Teachers Summer Reading

I have always enjoyed reading during the summertime. I would always read books on the summer reading lists, even the ones above my grade level. I felt it would make me smarter, but I really just wanted to read numerous novels.

That same idea of reading during the summer has continued into my educational career. I am always looking for new books to read so my knowledge of the craft can improve. I have a long list of books that I hope to read in this category. I just bought one yesterday at the book fair at one of the Elementary Schools. It is called 75 Reading Strategies: Boost Achievement and Build a Life-Long Love of Reading by Danny Brassell.

What books do you read to keep in touch with the educational field?

Classroom Libraries

I am SO excited for my own classroom one day. I enjoy looking at books for my own room. I fully believe in having a GREAT classroom library. Today while I was subbing, I stopped by the Scholastic Book Fair. I picked up several new books for my classroom library.

1. When I Grow Up by Al Yankovic
2. Pete the Cat Rocking In My School Shoes by Eric Litwin
3. No Jumping on the Bed by Todd Arnold
4. Twinke, Twinkle Little Star by Jane Cabrera
5. Meet the Monsters by Billy Wrecks
6. Pinkalicious Fairy House by Victoria Kann

The new books for my collection. =)

Check out my board on pinterest for my wish list of books- http://pinterest.com/mstamer790/classroom-library/

I am very excited to have my 1st Pinkalicious book for my classroom library! 

AVPDS -A Very Professional Development Summer

Every summer since I started college I have had a "productive" summer. I worked, took classes, and spent my time wisely. I was excited for a summer off---until I realized that I am NOT the kind of person who can sit around and do nothing all day long. I have to be productive. So, what better way to be productive than enjoy professional development and grow in that way? 

I have to admit I am awfully exited for all of the PD I'll be attending. At times, I'll have a conference or workshop every day and other times I'll have something one a week. I will be updating my blog after each experience. 

As of 5/26/13:

• 7/8 SMART Board Basics @ Kean
• 7/15-7/18 Writer's Workshop @ Rider
• 7/22 All Things Google @ Stockton
• 7/31 EdCamp STEAM @ Linwood Middle School
• 8/8 Common Core Conference @ Kean
• 8/12 EdCamp Leadership @ Kean
• 8/15, 8/19-21 SMART Board Certification @ Kean
• 8/22 TeachMeetNJ 2013 @ Stockton

It's going to be AVPDS!!

Use the hashtags #summerPD13 and tell me what you'll be doing this summer. =)

Job Portfolios

The Teaching Portfolio is something that is always talked about in college, and even after. Several questions come to mind: (1) What should go into a portfolio? (2) How much is too much? (3) Is this important? After careful consideration, I've come to realize that the portfolio is IMPORTANT, even if it is just for your own sanity.

Start with investing in a good binder. I got one of those art porfolios from ACMoore. I actually had to get two because my first one, with 24 pages was not enough. I had to get another one with 48 pages in it to help me hold all of my materials. You can even decorate it however you want. I kept it professional yet "cutesy".

Then make sure you have a cover page. I found this adorable stationary at Staples and use it as my cover pages for each of the sections in my portfolio. 

What are some things to have inside your portfolio??

1. Copies of your resume and reference sheet. I also have another sheet that expands on my awards and volunteer experiences. 

2. Copies of your transcripts and teaching certifications. 

3. Next would be copies of all of your recommendation letters.

4. After that, I have copies of other certifications and some professional development certifications. I also include my PRAXIS scores. You never know who wants a copy of them at an interview.  

I know have a separate binder just for my professional development certifications. It's an easier way to keep track of how many hours I accumulate throughout the year. 

How do you organize your portfolio?