Weekly Teacher Download for April 23

ALL TEACHERS

Teacher and School Leader (TSL) Grant Teacher Transfer Recruitment Bonus: The Teacher and School Leader (TSL) Incentive Program grant is offering a $10,000 teacher recruitment bonus to teachers who transfer from an HISD campus that is not funded through the TSL grant to one of the 86 high-needs campuses (see list here) identified as part of the TSL grant cohort. Teachers who are interested in transferring will be expected to make a three-year commitment. The Recruitment Bonus will be paid in three installments: 50% in December 2018; 25% in May 2019; and 25% in October 2019 when teachers return to the receiving campus for the second year of the three-year commitment. For more information, click here. If you have any questions about this process, contact Lisa Sullivan at 713.556.3092 or lsulliv1@houstonisd.org.

Youth Violence Training: Are you interested in heightening your awareness of school safety? ​The HISD Social and Emotional Learning Department invites you to attend a Youth Violence training on April 27 at the HISD Transportation Building (6351 Pinemont Dr., Houston, 77092). You will gain a deeper understanding of the psychological factors and precipitating factors that may lead to student violence, as well as possible interventions. Participants will also identify characteristics of a school shooter, as well as the three types and five phases of a school shooter. Register in OneSource, course #1043003.

Responsive Classroom Training: Join the Social and Emotional Learning Department for their Creating Culturally Responsive Classrooms training on April 30 and May 3 at the East Field Office (1102 Telephone Rd., Houston, 77023). Participants will leave with a heightened awareness to self-evaluate their tendencies, negative attitudes, and stereotypes that unconsciously affect their perceptions and actions that impact their decisions necessary to repair relationships, build equity, and support classrooms for all students. Register in OneSource, course #422008.

Attendance Tip of the Week:  Do you need support in boosting attendance of students with disabilities? It is important for teachers working with SpEd students to be hyper-vigilant to the needs of these students and parents. Missed opportunities to refer parents and students to resources can be detrimental to student attendance. Click here for strategies that can provide support and help increase attendance for students with disabilities. Teachers may contact the Student Assistance Department (Attendance Office) at 713 556-7017 or click here for more information on best attendance practices.

ELEMENTARY

Code.org Workshop: Code.org will host four free one-day CS Fundamentals workshops for K-5 teachers on June 15 and June 29 at the Rice University School Mathematics Project classroom (5615 Kirby, Ste. 301, Houston, 77005) from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. These courses will help elementary teachers incorporate coding in all subjects. Breakfast and lunch will be served. Click here to register for Friday, June 15. Click here to register for the June 29 workshop.

SECONDARY

Code.org Science and Algebra Training: Applications are now being accepted for CS in Science and CS in Algebra. The courses will help teachers integrate computational thinking in middle school mathematics and science classes. The cost to register is $500 per teacher and includes two days for professional development in June. All sessions will be held at the Rice University School Mathematics Project classroom (5615 Kirby, Ste. 301, Houston, 77005). To register for CS in Algebra, click here. To register for CS in Science, click here.

2018 Scope and Sequence Reviews: The Secondary Curriculum and Development office requests feedback from all secondary mathematics teachers regarding mathematics Scope and Sequence documents. Participate in the final two feedback sessions in person or virtually being held on April 24 for middle and high school. Middle school teachers can find details on face-to-face sessions in OneSource, course #518008. High school teachers can find details on face-to-face sessions in OneSource, course #518004. Teachers may also provide feedback digitally. Click here for more information.

PowerUp Feedback Forums:  In an effort to continue the way HISD is transforming teaching and learning in the classroom through technology, the district has partnered with the Houston Federation of Teachers (HFT) to gather feedback, raise questions or concerns, and suggest changes to HISD’s PowerUp program. Join them beginning April 16 to share your thoughts, address challenges, and collaborate on ways HISD can improve the program. For dates and locations, click here.

In Your Backyard: Are you a Pre-AP or AP teacher looking for ways to make your lessons more engaging? Attend the four-day workshop, In Your Backyard, July 30 through August 2. You will have an opportunity to explore social studies pedagogy and plan future lessons with Pre-AP and AP colleagues. Participants will also explore community resources and meet with local experts to develop engaging lessons that align with Advanced Placement expectations. There is also a series of field trips during which you will have an opportunity to chat with the state history day coordinator, visit the African American Library, explore the Federal Reserve, and learn how to incorporate exhibits at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, into your lessons. Register for all four days in OneSource, course #827002.