2
ECET LAKE
ELEVATING AND CELEBRATING EFFECTIVE TEACHERS AND TEACHING
INSTRUCTIONAL BEST PRACTICES SHOWCASE
March 2014 Convening – Lake County Schools
Tavares, Florida
Lake County Schools
Superintendent
Dr. Susan Moxley was appointed Superintendent assuming the position in November, 2008 following a national superintendent’s search. Dr. Moxley started her teaching career as a business teacher at Mount Dora High School, Lake County Schools, in 1982. Over the course of her educational career she has served as an elementary and high school Principal, Director of Lake Technical Center and an Assistant Superintendent until 2005. In 2005, Dr. Moxley moved to Orlando, Florida and served as a Senior Director and Associate Superintendent until she was selected as the appointed Superintendent for Lake County Schools in 2008. Dr. Moxley holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Education, a Masters of Arts and Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership all from the University of Central Florida. Dr. Susan Moxley
Lake County School Board Members
Bill Mathias
Rosanne Brandeburg
District 1
[email protected]
District 2
[email protected]
Debbie Stivender
District 4
[email protected]
Tod Howard
District 3
[email protected]
Kyleen Fischer
District 5
[email protected] Know Your Story…
After Brent Balkaran, Kelly Cousineau, and Andrea Pyatt
returned from ECET2 in La Jolla, California in February of 2013,
they knew their story. They knew they were teacher leaders
and that teacher leadership would make a difference in the
schools in Lake County.
Elevating and Celebrating Effective Teachers and Teaching
(ECET2) is a national movement sponsored by the Bill and
Melinda Gates Foundation. This convening brings together
educators from across the nation to focus on teacher leadership
and collaboration. It is designed and facilitated by teachers for
teachers.
After Brent, Kelly, and Andrea shared their story with Dr.
Moxley, the team pictured to right was charged with attending
the Florida ECET2 convening. With excitement, enthusiasm,
dedication, and drive the ECET2 Lake District Team was born
and they wanted other teacher leaders in the district to have a
similar experience.
The first ECET2 Lake convening was held in August 2013
where teacher leaders from across the district gained new
learning, focused on action planning, and understood the power
of ECET2. The district team continues to work on the initiatives
of elevating and celebrating effective teachers and teaching as
the second ECET2 Lake convening was held in March 2014
where the continued focus was on teacher leadership,
collaboration, and instructional best practices.
As a result of the initiatives and hard work of the ECET2 Lake
district team, this magazine is dedicated to the teacher leaders
who Know Their Story and have participated in the ECET2 Lake
convenings. As a united group, we will continue to Elevate and
Celebrate the teachers and practices of Lake County.
ECET2 Lake District Team
Kati Pearson, Ed.S. is the Director of Teaching and Learning for Lake County Schools. She taught several
years at the elementary and secondary school level, spent several years as a literacy coach and also
district level reading specialist, and has served as a district level administrator in several capacities. She
holds teaching certifications in Elementary Education, Language Arts, English to Speakers of Other
Languages (ESOL), Educational Leadership, and also a K-12 Reading Endorsement. She is a featured
reviewer & contributor to several national publications and teacher resources, has worked as a consultant
in various states and districts, and has presented at conferences and conventions throughout the country.
Ms. Pearson is the ECET2 Lake District Liaison. She has facilitated the ECET2 Lake planning meetings,
played a significant role in the success of our ECET2 Lake convenings, and sparked the ECET2 Lake
movement throughout our district. Ms. Pearson works very closely with Dr. Moxley and the ECET2 Lake
Team to ensure the initiatives of the team are put forth into action. Through her work with ECET2 Lake, Ms.
Pearson is an advocate for teacher leadership.
Brent Balkaran
Brent Balkaran is a sixth year teacher at Tavares High School where he currently
teaches AP U.S. History, AP U.S. Government & Politics, American History, and
Physics Honors. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Mathematics Education from
the University of Central Florida and later earned his Master of Science in Educational
Leadership and Policy from Florida State University. Mr. Balkaran has been involved
in district initiatives such as EngageLCS and has participated in work with the Bill and
Melinda Gates Foundation. One of Mr. Balkaran’s favorite topics in the field of
education is teacher leadership since he believes that effective teacher leaders can
have a strong positive influence on schools and school districts.
Connie Bame
Connie Bame is the Third Grade Team Leader at Triangle Elementary. Her
passion has kept her with her third grade students throughout the six years
she has been teaching. Mrs. Bame enjoys helping students become
successful. Seeing how motivation and determination can cause much
celebration is the driving force in her classroom. Sharing and caring is what
Connie loves most about her profession!
Kelly Cousineau
Susan Emrick
Kelly Cousineau is the proud coordinator for the AVID
program at East Ridge Middle School. She teaches the
AVID elective class for 7th and 8th graders. She has
been an educator for eight years. As the 2013 Lake
County Teacher of the Year, she enjoys speaking with
colleagues about the benefits of teacher leadership. In
her role as program coordinator, she advanced her
school’s AVID system to earn AVID National
Demonstration School status- a recognition less than
2% of all AVID schools receive.
Nancy Hunter
Susan Emrick has been teaching for 29 years and is
now Literacy Coach at Lost Lake Elementary. She
graduated from the University of Kentucky and received
a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from
Morehead State University. She is a National Board
Certified Teacher. Her favorite quote, by Carl Jung is
the following: “One looks back with appreciation to the
brilliant teachers, but with gratitude to those who
touched our human feelings.” The curriculum is so
much necessary raw material, but warmth is the vital
element for the growing plant and for the soul of the
child.
Nancy Hunter, the 2012 Lake County Teacher of the
Year, has taught at Leesburg High for the past 6
years. After teaching elementary for two years, and
middle school science for fourteen, she feels she has
now found her niche teaching a class she created to
help 9th graders find success in high school, called
Freshmen Foundations. In the past year she was
honored as a 2013 Star Teacher Leader by Lake
County Schools, given the Lake Sumter State College’s
2013 Distinguished Alumni Service to Education Award,
and chosen by the University of Florida as one five
teachers from Florida to receive the Distinguished
Educator Award for 2013.
ECET2 Lake District Team
Stuart Klatte
Anjanette McGregor
Noris Aguayo
Stuart Klatte began teaching in Lake County
at the urging of Governor Lawton Chiles
during a statewide Business Roundtable on
Education. After successful careers in
professional entertainment production and
Not for Profit Rehabilitation Management, He
developed and designed the Theatre and
Television Production programs at Eustis
High School and the Television Production
program for Lake Minneola High School
before being elected President of the Lake
County Education Association. He has a
Special Education degree from Indiana State
University and is a Certified Apple Trainer for
Professional video editing programs.
Anjanette McGregor graduated from UCF
with a master's in clinical social work. She
began teaching ten years ago in Monroe
County, moving to Lake County seven years
ago and has been teaching English II at
Tavares High School ever since. She is a
recipient of former Governor Jeb Bush's
Excel in Teaching award, has been a national
fellow with America Achieves Fellowship of
Teachers and Principals, is a recent addition
to the Lake County ECET2 team, and in her
spare time, participates in conducting
trainings and curriculum writing for the FLDOE. In addition, she teaches Zumba classes
at Golds in Mt Dora and is the mother to a
brilliant fifth grader, Lannon McGregor.
Noris Aguayo taught in Lake County Schools
since 2007. Best known for her engaging
approaches to teaching, she always uses her
students’ needs to drive her instruction. During her
first year of teaching, she piloted a Dual Language
program that flourished at her school site.
Throughout her six years of teaching she was
honored as Groveland Elementary School’s
Rookie Teacher of the year, and Lake County
Teacher of the Year. She has served as a leader
at various capacities, including grade level chair
and Vice Chair of the School Advisory Committee.
Furthermore, she was given the opportunity to
work with new teachers as a District New Teacher
Coach, as well as present professional
development opportunities to other educators. In
seven short years, Noris has achieved many
honors and victories. However, her greatest
achievement will always be the success of
watching her students learn and grow as a result
of her instruction.
Andrea Pyatt
Debbra Snow
April Von Maxey
After spending 13 years as a Clinical Laboratory
Scientist in the field of Healthcare, Andrea Pyatt
followed in her grandmother’s footsteps and
became an educator. Ms. Pyatt is certified in
Biology and Chemistry and she is Reading
Endorsed. This is her ninth year in education
where she currently serves as a Program
Specialist for Academic Services. In addition to
being recognized for her teacher leadership roles
and being involved in many initiatives in Lake
County Schools, Ms. Pyatt has presented on
various topics at the national, state, and district
level and is currently working on a Teacher
Leadership Initiative with the Center for Teaching
Quality. Even though teacher leadership is a
passion of Ms. Pyatt’s, fostering effective
educational change for the students of Lake
County is her educational focus.
Debbra Connelly Snow is a graduate of the University of
Central Florida with a BA degree in Social
Sciences. She has also earned a Master’s Degree from
Nova Southeastern University in Curriculum and
Instruction. Debbra enjoys spending time with family
and working with the youth in her church and
community as a volunteer tutor. She is a wife, proud
mother of two, and devoted grandmother of four
adorable grandchildren. She has been an educator for
18 years and finds this career change to be the most
honorable opportunity of a lifetime. To her, teaching is
profoundly satisfying. It provides her with the forum to
transform lives that will later have a positive impact on
their future. As the Literacy Coach of Lake Minneola
High School, she is grateful to be able to work with
teachers and students and empower students to
become lifelong learners through engaging and
motivating activities. Two of the most exhilarating
moments of her career were being selected as the
2010-2011 teacher of the year and receiving an
invitation from Dr. Moxley to participate in the Bill and
Melinda Gates ECET conference.
April Von Maxey considers herself the
luckiest girl on the planet because she is truly
living her dream. April is a K-12 Tavares
graduate and she wanted nothing more than
to teach at her own elementary school. She
is now in her 10th year of teaching fourth
grade at Tavares, with teachers who taught
her. Mrs. Von Maxey believes in "teacher
magic" and how teachers can have as much,
if not more, of an impact in kids' lives outside
the classroom walls as we do within
them. April has achieved her dream because
of one of these magical teachers. So, now
that she is grown, her dream is to be that
teacher for just one child. Because to her,
teaching isn't just a career, it's a lifestyle.
Matt Burris
5 Grade Science Teacher
Astatula Elementary School
th
Celebratory Best Practice
“In order to develop the essence of
ECET2 at Astatula Elementary School,
we implemented a Be a Buddy
program. Teachers hand out high five
sticky notes to students they witness
having positive peer interactions with
the idea of building each other up
rather than tearing each other down.
The students get to display their high
five notes in the cafeteria for the whole
school to see. Astatula Elementary
School Truly reflects the spirit of
ECET2.”
Instructional Best Practice
My weekly science instructional routine with my students is as follows. Mondays are the only days we use
the science textbooks. The students read the 3-4 pages of science information that covers the week’s
science benchmark. On Mondays we also view the 2-3 brainpop.com short videos on my Smart Board that
address the week’s benchmark. We then either take a student led BrainPOP quiz on the Smart Board or
play a BrainPOP game that matches the week’s benchmark.
On Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays it is all about HANDS-ON SCIENCE INVESTIGATIONS,
SCIENCE INQUIRY, and SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS!!!! The cooperative group hands-on labs are the most
important component of my science instruction because they make the lessons come alive and the
classroom becomes filled with excitement, laughter, problem solving, cooperation, discussion and real
world learning.
On Fridays the students take a short 10-15 question quiz covering the week’s concept. About every other
week the students use their science journals to copy down important diagrams, take notes using graphic
organizers, and pose questions. And finally, the day before a test we play the Mind Point Quiz show which
is Jeopardy like computer chapter review game we play on the Smart Board with the competition structured
boys versus girls.
Inspirational Quote
“I hear: I forget. I see: I remember. I do: I understand!”
--Okinawan Karate Philosophy
Lauren Salas
4 Grade Reading & Writing
Beverly Shores Elementary School
th
Celebratory Best Practice
This year, I decided to become the
new president of the Sunshine
Committee on my campus. This
team is supposed to coordinate
events that boost morale and
encourage a family atmosphere.
We have continued the traditions of
a monthly meal together and gifts
for those who are ill but have also
started more holiday traditions like
a secret pal and an Easter event.
Almost 75% of our staff participated
this year which is a huge increase
from years past.
Instructional Best Practice
In my classroom, I started the use of rubrics and a learning scale that was aligned to
the standards being taught on a weekly basis. At the end of class, students answer
a “tracker” question which is some sort of reflection on what they have learned. It is
leveled and they have to choose what level they are capable of answering. After
answering the question, they can move their magnet on our Classroom Learning
Scale. This process has really helped us track student progress and they are aware
of their abilities for each skill.
Inspirational Quote
“Around here we don’t look backwards for very long…
we keep moving forward, opening up new doors, and doing new things,
because we are curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.”
