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Author Archives: Terry Lee Marzell
Creating a memorable first day of school
As the start of a new academic year is upon us, educators all over the country are contemplating ways to create a successful first day of school. Here are a few thoughts.
Think about what you want to accomplish with your students, right from the start. Of course, classroom management is important, but current educational philosophy suggests that classroom management is easiest when students are actively engaged in stimulating and meaningful activities. So, avoid reading aloud a list of your classroom rules and expectations or your course syllabus. Also, don’t plan a lecture. It’s a snore for the kids, and your throat will be sore by the end of the day.
To create a memorable first day, plan an activity that introduces students to your classroom values. Presumably these values would include respect for peers and working well together. Consider ice-breakers that encourages students to interact with each other. Reward them for learning the names of their classmates. It’s also a great idea to try and learn the names of your students as quickly as possible so that you can greet them by name on their second day. Also, create activities that give kids opportunities to help you and their classmates get to know what is unique about them. Example activities would include a round of Two Truths and a Lie, a Shoe Pile Mingle, or Never Have I Ever.
Another customary classroom value emphasizes the joy of learning. Many teachers want their class to be an exciting adventure as they and their students explore learning together. Crafting an activity that is interactive introduces this classroom value right from the beginning. Consider planning a trivia game, collaborative drawing, or a scavenger hunt.
Whatever you plan for that first day, just be sure it is stimulating and engaging. The time will be well spent if the effort kicks off the school year with a sense of excitement for your class or subject. And that list of classroom rules an expectations and the course syllabus? Consider emailing these to parents before the school year begins, and having them reply that they have received it, perhaps with a simple phrase such as “I Agree.” Or use the communication as an opportunity to invite parents to dialogue with you about their child’s individual needs or concerns.
Above all, have a great year!
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The start of a new school year is just around the corner!
As much as teachers would like summer vacation to go on forever, we cannot deny that the end of summer is rapidly approaching. The start of a new school year is just around the corner. Getting ready for the upcoming school year requires a great deal of planning. Here is a helpful list of tips to help you prepare. Some suggestions are more suitable for elementary teachers, other suggestions are better for secondary teachers, and some are useful for both levels. Adapted from ThoughtCo. Enjoy!
- Write and mail or email a welcome letter to parents and students
- Create name tags for students and their desks
- Read through student files to help determine placement in groups and activities
- Determine desk arrangement and create seating charts
- Decorate and put up bulletin boards
- Decorate the front door
- Determine the rules and consequences or how you will have the class decide upon the rules
- Organize first-day ice-breakers
- Collect activities and design lessons for the first week of school
- Become familiar with the class computer and other technology needed for the classroom
- Decide how to welcome students and introduce them to the rules and procedures
- Develope a substitute folder
- Create a list of classroom jobs
- Introduce yourself to fellow teachers and staff members
- Set up your classroom calendar
- Organize the classroom library, if you have one
- Make copies of forms and worksheets you want to send home the first week
- Have all systems in order (homework basket, paperwork basket, etc.)
- Create or purchase a lesson plan organizer and calendar
- Gather teacher materials and supplies
- Set up a class web page to communicate with students and parents
- Purchase or acquire any classroom supplies that are needed
- Obtain a copy of the district curriculum standards for your courses
- Prepare a folder for faculty meetings and information
- Make copies of materials for the first couple of weeks
- Post emergency evacuation map and procedures
- Acquire or stock a first aid kit
- Decide how to manage homework
- Decide how to manage using the restroom (bathroom passes, etc.)
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As 2023 Michigan State Teacher of the Year, Candice Jackson will focus on students’ mental health
Candice Jackson, a third grade teacher in Detroit, Michigan, has been named the 2023 Michigan State Teacher of the Year. In this role, she plans to focus on students’ mental health issues. Photo credit: Riley Hodder, Bridge Michigan
Congratulations to elementary school teacher Candice Jackson of Detroit, Michigan, who was named her state’s 2023-2024 Teacher of the Year last month.
Candice teaches at the Mann Learning Community in the Detroit Public Schools Community District. In a career that has spanned 21 years, she has taught at the facility for the past six years. In addition to her work with students, Candice has spent five years mentoring other Detroit teachers in a professional development program called Master Teachers.
Candice says her decision to go into the teaching profession was an easy one. “I grew up in Macomb County, and I had very few teachers that looked like me,” she reveals. “My third grade teacher Mrs. Harrington was African American, and she was the epitome of grace, poise, and sophistication,” she says. “Unfortunately, that was one of the few encounters I had with a teacher that looked like me. That made me want to be what I did not have,” she explains. According to statistics compiled by the Michigan Department of Education in 2018, about 9% of teachers in Michigan were Black, while about 33% of students in the state are Black.
As her state’s Teacher of the Year, Candice will hold a non-voting seat at the State Board of Education meetings every month. She will also serve as a member of the governor’s Educator Advisory Council. In her new role, the honored educator hopes to increase focus on students’ mental health. “Kids are dealing with a lot,” Candice observes. “I think mental health is one of those things we ignore. And what ends up happening is things spiral out of control. If we pay attention to those risk factors, we can intervene early, and provide the necessary treatment,” she continues.And Candice believes that an increased focus on mental health will also help improve school safety.
Candice earned her Bachelor’s degree in 2001 and her Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction in 2004, both from Michigan State University.
Each year, the Michigan Department of Education recognizes the state’s top teacher. The honor is selected for their dedication to the teaching profession, commitment to students, and professional accomplishments. The selection process begins with nominations from students, staff, and community members.
