Weekly Teacher Download for the week of Feb. 27, 2017

ALL TEACHERS

• Gear up for ‘Go Texan Day’ on March 3: ​Teachers, staff, and students are encouraged to show support for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo by dressing in Western-themed outfits on “Go Texan Day,” on Friday, March 3, in recognition of the HLSR’s significant contributions to public education and to kick off this year’s rodeo. The HLSR, which is celebrating its 85th anniversary, is a valuable educational partner, and awarded scholarships worth $1,656,000 to 92 HISD graduates in 2016.
• Take a proactive approach to classroom management: The Department of Social and Emotional Learning will host classroom-management training for all instructional staff and administrators, which is designed to help teachers positively manage student behavior. Participants will explore comprehensive and practical strategies to improve their current classroom management plan. This is a two-day training, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. on March 21-22 at the Ryan PD Center. Register in OneSource using Course Number 136001.
• Creating authentic assessments for diverse learners: Participants will create Integrated Performance Assessments using the strategies introduced in this session. This session explains the characteristics of an IPA, demonstrates how to identify different world languages proficiency levels using sample model assessments, and shares strategies for creating an IPA. There are two upcoming sessions, one at 4 p.m. April 12 and another at 4 p.m. April 26. Special instructions: Participants must register for the course and confirm it with the presenter at fji@houstonisd.org prior to the training. Use OneSource Course Number 337001 to register.

ELEMENTARY TEACHERS

• Still time to register for girls’ empowerment conference: The We Are Girls Conference, produced by Girls Empowerment Network, is a statewide, multi-city event designed especially for girls in grades 3-8 and the adults who care for them. Founded in 2008, this year’s conference theme is “Find Your Power.” The April 29 conference will feature skill-building workshops and dynamic presentations, and the We Are Girls Conference connects girls with role models and encourages healthy relationships, educational discovery, and creative self-expression. Girls can receive a scholarship to attend by going to www.wearegirls.org. Early-bird tickets are $20, and tickets purchased after April 1 are $30. Admission includes lunch, supplies, a swag bag and access to the speakers and breakout sessions. To apply for a large group scholarship, email angie@girlsempowermentnetwork.org.

SECONDARY TEACHERS

• Literacy in the Middle library maintenance tips: As part of the Literacy in the Middle work designed to increase literacy across all contents on middle school campuses, the district purchased classroom libraries for all core classrooms and delivered them in August of 2016. All campuses inventoried and submitted their lists centrally. As we prepare for the closing of this school year and make plans for the 2017-2018 school year, it is essential that campuses maintain district-purchased books and libraries for the coming years. For those classrooms who would like to replace or refresh their book selections, lists from approved vendors can be found in the Literacy in the Middle HUB course. To access these lists, enrolled in the course and follow the pathway: Literacy in the Middle>LIM Administrators>MS Resources Lists.  Should you need any additional information or support, please contact Mechiel Rozas at mrozas@houstonisd.org.
• Limited opportunity for computer science stipends for math, science teachers: Middle school math and science teachers are encouraged to apply for a professional development opportunity through Rice University. The Computer Science in Algebra Professional Learning Program and Computer Science in Science 2017-18 Professional Learning Program will teach educators how to integrate computer science into their lessons to help supplement their lessons. Both are free to attend, and teachers will receive a stipend upon program completion. Enrollment is limited to only 20 teachers in each cohort. Once filled, no more applications will be accepted. For information and a link to the application, click here. If you have additional questions, contact Alice Fisher at afisher@rice.edu or 713-348-6076.

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TEACHER DEAL OF THE WEEK

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