--WALT DISNEY
Karen Zachar
4 Grade Teacher – Math & Science
Beverly Shores Elementary School
th
Celebratory Best Practice
I recently started an award system in my
classroom called the ABCD Award
(Above and Beyond the Call of Duty).
In order to promote positive behaviors,
students are able to “secretly” recognize
students going above and beyond the
expected behavior at school.
When
someone is caught doing more than just
the required behavior the other student
can write a short note explaining what
happened and place it in the ABCD
Award Box. Each week the student
names and their ABCD Actions are pulled
out of the box and are recognized in the
classroom.
Instructional Best Practice
In order for our students (I share students with another teacher) to be held more
accountable for their efforts and understanding of the content in the classroom,
we developed a tracker/rating system.
Using scales created from the
benchmarks students utilize the scales to “rate” their level of understanding on a
daily basis. The scales range from 1 to 4 and each level requires the students
to complete certain tasks to show that they can perform at that particular level.
Along with the trackers the students then utilize a magnet system where they
move their magnet to also show their level of understanding as a visual
representation of where the class is on the scale. Students are then held
accountable and feel more empowered about their own learning.
Inspirational Quote
“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.”
---Benjamin Franklin
Venessa King
4 Grade Teacher
Clermont Elementary School
th
Celebratory Best Practice
Rene’ Ward and I worked together on our ECET2 Action
Plan. Therefore, we made a joint presentation to the Clermont
Elementary School Faculty in August about ECET2. We
encouraged the teachers to write down instructional strategies
and inspiring stories on index cards. After the cards were
submitted, I chose a few of the index cards to type up each
month to e-mail to the staff. The teachers came up with some
great strategies as well as inspiring and humorous stories to
share with each other.
We also had our first CES staff Gallery Walk on a Wednesday
afternoon instead of our regular faculty meeting. Our principal,
Ms. Caple, divided each grade level into groups, so there was a
representative from each grade level on every Gallery Walk
Team. The Grade Level Chairpersons stayed in their classroom
during the Gallery Walk, so the teams could visit for 10 minutes.
The Gallery Walk gave all the teachers an opportunity to see
how teachers at different grade levels have their room set up to
get ideas for their own classrooms. Lots of great ideas and
strategies were shared between staff members.
In an effort to boost our writing scores, we have
implemented a school-wide writing day each month. All CES
students in grades Pre-K through 5th are given writing prompt, a
“planning sheet”, and writing paper. Once the students generate
their stories, their stories. The teachers exchange papers with another teacher to score. The teachers in and between
grade levels are able to see how students are progressing as well as celebrate the students’ progress.
We have also implemented positive note cards. Some of our CES staff members have started putting up note
cards with positive comments and/or thanking their peers. The note cards have been posted on our CES bulletin
board and/or at staff functions. In addition, the group has provided additional refreshments at faculty meetings or
special events for the staff.
Instructional Best Practice
Because it was always my dream to be on Star Search and American Idol, I do a lot of singing concepts in my class.
So now I get to live out my dream in the classroom where I already feel like I’m in Hollywood and my kids keep me
around and not send me home. I have written songs for a lot of the math concepts and Reading themes. My students
love to sing and are a direct reflection of me. The rhymes and the rhythms help them to grasp concepts more quickly
and get the needed energy release while learning and continuing to grow. My students are able to get up and dance
and beat on the tables and enjoy the moment and have fun. I teach them the power of education and make sure that I
am always stressing the importance of it. We have a class meeting every morning to get our day started where we
reflect on yesterday and discuss things that we can differently in order to achieve our goals.
I give my life to my students and give them insight on what lies ahead of them. I set very high expectations for my
students and my parents and expect them to reach for them and inspire them to do so. I conduct reading nights in my
classroom (Read and Feed) and Writing and Math boot camps before FCAT. Because we have no art and music
program, I have taking on drama by having plays and a school chorus for different events. These programs are very
academic focused and help with the students reading comprehension while doing something they enjoy.
My
instructional best practice would have to be very simple. I make every students feel special, beautiful, accepted and
highly inspired and most of all have fun while learning.
Inspirational Quote
Education comes from within you get it by struggle, effort and thought.
- -Napoleon Hill
I was born to win if I do not spend too much time trying to fail. I will ignore the tags and names given me by society
since only I know what I have the ability to become. Failure is just as easy to combat as success is to obtain.
--Marva Collins
Jennifer Lykins
First Grade Teacher
Clermont Elementary School
Celebratory Best Practice
Grants: 5 years ago I began writing grants
for classroom project based learning
opportunities. I have received grants for
school wide gardening projects, Lego
robotics, digital story projects, grade level
fieldtrips, technology equipment, and
project consumables. Last year I received
“The Mighty Pen” Award from the Lake
County Schools Grants department. Today,
just as I was mentored through my first
years in the grant writing process, it is my
privilege to guide and support others.
Instructional Best Practice
Collaboration: The experiences of my co-workers often yield great insight. Sharing effective methods, ideas, or
activities, has the potential of improving student achievement school wide.
Data Driven Instruction: I treat each student as a person of worth who has unlimited potential for learning and
contribution. My job is to plan and facilitate standards based engaging lessons and activities that are driven and
differentiated by student data and presented in an environment where students feel free to learn from both mistakes
and success.
Parent and Community Involvement: I welcome parents and community volunteers to share in our learning
opportunities. I have a clear plan that outlines our classroom need for volunteers and materials. I also partner with
industry professionals who present accurate and current information about their professions and connect the concepts
students are learning about with possible future career opportunities. I say thank you a lot and look for opportunities
for my students to also demonstrate their appreciation.
Life Long Learning: I recognize that I am a learner first. Whether I am learning about myself, my profession, or my
students, there is always room for growth.
Inspirational Quote
I have been impressed with the urgency of doing. Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Being willing is not enough;
we must do.
-–Leonardo da Vinci
It is not what you do for your children, but what you have taught them to do for themselves, that will make them
successful human beings.
-–Ann Landers
Rene’ Ward
2nd & 3rd Grade Title I Resource Teacher
Clermont Elementary School
Celebratory Best Practice
Venessa King and I worked together on our
ECET2 Action Plan. Therefore, we made a joint
presentation to the Clermont Elementary School
Faculty in August about ECET2. We encouraged
the teachers to write down instructional
strategies and inspiring stories on index cards.
After the cards were submitted, I chose a few of
the index cards to type up each month to e-mail
to the staff. The teachers came up with some
In an effort to boost our writing scores, we have great strategies as well as inspiring and
implemented a school-wide writing day each humorous stories to share with each other.
month. All CES students in grades Pre-K through
5th are given a writing prompt, a “planning sheet”, We also had our first CES staff Gallery Walk on
and writing paper. Once the students generate a Wednesday afternoon instead of our regular
their stories. The teachers exchange papers with faculty meeting. Our principal, Ms. Caple,
another teacher to score. The teachers in and divided each grade level into groups, so there
between grade levels are able to see how was a representative from each grade level on
students are progressing as well as celebrate the every Gallery Walk Team. The Grade Level
Chairpersons stayed in their classroom during
students’ progress.
the Gallery Walk, so the teams could visit for 10
Some of our CES staff members have started minutes. The Gallery Walk gave all the teachers
putting up note cards with positive comments an opportunity to see how teachers at different
and/or thanking their peers. The note cards have grade levels have their room set up to get ideas
been posted on our CES bulletin board and/or at for their own classrooms. Lots of great ideas and
staff functions. In addition, the group has provided strategies were shared between staff members.
additional refreshments at faculty meetings or
special events for the staff.
Instructional Best Practice
I consistently use the CHAMP’s program (Conversation, Help, Activity, Movement, and Participation),
so my students always know my expectations for their behavior during every activity throughout the
day.
Depending on the lesson/activity, I do one of the following “celebrations” to encourage my students’
successes with academics and behavior: Happy Dance, Jazz Hands, Truck Driver, Fireworks, or
Rollercoaster. The students also work together as a team to earn “pompoms” that go in a plastic
baggy. When the baggy is full the team earns a special treat.
My students track and “celebrate” their progress for each skill using Data Notebooks and Data Chats.
Inspirational Quote
“The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt
with the heart.”
--Helen Keller
Terri Pfister Germeroth
4th Grade Teacher
Eustis Elementary School
Celebratory Best Practice
Since ECET2, I have implemented
several
celebratory
and
positive
practices. One practice that my fourth
grade team seems to love is a team
rewards chart that we keep within the
grade level pod. Every time the chart is
filled up, the whole grade receives a
special
treat.
During
the
first
implementation of this, I spelled out the
word
and every time
the team received a compliment as a
whole such as “Your team works great
together”, “Your team was well prepared
for this meeting”, “Your team collaborates
great together!” or any other type of
positive praise for the group then we
would get to color in a letter. When all of
the letters were colored in I made
brownies for the team. This got the team
super excited to work together and built a
feeling of teamwork and camaraderie. I
feel that this is the best team I have
worked with and I believe it is because
their actions are celebrated and praised!
Instructional Best Practice
An instructional practice that has greatly benefited my students would be providing
timely and meaningful feedback to them. When I expanded this practice and met
with students more frequently I found that they held themselves more accountable
for their work and their progress. I began allowing students to self-grade their test
with me next to them, and we were immediately able to discuss any
misunderstanding they had, and identify areas that still needed growth. Because
students knew that they would be self-grading their work and having to immediately
meet with me, I feel that they put forth a greater effort during instructional time and
on their assignment.
Inspirational Quote
"Even on your worst day on the job, you are still some child’s best hope."
-- Larry Bell
Damian Bardoni
3rd Grade Teacher
Eustis Heights Elementary School
Celebratory Best Practice
In order to develop the essence of
ECET2 at Eustis Heights, I took it
upon myself to reach out to all our
new teachers and take the time to
make sure how much they are
appreciated and meet with them if
they needed some guidance or
assistance. I also wear positive
quotes from time to time to make
sure positive vibes are being sent
and received as I walk through the
halls and pass fellow colleagues
and students.
Instructional Best Practice
First and foremost, students in my class are held to a high standard and nothing
less will be accepted. In my classroom students use math journals instead of the
textbook, where students keep learning scales and goals for each benchmark taught
and all notes they take during whole group lessons. In addition, the journal hosts
HOT questions that students work on during math stations in a cooperative group as
well as a summary question that gets students thinking about why this is important
to them. In addition to math journals, students use IPads to practice solving word
problems for specific benchmarks they are still struggling with.
Inspirational Quote
"Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in getting up every time we do."
-- Confucius
Cynthia Murray
Kindergarten Teacher
Eustis Heights Elementary School
Celebratory Best Practice
In order to create the spirit of
ECET2 in my kindergarten class,
students and the class as a whole
are celebrated and elevated for
their effort and gains throughout the
day during Kagan structures and
team building activities.
During
Kagan
cooperative
learning
activities students are recognized
for their achievements and jointly
celebrate
partners
or
team
members. Through Kagan team
building activities students gain a
sense of belonging, mutual support
and inclusion. All students see
success, have fun and celebrate
each other.
Instructional Best Practice
One instructional best practice that has proven successful with my students is incorporating
S.T.E.M. projects into our math block. Whether it is stimulating students' imaginations through an
engineering design, sparking their curiosity with science, or engaging in the latest technology, the
goal is to inspire and motivate students through active hands-on learning. Students work together
in cooperative groups. Once students collectively decide on a design they must decide on the
materials they will use to construct their design. After their design is completed students test their
design and record their results. As the facilitator, I circulate from group to group giving frequent
feedback, questioning to guide their learning and encouraging students to be critical and creative
thinkers. If the design was not successful, then the group records their data then regroups to
improve upon their original design. Upon completion of the project students reflect on the best
solution for this activity. As students move through this process they are engaged in meaningful
learning and empowered to make responsible decisions while challenged to justify their thinking
and support their reasoning.
Inspirational Quote
“Be a wonderful role model because you will be the window through which many
children will see their future.”
--Thomas Mckinnon
Ellen Miller
3 Grade Teacher
Fruitland Park Elementary School
rd
Celebratory Best Practice
“The best practice that I wanted to share
with my colleagues at Fruitland Park
Elementary School was the training I
received
from
Learning
Sciences
International. I worked one- on- one with
Dr. Robert Marzano’s company to
increase my knowledge of scale writing
coupled with a better understanding of
DQ 2, 3, and 4. During the months of
January and February I participated in
face to face meetings, Go Time meetings,
and phone conferences. The culmination
of this project occurred February 28th
when a filming crew visited my classroom
for the day to create a training video that
LSI will use to train teachers across the
United States and eleven other countries.
This experience stretched me as an
educator. Planning and delivering will
never be the same after going through
this process. My hope is that this training
video will assist teachers worldwide for
those that need to see exactly what those
different domains look like and see that it
is attainable.”
