It's not just about math and reading...

Traditionally the MA TOY writes five "words of wisdom" as advice for new teachers that appear on bookmarks used for public relations. I struggled a bit with this but the first two were easy- "Bring your heart into your classroom" and "Ask your students what they think and really listen and learn from what they share – become a community of learners." The math, science, social studies, reading and writing will come but if the class does not come together to support each other, the job will be much more difficult. School culture is such a buzz word right now - what does it look like, what is it made up of? I recently asked my fifth graders what was necessary in our classroom community so we could all learn and be successful? They said, "We have to trust each other, people have to be honest, people have to care about each other and help each other out." I couldn't agree more. Our classrooms are microcosms of society. Of course we need to teach the state curriculum but as teachers we also have an opportunity to teach children how to be good people. On Wednesday, the day before school vacation, we did just that. The students in Community 27 and in other classrooms at Dunning School read for two hours to raise money for the Jimmy Fund. Students were reading just right books, calculating their hours read with multiplication and addition and there was even a little science thrown in as we talked about the cancer research being done at Dana Farber, but most of all they were all learning to be good people by giving of themselves. http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/x1045395257/Framingham-students-have-a-day-for-the-books

Southampton Successfully Launched into Literacy!

Today I had a wonderful morning at 2008 TOY Mike Flynn's home base, the William E. Norris School in Southampton where I was invited to give the keynote at the kickoff of their new district wide literacy initiative. I hit a milestone today - one successful powerpoint presentation under my belt! With my new remote clicker (complete with laser) in hand I conquered the computer/projector connection and teachertube video! It was great fun to speak about my passion - teaching reading and writing and I wish the district great success as they move forward. I am particularly happy to see them taking advantage of the teacher leaders in their own district. Mike, as always, was gracious and helpful in sharing his experiences and a few helpful powerpoint tips with me.

So you want to know what teaching is really like?

Today I was delighted to have the opportunity to speak with the students in Gary Oakes' introduction to teaching course at Simmons College. These first and second year education students were so eager to learn how it is in "the real world." They wondered what my earliest struggles were (maintaining any kind of balance in my life) and what the struggles are eleven years later (so much to teach, so little time.) Their questions brought introspection and have had me reflecting on my career all evening. The future of our profession lies in these young people. I hope that they will enter teaching in a few years supported by strong mentors and nurturing administrators who help them achieve and grow into the teacher leaders of the future.

Got Leadership? Making Change in your Classroom and School

Today I attended the Got Leadership? Making Change in your Classroom and School Conference at Brandeis University. I was most struck by the keynote address given by Rob Evans. Speaking about teacher leadership and change in schools, Rob eloquently stated that changes announced in schools almost always mean something new being added in for teachers to do. Change, he said, "is also accompanied not by the excitement of the plan but by grief and bereavement in what will be lost in the process." I am struck by this because I don't think administrators really think about that and I know they never acknowledge it with teachers.

During the question and answer period a principal asked how she could get her teachers to take on leadership roles within the school community. That was an easy answer for me, one whose hand shot up so fast I was almost in pain, appreciation and remuneration! We must compensate teachers for these extra duties and we must relieve them of some of their other duties so they can still have a life with their families while they do their job. Teaching is our profession, not a volunteer opportunity. When Rob asked what those of us in the audience had given up to take on leadership roles in our schools, I was so saddened to hear one teacher state that she had given up "date nights" so she could handle her job. This is just unacceptable. The National Education Association (NEA) reports that "20% of newly hired teachers leave the classroom within the first three years of teaching, and in urban areas the number of teachers leaving the classroom is closer to 50% of newly hired teachers leaving within the first five years of teaching." Our wonderfully dedicated and talented teacher leaders (and future teacher leaders) must be permitted to have a balance in their lives. If we truly value and want to encourage and develop our teachers as leaders we must ask ourselves, What will we take out to insure their success?

