Weekly Teacher Download for November 20

ALL TEACHERS

SEL Bulletin Boards: The Social Emotional Learning Department created bulletin boards to remind ourselves of the importance of self-care. Please consider this team building activity for your campus to promote SEL tips for children, parents, teachers, or everyone. Campuses may wish to dedicate an SEL bulletin board per grade level, hallway, cafeteria, or main hallway. Remember to include these boards inside campus newsletters, tweets, announcements, or maybe a campus tour! We hope you take some time to recharge the upcoming week. We recognize, appreciate, and thank you for your commitment to our students. 

Aspiring Program Specialist and Aspiring Department Chair Cohorts: The Office of Special Education Services (OSES) is seeking special education (SPED) teachers and other instructional professionals with a SPED certification to apply for the Aspiring Program Specialist and Aspiring Department Chair Cohorts. The purpose of the aspiring cohorts is to develop a pool of potential SPED leaders to provide timely and relevant instructional support and services to campus leaders, special education teachers, staff, and other stakeholders who serve students with disabilities. Interested applicants may access the applications online via the HISD Careers link – Business Professionals>Special Education Cohort. For more information regarding the timeline, application criteria, and frequently asked questions, click here. For questions related to the Aspiring Cohorts of Special Education Leaders (A.C.S.E.L.), please contact Carolyn Henry via Microsoft Teams or Cattani Frye via Microsoft Teams or email at cattani.frye@HoustonISD.org.

Computer Science: Region 4 is hosting a free computer science panel discussion on Dec. 7 from 3:30-4:30 p.m. for all CTE educators, elementary and secondary curriculum, math and science.  Please register here with Session ID: 1581061. In collaboration with Rice University and Code.org, WeTeach CS at The University of Texas at Austin will be hosting Computer Science webinars for counselors and administrators. Participants will learn about trends and opportunities in computer science, and how our district can open doors to these opportunities for all students.

SECONDARY TEACHERS

Arts A/V iHeart Media Virtual Speaker: We have an exciting opportunity for your students to engage with industry professionals from the iHeart Media company during your class. These industry professionals are excited to speak to students interested in radio, production, media, and more. Click here to sign up for your students’ virtual speaker. You will need to include the following information:

• Date: December 2020 – April 2021 (Please keep in mind a minimum of two weeks advance notice is required.)
• Timeframe or class period time
• Your name as a contact person
• Your email
• The approximate number of students (primarily for seniors and juniors)
• They will discuss a little about their company, their occupation, what it is like day-to-day, how to get started in the industry, and what are some of the other careers in the industry. If there are any other specialized areas of interest, please add them.

eDynamic Learning: The platform will have new electives and CTE courses available for next semester! We are excited to announce the new courses that are now available or coming for winter. By the end of 2020, we will offer nearly 200 unique and engaging electives and CTE courses for middle schools and high schools. eDynamic Learning is an approved HISD vendor. All eDynamic Learning digital courses offer school partners a comprehensive curriculum that is suitable for school and home. This offers a continuous learning experience for teachers and students. Click here and here to learn more.

CareerSafe National Youth Safety Essay Scholarship Contest: Students are encouraged to create a written or video essay describing how the OSHA 10-hour training has made an impact in the way they recognize hazards and how it will be a benefit to their future. CareerSafe will select up to four students to be awarded a $500 scholarship each quarter. The contest ends on Dec. 31 at 5 p.m. Central Standard Time (CST). Learn more about CareerSafe opportunities.

Capella University: Visit Capella University for free virtual professional development. You will have 60 days to complete any of the foundational courses that focus on setting up, designing, and enhancing instructional materials and methods with technology in the modern classroom. These courses are designed for teachers and teacher leaders with moderate instructional technology use. Find courses that can provide you with the competencies and immediately applicable artifacts to take your lessons to the next level. Each course aligns to a master’s program at Capella University and is available anytime. You can take courses when it is convenient for you.

Safe Holiday Season: Plan for a safe holiday season! Check out these Simple Ways to Protect Yourself, Family and Friends During the COVID-19 Pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic has been stressful and isolating for many people. Gatherings during the upcoming holidays can be an opportunity to reconnect with family and friends. This holiday season, consider how your holiday plans can be modified to reduce the spread of COVID-19 to keep your friends, families, and communities healthy and safe. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offer considerations to slow the spread of COVID-19 during small gatherings. Click here for more information.

Career and Technical Education (CTE): Do you still have questions or need support in the areas of CTE curriculum for your program of study or industry-based certifications? If so, please reach out to our CTE team for assistance. As you know, CTE content is aligned with challenging academic standards, relevant technical knowledge and skills needed to prepare for further education, and careers in emerging professions. Requests for CTE Curriculum and Certifications Open Lab is open. Please click here to review available openings and schedule a meeting with a specialist.