Instructional Best Practice
I love to make learning fun! What better way than to write songs and teach them to
my students?? As a child one of the most effective means for me to learn content
was to create some kind of jingle that would trigger my memory when it came time
for an assessment. I have songs on topics such as prefixes, base words, theme,
inferences, main idea, sequence, Earth’s rotation, FCAT, and many more. Students
have a ball learning these songs and the reward for me is huge when I hear of
previous students that are in high school or even college now that remember these
little jingles. I was recently told by a now 4th grader who was in my class last year
that one of my songs saved him on a test. He couldn’t remember what
perpendicular lines were, but then remembered our song!
Inspirational Quote
“Teaching is not a job, it’s a joy!”
--Ellen Miller
Kristy Westfall
Kindergarten Teacher
Fruitland Park Elementary School
Celebratory Best Practice
“The best practice that I wanted to
share with my colleagues at
Fruitland Park Elementary was the
use of more technology. I attended
the Thinking Math Workshops for
K-2 and learned many useful tips
that would help students to
become more engaged in Math. I
had the opportunity to lead a
PLC/Faculty
Workshop
that
allowed me to show various
websites that incorporated music
with math skills that students need
to be successful in school. I also
shared teacher resources that
included a Common Core flipbook
for Math standards along with
using CPALMS as a resource for
formative assessments. It was a
great success!”
Instructional Best Practice
A best practice that I use in my classroom is for students to take charge of their learning by
allowing them to express their thoughts, ideas and feelings about our focus story of the week.
Once we have read the story and created a story map, the students and I sit in a circle on the
carpet and have an open discussion about the story. This includes using Kagan Talking Chips to
“jumpstart” the conversation. I found this allows students an opportunity to ask questions about
anything they did not understand as well as share any thoughts they have about the story. I
found this to be beneficial to the students when they do their “ticket out” and use the learning
goal, rubric and scale to show their level of understanding. I also give my students an
opportunity to “act out” the story which allows me to accommodate many learning styles.
Inspirational Quote
“Teaching is more than imparting knowledge, it is inspiring change. Learning is
more than absorbing facts, it is acquiring understanding.”
-- William Arthur Ward
Tiffany Forsyth and Micaella Glenn
4th and 2nd Grade Teachers
Groveland Elementary School
Celebratory Best Practice
“In order to develop the essence of
ECET2 at Groveland Elementary
School. We implemented a Spirit
Stick Notebook. The notebook was
a place that teachers could write a
celebratory note about a fellow
faculty member. Then they would
secretly place the notebook in that
person’s mailbox. When you
receive the notebook you are then
charged with paying it forward and
celebrating someone else! ”
Instructional Best Practice
Our best practice this year has been Buddy Reading with another grade level. We
got the idea from being a part of ECET2 and working with different grades to
improve overall character and reading scores. Mrs. Forsyth’s 4th grade students
have become campus wide role models, especially to Miss. Glenn’s 2nd grade class.
As result of buddy reading, these relationships have bloomed more than we ever
expected. The morning of FCAT Writes, the 2nd graders came to surprise and
encourage the 4th grade students. Their nervous faces were relieved once they were
hugged by their 2nd grade buddies. In addition to building relationships, our students
have shown an interest in reading more and together they are taking more AR tests.
The 2nd and 4th grade students who are not reading on grade level have gained a
tremendous amount of self-esteem.
Inspirational Quote
“Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together
is success.”
-- Henry Ford
“Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.”
-- Helen Keller
Amy Tarquine
ESE School Specialist
Groveland Elementary School
Celebratory Best Practice
In order to develop the essence of
ECET2 at Groveland Elementary, I
have established a “Hat’s off to”
bulletin board where teachers can
celebrate each other by giving them
a “hat” with praise written on it.
Teachers are able to acknowledge
the work of their peers in a public
and positive manner.
Instructional Best Practice
“Acknowledge Every Effort” is one tenet of my teaching philosophy. One way I
acknowledge every effort is through “whooshes”. When a student contributes in
class they are acknowledged through snaps, claps, and “oh yeahs” from their
classmates. When someone contributes in a way that is above and beyond or has
met a goal, they receive a “whoosh”. Receiving a “whoosh” means the recipient will
stand at the front of the group and the class will praise them in a choral chant and
then push their hands forward saying “whoosh!” Thus, pushing positive vibes
towards the recipient. An example is, a “firework whoosh”. The class will shoot their
hands in the air, clap them together, and wiggle their fingers like a falling firework (of
course, sound effects are included) then the class will push their hands in the
direction of the student and say “whoosh!
Inspirational Quote
“Our job is to teach the students we have. Not the ones we would like to have. Not
the ones we used to have. Those we have right now. All of them.”
-- Dr. Kevin Maxwell
John D. Wall
Music Instructor/ESE Instructor/MTSS-RTI Coach
Humanities and Fine Arts Charter School
Celebratory Best Practice
A teambuilding activity I love is to
divide the group I am working with
into groups of 3 or 4 and then give
them a bag of “junk”. This bag could
include bottles, tin cans, pvc pipe
pieces, wooden or metal spoons,
chopsticks, waxed paper, empty tin
foil rolls, empty tissue boxes, rubber
bands, paperclips, ordinary hair
comb, etc. They are given a set
amount of time and they must
construct instruments and compose
a short song that best represents
their group. Through the experience
of working together and sometimes
laughing together, we celebrate the
things that worked great and discuss
ways we could have improved upon
what our final outcome actually was.
It is a great activity that causes
people to put their heads together
and cooperate.
Instructional Best Practice
One of the best practices used in my music education classroom is helping with early literacy and helping focus attention on
the ELL student(s) who might need more attention. Research shows that early childhood music education utilizes and
emphasizes activities that support language development. Finger plays, traditional nursery rhymes and songs reinforce
phonemic awareness and the systematic relationship of letters of the alphabet and the sounds connected to each letter.
Plus, musical instruction and experience help the brain improve its ability to distinguish between rapidly changing sounds,
referred to as auditory processing. This auditory processing is critical to developing phonemic awareness, a necessary
aspect of language acquisition. ELL students who hear English words, even without grasping their meaning, will develop an
ear for the language, especially if it is heard musically. Edwin E. Gordon, in his book, A Music Learning Theory for Newborn
and Young Children, states that “soon young children ‘break the code’ of the language...and begin to imitate real words. By
using those words to communicate with others, they soon learn to create their own phrases and sentences. Later they learn
to read and write words and sentences that they have heard and spoken.” In many schools, I have been fortunate enough
to have literacy resources that enhance what is being taught in the music classroom. I love the book and finger puppets
that tell the story of the “Old Lady who Swallowed the Fly”. By teaching this repetitive, rote song and allowing students to
act out the different sequential verses, it helps all students, but especially the ELL student, to begin to grasp words and then
also associate meanings through the use of music and puppetry.
Inspirational Quote
“Our job is to teach the students we have. Not the ones we would like to have. Not the ones
we used to have. Those we have right now. All of them.”
-- Dr. Kevin Maxwell
Jessica Hunter
2 Grade Teacher
Leesburg Elementary School
nd
Celebratory Best Practice
“In order to develop the essence of
ECET2 at Leesburg Elementary, I
have taken on the role of the TLC
Committee president. I take the
lead
in
planning
showers,
retirement
parties,
Christmas
parties, the beginning/end of the
year celebrations, and other gettogethers to promote positive
interactions among the faculty and
staff at our school. I also make
sure that in the event of an illness
or death of a staff member’s
immediate family, flowers are sent
and meals are coordinated.”
Instructional Best Practice
“My best practice that I use in my classroom is convincing students that they are all
important, that they are smart, and that each of them deserves the best. My biggest
strength as a teacher is reaching some of the most difficult students. I have a heart
for children with behavior problems which almost always, in my experience, come
with academic challenges as well. Thinking outside the box and keeping my
classroom structured helps me to reach the most difficult of children. Watching them
grow and succeed is one of the most incredible feelings and makes every frustrating
moment worth it. This becomes the basis of all my instructional practices.”
Inspirational Quote
“It is not what you do for your children, but what you have taught them to do for
themselves, that will make then successful human beings.”
-- Ann Landers
Judith Ann LeMoyne
2nd Grade Teacher
Leesburg Elementary School
Celebratory Best Practice
“In order to develop the essence of
ECET2 at Leesburg Elementary, I
have taken on the role of the PTO
president. I take the lead on
organizing school events and
projects
to
promote
positive
interactions among the faculty,
staff, students and parents at our
school. I am also the 2nd grade
chair for our school. I make sure
we are following the new Common
Core Standards and meeting high
level achievement for our students.”
Instructional Best Practice
“My best practice that I use in my classroom is being a facilitator of learning. My
biggest strength as a teacher is teaching students to do their own thinking and
learning. I use many different strategies to keep students engaged and working
together for their own learning. I love it when I can see my students taking part in
their own learning.”
Inspirational Quote
“Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement, nothing can be done without hope
and confidence.”
-- Helen Keller
Susan Emrick
Literacy Coach
Lost Lake Elementary School
Celebratory Best Practice
During weekly common planning, I
have asked each teacher to come
prepared to share a successful
strategy or lesson that they used
during week. The teachers look
forward to this part of their common
planning. This gives them validation
for the hard work they are doing,
gives them opportunities for sharing
ideas and helps them maintain
academic conversation and positive
momentum.
Instructional Best Practice
Using the data from LBA Prompt 3, I did several lessons using the gradual release model to instruct
students to improve writing by adding details. I chose this practice to model a way for teachers to
move from a teacher centered approach to a student centered approach. To introduce the
importance of adding details, I used the deconstruction strategy. Next, I gave them direct instruction
on strategies to add details. I modeled by displaying an essay and thinking aloud about where I
could add the details and why. Then, we followed the same procedure with the whole class. The
students were divided into small groups and were given a new piece. Together they made
decisions on where details needed to be added. They shared their revisions with the whole group
and the other groups shared accolades and improvements needed. Finally, the students applied
the strategies to add details to their own pieces. Peer conferencing was used for reflection and
problem solving. The students improved on the 4th Prompt from 53% to 61% scoring 4 or above. I
made a video for a culminating activity.
Inspirational Quote
One looks back with appreciation of the brilliant teachers, but with gratitude to those
who touched our human feelings. The curriculum is so much necessary raw material,
but warmth is the vital element for the growing plant and the soul of a child.
-- Carl Jung
Cleta Horton
Curriculum Resource Teacher
Lost Lake Elementary School
Celebratory Best Practice
To celebrate teacher’s best practice
at Lost Lake we showcase them
through video and pictures at our
month faculty meetings. This is a
time to highlight the best of the
“Best
Practices”
among
our
talented teachers. Our teachers
love the affirmation they receive
through this experience.
Instructional Best Practice
One of the instructional best practices I used in my first grade iPad classroom was
project-based learning through technology. My students were engaged in an
appropriately ambitious and rigorous course of study in which the high standards of
performance were clear and consistent and the conditions for learning were
modified and differentiated. Students were actively involved in their learning through
inquiry, in-depth learning and performance assessments. One of the ways my
students accomplished this was by developing and executing a project plan,
creating story boards, videotaped, edited and published a documentary and music
video. Once their projects were completed they were entered into the Jim Harbin
Student Media Festival. This year my students won first and second place at the
state level for their entries. Serving as my students coach, facilitator and co-learner
has made learning fun and the results have been phenomenal. This type of
instructional best practice has promoted the development of such 21st century skills
such as communication, collaboration and analytical thinking.
Inspirational Quote
“The task before you is never as great as the force behind you.”
-- Ralph Waldo Emerson
Sue Reid
Third Grade Teacher
Lost Lake Elementary School
Celebratory Best Practice
The third grade team at Lost Lake
Elementary wanted to affirm each
other in a positive way. At the
beginning of the year everyone on
the team picked a name of a team
member. Throughout the year we
give each other notes, cards small
tokens
and
affirmations
to
encourage each other along the
way. At the end of the year, we
will reveal our identities to each
other.
Instructional Best Practice
One of the best instructional practices that I use each year in my third grade
classroom is to participate in a pen pal letter writing program. My classes have been
pen pals with students from North Carolina, Ghana, Africa and currently Treadway
Elementary School. Not only are they engaged in purposeful writing but they learn
about other parts of our country, county and world.
Inspirational Quote
“Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So… get on your way.”
-- Dr .Seuss
Natalie Dyer
2 Grade Teacher
Minneola Charter Elementary School
nd
Celebratory Best Practice
I
haven’t
implemented
any
celebrations school wide, yet;
however in our classroom, we
celebrate our learning and our
growth. Each week we graph our
data into our Data Notebooks. It has
become a source of joy for many.
They love to see their graphs and
accomplishments for the week.
Instructional Best Practice
There are many things that I have implemented this year, as we transitioned into the
Common Core State Standards. One of my favorites is the interactive notebooks. In
these notebooks we collect the evidence of our learning, take notes, and keep artifacts
in one place. At the end of the year it will be a wonderful reference and keepsake of
their time spent in Second Grade.
Inspirational Quote
“What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by
achieving your goals.”
