Well, I was definitely on a TFA-high yesterday. :) I'd attribute it to the awesomeness of the 17 new corps members who were in my CVC group. Seriously, they made me excited to go back to teach, and they inspired me. They're amazing, and it's just a blessing to have met them.
So, for today's post I'll write on a non-TFA note...
If your 3-yr-old is carrying the cat towards the kitchen muttering "kitty needs a bath," it’s really best to see what she’s planning. Especially if you have a dishwasher.
I discovered learnfrommyfail.com today.
I also discovered that don't know what to do with all my free time now. Three years ago when I had this much free time:
1. I also had an IV in my arm,
2. I had no hair, and
3. It was 20 degrees in the middle of winter in Chicago.
I'm very happy that now:
1. Said picc-line is long gone (and the scar has nearly faded),
2. I have hair (despite the fact that it's darker...and by darker, I mean really I'm being petty here), and
3. It's summer and warm in Cali.
Life is good. I don't know that I'm worried so much as not sure what I want to do with my life...which is very crazy. I basically am trying to figure out what job I can create or career I can pursue that combines all the things I love--a modest summer goal: to figure out my future. The great thing is that counting my blessings is good place to start--it just takes a while since there are quite a few of them. They also are a bit more fun to count than sheep...
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Monday, June 28, 2010
Teach For America Bay Area is...
This past week I was lucky enough to welcome 200+ amazing people into the 2010 Bay Area Corps. This year, induction coordinators had a job beyond working behind the scenes to make the welcome run smoothly and to create social events. Yes, we ICs had another acronym for which we were responsible: CVCs.
For those of you who teach lower elementary, don't worry, we didn't have to teach the new CMs all about consonant-vowel-consonant words. (Wouldn't that be exciting?) Rather, our job was to lead Core Value Communities along with a staff member. Each CVC was made up of about 20 CMs, 2 ICs, and 1 staff member. *By the way, if you're already alarmed by all these abbreviations, don't worry, I'll put a quick dictionary at the end of this post.
As I would hope most companies do, Teach For America has a mission (to build the movement to eliminate educational inequity by enlisting our nation's most promising future leaders in the effort) and perhaps what you could call a slogan/catch-phrase (One day, all children in this nation will have the opportunity to attain an excellent education). TFA also recruits and selects corps members by looking for evidence of the traits of strong leaders. (See the website for more details on that.)
However, the one thing that is really pretty amazing to me is that not only does TFA have cores values, the core values are the driving force of what we do and reflect how TFA wants individuals and the organization as a whole to operate. The values don't exist just so we can say we have them. Rather, these values exist so that the achievement gap can be closed...and quickly. These values enable us to operate with a sense of urgency that seems only fitting given the circumstances.
The CVCs this past week had several purposes, and the one I'm focusing on here is simply going through and dissecting the core values to figure out exactly what they mean and what they look (and don't look) like.
So, here they are, with their respective abbreviations:
* Relentless pursuit of results (RPR): We assume personal responsibility for achieving ambitious, measurable results in pursuit of our vision. We persevere in the face of challenges, seek resources to ensure the best outcomes, and work toward our goals with a sense of purpose and urgency.
* Sense of possibility (SoPo): We approach our work with optimism, think boldly, and greet new ideas openly.
* Disciplined thought (DT): We think critically and strategically in search of the best answers and approaches, reflect on past experiences and data to draw lessons for the future, and make choices that are deeply rooted in our mission.
* Respect and humility (R&H): We value all who are engaged in this challenging work. We keep in mind the limitations of our own experiences and actively seek out diverse perspectives.
* Integrity: We ensure alignment between our actions and our beliefs, engage in honest self-scrutiny, and do what is right for the broader good.
I have to admit, that even two weeks ago, I am not sure I fully understood the purpose and reason for the core values. In fact, I still do not fully understand them all--they're not easy to live up to, but they are definitely worth striving for as are most great things in life. :) I also really appreciate the fact that these are national values--I am grateful to be part of an organization that espouses these values nationwide, in every corps and in every location.
I also have to stop to acknowledge the fact that I may sound like I've been "indoctrinated" by TFA. Some of you might laugh upon reading this, knowing exactly what I mean; others might be super confused. There's a little-known phenomenon I call "TFAing" someone. The following is an example of how I could TFA someone who I've just seen teach:
Oh my goodness, so-and-so, you showed such great SoPo in the classroom today, and your students are really invested in the big goal. I see your RPR in your data results, and it's clear your students are well on their way to significant gains.
