1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Challenge

 Thought, Reflection, Inspiration, Growth & Achievement

What has been your ONE biggest struggle during this school year?

This has been my most challenging year of teaching in about three years. With my class size up to 28 students it brings in a whole new set of challenges. To further this, I have some very active and demanding students that take much of my time and energy. But as challenging, overwhelming and exhausting as some days are, I still love teaching and my students! There is nothing more special and heartwarming than seeing a student be successful, believe in themselves or recognize how much they have achieved. Furthermore, this class has allowed me to try new ways of motivating, while also allowing me to pull from my tool box of ideas and to use all of these strategies and tools I built in previous years.

Share TWO accomplishments that you are proud of from this school year.

1. My biggest accomplishment this year would have to be the relationship I have built with one very special student in my class. This student came to me with everything working against him and a mountain growing in front of him. Connecting with him has been no easy feat and he is proof of how much a student can grow when someone takes the time to get to know him, accepts him for who he is, and truly works with him to help him reach any goal put in front of him. This simple, cute picture says it all!

2. The second thing I am most proud of this year is that I have tried new things! From introducing choice seating, to choice in workshop stations, and choice as one workshop station, to our STEAM challenges— building the Great Wall of China and our boats that sailed and held weight. It has been a year of experimentation and every one of my students has thanked me for letting them be involved.

 

What are THREE things you wish to accomplish before the end of the school year?

1. To successfully present my first Super Saturday "STEAMing Through Common Core" Area 3 Writing Project workshop.

2. To make connections to students and teachers through a bigger leadership role.

3. To design at least two more STEAM based engineering challenges for our last two continents.

Give FOUR reasons why you remain in education in todays rough culture.

1. To make a difference in students lives by giving them a positive and motivating learning environment.

2. To make a positive impression/contribution to the education system for the greater good of student success.

3. The drive to challenge myself to do new things and step out of my comfort zone.

4. To help others be successful in what they do— this goes for both students and fellow teachers.

Which FIVE people do you hope will take the challenge of answering these questions?

Because they are up for anything:
Hope Kloczko @misskloczko
Julie Torres @mrsjulietorres
Carly Rohrbacker @mrsrohrbacker

And these two wonderful teachers because they need to reflect on all the good they are doing!
Karen Duley @KTKinder1
Alex Gauthier @AlexGauthier3rd