-- Henry David Thoreau
Beth Petty & Vanessa Townsend
5th Grade Teachers
Pine Ridge Elementary School
Celebratory Best Practice
Since the first ECET2 gathering we
have embraced the practice of
collaboration, not only as a grade level
but also school wide. Our team began
Team Teaching a year ago and with
our success other grade level showed
interest. Again, as a team, we met and
discussed the pros and cons of team
teaching. We are proud to say, that
three complete grade level team teach
this year and have a grade level that
partially team teaches.
We hope that through continued team
teaching others will see the benefit of
collaboration and student successes.
Instructional Best Practice
We have begun using individualized learning goals and scales in math. We are
very proud of this student resource. The learning is placed in the students’ hands
and allows them to monitor and track their progress throughout a unit. They
celebrate their success (progress) and are able to determine where more
practice is needed for greater growth. We are simply the facilitator and
information guide while the students take the lead in their learning.
Inspirational Quote
“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, Nothing is going to get better.
It's not.”
-- Dr. Seuss, The Lorax
A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops."
--Henry Brooks Adams
Theresa Daugherty
Kindergarten Teacher
Rimes Early Learning and Literacy Center
Celebratory Best Practice
In order to develop the essence of
ECET2 in my classroom, I have
taught my students several ways to
offer their peers praise when
working together; ranging from high
fives to cheers to specific praise
much like I give my students. My
students beam when they hear
positive remarks not only from
myself but from their friends too!
Instructional Best Practice
One of the best instructional practices I use in my classroom occurs when I ask my
students questions to assess their understanding of the material. Once one of my
students has answered my question, I call on other students to tell whether they
agree with the given answer or not. After surveying several students, I’ll ask one or
two of them to explain why they agree or do not agree with the given answer. Not
only does this practice keep all of my students engaged, it has also made a
tremendous impact on my students’ ability to justify their answers thus building their
confidence and ownership of their education.
Inspirational Quote
“Don’t limit a child to your own learning; for he was born in another time.
-- Rabindranath Tagore
Mary Dickinson
Literacy Coach
Rimes Early Learning and Literacy Center
Celebratory Best Practice
“Caught you Reading”
The spirit of ECET2 at Rimes Early
Learning and Literacy Center grew when
students and staff watched a “Caught you
Reading” movie that I created during
Literacy Week. This movie reveals the
amazing work teachers are doing in their
classrooms daily.
Instructional Best Practice
“Tying Data to Instruction”
I analyze school wide F.A.I.R. data and other assessments to identify the learning
needs of every student. I group the students according to their ability level for the
“Remediation Challenge” classes implemented in the teachers’ schedules. I provide
our teachers with reports containing specific student goals and a plan for
differentiated instruction. This work is making a big difference for students in their
classrooms by helping the teachers deliver targeted instruction each day.
Inspirational Quote
“Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not
to stop questioning.” -- Albert Einstein
Rachel Adams
4 Grade Teacher
Round Lake Elementary School
th
Celebratory Best Practice
“In order to create a sense of community within
the classroom, I have implemented a classroom
job system consisting of 28 jobs. Each nine
weeks my students meet with their parents to
review 28 job descriptions and decide which
positions suit their strengths. They then complete
an official job application, resume, and cover
letter. They also list references who can attest to
their strengths, as well as their character. I do
conduct interviews with the students in order to
hear them verbally communicate why they are a
good fit for the job position that they have chosen.
This system has worked wonders because there
is also an accountability piece. Just as in the real
world, students can earn classroom money after a
week of successful work completion. They can
also lose their jobs if they fail to fulfill their duties,
or if their grades slip.
Each week our class president, which is one of
our jobs, holds a class meeting to discuss
important issues in the classroom. The students
hold each other accountable, and they encourage
each other to do well in their job positions. This
system has helped to create a positive classroom
environment that functions like a well-oiled
machine.”
Instructional Best Practice
Every year I have students who struggle with memorizing their basic multiplication facts. Because basic fact fluency is
a must in fourth grade, I start the school year with a basic multiplication fact memorization program called
Multiplication in 7 Days. After seven days of this program, we begin our Multiplication Name Game. Each student
wears a lanyard which holds a basic multiplication fact. For example, one student might wear the fact 5 x 8, and that
student is no longer “John Doe”, but now he is known as “40”! If anybody in class wants to talk to this student they
must call him “40”. Every day my students get a new math fact, and that fact is their name for the day. We play games
with these as well. I time students while they quiz the person behind them in line when we go to lunch. Starting with
the person in front, students quickly turn around displaying their card to the person behind them. Once that person
guesses correctly, he turns to quiz the student behind him. This continues until the whole line has been quizzed.
Students play fact family freeze tag, and “Quiz, Quiz, Trade” is also a favorite. I’ve found that this process makes
memorizing facts fun for the kids and it is a daily reminder that fact fluency is imperative in our classroom.
Inspirational Quote
We can do no great things, only small things with great love.
-- Mother Teresa
Imalia Kent
5 Grade Teacher
Sawgrass Bay Elementary School
th
Celebratory Best Practice
“In order to develop the essence of ECET2 at
Sawgrass Bay Elementary, I added “ShoutOuts” and “Strategy Shares” to our grade
level meetings and PLCs.
Shout-Outs
celebrate the successes of teachers on a
weekly basis! Strategy shares allow each
teacher to shine and take on a leadership
role by sharing and teaching a best practice
or a management piece with the rest of the
team. Myself and fellow ECET2 participant
Mrs. Annie Reynders have also implemented
a “Wow Journal” this year at our school as
well. Teachers write an entry celebrating a
fellow teacher and thanking them for the
positive influence they have made on
campus. The journal is passed on from
teacher to teacher. The Shout-Outs, Strategy
Shares, and Wow Journals have only
improved
the
already
positive
and
collaborative culture at Sawgrass Bay
Elementary.
Instructional Best Practice
My science and social studies 5th grade classroom can be described as a high
energy, positive, and collaborative environment where students participate in inquiry
based lessons, hands on labs, and critical thinking activities. My students are given
a chance to have accountable dialogue with their classmates daily, get inspired
through discussions and debates, and reenact historical events to increase their
motivation. My students often create technology infused projects to demonstrate
the mastery of the learning goals. Each year, my goal is to be more of a facilitator
allowing students to take more and more ownership of their learning. As the
teacher, each year, I strive to talk less and challenge my students to think and
speak more!
Inspirational Quote
“The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher
demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.
-- William A. Ward
Annie Reynders
4th Grade Teacher
Sawgrass Bay Elementary School
Celebratory Best Practice
I chose to share what I learned at ECET2 by
changing the way our 4th grade PLC was
structured. Each session always begins by
sharing successes, no matter how small. It
really helps to help us focus on what IS working
in our classrooms and sets a positive tone for
collaboration. We also incorporate strategy
shares, where teachers can share ideas that
have worked with their students. Even first
year teachers can feel confident sharing with
their peers. Our PLC’s focus on improving our
teaching practices and providing appropriately
rigorous instruction for all our students. To
foster greater collaboration between our
teachers, we meet weekly to discuss lesson
plans and ideas. This also allows us to share
the responsibility of writing lesson plans and
ensures consistency across the grade level.
Instructional Best Practice
To only teach the standards would be doing my students a disservice. I believe part of
my job is to prepare my 4th graders for the career or college path they choose to
embark upon after high school graduation. I strive to teach my students leadership
skills that will help them to become successful in their chosen career. One way I do
this is by teaching and practicing conversation skills daily. Upon entering the
classroom, students need to shake my hand, look me in the eye, and actively
participate in a conversation. Setting a goal for a successful college career should not
begin in high school, but in elementary school where they still know how to dream big.
Many of my students come from low-income families where college is not part of their
life experience. We discuss college as something that is attainable for all of them,
through hard work and diligence. I hope to inspire my students to set long term goals
at an early age, work hard, and ultimately achieve their goals.
Inspirational Quote
"Treat people as if they were what they ought to be and you help them become what
they are capable of becoming."
-- Goethe
Ed Anderson
Music Specialist
Seminole Springs Elementary School
Celebratory Best Practice
“In order to Celebrate ECET in
Lake County, we have established
a Steel Drum Program in the
Seminole
Springs
Elementary
School, Eustis Middle School, and
Eustis High School Feeder Chain.
Students can begin training in 3rd
grade and continue all the way to
their Senior Year in High School. I
and the directors of the Secondary
schools constantly collaborate to
create the best music education
program possible for our students!”
Instructional Best Practice
The Best Practice that I use in my classroom is the shaping of Lessons throughout
the K-5 grade levels in order to prepare the students for their Middle School Music
Experience. All Classes follow the principles of 5 elements: Sing, Move, Listen,
Play and Music Theory. Though both Choral and Instrumental Training, coupled
with movement, ear training and music theory exercises, my students have the
equivalent of a 6th grade music education by the time they leave my school. This is
invaluable when they enter the secondary music programs and gives them a head
start on their music education experience in Middle School.
Inspirational Quote
“Music is a moral law. It give soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the
Imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything.”
--Plato
Della Fields
4 Grade Teacher
Sorrento Elementary School
th
Celebratory Best Practice
Be there for one another through good
times and through bad times by sending
messages through email and a teacher
created private Facebook page. This is a
great way that we share and give
information to one another in an uplifting
manner. We post inspirational messages to
each other, ask questions that will help us
out through our upcoming day, and it is nice
knowing that we are there for one another,
at all times! I have been able to collaborate
with teachers across grade levels and now
feel closer to my fellow co-workers.”
Instructional Best Practice
The most important thing we do is set a value of respect for one another. It is the family
relationship that we build that allows learning to take place. There are no rules posted,
because we all know that the only rule we hold highest is to be respectful to one
another.
Each day, we find time to sit down and just talk to one another; we call this “The Good,
The Bad, and The Ugly”. Students are able to share things that are important to them,
whether it is good, bad, or ugly (the ugly is usually something funny). During the day, no
matter the time, we find time to dance, sing, and laugh; because in the end they are
children, and that is what children should be doing. When we are ready to get back to
work, we sit back down on our exercise balls and get back to work, sometimes still
laughing but always bouncing with joy.
Inspirational Quote
“Humor has bailed me out of more tight situations than I can think of. If you go with your
instincts and keep your humor, creativity follows. With luck, success comes, too.”
-- Jimmy Buffett
Karen Fowler
3 Grade Teacher
Sorrento Elementary School
rd
Celebratory Best Practice
Within my classroom, my students
participate in cooperative learning,
which fosters an appreciation of
each student’s unique viewpoint.
We regularly celebrate our success
and
achievements,
both
academically and socially, through
the use of class cheers and peer
affirmations that recognize each
person’s role in our learning. I also
have a special award that travels to
a different student each day to
acknowledge special efforts and
contributions to our classroom
culture. I believe these strategies
not
only
increase
academic
achievement, but bolster selfesteem, as they create a safe and
supportive classroom environment.
Instructional Best Practice
By integrating various pieces of technology into the daily curriculum, my students
are actively engaged in the instructional process. Through the use of student
response systems, mobile interactive whiteboard software, and educational social
media programs, I am able to give immediate feedback at any given moment during
a lesson. This enables me to provide specific, individualized commentary to each
student’s learning as necessary. The powerful combination of technology and
cooperative learning allows me to know exactly where my students are succeeding,
and where they need additional support. This creates a truly student-centered
environment where learning is exciting, fun, and interactive.
Inspirational Quote
“Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.”
-- William Butler Yeats
Jennifer Hurley
2 Grade Teacher
Sorrento Elementary School
nd
Celebratory Best Practice
“The culture in my classroom is very
important to me. I begin my year by
focusing on our similarities and
differences and encouraging my
students to compliment both. Keeping
our classroom focused on positive
qualities tends to limit negative actions.
We frequently reward positive actions
and responses with class cheers. I
love when a student does a cheer for a
classmate without me initiating it!
Instructional Best Practice
I first heard about daily 5 about six years ago. I was at a Title I school and a lot of
my students needed more attention than I felt like I could give them. I was
struggling to make my center rotations and small groups meaningful and
manageable. I learned about Daily 5 from another teacher while at a training. I
heard her describe how it completely changed how she organized her Reading
block and I thought to myself that it was just what I needed. I ordered the book,
studied over the summer and jumped in on Day 1 the next year. The first year I
followed the program with validity and I couldn’t believe how smoothly I was able to
begin centers during the first 5 weeks of school. Over the past few years I have
changed my approach to meet the needs of each new group of children but I still
love the program. The students build a sense of urgency about learning because
they get to choose the activities they do. Everything if differentiated and I get to
have meaningful small groups. I really can’t imagine my morning without the Daily 5
model.
Inspirational Quote
"The [person] who can make hard things easy is the educator."
-- Ralph Waldo Emerson
Melissa Cox
Kindergarten Teacher
Tavares Elementary School
Celebratory Best Practice
“In order to develop the essence of
ECET2 at Tavares Elementary School, I
am the grade chair of the Kindergarten
Team and I have implemented the
agreement to start each meeting with
something positive… We meet every
Tuesday and when we meet, the first
thing we do is give positive shout outs
for great things that have happened that
week. This has made our team closer
and has also helped us to always see
the “good” in things regardless of what is
going on. Tavares Elementary School’s
Kindergarten Team truly reflects the
spirit of ECET2.”
