Are You Comfortable Using all the New Technology?

We've all heard that the young teach the old in many ways.  No truer statement is that than in the field of technology.  We have so many digital tools now.  What is being asked of you as a teacher?  Are you familiar enough to work comfortably when you should be? I'm not in the classroom right now, but my answer would be a resounding NO.  If you are like me in your feelings what can you do about it?
This article will help and then go for it!  Be part of the 21st Century!

Simple ways to achieve fluency in classroom technology.  Matt Renwick. 8.13.14.  EDTECH - Focus on K-12.
http://www.edtechmagazine.com/k12/article/2014/08/how-teachers-can-become-fluent-classroom-technology

Not Enough Time to......??

Although I am not in the classroom anymore, I do identify with teachers who feel there is not enough time in the work day to........(and the list starts, including reading this blog)  Here is another article that will help you find that time and become more efficient in your work day.  If you are one of these teachers, then this article is for you.  Don't miss it!  Share your thoughts after reading it in the Comments section below.

10 time management tips for teachers.  Benjamin Schrage.  8.5.14.  SmartBlog on Education
http://smartblogs.com/education/2014/08/05/10-time-management-tips-for-teachers/?utm_source=brief

Remember the "Audience" Concept?

What a gifted writer - Terry Heick!  I can see why he is now an English teacher.  All of us at one time or another in our past schooling were taught the concept of 'audience.'  Who is going to listen to me?  Who is going to read this?  What is important to that person?  Why should I be the person communicating?  All of these reflective questions are the basis of Heick's article.  As teachers we need to be reminded that the students we see every day are our audience.  Are we reaching them?  How can we tell?
Please share your thoughts in the Comments section below.

Audience and Purpose.  Terry Heick. 8.8.14. edutopia
http://www.edutopia.org/blog/audience-and-purpose-terry-heick

Mandatory Financial Literacy?? Texas is Leading the Way

How I wish more states would mandate the teaching of financial literacy!  We are supposed to teach relevant content and life lessons.  Understanding how money works is an extremely important life lesson.  Better to start young to make good choices and take care of money.  Interestingly, the first financial lesson is in Kindergarten with lessons on getting money as a gift versus borrowing from someone.  Along through the years, students will learn supply and demand, calculating income tax, interest rates, and loan lengths.  WOW!  Now this is certainly relevant to today's world.

Area educators equipping themselves for financial education - Financial literacy now mandatory.  Andrew Atterbury.  8.7.13,  Standard-Times gosanangelo.com
http://www.gosanangelo.com/news/education/area-educators-equipping-themselves-for-financial-education_13477466

Is Summer Your Time to Relax & Recharge?

Hopefully, teachers can use the few weeks of summer to relax, recharge, and ready themselves for the rigor of school and home responsibilities.  It's not easy, is it?  One way to maintain balance throughout the year is to recall the matrix presented by Steven Covey in his book, "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People."  Then Look at the embedded link. Wheel of Life.  This powerful graphic tool can be arranged to fit the important roles and people in your life.
Share your ideas about balancing your own life in Comments below.

Maintaining Balance.  Naphtali Hoff. 7.21.13  SmartBlog on Education
http://smartblogs.com/education/2014/07/21/maintaining-balance/?utm_source=brief

How Do Employers Advise Educators?

The message is loud and clear - job applicants need to show individuality, confidence in their ability, communicate personal strengths

How Do YOU Make a Difference?

Read this amazing article from Salome Thomas-El who tells his personal story of teachers who made a difference in his own life. He grew up in tough circumstances.  He says teachers are "saving Private Ryan every day."  That influence is so important because it may be that the teacher becomes a mother, a father, a counselor, a  life coach.  His teachers (40 years ago) knew that failure was a part of becoming successful or students would become complacent.  Interestingly, Salome hails the value of playing chess, for in that game, the player becomes the thinker, the mathematician, and the innovator. He promotes chess in every school for those reasons. This article is not to be missed.  Absolutely excellent!

Making a Difference Every Day:  A Conversation with Salome Thomas-EL.  Naomi Thiers.  June, 2013 Volume 71. Educational Leadership
http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational_leadership/jun14/vol71/num09/Making_a_Difference_Every_Day@_A_Conversation_with_Salome_Thomas-EL.aspx