While all of that is truly complimentary, and it should be flattering to hear someone speak so highly of what you are doing in the classroom, there are quite a few buzz words in there that might make the conversation seem a wee bit rehearsed. I TRULY BELIEVE THAT EVERY TEACH FOR AMERICA CORPS MEMBER AND STAFF MEMBER MEANS WHAT HE OR SHE SAYS, REGARDLESS OF THE VOCABULARY BEING USED. So, if someone were to say to me what I wrote above, I would appreciate it greatly, but I would also call them out on the overuse of TFA lingo. :) I mention this, because as I feel I've expressed in this post, I am proud to be a part of TFA, and this past week was so inspiring. As a result though, I feel those buzz words creeping into my vocabulary, and while they are by no means poor word choices, the more often you hear them the less value and significance they hold when someone compliments you on your DT. So, don't worry, my vocabulary is certainly in tact, and I don't think I'll be TFAing anyone anytime soon. However, if I do, call me out on it. :) More to come soon.
By the way, my response was:
Teach For America Bay Area is being surrounded by inspiring students, amazing families, and wonderful colleagues and friends.
----------
Your TFA dictionary:
TFA=Teach For America
CM=Corps Member
IC=Induction Coordinator
CVC=Core Value Community
RPR=Relentless Pursuit of Results
SoPo=Sense of Possibility
DT=Disciplined Thought
R&H=Respect and Humility
...here are some that were not included in this post but just for good measure (FYI, I realize the more I communicate with staff how great all these abbreviations are since they reduce how much I have to type! Some of these are not "exclusive" to TFA ;) ):
PD=Program Director
ED=Executive Director
sig. gains=significant gains
OAL=Operating as Leaders or Operating as Learners
SWBAT=Students will be able to...
TAL=Teaching as leadership
DCA=Diversity, Community, and Achievement
ELL=English Language Learners
STAR/CST=California Standardized Testing
CELDT=California English Language Development Test
SPED=Special Education
ELD=English Language Development
ELA=English Language Arts
ECE=early childhood education
Fun ones from Institute:
CMA=Corps member advisor
SOM=School Operations Manager
SRT=School Resource Teacher
LS=literacy specialist
CS=curriculum specialist
LPC=lesson planning clinic
...and I am sure there are many I'm forgetting. Let's just say teachers speak a whole other language.
*All pictures from teachforamerica.org
For those of you who teach lower elementary, don't worry, we didn't have to teach the new CMs all about consonant-vowel-consonant words. (Wouldn't that be exciting?) Rather, our job was to lead Core Value Communities along with a staff member. Each CVC was made up of about 20 CMs, 2 ICs, and 1 staff member. *By the way, if you're already alarmed by all these abbreviations, don't worry, I'll put a quick dictionary at the end of this post.
As I would hope most companies do, Teach For America has a mission (to build the movement to eliminate educational inequity by enlisting our nation's most promising future leaders in the effort) and perhaps what you could call a slogan/catch-phrase (One day, all children in this nation will have the opportunity to attain an excellent education). TFA also recruits and selects corps members by looking for evidence of the traits of strong leaders. (See the website for more details on that.)
However, the one thing that is really pretty amazing to me is that not only does TFA have cores values, the core values are the driving force of what we do and reflect how TFA wants individuals and the organization as a whole to operate. The values don't exist just so we can say we have them. Rather, these values exist so that the achievement gap can be closed...and quickly. These values enable us to operate with a sense of urgency that seems only fitting given the circumstances.
The CVCs this past week had several purposes, and the one I'm focusing on here is simply going through and dissecting the core values to figure out exactly what they mean and what they look (and don't look) like.
So, here they are, with their respective abbreviations:
* Relentless pursuit of results (RPR): We assume personal responsibility for achieving ambitious, measurable results in pursuit of our vision. We persevere in the face of challenges, seek resources to ensure the best outcomes, and work toward our goals with a sense of purpose and urgency.
* Sense of possibility (SoPo): We approach our work with optimism, think boldly, and greet new ideas openly.
* Disciplined thought (DT): We think critically and strategically in search of the best answers and approaches, reflect on past experiences and data to draw lessons for the future, and make choices that are deeply rooted in our mission.
* Respect and humility (R&H): We value all who are engaged in this challenging work. We keep in mind the limitations of our own experiences and actively seek out diverse perspectives.
* Integrity: We ensure alignment between our actions and our beliefs, engage in honest self-scrutiny, and do what is right for the broader good.
I have to admit, that even two weeks ago, I am not sure I fully understood the purpose and reason for the core values. In fact, I still do not fully understand them all--they're not easy to live up to, but they are definitely worth striving for as are most great things in life. :) I also really appreciate the fact that these are national values--I am grateful to be part of an organization that espouses these values nationwide, in every corps and in every location.