Instructional Best Practice
I am a huge believer in using Kagan Cooperative Learning in ALL that I do. I have
implemented Kagan Strategies and my little ones love it! They enjoy working with
different friends in our room throughout the day. My friends take pride in “coaching”
one another and being a top notch leader!!
Inspirational Quote
“It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken the joy in creative expression and
knowledge.”
--Albert Einstein
Terri Reynolds
1 Grade Teacher
Tavares Elementary School
st
Celebratory Best Practice
In
order
to
develop
an
understanding of how things grow
and change throughout the school
year, I planted a garden with my
students at Tavares Elementary.
Each student has the opportunity to
be the “gardener” several times
during the school year. We can
watch and observe how the plants
grow and change throughout the
year, in the same way that each
student
grows
and
changes
throughout the year. The students
take great pride in caring and
nurturing the plants just as I care
and nurture each of my students
each and every day.
Instructional Best Practice
My students are thriving in reading and math with the implementation of
collaborative groups and hands-on activities. My students work in collaborative
groups during the reading block to increase fluency and reading comprehension
while using thinking maps, charts, drawings, choral reading, and shared reading and
writing. During the math block, my students work in collaborative groups to increase
problem solving while using a variety of manipulatives for practicing the skills.
Assigning roles and responsibilities to each student has been very beneficial to help
boost student confidence and performance in reading and math while solving
problems using real world situations.
Inspirational Quote
“Good teaching is more a giving of right questions than a giving of right answers.”
--Josef Albers
Dr. Rhonda Boone
Principal
Treadway Elementary School
Celebratory Best Practice
“Each school year we begin by
introducing new ‘Best Practices.’
Although these are important, our
Leadership Team decided to shake
things up a bit and place more
focus on our teachers, encourage
team building, and follow this Goal:
We realize that education today is
time-consuming and demanding,
but still very rewarding. We want
all faculty (new and veterans) never
to have the feeling of isolation on
our campus.
We developed a
Treadway ECET2 Action Plan. Our
plan
included
School-Wide
Initiatives (motivational chants/
cheers, selected cheerleaders to
provide ‘Ada Boys’ notes of praise
and encouragement, social events,
etc.) and Group Initiatives (special
grade level activities, teacher
selected and led PLCs).
Our
school-wide Initiative:
ECET2—Treadway—Where
EVERY Teacher Counts!”
Instructional Best Practice
It is very important to me that my teachers feel Number 1 and that they know and feel that I value
and respect the job they do each day. We begin each faculty meeting celebrating their personal
successes as well as the achievement of their students. I introduced a theme “building a team” at
the beginning of the year at our first Grade Chair Meeting. I empowered them to be a Leader and
at the very least have lunch together once a week. This has exploded into strong and supportive
team level relationships. We have also implemented “Teaching Tuesdays” for school-wide
coaching, mentoring, and instructional modeling.
Inspirational Quote
“Why fit in when you were born to stand out?”
-- Dr. Seuss
Julie Ann Feezor
Kindergarten Teacher
Treadway Elementary School
Celebratory Best Practice
“In order to develop the essence of
ECET2 at Treadway Elementary's
Kindergarten, I had each of the
teachers in my "grade-level team"
fill out a survey I had made. It had
multiple questions: from when is
their birthday, to favorite snacks, to
what were their strengths and
weaknesses in teaching. It has
allowed me to know who to help,
who to get to help and it opened up
my eyes to ways to celebrate with
my kindergarten teaching team.
Treadway Elementary School Truly
reflects the spirit of ECET2.”
Instructional Best Practice
I had a chance to have a meeting with my students' families and was able to
introduce to them our scales of 4-1. The students are now putting on their own
papers how they feel they have done. The work that is done at home, the students
and the parents write the number of how confident they are on the assignment. This
helps me to know how to differentiate in the classroom and even while giving out
homework.
Inspirational Quote
You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself,
any direction you choose.
-- Dr. Seuss
Loretta Vroman
Computer Teacher
Treadway Elementary School
Celebratory Best Practice
“I developed a "Cheer Squad" at
Treadway Elementary School.
The
squad is comprised of a member from
each department within the school.
Starting out the year, each department
developed a cheer/chant and these
were all performed at the beginning of
the year Treadway ECET2 Pep Rally!
Throughout the year, the Cheer Squad
keeps up the moral at the school by
providing motivational quotes and gifts
to their department members on a
regular basis.
The Essence and Spirit of ECET2 is
alive at Treadway Elementary School!”
Instructional Best Practice
In order to make learning more interactive and meaningful for my students, I
implemented Target Based Learning within my Special Area-Computer Lab
Classroom. All of my common board configuration elements including essential
questions, vocabulary and standards, as well as the lesson’s learning scale and
rubric are seamlessly integrated within this interactive delivery method. I have a
LARGE Target on my teaching wall in which the students interact with in order to
place learning goals and map them as they become closer to mastery. (Center of
the Target) Students now play a role in setting goals and follow their own progress
across the Target. The Target also provides a visual for the ELL students as well as
my ESE students with special needs. Since implementation, I find that more
students are engaged and there are far less behavioral disruptions, enabling more
students with opportunities for success in my classroom.
Inspirational Quote
“The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.”
-- Walt Disney
Connie Bame
3 Grade Teacher
Triangle Elementary School
rd
Celebratory Best Practice
“In my classroom, we celebrate
each other by being Bucket Fillers.
I find that students LOVE to see
what positive things their peers say
about them. Once a week students
randomly choose the name of
another student and fill their bucket
with kind words. Students can also
fill a bucket if they feel someone
needs a lift or has done something
really nice for them. I think it would
be wonderful for us as adults to fill
each other’s buckets when we see
something or share something that
might lift another person. ”
Instructional Best Practice
I love when students learn from each other. Collaboration begins with
students and if we can teach them how to have meaningful talk with each
other now, the future collaboration will be wonderful! I use various Kagan
strategies that allow students an opportunity to talk to each other and
share their ideas in non-threatening ways. This has helped students who
aren’t naturally speakers learn that an accepting environment helps them
build confidence they need to become better speakers and thinkers.
Inspirational Quote
“A teacher is a person who never says anything once.”
-- Howard Nemerov
Whitney Frazier
Literacy Coach
Triangle Elementary School
Celebratory Best Practice
It has been said, "Every teacher needs a
coach and every teacher is a coach."
Inspired by these words, I felt compelled
to present my Triangle Team with a
challenge at the beginning of the 20132014 school year--The Game Plan. A
former collegiate athlete and sports
enthusiast myself, I see many parallels
between teaching and coaching. I
wanted to convey to my colleagues that
the goal of The Game Plan was to have
our entire school community working
together to ensure that every student is
successful--that isolation is never the
answer. I wanted to empower the
teachers to become coaches in their own
classrooms and teammates with all of
their colleagues regardless of grade level
and content area. Through this effort, we
have begun to vertical plan, team plan,
and coach each other to become better
"players" in executing The Game Plan.
Instructional Best Practice
As a teacher of teachers, I would have to say what works best with students’ works best with
adults. My favorite instructional best practice, and one that has endured the test of time, is the
Gradual Release Model or the “I do, We do, You do” model of instruction. Just as teachers build
their instruction around the needs of their students, I build grade level specific professional
learning communities around the needs of the teachers. “I” present the concepts and instructional
strategies that need to be mastered. “We” work together to develop ideas, discuss student data
and trends, and make pedagogical changes when needed. Ultimately, through careful scaffolding
on my part, and evidence of positive changes in student achievement witnessed by the teachers,
the “You” is the teachers taking complete ownership of the teaching and learning. I have found
that teachers value working collaboratively to develop and implement high-yield instructional
strategies that help ALL of their students be successful.
Inspirational Quote
“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.”
-- Benjamin Franklin
Wendy Clark
4 Grade Teacher
Umatilla Elementary School
th
Celebratory Best Practice
In my classroom, we have a “Write
Score” Bulletin Board where we
celebrate student growth on their
writing assessments. Their scores
are holistic as well as broken down
into categories per the FCAT
Writing
Rubric:
Focus,
Organization,
Support,
and
Conventions. Students see class
growth as a whole along with their
individual growth. Children become
enthusiastic about writing when
they see data that confirms their
hard work. With any assessment,
but writing especially, I believe it is
important to celebrate growth!
Instructional Best Practice
One instructional strategy that I find effective is the use of Thinking Maps. Since
Thinking Maps support Marzano’s Nine Categories of Instructional Strategies, they
are a powerful instructional strategy. Thinking Maps cognitively engage students in
all content areas. Through the use of Thinking Maps, students truly understand and
retain the concepts, beyond the basic facts, and are excited and motivated to learn.
Inspirational Quote
“Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.”
-- William Butler Yeats
Tatyana Baty
Third Grade Teacher
The Villages Elementary of Lady Lake
Instructional Best Practice
“In order to develop the essence of
ECET2 at Villages Elementary of Lady
Lake School, I developed and
implemented a series of units that are
aligned with common core standards
and our new reading curriculum:
Reading Tri-folds and Student Journals.
They challenge students to look deep
into the text for answers and at the
same time provide written evidence
based answers comparing the most
important points and key details learned
earlier in the week. Villages Elementary
of Lady Lake reflects the spirit of
ECET2.
Instructional Best Practice
I have developed and implemented the common core based Tri-fold unit to meet
the skills covered in short reading skill driven passages in McGraw Hill wonders
Reading Series “Key” Book. The purpose of these Tri-folds is to provide the
students with the explicit practice and instruction to be able to write opinions and
explanations that would develop topics with facts and details, describing the actions,
thoughts and feelings of different characters modeled by the teacher. This unit is
geared for Close Read of the short skill driven text. I have also developed and
implemented Student Reading Journals. The Reading Journals challenge students
to look deep into the text and provide written evidence based answers comparing
the most important points and key details learned earlier in the week. Reading
Journals reflect the stories that are featured in the Reading Anthology in McGraw
Hill Wonders. I am working right now on the last unit in the series. You can check
out my website and my Teacher Blog for ideas and examples at
www.batybunch.com.
Inspirational Quote
“It is important to be an individual who will raise an individual. A true teacher will
make a difference in the life of a student.”
-- Ludmila Golovach, my mother
Kelly Nadboralski
AVID Coordinator and Elective Teacher
Carver Middle School
Celebratory Best Practice
After attending ECET2 and returning to
school I joined the in progress initiatives
of other teachers at CMS like Mrs.
Wright, to help all the teachers who were
new to Carver.
Together we were able to offer periodic Q
and A meetings, lunches, and feedback
to new teachers to help them settle into
their new roles as teachers or in their
new home at Carver.
Administration has taken it a step further
and has partnered each new teacher with
a teacher mentor. Now everyone has
someone to call.
Instructional Best Practice
One of my favorite best practices is encouraging student-faculty contact in and out of
class. I achieve this by inviting students to have lunch with me and focus on making
positive phone calls home. I want students to know that I enjoy who they are and that
my care for them extends beyond the score they got on the last tutorial or class project.
I want them to know that I though I may not have ever experienced what they live day
in and day out, that I do care about their life outside of my classroom and that I am
someone they can talk to and trust.
Inspirational Quote
"An educational system isn't worth a great deal if it teaches young people how to make
a living but doesn't teach them how to make a life." -- Source Unknown
"It is important that students bring a certain ragamuffin, barefoot, irreverence to their
studies; they are not here to worship what is known, but to question it." -- J. Bronowski,
The Ascent of Man
Linda Wright
ESE Instructor/7th Grade Teacher
Carver Middle School
Celebratory Best Practice
In an effort to establish relationships
with all the students, I have a “Lunch
Bunch”. I ask students to get their
lunch and eat in my room. The can
earn “Lunch Bunch” for certain
reasons or I just pick students who
have not been to “Lunch Bunch.” I try
to include all the students in the
class. This has become a wonderful
tradition.
I also celebrate students’ birthdays
by allowing them to choose the
menu for a meal. Then, working with
the students between lessons to
make the cake and the meal for the
class at the end of the day.
Instructional Best Practice
I love to use “Placement Memory” to help my students with memory difficulties
remember a group of things. I create a picture that reminds the student of the thing I
want them to remember. I use the picture to remind them of the word, object, or
concept they need to remember. Then I place the picture some place in the room or
on their person. To review, I mention the picture and place, then I slowly take away
the visual and verbal prompts. The students can look at the place and remember the
picture and then the word, concept or object.
Inspiration Quote
To laugh often and love much; to win the respect of intelligent persons and the
affection of children, to earn the approbation of honest critics; t appreciate beauty; to
give one’s self to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden
patch or a redeemed social condition; to have played and laughed with enthusiasm
and sun with exultation; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have
live – that is to have succeeded.
