Weekly Teacher Download for the week of Dec. 12, 2016

ALL TEACHERS

• Free version of Microsoft Office 2016 for district employees: Click here to find out how you can install Microsoft Office 2016 on your personal computer, tablet, and/or smartphone.
• 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.
• Plan now for STEM design challenges: The Advanced Academics department is pleased to announce that the spring semester STEM design challenges for grades K-8 are now available on the HUB. There is one challenge per cycle, per grade. Each one aligns to grade-appropriate math and science standards, as well as ELPS and CCRS standards, to reinforce your teaching. Embedded in each challenges are differentiation strategies, formative assessment tasks, as well as extension activities to help you meet the diverse needs of your students. Grading rubrics, supply lists, and all necessary handouts to implement these hands-on projects are also included. Contact Sabrina Provencher at sprovenc@houstonisd.org for more information, or to learn how these challenges can be adapted for use during your STEM Night, or even as part of an after school STEM club.

ELEMENTARY TEACHERS

• Take your instruction to new levels at Literacy Summit: Looking for a professional development opportunity to further support Literacy By 3 and the quality of your literacy instruction? Want to provide students with a real foundation for a literate life? This conference-style event on Jan. 7, 2017, will feature keynote speaker Doug Fisher, a noted literacy expert. Sessions will be facilitated by Teacher Development Specialists and classroom practitioners. This year’s summit will feature sessions designed around authentic children’s literature. Attendees will have the opportunity to network with colleagues, expand their learning, and visit the Barnes and Noble Pop-Up Shop. Register in OneSource using Course Number 149011.
• Digital Resources: Tools for Teachers video series: The Library Services Team provides teachers and students with a variety of digital resources, and they invite you to check out Digital Resources: Tools for Teachers, a new video series that will highlight some of the features and tools available for teachers in various digital resources.  Videos will be released every two weeks and will be available on the HISD Library Leaders YouTube Channel and the Library Services website. The first video showcases some of the tools and products available through World Book Online.

SECONDARY TEACHERS

• Mark your calendar for literacy events in the spring: Interested in help with Literacy in the Middle online modules? Want to listen to literacy advocate Kylene Beers speak? Tour a ‘model campus’ where great literacy instruction is taking place? The Literacy in the Middle team has you covered with a variety of professional development opportunities and events designed to help you grow and sharpen your literacy instruction tools. Register for Beers’ appearance at the Literacy Leader Speaker Series using OneSource Course Number 297002, and search OneSourceMe for additional Literacy in the Middle offerings. You can also email Mechiel Rozas at mrozas@houstonisd.org for additional information.
• Get computer science certified, earn $1,000: As the district embraces digital learning and STEM education, teachers have the opportunity to earn a $1,000 stipend for becoming computer science certified. Teachers who take and pass the TExES CS 8-12 Certification Test in February 2017 will receive a $1,000 stipend just for passing the CS test. Additionally, the University of Texas-Austin is also sponsoring a face-to-face a certification prep course and reimbursing the cost of travel. Additional funding for the Certificate Incentive Program (CIP) has been secured through the February 2017 testing window. So, if you plan to take the certification exam or did not pass this summer, you can still take advantage of this opportunity. Click here for more information.

NEW TEACHERS

• New Teacher Workshop: Celebrate Success: Come 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 all 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.

READ OF THE WEEK

• Education Week: Fake news, bogus tweets raise stakes for media literacy

TEACHER DEAL OF THE WEEK

• Ann Taylor Loft: 15% off full-price purchases