Page 3 - May 2017 Edconnect

Brevard Boasts 323 High Impact Teachers
By Matt Reed, , assistant superintendent, Government and Community Relations
Across BPS, 323 teachers have been recognized as “high- impact teachers” by the Florida Department of Education. The recognition means they were among the top 30 percent of teachers in Florida as measured by the state’s Value Added Model, which compares students’ actual learning gains to their predicted learning gains based on each student’s past performance. The analysis spanned three years of data.
“Whether in a classroom where students arrived already high-achieving or a classroom in which students were underperforming, your e orts provide inspiration and opportunities to young people that may have been otherwise inaccessible,” says a letter from Commissioner of Education, Pam Stewart to the recipients
How do those teachers do it?
edConnect asked a variety of the top performers from across Brevard to share their secrets for strengthening student learning.
Jason DiPeppe, Satellite High,
10th-grade English and 12th-grade AP literature.
I think relevance and buy-in on the part of students is very important in motivating them. I do not follow a set routine for all four quarters, so I never let the kids get too comfortable (or bored) with my approach. Most importantly, I develop my own curriculum and have since I started teaching in 1997, using novels and not textbooks.
If I could give a new teacher one piece of advice, it would be: to get to know your kids and be as relevant as you can in their lives.
Andrew Disney, Merritt Island High, English I and English I honors
The most important approach that has made a di erence in my student’s learning is studying students as individuals. I strive to know what is most important to each student. I build individual pro les about a student’s home life, past
academic experiences and results, current activities, future
goals and personal preferences. I cannot motivate my students
to succeed; however, I can develop an environment where
students’ nd value in the content and assignments, and
motivation becomes self-driven. My goal is to add value to
each student’s life and provide an opportunity to grow.
Ronald LeLeau, Bayside High, ninth- and 10th-grade algebra
I make the students take ownership of their education and keep the parents involved through emails and phone calls. I alert all the parents through email every time homework is assigned and for upcoming tests/quizzes.
Debbie Mahl, Sherwood Elementary, fth grade
Constant review of any skills you teach your students, done in many di erent ways. Getting students involved in the learning, sharing with each other and sharing with the class.
Amy Parsons, Tropical Elementary, sixth grade ELA
Hands down, building relationships with each student is the key.
Second, be funny! Laugh at yourself. (This is key to a new teacher, we all make mistakes, admit it and move on. That makes you human and relatable to students.)
I teach to the heart of the child, and it is imperative you get to know them, really know them, in order for them to grow as a student. This takes time, and my advice to new teachers is to take the time. As much as you think you can’t with all that you have on your plate, take the time. I have students and parents from years past tell me that they knew I cared.
Jennifer Pruett, Croton Elementary, sixth grade
I feel that one of the most important approaches that I take with my students is building relationships. I work to build the relationships, build trust, and to get them to work on areas they struggle. From the academic standpoint, I look at what their strengths are and what areas they need to work on and I
work with them individually.
Karla Skinner, DeLaura Middle,
seventh- and eighth-grade intensive language arts
Communication is key in making gains. I make it a priority to send out weekly newsletters and emails to parents to inform them of current standards we are covering, homework and projects. At least once a month, I have data chats with my students one-on-one so they can see where they are, where they need to be, and set goals. I truly get to know my students and do everything I can to motivate them based not only on need, but also on their interests.
Vicki Taber, Fairglen Elementary, fth grade math and science
Each year I work on motivating my students and changing their mindsets. I have been told by my students that I make learning fun and that I take the time to do whatever it takes for them to be successful. Their thinking changes to a “I know I can do this” attitude with this approach to teaching. I also feel that creating a safe, risk-free classroom is very important with mistakes and laughter accepted throughout the day.
Julio Torres, Kennedy Middle,
seventh- and eighth-grade language arts
The most important step that I’ve taken as a language arts teacher is to read every single word in their essays and written responses. Based on all of my comments and feedback written all over their essays, students realize I do read every single word, every single idea. Students learn to appreciate the time I invest in their essays and written responses.
Christine Williams, Ralph Williams Elementary, sixth-grade English language arts and social studies
Building relationships is key to the success of students’ learning. If students feel safe, respected, and that you believe in them, they will work to attain the expectations set up for them to achieve.
If you needed one more reason to switch your checking account to CCU, this is it! NEW! Debit Card RoundUp Savings Program $
It’s your virtual coin jar! When you use your CCU debit card, we’ll round it up to the nearest dollar and put the difference in your Share Savings.1 It’s that simple.
CCU Debit Card RoundUp Savings Program
Membership is available to Brevard, Orange, Osceola, Indian River, Volusia, & Polk County residents. A $5 membership fee is required. Federally insured by NCUA.
1Learn More at ccuFlorida.org/roundup
May 2017
edConnect
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