Teacher Recruitment

In our area, the teacher shortage is critical in certain areas, such as math, science, and foreign languages. We must find ways to encourage students to major in education. I am hopeful that in today's tough economic times, more people will turn to education for stable employment, but at the same time, that concerns me. I want teachers who are passionate about what they do - that truly have a heart for children. I don't want people who consider this a fallback occupation.

Coming to this urban setting from my suburban and rural roots, I have become acquainted with the Teach for America program and I am so impressed. I have two teachers on my campus, both Teach for America grads and they are outstanding. Both of these teachers have a heart for children and are willing to literally do whatever it takes for their students to be successful. And by that I mean they even schedule Saturday detentions and tutorial sessions knowing that we can't pay for them, but also knowing that it is what their students need.

What are your ideas for recruiting teachers into the profession?

Magnet Schools

In Houston, there is much controversy at the moment over magnet transportation. HISD students are provided free transportation if they are accepted into a magnet program, no matter where in the city they live or the program is located. In these difficult economic times, the district is looking to trim costs and magnet transportation is one area they are reviewing.

As you can imagine, the public outcry was intense. Although everyone seems to understand the financial obligations the district faces, they are concerned that the underlying vision of the magnet program will be compromised. The vision is to allow students to have a choice for where they will attend. If transportation is pulled or limited, then the neediest students will be the ones who suffer.

What are your thoughts?

As an educator, I am so conscious of making sure that I do not let students know m political beliefs. During our recent presidential election, it certainly wasn't an easy task, but an important one nonetheless. Ensuring that my opinions did not unduly influence what a student thought, was critical to encouraging students to research and formulate their own opinions and beliefs.

Students would come to lunch and while I was on lunch duty, they would frequently ask who I was voting for. I would answer with a question and ask them who they believed should be the next president. I would ask pointed questions to encourage them to research their opinions, so they could speak intelligently about their choice.

Now that the election is over, I am thrilled that I have the opportunity to accompany a group of students to the inauguration in January. We are taking 60 students to Washington DC for six days of festivities. We will tour the White House (we are one of only five school groups chosen for this honor), attend an inauguration party hosted by a Texas group, and be there for the swearing in ceremony. How exciting to be there for this history making event! I can't wait!

Robilowe

Disciplinary Issues

The most frequent concern I hear from teachers is how to handle students who lack motivation. Sometimes we want to call them lazy, but I do not allow that "L" word on my campus. Unmotivated is really what they are and is also something we can address. So, how do we motivate the unmotivated? I believe that when we have clear, consistent classroom expectations, continually assess the level at which students are mastering the objectives, and vary our instruction, then we increase the odds that students will be engaged and motivated.

Assessments need to be meaningful to students. When assessments lack authenticity, students do not see the need to complete them. Additionally, assessments need to be challenging, without frustrating the students into noncompliance. By allowing students to choose how to show objective mastery, students can use rubrics to challenge themselves in methods that motivate them.

Varying instruction is a must. On our campus, we utilize block scheduling. Trying to lecture and complete worksheets for 90 minutes will kill anyone's motivation. Varying the assessment every 15-20 minutes assists in keeping students actively engaged.

So, what do you think? How do you keep your students motviated?

Holiday Season

This is a great week. It is only 7 days until the holiday break and we are filled with winter concerts and the like. This week alone I have guitar, orchestra, band, and choir performances. Next week our dance class is performing scenes from the Nutcracker. This is my favorite time of year. Watching our students perform and being able to see them in another light. It is exhilarating.

We are preparing for the next semester, gearing up for our spring state exam tutorial sessions. Working in our PLC's, we are identifying best practices for student success. Currently we are studying Marzano's strategies. Watching the implementation of the strategies and our new literacy component is wonderful.