Weekly Teacher Download for May 21

ALL TEACHERS

Teacher Contracts: Teacher contracts for the 2018-2019 school year are now ready for review and to be accepted in OneSource. If you haven’t already, please log in to OneSource Employee Self Service and find the link to your contract under the Contracts & Forms section. Contracts must be accepted or rejected electronically via OneSource by midnight on Friday, May 25. Click here for detailed instructions. If you’d like to print your contract, click on the printer icon from the pop-up menu or toolbar before you click “Send.” Click here for more information.

HISD Connect Teach Training: Teacher trainings are planned for June 13-August 25 at 22 locations around Houston. There are over 34,000 seats in Elementary courses and Secondary courses to train 14,000 teachers. The trainings are approximately two hours long and will cover navigation, attendance, gradebook, and other teacher functions. Teachers can select a location and register in OneSource for the trainings that are most convenient. There are also several sessions offered for non-contract teachers in June, July, and August. Teachers will be compensated for attending training if they choose to attend during off-contract time ($50).

Mathematics Teacher Training: The Conference for Advancement of Mathematics Teaching (CAMT) is coming to Houston July 16-18 at the George R. Brown Convention Center. CAMT is an annual Texas conference that features sessions on mathematics content and pedagogy appropriate for K-12 mathematics teachers. CAMT is extending the early bird rate of $185 (a $95 savings) to all school districts impacted by Hurricane Harvey. If interested, send names and emails of teacher and administrator to Debbie Hurt at office@camtonline.org. If you would like to volunteer, click here.

Attendance Tip of the Week: Today, more students are confronted with more adult-like circumstances, making them more at-risk for chronic absences. Attendance Works suggests mentoring as a mutually satisfying win-win situation to help keep at-risk students on track for graduation. Teachers and administrators are encouraged to partner with Big Brother Big Sisters, another reputable organization, or HISD’s Volunteers in Public Schools program to inquire about mentors for your students. Click here to learn how to tackle chronic absence through mentorship. Please remember to contact the Student Assistance Department (Attendance Office) at 713 556-7017 or click here for more information regarding best attendance practices.

ELEMENTARY

Summer Elementary Training: Elementary Curriculum and Development is pleased to offer a wide variety of professional development opportunities for teachers this summer, including the HISD Elementary Curriculum Conference July 23 through July 24 from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Kingdom Builder’s Center. The sessions will focus on reading, writing, math, science, social studies, fine arts, and dual language. Participants will also learn about strategies and resources for English Language Learners and Special Education students, as well as leverage the effective use of data and Lead Forward resources. For details on the conference and registration information, click here.

SECONDARY

Summer Secondary Training: Do you want to keep your teaching knowledge fresh over the summer? Join Secondary Curriculum and Development for summer secondary training opportunities. For a full list of learning opportunities, click here. The department will also be hosting its main summer conference July 23-24. School leaders and teachers are invited to submit breakout session proposals here.

In Your Backyard: Are you a Pre-AP or AP social studies 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.