-- Ralph Waldo Emerson
Betsy Bains
8 Grade Science Teacher
Clermont Middle School
th
Celebratory Best Practice
At Clermont Middle School, we have an
‘appreciation board’ where employees
can share thanks for the work others do.
These encouraging notes are shared at
staff meetings and names are drawn for
additional prizes.
Personally, I have a mission to share a
positive attitude free of gossip or angst.
Without pretense of a committee, I reach
out to all employees with genuine
concern, an upbeat greeting and cheerful
disposition. I believe in the power of how
an attitude can spread. If negativity can
create an atmosphere of low moral, then
positivity can promote an atmosphere of
high moral.
Instructional Best Practice
Teaching science to 8th graders is an adventure and their learning should be an adventure for
them. In our classroom, learning is engaging, collaborative, supportive and fun. Students need to
feel that they are valued and belong. To increase engagement in learning, together we created
board games to support memory, use our black top lab tables as team chalk boards, get messy
with lab experiments, and work in groups.
I believe that to engage students, a teacher must be engaging and an active participant. I am
constantly moving throughout the classroom. To stay active within the room, I created a standing
computer table, so that even when using a computer for instructional content, I am elevated and
involved. I do not sit behind a desk.
Inspirational Quote
“If a child can’t learn the way we teach, maybe we should teach the way they learn.”
-- Ignacio Estrada
Nethia McConnell
7 & 8th Grade Teacher
Clermont Middle School
th
Celebratory Best Practice
“In order to develop the essence of
ECET2 at Clermont Middle School, I
served on a team of teachers who
implemented the EXCEL tutorial program
for our low-performing subgroups on the
FCAT reading & math subtests.
Everyone who was a part of the team
along with the SAC committee organized
a program that contributed to an increase
in test scores. Add community & parent
sponsors and an all-expense paid
Orlando Magic basketball game for all
students who successfully completed the
program and we had students affirmed in
their abilities to succeed.
Clermont
Middle School truly reflects the spirit of
ECET2.”
Instructional Best Practice
My best instructional practice and classroom claim to fame is my original Cartoon Series. It was designed for 7th grade
Intensive Reading/Language Arts classes. Each class is separated into teams to create their own original cartoon.
The teams explore the elements of fiction by practicing strategies for skills such as plot & character development,
direct & indirect characterization, symbolism, theme & setting. Students compete by creatively writing 3 episodes in
script form. The characters and episodes come alive in 3 puppet shows that culminate in a season finale!
Most students with reading comprehension and fluency deficiencies need motivation. The cartoon series is a great
way to increase fluency while offering hands-on interaction with individual skills. Students are able to see how skills
work together to create a piece of work. It is also a fun, yet intense way to build life skills in a cooperative group
setting. It offers the comfort of peer support as well as instructional coaching and feedback for skills application.
My students realize that it is hard work for any style writing to transform from a thought to a masterpiece. I enjoy
watching their enthusiasm to share what they have learned! Stay tooned!
Inspirational Quote
“An effective teacher is not consumed with pouring information in, but is passionate
about drawing the raw potential out.”
-- Nethia McConnell
Haley Amerson
8 Grade Teacher
East Ridge Middle School
th
Celebratory Best Practice
“In order to develop the essence of
ECET2 at East Ridge Middle
School, I implemented a Spirit Stick
Notebook. I got the idea from the
ECET2 Edmodo page from another
teacher. I made a notebook with a
“spirit stick” on it and teachers pass
it around writing inspiring things
about other teachers in the book. I
have also shared information
learned at the first meeting with my
PLC .”
Instructional Best Practice
A Best Practice of mine is the use of an “AHA connection page” and an “AHA
thesis.” The connection page is a way for students to reflect daily on their learning in
class based on what they have learned in the class period. At the end of each unit,
students write a thesis to not only reflect on the unit but on their learning. Getting
writing in core subjects such as science can be challenging so I find having the
students reflect in a thesis not only prepares them for their upcoming tests but also
for FCAT writes.
Inspirational Quote
“If you strive for integrity instead of popularity, you'll always be cool!”
-- Carlos Santana
Ms. Shanelle Mcclean
8 Grade U.S. History & Career Planning Teacher
East Ridge Middle School
th
Celebratory Best Practice
“In order to develop the essence of
ECET2 at East Ridge Middle School,
I have decided to step out of my
comfort zone, and join a few
committees
to
broaden
my
networking with fellow teachers in
order to accomplish the various tasks
at hand. So far I have reached out to
co-workers that I probably wouldn’t
have any other contact with during
the school year, and it is exciting to
build
these
new
networking
connections.”
Instructional Best Practice
There are a few instructional practices that I love to incorporate in my
classroom, but I believe the best one would have to be the Interactive
Notebooks (INB). The Interactive Notebooks is a great organizational and
learning tool for students. All of their major class assignments are kept in
one place, and it is very easy for the students to go back and reflect on their
Cornell notes, graphic organizers, and/or reflective activities. Before I
incorporated INB’s into my classroom practice, I had my students organize
their class activities into unit packets, which was great, but with the INB’s my
students can combine several units into one place each quarter. I love this
practice, I believe my students love it also, because they can personalize it,
and reflect on their learning.
Inspirational Quote
Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the
world.
--Nelson Mandela
Cheryl Manganiello
7 Grade Math Teacher
East Ridge Middle School
th
Celebratory Best Practice
In my classroom, I have a life-size
Sudoku puzzle on my wall. Each
week the puzzle is changed and the
students are encouraged to try the
puzzle.
This has challenged
students to use their critical thinking
skills. Those that have successfully
solved the puzzle are recognized
as “Sudoku Stars”. These “Sudoku
Stars” are celebrated within the
classroom and on the wall of Stars.
Instructional Best Practice
The math interactive notebook (INB) has become a tool I consistently have my
students use in the classroom. Along with Cornell notes, math examples, practice
problems, and graphic organizers, my students use their INB to track their progress.
Prior to a test or quiz, students reflect on how much preparation and effort they’ve
applied. When tests and quizzes are returned, the students graph their score and
again reflect on how well they did or if they didn’t so well, they write how they can
improve next time. This process has helped make the students more accountable
for their learning.
Inspirational Quote
“The only way to do great work is to love what you do.”
-- Steve Jobs
Roberta Schneck
8 Grade Physical Science Teacher
Eustis Middle School
th
Celebratory Best Practice
My feel good job is at Bath & Body
Works, so I have access to good
quality soaps and lotions at a
discounted cost.
I stock our
restrooms with these products in
order to provide that “Calgon take
me away.” moment, that stress
relief we often need to make it
through the next class.
Instructional Best Practice
I have a poster size piece of notebook paper outside my door. I post what we will
be doing in class that day, what materials are needed, and information about
upcoming events, such as tests and project due dates. This is a simple thing, but
cuts down on wasted time at the beginning of class and enables students to check
important dates and information. Another tool encouraging student self-sufficiency!
Inspirational Quote
“Ah, but a man’s reach should exceed his grasp… or what’s a heaven for?
-- Robert Browning
Chelsey Gismonde
6th Grade Teacher
Cecil E. Gray Middle School
Celebratory Best Practice
In order to develop the essence of ECET2 at
Cecil E. Gray Middle School, I implemented a
Shining Star Box. Every day I take the time to
recognize a student that has “Shined” in class.
I recognize positive behaviors on a daily basis.
I try to catch students being kind and
compassionate towards one another. We
acknowledge students who are helpful, polite
and considerate towards their peers. Students
can even nominate each other by catching
their classmates “doing something good”. I
attempt to fill my classroom with positivity and
try to give each child a sense of belonging.
This is why I feel Cecil E. Gray Middle School
truly reflects the spirit of ECET2.
Instructional Best Practice
I have currently implemented interactive notebooks within my classroom. They give the students a
creative outlet in class. It also helps students become independent thinkers, problem solvers and
writers. The purpose of the notebooks is to help students organize their classroom notes and other
activities. It’s a place for them to express their ideas and process new information presented in
class. This style of notebook helps the students to use both sides of their brains to help sort,
organize and synthesize new knowledge. The right side of the notebook is for Cornell Notes;
which requires the students to pose questions they might have on the content and reflect upon
their learning. The left side of the notebooks shows the students understanding of the information
they learned in a creative way (drawings, figures, Thinking Maps, diagrams, etc.) A vital element
of the notebooks is to help the students see the real life application being taught in class. I attempt
to teach the students that learning is not confined to within school walls. I try to teach them that
the information they learn in my classroom can and will be used in a real world setting.
Inspirational Quote
“Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.”
-- Aristotle
Gina Hay
ESE Middle School Teacher
Lake Hills School
Celebratory Best Practice
I have to brag that there is an immense amount of
closeness and positivity already at our school. We
are truly a FAMILY. In order to develop the essence
of ECET2 at Lake Hills, I brought in positive support
by implementing “time to share” amongst our grade
level meetings. I wanted each member of my team
sometime during the year to share an uplifting
moment in their year as a teacher of Special Needs
students. We found we have many stories to share.
As a school our entire staff is already involved in
positive support taking part of in our “Caught Being
Kind” initiative where co-workers are encouraged to
acknowledge and boast about the kindness of
others. Teachers and staff receive thank you notes,
get to choose a little gift that to show our
appreciation, and most of all words of affirmation are
shared on a card all about them and their positivity. I
am proud to say Lake Hills School truly reflects the
energy of ECET2.”
Instructional Best Practice
At our school Lesson study is a huge instructional best practice not just for me but for our entire
staff. Lesson Study involves all the teachers as well as support staff who are involved during
implementation of the lessons as well as the debriefing and sharing of data outcomes. It involves
teams, 3 times a year, grouped in several different ways to reach our students individual needs as
they are all on IEPs and have different learning strategies in place that involve support services
such as occupational therapy, speech therapy, etc. During each lesson study we find ways to
teach a common concept to a variety of learners with several strategies. What we find works in
one class, may not work in another. We take these opportunities to share ideas as well as make
modifications with input where needed. This helps in finding the best instructional practices for our
students. Our goal is to provide the opportunity for higher order thinking while providing the
necessary information that allows students to learn as independently as possible.
Inspirational Quote
“When educating the minds of our youth, we must not forget to educate their hearts.”
-- Dalai Lama
Tiffany Scott
6 Grade Math Teacher
Mount Dora Middle School
th
Celebratory Best Practice
“In order to develop the spirit of
ECET2 at Mount Dora Middle School
(MDMS), I have become an active
member of our school’s Literacy
Leadership Team (LLT). As an LLT
member, we have made considerable
efforts to enhance literacy in all
content areas through a variety of
strategies for the development of all
students throughout the school. At
MDMS we understand that literacy
doesn’t begin and end inside a
Reading or Language Arts class, but
that building literacy equates to
building knowledge in all content
areas. MDMS embodies the spirit of
ECET2.”
Instructional Best Practice
The quality of instruction has a great impact on student learning because it is through instruction
that students obtain new knowledge. Catering learning to students’ specific learning needs
increases students’ ability to learn and retain information. As a math teacher, I wanted to
incorporate reading strategies based on individual student needs to help improve reading
comprehension within math content. Inventories of student’s learning needs were ascertained, and
then grouped according to their needs. Several times a week I’d work with students individually or
in small group using strategies such as explicit vocabulary instruction, comprehension monitoring,
a problem-solving graphic organizer, summarizing, and question answering.
This practice has proven beneficial and it is evident in both students’ confidence and academic
achievement. Teaching the students how to monitor their comprehension gave them control over
their learning and helped them to become conscious readers, because they were now able to
discern at which point they stopped comprehending and address the issue that served as a barrier
to comprehension. This practice has allowed me to maximize instructional time and move my
students toward independent thinking and learning, which for me is the ultimate goal.
Inspirational Quote
“We must not, in trying to think about how we can make a big difference, ignore the
small daily differences we can make which, over time, add up to big differences that
we often cannot foresee.”
-- Marian Wright Edelman
Andrea Smith
AVID Teacher
Oak Park Middle School
Celebratory Best Practice
“In order to develop the essence of
ECET2 at Oak Park Middle School, I
implemented a mentor program that
allows former students of Oak Park
Middle School to mentor current OPMS
students. The high school students
have to complete a district volunteer
form to participate, which allows the
high school students to meet volunteer
hour requirements for high school. The
high school students are asked to
communicate with their mentee at this
once a week. Their communication
should consist of positive social support
and academic support (tutoring). The
purpose of this mentor program is to
help student have an easier transition
from middle school to high school. At
least once a month all of the students
come together for a meeting. Parents
volunteer to help with snacks and other
supplies for the meetings.
Instructional Best Practice
I have implemented a plethora of best practices throughout my teaching experience.
Each year these best practices change based on the subject and students in the
class. One of the best practices that follow me from year to year is the use of
reciprocal teaching. This allows the students to share their expertise and for me to
observe their understanding of the learning goal. During reciprocal teaching,
students have to think critically and use 21st century skills. This is a great way for
me to evaluate student’s learning and determine if I need to re-teach or revise a
lesson. Reciprocal teaching is a learning experience for teacher and the students.
