We can't say it enough. Our teachers here at Iowa Learning Online are amazing, talented individuals who are able to adapt, encourage, have fun, allow student voice.Thank you, thank you, thank you. #ThankATeacher
Chat it up with other teachers for a special Teacher Appreciation chat tomorrow. #ThankATeacher on #CTQchat will celebrate on 5/5 at 6:30, or just tag a tweet with #TeachingIs and tell your story.
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| photo credit: summer love via (CC license) |
Ready for Summer? (What a dumb question. ;P )
As our Spring semester winds down for Iowa Learning Online, we know that brick-and-mortar buildings are staying busy for a few more weeks. Good luck in those efforts. Many of you have summer teaching options with the organization, others have coaching responsibilities, and we all have people that matter to us. As you take some time to relax, reflect and unwind, remember that learning is a never-ending process, as long as you want it to be. Here are some easy ideas to get your started.
Collaborate with the Zoo Blank Park Zoo has several workshops that include cross-connections to other subjects, collaboration with other cool teachers in the state, and re-certification credit. Check it out.
Spin a webinar or two into your learning mix, or listen to a recorded version as you are grading and latch onto some new ideas. Edweb.net and Teacher Talk are just two of the many places that focus on online teaching and learning each month.
What's fun for you may not be another's cup of tea, but there are learning opportunities galore out there for the summer. The possibilities are endless, but make sure you take some time for some plain old crazy laughter.
Becoming a connected educator is a journey, so take a little time to search all the reflective resources and blogs found at ConnectedEducators.org to find something that clicks with your interests.
Your learning, your way. Across the state, Iowa AEAs offer summer courses, conferences, and even online professional development tailored to your busy summer lifestyle. If there's not a course that meets your needs locally, check an adjoining AEA and travel for a new summer experience.
Cultivate your passion. Whether it's travel, community painting classes, Coursera courses for fun, swimming or reading a novel, we know that teachers squeeze living around conferences and classes that have been scheduled for months. Summer is not down time--it's a turnaround time for new options, new dreams, and new ways to work with kids.
ILO Teachers, let us be a part of it. Iowa Learning Online teachers, the regular summer workshop for Iowa Learning Online is already scheduled for July 28 on-site at the Department of Education in Des Moines, so make sure to save that date on your calendar. We'll be excited to hear your stories.
