Words of Wisdom from Top Educators - Jae Goodwin, Massachusetts Teacher of the Year

Hey that's me! I am proud to join some of my TOY colleagues across the nation on Oprah.com. http://www.oprah.com/world/Words-of-Wisdom-from-Great-Teachers When I read all of their "words of wisdom" I am humbled.  There is great teaching going on across our nation and here is an opportunity to let the public in on it: 
Why not make your own opportunity?  Pick up the phone and call your local newspaper or make a comment on a local blog.  C'mon teachers let's show them what we've got!

Vote NO on Question 3 - Jae dips her big toe into politics!

Traveling around the state touting my mantra, "Use your voice" teachers have asked me how to do it.  Here is a way...  Sign up at http://votenoquestion3.com and spread the word to colleagues and family about Question 3. You can even get a stamp on the website for your facebook page or blog.  Question 3 would roll back the state sales tax from 6.25 percent to 3 percent. Nobody wants to pay more taxes; the recession has taken its toll on all of us in all aspects of our lives. A lower sales tax at first glance is appealing but we must look at the long range impact it will have, especially for the children of Massachusetts. For the past few years we have used stimulus money to help balance our state budget but what will happen next year when it has run out? That reality coupled with a loss of 2.5 billion dollars from a yes vote on Question 3 could decimate our educational system and result in the loss of many jobs. Please join me in voting NO on Tuesday, November 2. 

Holy Cow - Oprah!

This week the TOYs were asked for some teacher tips by one of Oprah's producers.  They must have heard that we TOYS are never at a loss for words. Now I ask you, who could pass up this opportunity?  Not this TOY - my comments were emailed bright and early this morning!  It is so important for teacher’s voices to be heard in America.  There is so much negative publicity right now that any opportunity to right the issues and inform the public about all the wonderful things happening in education in America is very welcome. Stay tuned...

Just One - Debuts in Print

Last year when I began as MA Teacher of the Year I was privileged to be invited to give my first speech at the MassCUE conference. At that time I tried out my idea of a "pay it forward" type of campaign I called Just One - a challenge for the teachers in Massachusetts to mentor just one colleague for just one project encompassing technology in some way.  Since then I have taken the idea on the road and this month it will reach all MTA members through my article in MTA Today. My hope is to see technology grow in each and every school as my fellow colleagues take a big dive or a small toe dip into 21st century skills.  Traveling around the state this year I have seen wonderful things happening all over.  Sharing our knowledge with each other has the potential for expanding teacher excellence throughout our state!  Please participate and send me a note with what you've done or better yet call up your local newspaper and tell them!
Want to know more?  Read the entire article:  It's Time for Teachers to Step Out on Technology