Inspirational Quote
“The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically.
Intelligence plus character - that is the goal of true education.”
--Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Michelle Metheny
ASD Teacher
Tavares Middle School
Celebratory Best Practice
“My students make birthday cards
for all of the faculty and staff
members. The students deliver the
cards and sing happy birthday to
them on a day as close to their
birthday as possible.
The
faculty/staff, smile from ear to ear
and love being recognized on their
special day.”
Instructional Best Practice
While at ECET2, I learned about using the practice of saying SWBAT (Students will
be able to) before each lesson. The students really enjoy following along and it
helps them focus on what they are learning. Watching videos on Teaching Channel
has helped me implement new and fun strategies with my unique students with
autism spectrum disorders.
Inspirational Quote
“Every student can learn, just not on the same day, or the same way.”
-- George Evans
Thomas Valenta
Physical Education Teacher
Tavares Middle School
Celebratory Best Practice
Since I am new to ECET2, it is difficult to
pinpoint a deliberate action. I would say I
look to participate in positive faculty
activities such as a teacher band, and a
teacher basketball league. I feel my
impact on my campus comes via my
positive attitude towards all the faculty
and staff and my attempt to leave them
smiling either through humor or
compliments.
Instructional Best Practice
An activity I use in a classroom setting to begin a class is called “Dilemma and
Delights”. This allows students to share cool things going on in their lives and concerns
they have. Most of the concerns were academic or in trouble at home. I felt this
dropped a barrier between myself and the students and opened up clear lines for
communication. I was able to get a good idea of any concerns and outside impacts on
each student as the lesson began.
Inspirational Quote
There is little success where there is little laughter.
-- Andrew Carnegie
Jennifer Keller
7 Grade Science Teacher
Umatilla Middle School
th
Celebratory Best Practice
In the essence of ECET I was
chosen to represent Lake County
on a mission to collaborate and
discuss best practices and methods
for teaching with the Bill and
Melinda Gates foundation in
Seattle, Washington this past
November. This opportunity gave
me a one of kind chance to network
with other teachers and give the
foundation feedback on what
teachers need in the classroom in
terms of teacher technology and
support. I have been able to share
with other teachers best practices
through the connections we made
with trading of business cards,
twitter accounts and Facebook as
well.
Instructional Best Practice
I have worked at implementing a module based on the Literacy Design Collaborative
with another teacher, Connie Stevens. This module is called “How sick is
Homeostasis” We have used the template task to make this module so that middle
school students can dig deep into complex text, understand it, and then write formal
essays about homeostasis and the effect it has on the human body. I am in the
process of writing a new module to roll out next fall in 7th grade as well, this one will
be on the cell theory and the role of technology in the shaping of the cell theory.
Inspirational Quote
“It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without
accepting it.”
--Aristotle
Kerry McLaughlin
6 & 7th Grade Math Teacher
Umatilla Middle School
th
Celebratory Best Practice
Instructional Best Practice
I believe every teacher has an array of “best practices.” One lesson that I have
developed and can use with different topics and grade levels is what I refer to as
Search and Solve. In short, I tape problems around the perimeter of my classroom
and students will have to search for the problems and solve them. This lesson can be
accommodated to meet a variety of needs; some accommodations include taping the
problems on desk tops and students have to move desk to desk or color coding the
problems and having students only solve certain colors, the list is endless. I like that
this les son gets students up and moving, but it allows them to collaborate with others
in their class and they all work towards a common goal of understanding a concept.
Inspirational Quote
“Let the choices you make today be choices you can live with tomorrow.”
--unknown
Bryan Totten
AVID Teacher
Umatilla Middle School
Celebratory Best Practice
In order to develop the essence of
ECET2 at Umatilla Middle School, I
took responsibility for making sure
our new band director, whose room
is located next to mine, has been
comfortable and up to speed with
the practices of the school and the
system in general, making sure that
the teacher’s first year in the
profession is one filled with support
and positive affirmation.
Instructional Best Practice
The best practice that I find most effective in my classroom is the use of the AVID
tutorial process. The students must be trained and equipped in order to be able to
make this process happen effectively, however the results of effective
implementation impact both the student leading the tutorial and the group supporting
the tutorial as they collaborate to answer questions from their core content classes.
Inspirational Quote
“One often meets his destiny on the road he takes to avoid it.”
- -Master Oogway- Kung Fu Panda
Laura Fagan
8 Grade Teacher
Windy Hill Middle School
th
Celebratory Best Practice
In order to bring the ECET2 mentality and
spirit back to Windy Hill Middle School we
developed a new teacher cohort; or as we
call it here on the hill, the “Pup Pack.”
This group includes the WHMS ECET2
members and other teacher mentors that
act as a support and resource group for
first-year teachers and teachers who are
new to either the school or district.
Instructional Best Practice
One original instructional method that I have found great success with in my
classroom is a hybrid of two instructional methods; direct lecture and a simulation
that produces an authentic piece of writing. This works by first using a direct method
to introduce new content with Cornell notes, Power Thinking or graphic organizer
highlighting critical information and then presenting students with a scenario or point
of view to write from. One of my most successful examples of this method produces
a diary written from the point of view of a Patriot of Loyalist during the American
Revolutionary War. Students are asked to narrate three events: the Boston
Massacre, the Boston Tea Party, and the Battles of Lexington and Concord as if
they had experienced the events themselves. Students are provided with an
assignment sheet and rubric to guide their writing. The point of view in the diary
entries is clear as the students differentiate their writing between the position of the
Loyalists and Patriots with each event.
Inspirational Quote
"Let us think of education as the means of developing our greatest abilities, because
in each of us there is a private hope and dream which, fulfilled, can be translated
into benefit for everyone and greater strength for our nation."
-- JFK
Laura Lindsay-Zahn
8 Grade U.S. History Teacher
Windy Hill Middle School
th
Celebratory Best Practice
It is very easy to become isolated in
one’s classroom or department. Those
of us that eat “D” lunch at Windy Hill
Middle School try to set time each
month to eat together. For example, at
Christmas, we held a potluck. Recently
during a cold snap, we created the
Inaugural D Lunch Chili Cook-Off. At
our events, we are able to share stories
and experiences that lead to stronger
relationships within our faculty.
Instructional Best Practice
As John Adams told us that we should “dare to read, think, speak and write”, I incorporate
this practice as part of every lesson in my classroom. To begin, students set up their
interactive notebook with the focus question at the top of the even numbered (left side)
page. We analyze content from a variety of sources which include the textbook, maps,
video clips, photographs, art work, journals, letters and charts. Then, we transform the
content to make it easier to process and recall. The content of the lesson is written, drawn
or glued on to the odd numbered notebook page (right side). I model and employ a variety
of note taking strategies which may include thinking maps, CRISS strategies or Cornell
Notes. Emphasizing to the students that they need to find what strategy works best for
them is key to future academic success. Depending on the topic or strategy, we discuss
the content also utilizing different strategies. We might discuss with a shoulder partner or
engage in a debate, for example. Following the reading, the thinking and the speaking, we
then use our new knowledge to write a response to the focus question. I have found that
as the year has progressed, the students have become more adept at responding to focus
questions by forming theories, conclusions and opinions as well as supporting their thesis
with evidence and details. Furthermore, the use of the interactive notebook provides a
portfolio of student achievement.
Inspirational Quote
“Let us tenderly and kindly cherish the means of knowledge. Let us dare to read,
think, speak, and write.”
-- John Adams
Betty Howard
Algebra Teacher
East Ridge High School
Celebratory Best Practice
In order to create a positive and “can
do” attitude in the classroom, we
have in-class celebrations. Students
are recognized for the success /
progress that have been made
academically. There are students
who may never earn an academic
award for their overall grades, but in
class they are acknowledged and
awarded for the achievements they
have made.
The names are
announced, posted on a certificate
and they are allowed to choose an
item.
Instructional Best Practice
“Begin at the end.” When students are made aware of the goal and expectations,
they understand why certain paths must be taken. Students are taught to “unpack”
the lesson before it is started allowing them to have an idea of what will be taught
and how they will be assessed. They are challenged to attack word problems and
given the freedom to be creative in the way that they solve them. The process of
chunking word problems into digestible bites leads to critical thinking skills that can
be used in other academic areas. Students are less likely to omit word problems on
their assignments. We are on the road to successfully attacking and passing the
many assessments ahead.
Inspirational Quote
“If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude.
Don't complain.”
-- Maya Angelou
Jessica D. Mariany
11th-12th Grade Teacher
Eustis High School
Celebratory Best Practice
I have started using Twitter to record successes
in the classroom, no matter how big or how
small, through #eduwin. It allows you to share
your success globally through a Professional
Learning Network (PLN) rather than just at a
Professional Learning Community (PLC) level. I
have encouraged others at EHS to do the same
and hope the movement takes off.
It’s
encouraging to see teachers around the world
experience the same struggles and victories.
Opportunities are also available to nominate
other teachers for #eduwin awards at
eduwin.org. The movement started with a focus
on using technology in the classroom but has
expanded to include any educational win.
Instructional Best Practice
My teaching often focuses upon project-based learning which is student-centric and allows for students to be “thinkers
and communicators;” an example of this was our “Western Philosophy History Fair” held in the classroom. Students
selected a philosopher to represent in first person, ranging from Socrates to Jean-Paul Sartre. Students had to
conduct research, compose a resume as the philosopher, design a business card with a logo and a slogan that
corresponds with their philosophical views, create a station at a desk to market their brand (trifold board, poster board,
laptop, ipad, etc.), and connect their philosopher to popular culture (what foods would they eat, what songs would they
like, what would they post on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram?). Students took ownership for the learning process
and were responsible for teaching their peers about the various philosophers. They had to dress in business
professional attire or as their philosopher would dress in their respective time period. I have found that students will
strive to be creative as you allow them to be. Some students sewed their own costumes while others created 3D
structures out of PVC pipe. One student hand painted a portrait of Rousseau and cut out the face so students could
pose for a picture under the guise of “Rousseau Yourself.” Some students brought in speakers to play music from
their iphone that their philosopher would have in their playlist today. Other students created a scrapbook of their life
as the philosopher. The classroom was set up with a square of desks around the outside and a square on the inside.
After students set up their station, the inside group was instructed to visit the outside philosophers’ stations, ask
questions, and rank the top three presentations. I also had a fellow teacher assist me in the interviews and grading
process as well as administrators who came to visit the students. Then the students from the outside square got to
visit the students at the inside square, ask questions, and rank the top three presentations. It worked extremely well
and I presented the top projects with Philosopher SWAG awards. This project truly embodied the Lake County “RUC2
Ready?” focus of being college and career ready; it included research, writing, speaking, and presenting.
Inspirational Quote
“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.”
-- Benjamin Franklin
Brittany Scott
AP Biology Teacher
Eustis High School
Celebratory Best Practice
Being a student-athlete in college
taught me many things that I find
myself using in the classroom
today. I am a HUGE motivator and I
came into teaching knowing that my
purpose was to inspire and
motivate children. Coaching and
teaching goes hand and hand for
me. I love to teach my players how
to
become
responsible,
accountable, organized, focused,
and determined. I also stress these
same characteristics with my
students in the classroom. As a
teacher it is always my goal to
prepare my students for the future.
Instructional Best Practice
My best instructional practice would be by encouraging active learning by having
students apply the course content to real-world situations. By teaching high school
students it easier to connect with my students by using real-world situations. I can
honestly say that every student within my class are actively learning and loving the
content.
Inspirational Quote
“The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a person’s
determination.”
--Tommy Lasorda
Stephanie Dunlap
Plant Biotechnology Educator
Lake Minneola High School
Celebratory Best Practice
“I say hello to every student who
walks in my classroom. This allows
me not only to connect with them,
but assess how their day is. This
not only builds relationships; but
prevents misunderstandings from
occurring if the student is having a
bad day. I normally ask students
outright how they are, and then
touch base with them if they are not
having a good day. I also use
candy as a motivation factor. If the
class is sleepy and not answering
questions or few students are on
task I reward the ones who are
doing what I ask.”
Instructional Best Practice
“Scratch n Sniff Stickers are my High School student’s favorite part of quiz day. I
use them as motivation to get an A on a quiz. This provides those students who lack
grade motivation with something tangible to obtain to strive to do their best. I also
identify my poor quiz takers in the beginning of the term and touch base with them
on some of their test anxieties to help them through the year so they do not get
disheartened on quiz day from the beginning.”
Inspirational Quote
“I have come to the frightening conclusion that I am the decisive element. It is my
personal approach that creates the climate. It is my daily mood that makes the
weather. I possess tremendous power to make life miserable or joyous. I can be a
tool of torture or an instrument of inspiration, I can humiliate or humor, hurt or heal.
In all situations, it is my response that decides whether a crisis is escalated or deescalated, and a person is humanized or de-humanized. If we treat people as they
are, we make them worse. If we treat people as they ought to be, we help them
become what they are capable of becoming.”