I also have to stop to acknowledge the fact that I may sound like I've been "indoctrinated" by TFA. Some of you might laugh upon reading this, knowing exactly what I mean; others might be super confused. There's a little-known phenomenon I call "TFAing" someone. The following is an example of how I could TFA someone who I've just seen teach:
Oh my goodness, so-and-so, you showed such great SoPo in the classroom today, and your students are really invested in the big goal. I see your RPR in your data results, and it's clear your students are well on their way to significant gains.
While all of that is truly complimentary, and it should be flattering to hear someone speak so highly of what you are doing in the classroom, there are quite a few buzz words in there that might make the conversation seem a wee bit rehearsed. I TRULY BELIEVE THAT EVERY TEACH FOR AMERICA CORPS MEMBER AND STAFF MEMBER MEANS WHAT HE OR SHE SAYS, REGARDLESS OF THE VOCABULARY BEING USED. So, if someone were to say to me what I wrote above, I would appreciate it greatly, but I would also call them out on the overuse of TFA lingo. :) I mention this, because as I feel I've expressed in this post, I am proud to be a part of TFA, and this past week was so inspiring. As a result though, I feel those buzz words creeping into my vocabulary, and while they are by no means poor word choices, the more often you hear them the less value and significance they hold when someone compliments you on your DT. So, don't worry, my vocabulary is certainly in tact, and I don't think I'll be TFAing anyone anytime soon. However, if I do, call me out on it. :) More to come soon.
By the way, my response was:
Teach For America Bay Area is being surrounded by inspiring students, amazing families, and wonderful colleagues and friends.
----------
Your TFA dictionary:
TFA=Teach For America
CM=Corps Member
IC=Induction Coordinator
CVC=Core Value Community
RPR=Relentless Pursuit of Results
SoPo=Sense of Possibility
DT=Disciplined Thought
R&H=Respect and Humility
...here are some that were not included in this post but just for good measure (FYI, I realize the more I communicate with staff how great all these abbreviations are since they reduce how much I have to type! Some of these are not "exclusive" to TFA ;) ):
PD=Program Director
ED=Executive Director
sig. gains=significant gains
OAL=Operating as Leaders or Operating as Learners
SWBAT=Students will be able to...
TAL=Teaching as leadership
DCA=Diversity, Community, and Achievement
ELL=English Language Learners
STAR/CST=California Standardized Testing
CELDT=California English Language Development Test
SPED=Special Education
ELD=English Language Development
ELA=English Language Arts
ECE=early childhood education
Fun ones from Institute:
CMA=Corps member advisor
SOM=School Operations Manager
SRT=School Resource Teacher
LS=literacy specialist
CS=curriculum specialist
LPC=lesson planning clinic
...and I am sure there are many I'm forgetting. Let's just say teachers speak a whole other language.
*All pictures from teachforamerica.org
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Sweet days of summer, the jasmine's in bloom...
So right about now I should be doing one of the following things:
1. Laundry
2. Reading over the agendas for this weeks' meetings
3. Doing grad school work
4. Writing my notes for the incoming corps members
Updating my blog is not on the list, but it's still pretty important. It's been almost three weeks since I updated (which is absolutely insane since I swear I was just in St. Louis). Life is just flying by, and before I know it, it will be July.
However, flash back to the end of May/start of June, and I was preparing for the end of the school year. My kids are, well, amazing. If you want to peek at previous posts, you'll see what I mean. There is a huge part of me that really wanted to keep them in kindergarten just so they wouldn't leave me! However, from what I understand, that's not exactly how the retention process works.
On every math and English language arts standard this year, my students had at least an 80% mastery. Actually, there were only a few standards that came close to 80%, and for most we actually had an average over 90%. Overall, in math they had a 98% average, and in ELA they had 95%. Not too shabby.
School ended on June 11th, and then June 12th I had the RICA which is a test on reading instruction. I either passed or failed miserably since it took me 2 hours, and we had 4 hours for it. I guess I'll find out when my scores arrive.
Then this past week has been filled with random appointments and meetings, plus a brief stop to say bye to Kristin before she headed off to Africa. I don't actually know that I've ever mentioned Kristin by name before on here, but she is the other TFA teacher placed at my school and just an awesome person. The first time Kristin and I really bonded was when a dog appeared at our school right before Thanksgiving. Long story short, I thought about taking the dog home with me, but I knew Chloe would hate me, and as a result Kristin ended up taking him...and well, the rest is history.
