Sick days can be no joke. I feel like the older I get the harder they become too. My mother would so lovingly tell me that well, Stefanie, as we get older… At any rate, it is hard. As an educator, it is often times easier to just muster through it especially if sub plans are involved. This week, I found myself super sick but with a ton on my plate at school. I had 2 model writing lessons each day this week, learning appointments throughout the district, 2 curriculum department meetings, and I never want my team to feel as if I’m letting them down. I had convinced myself that I would be fine. Why oh why are we programmed (or maybe it is just me) but why is the first response to sickness I’m just going to push through it. Thankfully, my family and coworkers stepped in reminding me how important it is to rest and take time to recover. I am so glad I listened because I didn’t leave my bed yesterday or today. I must have really needed that. It was yet another time when life has a way of reminding you that slowing down, taking time for you, and staying home when you are sick is so important. You can come back more focused and ready to rock it. Here’s to the weekend, where I hope to recover a bit more and then start fresh on Monday.

5 Things that Made Me Smile this Week
-supportive coworkers
-flexible classroom teachers
-YouTube –> saving sick days yet again
-new dress shoes
-fluffy pillows

4 Words to Describe My Week
hectic, sleepy, draining, painful

3 Things I Plan to Do This Weekend
-sleep
-eat solid foods
-drink more water

2 Things I Learned This Week
-I can do something that makes me nervous
-tomato soup is still my go to sick meal

1 Goal I Have For Next Week
-support teachers in the area of writing instruction

Readers become better readers by reading and writers become better writers by writing. Just as we build reading stamina with our students we need to be providing opportunities for students to build their writing stamina.  As an instructional coach, I often notice when students are given time to write independently, they want to know what topic, how many sentences, how many pages, and/or they have nothing to write about. They look to teachers to give them that information. This doesn’t mean they can’t rely on people around them to support them nor does this mean there isn’t a time and a place for teachers to support writers. However, we need to start incorporating more meaningful opportunities for them to write every day and to select their topic. This way, they build that stamina to try first, take risks, and practice so they aren’t as reliant upon others. Teachers also have this opportunity to observe, conference, take notes, and make a plan to assist writers in becoming more independent. This can guide future lessons where they can strategically offer students support in a way that still fosters independence. We need to set them up for success because there will come a time and a day where we won’t be right beside them and they need to know at least how to get started/try.

A good place to start is building a community of writers. Start with celebration and take the time to highlight what students are doing well. By creating an environment where they feel supported and encouraged, writer’s can flourish!

What are some of your favorite ways to build a community of writers?

HyperDocs are one of my favorite things to create! I had a learning appointment today with a teacher who wanted support in creating her own HyperDoc to support her students in the Poetry Genre. Three of my favorite things –> HyperDocs, Poetry, and Writing! I was able to curate resources for her and talk through those today. We discussed the importance of having digital and non-digital elements so students can interact with actual texts and face to face conversations. We talked about the types of ways to organize and have students immersed in the genre.  Some of those ideas were to watch, listen, learn, share, chat, play, and enrich their understanding.

Hyperdocs allow you to differentiate your instruction to meet the needs of all of your learners as they work at their own pace. According to Carrie Wilson, “Hyperdocs are transformative digital lesson delivery that shifts the focus from teacher led lecture to student driven inquiry based learning through exploration.” I discovered them when I was piloting 1:1 with Chromebooks and immediately was hooked. My design of these has changed throughout the years and I have found it interesting to look back on some of the first ones I created. While it is hard for me to put them out there, I think it is important to show that we all have to start somewhere. Sometimes you just need to jump in, try, make some mistakes, so you can learn from those mistakes and improve. Check out my HyperDocs here: https://padlet.com/spitzer/HyperDocsPitzer

I feel my favorite way to use HyperDocs has been to immerse students in a particular type of genre. This allows me to combine actuals texts and digital texts in order to offer a more balanced approach. It also allows students to continue their learning even when writing time comes to an end.

From an instructional leader standpoint, my favorite way to use HyperDocs is to house PD units or learning opportunities in a Google Drawing. These HyperDocs are a central hub for all of the presentations and resources needed. Teachers can then continuing their learning or return when and if they need it. We have found this to be beneficial when supporting teachers in new tech tools, on-going guided reading support, and writing instructional committees to name a few.

This last week I had the pleasure of attending and presenting at the #IDEAcon conference (Illinois Digital Educators Alliance) up in Schaumburg, IL. My district took our curriculum department, three high school teachers, two middle school teachers, and 4 elementary teachers. It was a great week filled amazing opportunities, connections, and inspirations. As an instructional coach, I think it is extremely beneficial to be able to attend these conferences. Not only are we attending and fostering those relationships with teachers within our district but we are connecting and continuing to foster relationships with people outside of our district. I think it is important for us to have that lens. We can see all of these different ideas, see what other districts are doing, and making positive connections elsewhere so that we can come back and share the amazing things with teachers back home.

