educators, we are always trying to think of new and innovative ways to teach our students especially in the area of global thinking. I am encouraged by the prospect of travel grants to make opportunities like these a reality. I do not think the grant process is over-involved for the amount of return you would receive.
ReplyDeleteI do wonder how open our school district would be in applying some of the new techniques that I may learn at an international conference. I guess I am skeptical at the impact that it would have on the rest of my school, since I was the only attendee. I imagine it would be hard to translate the ideas that I learned to others so that it would "stick" as well as others. Does anyone have experience in how to create an effective workshop/support to others after an international conference?
The previous post was supposed to be posted under the international grant post. Oops!
DeleteYes, I agree with you that it might be hard for the other teachers in your building to be accepting to something you learned from another country, especially if another country teaches reading entirely different than us, good point made.
ReplyDeleteThis post is in reference to teacher awards. We also have a Teacher of the Year award for each building voted on by their peers, as well as an overall winner awarded from the district. I think these are fantastic ways to recognize all the efforts that we make day by day in our classrooms and school community. Many outstanding teachers are humble and self-less. They are usually the most giving people you will meet.
ReplyDeleteI am in the IRA and have seen this application before. I am a very modest person and would consider nominating a teacher if I every felt that I should, but I would struggle with being nominated and actually giving a 'report' on myself. I can't stand bragging and this would feel like it to me. I do like the idea of these awards though...just not for me!!!! :-)
ReplyDelete(I'm also the one who hates surprise parties! or any surprises for that matter!)
I agree with you about not wanting to feel like you're bragging about yourself. I struggle with that when I receive any kind of compliment, especially from our administration. Not to say that I'm not proud - I just prefer to not be the center of attention even if it is for a good reason! :)
DeleteI too would feel more comfortable with nominating another teacher besides myself. I am much more confident when writing an essay to a team leader about why I deserve the use of technology, or on a resume.
DeleteOur school district has a "Teacher of the Year" award that is given out through our foundation. I have been teaching in this district for 14 years and still do not know how people are chosen. This year, our literacy coach won the award. To see her receive the award, you had to pay $50 for the dinner reception. The fee pays for the dinner and adds money for the grants portion of the foundation.
ReplyDeleteI think awards are a great idea especially with a staff that is supportive and collaborative. At my school, I don't know if it would work. The staff wants to be collaborative and supportive but their competitiveness and jealousy gets in the way. We are a dysfunctional family.
Two years ago, I had a student who searched for me to share her story about me and how I made a difference in her life. It was such an uplifting moment. She gave me a copy before going off to college! It was wonderful!
Our school nominates a Teacher of the Year and then that teacher goes to the district level and runs for RCS Teacher of the Year. I dont know though!! It is a wierd award at my school! We had a teacher win it one year just for going back into the classroom from being in the library many years before. It's more of a popularity contest rather than a teaching award. I don't think I would be proud to win it. I am proud of winning Walmart Teacher of the Year Award because my parents nominated me! Thats a big deal especially from the parents in my school who are not hands on to say the least. They wrote such wonderful things aout me!! That inspires me daily!!!
ReplyDeleteI think that it's great that teachers are recognized and rewarded for their success as an educator. We don't have these such awards within in our school corporation. However, there are ways that students or parents can nomiate teachers for awards in our area. Actually one of the teachers in our building was chosen for one this year--which I think is pretty exciting. I think the awards that come from students or parents that appreciate the impact that you've had on their education are the greatest kind to receive!
ReplyDeleteDuring the first ten years or so of my career, I was twice our school's Teacher of the Year, even qualifying for the top ten in the IPS system. It was quite an honor, but it was a lot of work as well, writing essays and submitting forms. For the past five years or so our school has not even selected anyone, because either they have received the honor previously or decline due to the extra work involved. I, personally don't think an award such as this should require any "extra work" by the recipient. One of my colleagues received the prestigious Millikin Foundation award (I think I spelled it right). The only work involved for her was accepting the $25,000 award and traveling to California on an all-expenses paid trip. Grants, understandably, require effort on the part of the recipient, but awards should not. Does that make sense to anyone else?
ReplyDeleteOur corporation goes in with the corporation in our same county to nominate teachers for Teacher of the Year awards. I'm actually not sure how teachers get nominated, but I should check it out. There are a few teachers in our small building who are amazing and go unrecognized each year. I wouldn't feel right filling out an application for myself, but I definitely think I should look into it for a few of my colleagues (especially the ones who will be retiring soon and deserve some recognition for their dedication to their students). However, it seems that those deserving teachers don't seek out recognition. All they need is to see their students learning and growing each day, and that's enough reward for them. I guess receiving an award like that would be wonderful, but I'm just as happy with the positive comments I get from parents about how pleased they are with their child's experience in my classroom. Seriously, right around Kindergarte Graduation, my head swells up due to the compliments these parents give me. And I know I don't deserve all the credit they give me, but it makes me feel incredible that they recognize the hard work I've put in throughout the year! I make sure to return those compliments though too because my students' parents are all very supportive and engaged in their children's learning too!