However, our friendship really took off when Kristin introduced me to the best Starbucks drink ever...a grande iced white chocolate mocha with 2 pumps white mocha, one pump raspberry. It's safe to say my bank account and taste buds will never be the same. I'm slightly addicted to the drink, and the baristas at Starbucks by our school actually know the drink now and just ask: "One or two?" (As in, are you buying one for just you or two for Kristin and yourself?). If you haven't heard Taylor the Latte boy, have a listen, since it pretty much could be about Kristin. :)
Anyway, long story short, it's been a huge blessing that I ended up at school with Kristin--she's even more optimistic than I am, and she is by far the warmest, friendliest person I've ever met. She's traveling back to Africa again to work at a school and help train teachers (she's a missionary), and I'm praying and hoping for wonderful things to happen during her trip.
Now I can hear all my Induction notes calling my name...this week 200+ new Bay Area corps members arrive up here, and along with 20 other current corps members and the TFA staff, I'm welcoming them into TFA before they head down to LA for Institute. I'm excited to meet them--it's really amazing how having one year teaching down does make me feel very different about going into the classroom next year. I still have concerns and worries, but the many questions and the anxiety I felt about preparing 20 children for first grade, the weight of that, last summer have pretty much disappeared. Instead, I still feel that great responsibility, but I feel like I can do it--I can manage it, and I'm not as worried about it. I'm hoping that whatever the new corps members need, we can give it to them, so they can feel just slightly anxious instead of terribly overwhelmed.
Well, it's time for me to get to bed (after finishing all the notes for the people in my CVC group...TFA does love acronyms...CVC=core value community)...
1. Laundry
2. Reading over the agendas for this weeks' meetings
3. Doing grad school work
4. Writing my notes for the incoming corps members
Updating my blog is not on the list, but it's still pretty important. It's been almost three weeks since I updated (which is absolutely insane since I swear I was just in St. Louis). Life is just flying by, and before I know it, it will be July.
However, flash back to the end of May/start of June, and I was preparing for the end of the school year. My kids are, well, amazing. If you want to peek at previous posts, you'll see what I mean. There is a huge part of me that really wanted to keep them in kindergarten just so they wouldn't leave me! However, from what I understand, that's not exactly how the retention process works.
On every math and English language arts standard this year, my students had at least an 80% mastery. Actually, there were only a few standards that came close to 80%, and for most we actually had an average over 90%. Overall, in math they had a 98% average, and in ELA they had 95%. Not too shabby.
School ended on June 11th, and then June 12th I had the RICA which is a test on reading instruction. I either passed or failed miserably since it took me 2 hours, and we had 4 hours for it. I guess I'll find out when my scores arrive.
Then this past week has been filled with random appointments and meetings, plus a brief stop to say bye to Kristin before she headed off to Africa. I don't actually know that I've ever mentioned Kristin by name before on here, but she is the other TFA teacher placed at my school and just an awesome person. The first time Kristin and I really bonded was when a dog appeared at our school right before Thanksgiving. Long story short, I thought about taking the dog home with me, but I knew Chloe would hate me, and as a result Kristin ended up taking him...and well, the rest is history.
However, our friendship really took off when Kristin introduced me to the best Starbucks drink ever...a grande iced white chocolate mocha with 2 pumps white mocha, one pump raspberry. It's safe to say my bank account and taste buds will never be the same. I'm slightly addicted to the drink, and the baristas at Starbucks by our school actually know the drink now and just ask: "One or two?" (As in, are you buying one for just you or two for Kristin and yourself?). If you haven't heard Taylor the Latte boy, have a listen, since it pretty much could be about Kristin. :)
Anyway, long story short, it's been a huge blessing that I ended up at school with Kristin--she's even more optimistic than I am, and she is by far the warmest, friendliest person I've ever met. She's traveling back to Africa again to work at a school and help train teachers (she's a missionary), and I'm praying and hoping for wonderful things to happen during her trip.
Now I can hear all my Induction notes calling my name...this week 200+ new Bay Area corps members arrive up here, and along with 20 other current corps members and the TFA staff, I'm welcoming them into TFA before they head down to LA for Institute. I'm excited to meet them--it's really amazing how having one year teaching down does make me feel very different about going into the classroom next year. I still have concerns and worries, but the many questions and the anxiety I felt about preparing 20 children for first grade, the weight of that, last summer have pretty much disappeared. Instead, I still feel that great responsibility, but I feel like I can do it--I can manage it, and I'm not as worried about it. I'm hoping that whatever the new corps members need, we can give it to them, so they can feel just slightly anxious instead of terribly overwhelmed.
Well, it's time for me to get to bed (after finishing all the notes for the people in my CVC group...TFA does love acronyms...CVC=core value community)...