I also love that when I’m sitting at a keynote and/or a session with a teacher from our district, right afterwards there is a debriefing opportunity. Within that debriefing moment is where the magic happens. Something they say to us will light a spark and remind us that we will need to make sure to touch base with that teacher when we return. They might even say something they want to do but are a little apprehensive to try. Right there in the moment, an instructional coach can offer support, a different lens, reassurance, and set up times to help them upon returning when and if they are ready. Sometimes just knowing I was there and heard the same information they heard is enough to foster that environment of learning to continue once the conference is over. Not everyone likes that or is ready for that but some are. Being on the scene is a perfect way to build trust and respect.

I am also always on the lookout for particular ideas that a teacher back home will love. I make sure to send them an email right then and there to let them know I found a resource or an idea at this conference that made me think of them. I send the resources and offer support when I return. We also can stay up to date on best educational practices and what’s trending. This impacts the PD that we can then offer staff throughout the rest of the year.

#IDEAcon did not disappoint and I look forward to next year!

5 Things that Made Me Smile this Week
-presenting 4 different sessions on topics I’m passionate about
-connecting with fellow colleagues about how their new ideas could become a reality back home
-conversations by the fireplace with teachers outside my district
-powerful keynotes that made me think, smile, laugh, and want to be better
-meeting a soon to be instructional technology coach and sharing resources together

4 Words to Describe My Week
action-packed, fun, thought-provoking, wiped

3 Things I Plan to Do This Weekend
-spend time with my family
-catch up on sleep
-prep for 1st and 4th grade model writing lessons next week

2 Things I Learned This Week
-how to step outside my comfort zone
-the power of in the moment instructional coaching

1 Goal I Have For Next Week
-establish two new writing communities with first and fourth graders

5 Things that Made Me Smile this Week
-a new teacher in the district reaching out for model lessons to support her in writing instruction
-feedback on my informal observation
-my oldest son telling me to take deep breaths, remember who I am because I am a fine mamma
-my youngest son’s reaction to hearing we were going to go to the library for new books
-stepping outside my comfort zone

4 Words to Describe My Week
busy, reflective, tricky, encouraging

3 Things I Plan to Do This Weekend
-attend my eldest son’s winter dance at his elementary school
-eat pizza
-soak up family moments before going to the #IDEAcon conference

2 Things I Learned This Week
-I can do hard things
-the simplest of gestures can have the greatest impact

1 Goal I Have For Next Week
-connecting with new educators at #IDEAcon to expand my #PLN

Yesterday’s lunch break provided a moment for me to sit a take a beat. As I was doing just that, I happened to look up and see the image that you see here. Whoa. It got me thinking about how the educational setting can often feel oversaturated. While there is a time and a place to pull out all of the stops, I have been thinking lately about whether or not that is as effective as we think it is? Is our message getting lost in all the things? How can we eliminate distractions and/or provide supports so the message becomes more clear? Is another message outshining our intention?

Plates are full no matter your role in education so the time has come to balance our plate, practice our purpose once again, and try not to dismiss opportunities to view things through a different lens. That lens is important and may or may not show itself outside of the walls of your classroom/office/school.

Will you take notice?

WeVideo is a phenomenal tool for video creation. It is web based so it can be use on any device. I currently work for a district that is 1:1 K-12 with Chromebooks so this was beyond exciting. The possibilities are endless with this tool and with the paid version you have access to an extensive media library, music, sound clips, and screencasting.

Currently in our district we have 180 seats that teachers can check out either for themselves or for their students. This is done by a code and then once the students have finalized their projects, we can give that code out to the next person in need. We offer a HyperDoc tutorial and/or teaching a model lesson to ensure teachers are comfortable with the tool. We have seen it used to analyze experiments, review/discuss books, flipped classroom videos, opinion writing pieces, morning announcements, STEAM project reflections, newcasts, and cooking demos just to name a few.

As coaches, we love the screen cast tool. You can record your screen and give a tutorial for students/teachers. I recently have been using it to recap Elementary Writing Instruction Committee meetings for teachers who were unable to attend. They can watch the summary and not feel left out when we meet again.

We have used with students as young as 2nd grade. While it looks different depending on the grade level, it is all about setting students up for success. We have found that having students make a practice video is a great start. We usually give them a checklist of about three things they have to try which allows them to explore the tool in a risk free environment.  The teachers is there to guide and support as needed but the project students are creating is just for fun! This way when it comes time to use WeVideo for a project, they can focus more on the content they are creating vs. the content AND learning a new piece of technology.