ReplyDeleteThroughout my years of teaching I have been honored with a few different awards. One was for innovation in the classroom. I was one of the first teachers to use a white board for a multitude of different areas of the curriculum. I was also awarded for my success in facilitating READ 180 in my school through a grant that we received in literacy. I am one of those teachers that get a lot of fulfillment from the accomplishments of my students. Therefore while those awards were good I would have loved to brag on how my students help to make me the successful teacher I am. Call me humble,but this is how I feel and part of the reason I love to teach. Our community and corporation has many different awards that many are great and I have nominated colleagues for some of them before. This also gives me fulfillment.
ReplyDeleteI did enjoy the blog. (followyourbliss) I added it to my favorites. I am going to look at the book selection on the side in more detail and order some of the books for my sons. I have never applied/or been nominated for an award. I am ambivalent about the process. Our local community has a teacher of the week. Previously some of the teachers in our district nominated one another so that they could take turns seeing themselves in the paper. I personally do not think that we give enough credit to our teachers who are in Title I schools working their butts off! Some teachers choose to stay in these challenging schools because they want desperately to make a difference. I will add to the many posts that have mentioned the satisfaction (award) that is given to a teacher from a parent or a students---this is why most of us signed up for this job. The joy of teaching and seeing a child learn.
ReplyDeleteI think many teachers (not ALL, but many that I have come into contact with at least) have similar personality types. Many of us are perfectionists and want to do our best every day. We give all that we can and then some and are not always recognized for all that we do. I, personally, am okay with not being in the spotlight. I don't like a lot of attention and am happy to be in my classroom doing what I love--working with kids. I do often feel a lot of inner pride when a child finally "gets it" or when a child comes into the classroom at the beginning of the year hating school and leaves with a smile on their face and saying that they'll actually "miss" school over the summer! I think my favorite "award" that I get is the love, support, and sweet hugs from my kids. They mean so much to me and I so enjoy that time with them. I also appreciate the notes, emails, phone calls, etc. from parents who you may not have even realized knew who you were--telling you how much they appreciate what you do or how their son or daughter comes home and speaks well of you. It is nice when you get those unexpected moments of praise and they really help me get through those times when I get frustrated in the profession. I do have to admit that it is my goal to at some point be teacher of the year--not for the title so much, but because I do feel that I work hard day in and day out and know that I have made a difference in the lives of kids. I am not one to ever brag about it or really even talk much of it, but I know in my heart what I do and, as a perfectionist, would like to someday earn that title of "teacher of the year". It is a goal I will continue to work for and hopefully one day earn. :)
ReplyDeleteBeing a fairly new teacher, I've never really given much thought to receiving a major award, such as Teacher of the Year. As others have posted, I do enjoy kind words from parents and my students. I keep a folder in my desk of kind notes and messages that have been written to me from my students and parents. It feels good to be recognized and to know that I've made a difference.
ReplyDeleteI work with some very amazing teachers. However, never did it occur to me to nominate them for an award. Every year when it is time for our school to announce the Teacher of the Year, I get nervous and excited - hoping it will be me. I have never received the award (yet). The more I think about it, the more I realize that I'm not in education to get an award in which I'm nominated by my peers. Even though it would be nice to receive an award, I constantly remind myself why I'm in education .... for the kids!
ReplyDeleteGary’s blog was informative and I liked the variety of book suggestions he had on the sides. I am always looking for children’s literature that I can incorporate into my lessons. There are a few teachers that came to mind after reviewing the blog and application. Although, I did think this application looked far more involved than the one for the out of country conference.
ReplyDeleteOur school has a Rose Award that we as teachers can nominate our fellow corporation employees for their work and dedication. I always thought this award was for those teachers that had been teaching for years. A couple years ago I received this award for putting together and running our school’s science fair. I was very flattered, but just thought what I was doing was nothing out of the ordinary. I think it is nice to nominate your fellow employees. I have tried each year to nominated my fellow teachers for this award as well.
I thought the question "or have you decided that you will settle for a mediocre career" was very interesting and definitely thought provoking. Our students do deserve our best. They don't deserve a "mediocre" teacher. I think now more than ever, we teachers need to step up our game and show that we are professionals who strive for excellence, not just because we have to do well on an evaluation but because we continually set the bar high for ourselves and our students. I can think of a few teachers in my building that deserve recognition for their long hours and all-out dedication to their profession. Maybe I should consider nominating one of them!
ReplyDeleteI agree 100% with your comments!
