Weekly Teacher Download for the week of Dec. 5, 2016
2016 December 2
ALL TEACHERS
- Be an “inclusive hero” for education: The Office of Special Education Services is partnering with the Inclusive Schools Network to celebrate Inclusive Schools Week Dec. 5-9. Schools, parents, and community members can take part in the celebration and download lesson plans, activities, and resources by clicking here. This year, the Inclusive Schools Week’s theme focuses on the concept of being a hero. The week also provides an important opportunity for educators, students, and parents to discuss what else needs to be done in order to ensure that schools continue to improve their ability to successfully educate all children.
- Still time to participate in 12 Days of Code: Teachers across the district are invited to celebrate Computer Science Education Week (Dec. 7-13) by having their students complete an Hour of Code during the 12 Days of Code. HISD is encouraging every student across the district to join the fun! Go to HoustonISD.org/12DaysofCode to find a calendar of coding activities curated by grade level. The calendar features a new coding experience each day. In addition, students and classrooms can print a special certificate once they have completed an hour of code and share a picture on social media using the hashtag #12DaysofCode.
- District Advisory Committee elections now underway: All teachers can place their two DAC votes from now until 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16, 2016. One vote is for a “Classroom Teacher” and one vote is for an “Other Campus-Level Professional.” You are eligible to vote only for a nominee from your particular school-area office group. To cast your vote, click here and sign in using your HISD application user name and password (not your network credentials). If you get an error message, it may because you’re using the wrong password. If you encounter problems, email the IT service desk at servicedesk@houstonisd.org.
SECONDARY TEACHERS
- Newbery Award Winner appearing at Literacy Leader Speaker Series: Literacy in the Middle is excited to host 2016 Newbery Award winner Matt de la Peña at their Dec. 9 Literacy Leader Speaker Series conference. De la Peña is the New York Times bestselling author who won the 2016 Newbery Medal for his novel, Last Stop on Market Street. His other titles include Ball Don’t Lie, Mexican White Boy, We Were Here, I Will Save You, The Living, and The Hunted. He’s also the author of the critically acclaimed picture book A Nation’s Hope: The Story of Boxing Legend Joe Louis (illustrated by Kadir Nelson). De la Peña currently lives in New York and teaches creative writing and visits high schools and colleges around the country. The Dec. 9 Literacy Speaker Series will be presented in two sessions, 9-11 a.m. or 1-3 p.m. at Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center Board Auditorium. Register in OneSource using course number 184001.
- TADS deadline reminder for Semester A courses: Secondary teachers should remember that for Semester A courses only, results worksheets are due to appraisers from pre-approved and appraiser-approved assessments through the TADS portal by Friday, Dec. 9. If you have questions, email TADS@houstonisd.org.
NEW TEACHERS
- Unlocking the secrets of great teaching: With your foundations in place, this time of the year calls for adding to your classroom-management toolkit. How are you breaking the cycle of misbehavior? Learn more at the upcoming training session, “Introduction to Conscious Classroom Management.” This sessions is indispensable for new teachers, a resource that incorporates meaningful stories, insights, humor, and invaluable strategies for what really works in the classroom. The session is scheduled from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8, at Ryan Professional Building. Register in OneSource using course number 279003.
- New Teacher Workshop: Celebrate Success: Learn more about three specialized tracks for teachers aligned to the instructional practice rubric foundational five (I-10, I-9, I-7, PL-2, PL-3) that support student growth. This session is scheduled for 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 13. While these training sessions are optional for teachers, they are an excellent opportunity to develop skills, techniques, and strategies in a small-learning environment. Student teachers and cooperating teachers are also encouraged to attend. The agenda includes Track 1: Classroom Management & Student Engagement; Track 2: Effective Planning & Data Driven Instruction, Whole Group: TADS Talk on Student Growth. Register in OneSource using course number 63013 or during check-in Tuesday, Dec. 13. Bring your laptop and power cord. If you have additional questions contact newteachersupport@houstonisd.org.
ELL TEACHERS
- Reminder: Required training for new ELL teachers: All new HISD teachers who instruct English Language Learners are required to complete an online training to learn about ELPS, PLDs, and TELPAS. It will also explain the linguistic accommodations that teachers use to build English language proficiency and make content comprehensible for ELLs. The training must be completed by May 26, 2017. Register for Sheltered Instruction Part 1 course in OneSource using course number 140013. Training documentation (course certificates) must be kept on file for each teacher in case of a TEA audit. For additional information, contact Nereyda Salas at nsalas@houstonisd.org or 713-556-6961.
READ OF THE WEEK
TEACHER DEAL OF THE WEEK
- Half Price Books: 10% off when you sign up for an Educator Discount Card
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