Here are some resources to explore if you are new to WeVideo:

https://www.wevideo.com/academy

https://www.wevideo.com/education-resources

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZaf5q7k27M02OSgLTkS4Zg/videos

Greenscreen with WeVideo

WeVideo Everyday

Just as in teaching, instructional coaching can be a rollercoaster of emotions. One day you feel invincible. The next day you are trying to pick yourself off the floor. One of our biggest jobs I feel is to be that sounding board for teachers to vent, process, and reflect. Voices need to be heard and sometimes it just feels good to have someone listen and allow you to talk. Once all of that is out, you are more capable to reflect, pick up the pieces, and begin moving forward. Then as an instructional we can advocate while maintaining confidentiality.

While my feelings heart loves being able to listen and be someone’s voice who maybe isn’t as confident, I would be lying if I said that didn’t take its toll on me personally at times. Today is one of those days of carrying all of the feelings. While it is my job to listen, advocate, and support, I am allowed to need a moment to have someone listen to me vent, process, and reflect too. <— this statement is hard to admit outloud but I’m here to tell you, it is ok to feel and say that. You are not a failure. No matter your role in education, the rollercoaster is real. It isn’t always sunshine and rainbows. Working through difficult times is ok and it is ok to lean on those around you to lift you up.

One thing I am working on is admitting when I need help. As educators, often times admitting you need support and help is associated with failure. While we know that isn’t true, I sometimes think we don’t really embrace that. Growth mindset is hard. Easier to teach, harder to do.

At the end of the day, find your people who can be there to listen. Show yourself grace. Tomorrow is a new day!

Today was one of those days I was reminded once again just how rewarding it is to support and empower teachers to discover their hidden potential. I had a teacher reach out for support in the area of writing instruction. We chatted about about goals and then I was able to set up a time to observe that goal in action.

What made today so great, were the reflective conversations that followed. We chatted about strategies the teacher had been using and what successes and/or roadblocks had been experienced thus far. We discussed how students research topics, the role of assessment, and individual writing conferences. After powerful reflection, the teacher shared they needed help and wanted to become stronger in empowering writing independence. This is the moment I live for. I then asked what support do you need to make that happen? This teacher shared they wanted to see instruction in action from beginning to end. Model lessons to the rescue! Not only do I have yet another opportunity to share my passion/empower a teacher BUT the writing genre will be poetry. To say I’m excited is an understatement. Every model lesson is an opportunity. An opportunity to allow a teacher to see first hand instructional practices that they can then turn around and implement. Hearing about instructional practices is one thing but seeing instructional practices I feel is crucial in ensuring teacher implementation. It makes new things accessible and less overwhelming. It may take time. However, allowing teachers an opportunity to see someone else jump in and be vulnerable can build confidence, offer a different lens, and empower them to give it a try.

Beyond proud of this teacher for being reflective, admitting they needed support, and diving deep into sound instructional practices to support students.

Today I am reminded this is why I do what I do. I do what I do to challenge, support, advise, question, advocate, and encourage teachers!

Here comes the part that is one of the hardest things for educators, or anyone for that matter, to admit. Here it goes, I’m not meeting a goal. Phew. There I said it. At the start of this year, I wanted all of my goals to deal with the number 50 since my school district was turning 50 years old. I also wanted to blog more. I really do love to write and I thought by making it a goal to write 50 blog posts this would motivate me to make it happen. Alas here we are, February 11th and I have only written 2 out of the 50 posts.

I needed to ask for help. I reached out to the two other instructional coaches I work with and expressed frustration in this goal. The discussion of abandoning said goal came up but I just can’t wrap my mind around that. While I know sometimes you have to abandon things, my personality is to make it work. I might have to change the approach but I really want to make this goal happen. Especially this year. This year I am leading our Elementary Writing Instruction Committee and once a month expressing how important it is to be writer’s to model for our students. I need to walk the walk and talk the talk. I also really want to rekindle my love of blogging. I love to write and want to figure out what it is that caused my writer’s block.

One of the suggestions my teammates made was to think about structuring it in terms of small chunks. Think of the goal as chunks of time, so writing for 5 minutes straight every day for the next 50 days. That got me thinking, I could do that. I could reflect, chat, share for 5 minutes a day.

Today I am going to share a 5,4,3,2,1

5 Things that Made Me Smile this Week
-cutting out lamination for a teacher (seriously one of my absolute favorite things is cutting out lamination)
-discovering a bold new resume template (after letting 11 years pass without updating my resume, I make a point to revisit it every few months)
-finalizing a Google Drawing HyperDoc for evidence collection
-having reflective conversation about what I need to work on with my boss
-model writing lessons with a kindergarten class (when you need a pick me up in life,you visit a kindergarten classroom)

4 Words to Describe My Week
reflective, rewarding, prepared, tired

3 Things I Plan to Do This Weekend
-read something I enjoy
-play in the snow we are supposed to get with my boys
-get closer to finishing Season 1 of Friends

2 Things I Learned This Week
-another strategy to try when dealing with uncomfortable or difficult situations with a teacher
-it doesn’t hurt to try

1 Goal I Have For Next Week
write at least 5 more blog posts