DeleteLast school year, our principal hand delivered homemade cinnamon rolls to every teacher in the building during class. It was a nice to see that we are appreciated and that he took time to deliver them himself instead of making an announcement that they were in the lounge. It think it is the little things like that - no just the big awards - that remind us that we are appreciated.
ReplyDeleteI ccan echo Adrienne's comment above about simple recognition. Never have I believed that I'm worthy of an award, but a little recognition for the countless hours and great amount of passion and heart I put into the ones that I teach would be appreciated. I would love to nominate a teacher someday for such a award. What an honor it would be!
ReplyDeleteIt's also a great reminder as a potention instructional coach to recognize and build up the teachers in our building to ensure they feel loved and appreciated. It would definitely transfer to the students, I'm sure!
I think that awards like these are so great to strive for. I love the idea of nominating another teacher that I work with. I find that some of the most amazing teachers I know are the most humble too. They always think and try to make things better and improve their teaching so they never feel that they are wonderful at what they do, even though the rest of know they are. These are the teachers who deserve these amazing awards, and I love that I could help them get it. I think it's hard to envision myself deserving these awards over so many others, but it is definitely something to strive for. Plus there are so many teachers who don't take the time to fill out these grants and awards so I wonder, why not me? It is so great to award teachers for the wonderful things they are doing for their students. It is so important to show teachers how valuable they really are.
ReplyDeleteBeing nominated for an award would be an honor. I don’t like tooting my own horn, so a lot of what I do in the classroom goes unnoticed compared to some teachers in my school. Personally, I am okay with that because I know in my heart that I am doing my best for my students. I know that the work I do doesn’t go completely unnoticed because my students and parents are always thanking me and telling me what a great job I am doing. In the school corporation that I work in I feel we work extremely hard and are constantly being pushed to do better, but I don’t feel like we take enough time to celebrate our successes. I think it would be great if our school gave out awards like some other people have mentioned in their post. Our job is demanding and I think we need to be told we do a great job and that we are appreciated.
ReplyDeleteI would be more inclined to nominate someone else, rather than myself. There are several teachers that I have met and seen them teach and the impact they have on their students and I think it's great that there are these awards that others can nominate these teachers for. I agree with several of the posts that the little notes or comments from students and parents mean more to me than they realize, even the little pictures that the students draw or color mean a lot to me. Even as a substitute teacher, I receive several pictures, hugs, or comments and these mean the world to me.
ReplyDeleteLike many others that have posted, we do what we do because it is what's best for children and we take this role very seriously. My school also gave yearly teacher of the year awards. The was a teacher of the year and a young educator of the year award. Having only been in the classroom three years I felt that I had a great deal to learn/gain before receiving the honorary teacher of the year award, but did feel that it was a great thing to strive for and work towards. I think that it is a wonderful thing to have these awards and an even bigger bonus to have a monetary award as well, that most likely will go back into our classrooms. I don't think that the old saying of "teachers are underpaid and underappreciated" is all that true. I have always felt very appreciated by my students, staff, and parents and find that this gives me a great deal of contentment even on those particulary challenging days.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading through Gary, The Teacher of the Year's blog. It's very obvious that he does what he does day in and day out because of the pure joy he gets out of teaching and helping his students be the best they can be. I really appreciated his efforts in teaching tolerance and standing up to the powers that be when it comes to the minority and what's deemed politically correct. Good for him. We all need to understand the meaning of tolerance and accepting differences.
Wow, I really enjoyed Gary's blog. What an inspiration to all and a class act. He is so passionate about his classroom. I love his real and candid looks inside what he is feeling and thinking. I loved all the information his blog also provided. Reaching for the Stars is for sure what Gary has done. I bookmarked this site in my teaching folder to revisit often. He is a real person, making a big difference and standing up to what HE believes is RIGHT....
ReplyDeleteI think it would be easy to nominate a few teachers in my building. We are in a school district where the parents don't always recognize the work that the teachers do in the school and it would be nice to show appreciation towards my co-workers.
ReplyDeleteI love looking at different teaching blogs. With my new interest in Pinterest I have been able to be connected with so many wonderful blogs. It just amazes me what some teachers come up with. Gary's blog was great as well. We as teacher can learn so much from other teacher across the country, as well as the world through this type of media. I can see that he definitely takes advantages of different resources that are available to teachers. He also uses a huge variety of literature to teach. I thought it was interesting to see a picture of his classroom. His room doesn't look like he has all of the latest technology and that is is in a state of the art building, yet he was still able to win such a prestigious award!
ReplyDeleteI am traveling to Indianapolis on the 11th and 12th of this month for a conference on guided reading, literacy stations, and small group reading instruction during the 90 minute reading block. If I were able to travel for the benefit of the possibility of a grant I would love ot go for something in leveled reading materials. My school is always lacking in materials, and sometimes over the summer things can dissapear.
ReplyDeleteI am too going to the Smeken's conference on those two days...See you there...
ReplyDelete