Keynote at MassCUE, Tackling 21st Century Learning

Today I had the privilege of speaking at the MassCUE Conference, Tackling 21st Century Learning, in Gilette Stadium. Imagine a conference overlooking the Patriots as they practice and attending workshops in the luxury boxes! I continue to be amazed at all the incredible learning happening in classrooms around Massachusetts. A big thank you to all my colleagues who shared their wealth of knowledge today. I will be returning to my classroom tomorrow invigorated and anxious to try them out. A big thank you to Ragen Tiliakos, chair of the conference committee, for inviting me.

MOS Gala - The Science Behind

Tonight my daughter, Jillian, and I ate, drank, and danced our way through the transformed Museum of Science at their first annual gala, The Science Behind. I was honored to be invited and introduced by Ioannis Miaoulis, president of the MoS. A highlight of the evening was our visit to Harry Potter the Exhibition. How exciting to see the sorting hat, Harry's wand, the Nimbus 2000 and Hagrid's hut and costume! Not to mention the dark chocolate cauldrons filled with chocolate pudding and cotton candy flames or Jillian's favorite dessert - pumpkin cheesecake! We tried our hand at making our own flying broom, throwing a quaffle and we even danced on the periodic table with Galileo and Madame Curie! I am so pleased to continue my long standing relationship with the MoS, it is a true champion of hands-on-learning in the Boston area. I have been fortunate to experience a sabbatical there and to work as a teacher in residence.

School Committee Recognition

Tonight I had the pleasure of being recognized by the Framingham School Committee. It was a wonderful opportunity to share the process of my nomination and selection as the 2010 MA Toy. The best part was sharing what has already happened and what some of the highlights are for the upcoming year. Once again I am reminded that I share this honor with all of my colleagues in Framingham. When I returned to school this morning I was delighted by the amount of students who came up to me to say, "Ms. Goodwin I saw you on TV last night!" Who knew kids watched the School Committee meetings?

Lesley University Article

It was fun to be interviewed by my alma mater, Lesley University. In fact they interviewed my former student teacher, Joe Feintuck too! Read the article at: http://news.lesley.edu/

KSPT Committee

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Working Group for Educational Excellence have formed a partnership: The Knowledge and Skills of Professional Teaching Project (KSPT). The goal is "to support stronger professional practices in teaching and improved student learning." They have invited me to be part of the steering committee. I am excited to bring a current educator's perspective to the group.

Meeting U.S. Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan

Some of you know that this summer I am a Teacher in Residence at the Museum of Science (MOS) in Boston charged with the task of making connections between STEM and writing! Today was an exciting day at the MOS as Governor Patrick announced his plan to double the cap for charter schools right here in the Museum. After he spoke of the need to find creative ways to close the achievement gap, the governor was followed by U.S. Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan. When the press conference was over I was very happy to have the opportunity to meet Secretary Duncan.

Fenway Park

Well George (TOY '99) you were right! Being the Teacher of the Year has already been life altering. Who would have thought I would be standing on the field at Fenway Park with Wally - me a lifelong Yankee fan! But when the MTA told me that they wanted to honor me as a Most Valuable Teacher what could I say? Luckily Cheryl, my dear friend and staunch Red Sox fan, agreed to accompany me and show me the ropes.

The Journey Begins...

Today was an incredible day! I arrived at the State House for the 2010 Massachusetts Teacher of the Year Awards Ceremony and was whisked up to Deval Patrick's office! We chatted and took some photos and then I headed down for the Legislative Reception where I was presented with a citation from Pam Richardson. Then on to the award ceremony. I was honored to be among the TOY semifinalists, finalists and my new friend, Jennifer Leith, the Preserve America History Teacher of the Year. Another citation, this time from Senator Karen Spilka. Being introduced by Isabelle was a special honor and she did an awesome job. I can now officially say that I have given my first TOY speech - phew! Thank you to all my friends and family who were able to join me, you made it even more special.