Week of Feb. 19-23

Hallelujah... a couple of break-through moments this week!  The two least technological teachers in the current cycle successfully achieved parts of their goals.  One teacher in-particular has been reluctant to ask for assistance, even when I'm offering (in person!) and twice this week, they spoke up during PLC and asked for a "how to" mini lesson of sorts.  B.R.E.A.K.T.H.R.O.U.G.H. 
May seem rather mundane to most people, but seriously, this is huge for these teachers! 
Although we've made some great progress this cycle, I wish we had more time.  I think we got a little spoiled with the first two cycles, and now this third one has just sped by!  I believe I may hold onto two-three teachers for at least part of next cycle.  We're building momentum, and I don't want to lose it!  
In the midst of future uncertainties, I am super stoked about the opportunities I have had thus far to walk alongside some pretty amazing teachers, and witness their growth. :) 

Week of Feb. 12-16

RISD DLP Coaches met for PLC, and discussed the future of our positions.  We've requested some information from the district, and there seems to be a lag in decisions being made.  We feel that in a district asking for transparency amongst teachers, reasonably, administration should reciprocate.  
I had the pleasure of attending an all day workshop with some of our ELA teachers, our campus IC, and our principal.  It was beneficial for me, I believe, as I now have a better understanding of the breakdown in ELA data, processing, and TEKS.  I learned there is a gap in student success for those who are repeatedly instructed to practice writing using pencil and paper, but then are asked to write their simulation/CBA/STAAR writing sample using a computer.  This led me to voice what I've been feeling for several weeks now... we need to incorporate digital writing, as well as pencil to paper.  In a society driven by diversity, why are we failing at offering something as simple as different writing styles in schools?  New goal for this coach... get our ELA team to incorporate both digital and 'old school' writing styles in their lessons! 

Week of Feb. 5-9

Only worked with teachers two days this week, as I was out three days for personal leave.  Productive PLC time with ELA 7th and 8th.  Teachers openly asking for assistance/guidance with tech tool usage and/or integration.  Also got to dust off my CTE hat, and assist with presenting for our campus Lights on Lake Highlands night, where incoming 7th graders and their parents tour the campus and learn about the school. 

Week of Jan. 31 - Feb. 2

TEAMWORK, our mantra at LHJH this week! Flu has hit hard on our campus, and this week really took a toll on teachers.  But, we work in an amazing district, where the Superintendents realize there is a severe sub shortage, so they rallied for central admin to go out and sub for teachers who've been infected with the flu bug; how awesome is that!?! While I feel terrible for those who are sick, I 1.) hope I don't get sick, and 2.) haven't been able to get many observations in the past couple of weeks.  For example, I went into six ELA classrooms yesterday, and was only successful in completing one observation.  I did, however, get to talk with some very friendly subs. 
I stayed the course, and held EdVenture Island PD for staff this week.  I offered four sessions, and teachers raved about the program... go, Miko!  I had one teacher ask if we could roll the activity out to students at the beginning of the year, during Chromebook distribution.  I thought that was a fantastic idea, and passed along the inquiry to Miko, who readily agreed with the idea.  I believe I'll offer the training opportunity again this spring, with hopes to reach those who could not attend this week. 
Trucking on and disinfecting everything in my path... :)