--Goethe or Haim Ginott (both are attributed to it)
Monica Newell
10 & 12 Grade English Teacher
Lake Minneola High School
th
th
Celebratory Best Practice
“In order to develop the positivity
instilled by ECET2, I wanted to revamp
the teacher lunch atmosphere. Too
often we spend our lunches discussing
all of the frustrating and negative
occurrences, which ultimately results in
further negativity. Instead, we’ve
focused on letting go of the negative
experiences and sharing the positive
ones. The result has transformed
lunchtime into an opportunity for
camaraderie and laughter. Now, I find
myself looking forward to having lunch
with my coworkers because it is an
uplifting and enjoyable experience.”
Instructional Best Practice
One of my best practices is actually stepping aside and empowering my students to do some of
the teaching. I use this method daily with my bell work. I project a selection of text to be edited on
the board, and students take turns making corrections. I don’t have to insist that they participate;
they seem to enjoy choosing what they want to correct, taking an active role in the corrections,
and then choosing who will participate next. In fact, they appear to enjoy running the activity on
their own, to the point that I can stand aside and wait for them to consult with me if they have any
questions. Often, students will explain their rationale to the class and assist struggling students by
explaining their answers within the context of the assignment. This practice also translates well to
assignments that can be jig-sawed. Students take turns acting as “experts” on a topic and
enlightening the class. Not only are students seemingly more engaged when listening to their
peers, but this method also drives students to excel in order to impress the class when it is their
turn to “teach.” I love that this practice gives my students an opportunity to take an active role in
the classroom, and not only do they show increased productivity because they value what we’re
doing, they also take pride in their school work. As an educator, I can’t ask for anything more.
Inspirational Quote
“A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.”
--Henry Adams
Debbra Connelly Snow
Literacy Coach
Lake Minneola High School
Celebratory Best Practice
To develop the essence of ECET2 at
Lake
Minneola
High
School,
I
implemented a Common Core Tip of the
Week to dismiss myths and/or anxieties
associated with Common Core State
Standards.
The weekly tip includes
topics,
such
as
text
dependent
questioning, close reading, text marking,
the trinity of literacy, Literacy Design
Collaborative, text structure, informational
vs. literary text, vocabulary acquisition,
writing
in
response
to
reading,
comprehension
strategies,
making
themes and big ideas transparent, and
much more. The weekly tip has been
viewed positively by all faculty members
and has supported teachers who do not
teach ELA in gaining a better
understanding of the art of embedding
reading in their content area.
Instructional Best Practice
I believe that all students have a passion for learning and it is my responsibility to adapt the
curriculum in different ways to ensure that all learners have an opportunity to access information
through differentiated instruction.
The diversity of the 21st Century Classroom deems it necessary to recognize the differences in the
way our students learn and to let go of the “one-size-fits-all approach to learning. Differentiated
instruction is a best practice which ensures that all of my students are recognized as individuals.
This practice allows me to teach the same skill while recognizing the uniqueness of each student.
Additionally, it provides a chance for me to build trust by getting to know the strengths of each
student, permits me to utilize his/her learning style, enables me to explore student’s interest, and
provide support not only in goal setting but in striving to achieve the goals that were set. In
differentiated classroom, all students are empowered and capable of becoming C2Ready.
Inspirational Quote
A teacher is a compass that activates the magnets of curiosity,
knowledge, and wisdom in the pupils.
-- Ever Garrison
Nancy Hunter
Freshmen Foundations Teacher
Leesburg High School
Celebratory Best Practice
“Unfortunately, I was the only teacher
from Leesburg High School able to
attend our last training, so I made it my
personal project to make the 25 new
teachers at our school feel welcomed
to LHS. I met with them on their first
day at our school, invited them to my
room on the last preplanning day to go
over the mountain of paperwork we
had to distribute on the first day of
classes, and gave them my email and
phone number so I could answer
questions they might have. I became
a personal mentor to two of them and
last month one was honored as our
Teacher of the Month. I felt like a
proud mama.”
Instructional Best Practice
“My best practice I use in my classroom is convincing students, who have been convinced that
they can’t, that they CAN! I took on the challenge this year of 150 Freshmen, Level 2 readers, and
together we are working to make sure they show great improvement on this year’s FCAT in
reading. They have already shown growth on FAIR testing and their grades, behavior, and focus
on succeeding in high school have improved tremendously. With lessons on decision making,
multiple intelligences, time management, and organization skills, mixed with reading strategies, I
have seen remarkable growth in my students. It has been one of the biggest challenges of my
teaching career. With challenge comes growth and reward. I will continue this drive to make sure
that my students not only succeed at Leesburg High, but have the skills they need to take their
dreams and turn them into realities. I help them know that they CAN. These strategies make all
of my instruction become my best practice.”
Inspirational Quote
“Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do
that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great.”
-- Mark Twain
Keith Hyndshaw
Social Studies Teacher
Leesburg High School
Celebratory Best Practice
In order to develop a sense of
competition, as well as the
celebration
of
academic
achievement, I have created a ‘Top
10 Honor Board’ for each of the
courses I teach. At progress reports
and report cards, the Honor Board
is updated with the names of the
top 10 averages in the course. The
kids look forward to (hopefully)
seeing their names on the board.
There is some competition among
the highest achieving students, but
the students enjoy the competition.
Those who make the honor board
get a pizza lunch to celebrate their
academic success.
Instructional Best Practice
My best practice would have to be the design, implementation, and consistent use of The DBQ
Project method. As a teacher, I believe that all students can develop high-level critical thinking
skills if they have consistent instruction and a chance to practice. The engaging questions from
The DBQ Project, as well as ones I have developed on my own, and the use of primary and
secondary sources give students the opportunity to investigate history from a variety of
perspectives. More importantly, the flexible pedagogy supports discussion and debate as
students clarify their own ideas and write evidence-based arguments. Learning this way not only
deepens student understanding of history, it also builds reading, thinking, and writing skills. The
process is engaging for students, provides incredible depth to topics and helps all students read
with understanding, think straight, and write clearly about history.
Inspirational Quote
"Success is like anything worthwhile. It has a price. You have to pay the price to win
and you have to pay the price to get to the point where success is possible. Most
important, you must pay the price to stay there.”
--Vince Lombardi
Billye Kozlowski
Digital Design Teacher
Mount Dora High School
Celebratory Best Practice
Lightening the load of teachers in any way I can
is a huge priority of mine. I assist the teachers at
Mount Dora High School by supporting their
many endeavors as much as possible. Prom
tickets, homecoming tickets, sports passes,
promoting their fundraisers by creating
announcements, tickets and flyers are some of
the services I provide. The MDHS website is
one of my responsibilities and I provide support,
training and assistance to all of the teachers,
club sponsors, and coaches. Testing is often a
stressful and disruptive task and I assist
teachers with their testing responsibilities by
inviting them to send their students to my lab for
testing during my planning time and homeroom.
I’ve discovered that teachers are so appreciative
of this support and that working as a team is a
high priority of my colleagues.
This is a
wonderful example of the essence of ECET2 at
Mount Dora High School.
Instructional Best Practice
A fun project that we do at the beginning of the year called “The Art of Me” allows
the students the opportunity to use graphics and symbols to express themselves
and introduce themselves to the other students. The project requires them to use
images, graphics and symbols to communicate with others. They learn very quickly
the impression and message that using graphics portrays to others and how you
can communicate with others without text or words. This is a perfect lead in to
graphic design and is a fun and interesting way to introduce the Graphics Design
course.
Inspirational Quote
A person with WISDOM and UNDERSTANDING listens to the HEART of a
child…not just the words spoken.
---Paula J. Fox
Donnie Burchfield
11 Grade U.S. History Teacher
South Lake High School
th
Celebratory Best Practice
I believe that the best practice that I used in
my classroom was a collaborative focus
calendar that was accompanied by
collaborative lesson planning. We used the
focus
calendar
to
help
us
plan
collaboratively in our department.
This
helped move students towards their learning
goals by allowing them to experience more
hands on learning that came from the
collaboration between teachers. We began
to share what was working and what wasn’t
working with one another. We figured out
what each of our strengths was as educators
and then pieced our strengths together to
help move all of our students in our
department. I have collaborated more this
year than I had ever before. I also utilized
other district trainings such as the student
engagement through cooperative structures
training to help with delivery as well.
Instructional Best Practice
I have been utilizing interactive notebooks with each of my history classes. The
interactive notebooks have been essential in making sure that my students can
track their own best practices and access prior knowledge.
I have also implemented the use of Schoology in the classroom by having my
students post to the message boards during instruction for whole group instruction.
This is extremely popular with my students because Schoology’s format is so close
to Facebook. I typically post a question and then they post comments and answers
to the discussion board.
Finally, I’m organizing a flashback review by bringing in war veterans from each
major war dating back to WWII to speak to all of our U.S. History Students in April
for a first-hand experience for my students.
Inspirational Quote
”It is not what is poured into a student that counts but what is planted.”
-- Linda Conway
John Hebert
9 – 12th Grade Teacher
South Lake High School
th
Celebratory Best Practice
For a job well-done we celebrate with
assorted games and activities, often
engaging
in
friendly
competitions
between classes.
One activity that
students get a kick out of is actually a
“Following Directions Activity”. It’s a great
way to act silly and to see how well
students work together.
Each student gets a slip of paper with a
line to say, or an action to perform, that
leads directly to another action or phrase.
Without knowing what’s coming next,
students must closely observe until it’s
their turn to go. Each person must go in
sequence or the whole class starts over.
We always mix in pantomime-actions &
tongue twisters to make it funny.
Quickest class to do it correctly wins a
prize!
Instructional Best Practice
I like to group my students the day before an exam to have them review previously
learned concepts via the use of Think Dots and Fly Swatters. These are two simple,
fun, and engaging hands-on activities that enable students to review material that
would otherwise be tedious to cover in a regular question and answer format.
Think dots involves rolling dice and answering different levels of corresponding
questions that are written on activity cards. Students can work alone, with a partner,
or in small groups to answer questions of varying complexity, or to complete different
tasks. Fly swatters are a fun way to review vocabulary terms and are also a lot of fun.
Terms or phrases are displayed on a poster, board, floor, etc. Two to four students
gather around the board and hold fly swatters as a caller recites the definitions
randomly. The object is to be the first person to swat the term correctly. Students love
to be the quickest. Great way to quickly assess who knows their stuff.
Inspirational Quote
“Great opportunities to help others seldom come, but small ones surround us every
day!”
--Sally Koch
Anajanette McGregor
English II Teacher
Tavares High School
Celebratory Best Practice
“Knowing the importance of family
involvement in a child’s education, I
began a program at Tavares High
School
called
Partnering
with
Parents. We have held three
successful events wherein we spend
an evening with families sharing a
meal, providing them with educational
resources and tools to help their
children succeed, and donating
books, meals, and door prizes. Our
goal is to open our doors so that
parents feel comfortable in an
academic environment.”
Instructional Best Practice
All of my students struggle with incorporating evidence into their writing. No matter
what I tried, I kept receiving papers with body paragraphs around 4 sentences in
length until I came across a writing technique that I “stole” from a colleague of mine.
Abby Morton-Garland teaches AP US History in Texas. She also writes a fabulous
blog, The Sacred Profession. The technique is called KEATEAL (Key Point,
Evidence, Analysis, Transition, Evidence, Analysis, and Link). I created a graphic
organizer that mimics the traditional 5 paragraph essay, but can be adjusted for any
length paper. The introduction of this technique has my students writing 6 – 8
sentences in their body paragraphs! It is particularly effective with my ESE and ELL
students. I still have former students stop by my room for a graphic organizer when
they have papers due in other classes!
Inspirational Quote
“Never look down on anybody unless you are helping them up.”
--Reverend Jesse Jackson
Debbie Ziebart
Biology Teacher
Tavares High School
Celebratory Best Practice
I like to motivate my students and
make them feel good about
themselves, so I borrowed this idea
from another teacher and my
students love it. I have a glass jar
full of "smartie” candies which I give
out to my students only when they
answer a question or make a
comment in a discussion worthy of
this high honor. They love the
attention and the praise that goes
with the candy which gives them a
real ego boost.
Instructional Best Practice
Engaging students in the process of learning means I must be fully engaged in the
process of teaching. The key to success in my classroom is my personal motivation
and passion for science and my ability to break down complex ideas into "digestible
chunks". Each day I plan lessons designed to challenge my students mentally and
inspire them to think and grow intellectually. I meet this goal by using a variety of
visual, auditory, kinesthetic and technology related activities and projects. Making
learning active helps my students grasp these challenging concepts and master
them. Hearing students say, “I get it!" after doing a lab or participating in a modeling
activity means the lesson worked.
Inspirational Quote
"If you can dream it, you can do it."
--- Walt Disney
Maria Belen Lopez
Spanish Teacher
Umatilla High School
Celebratory Best Practice
“In order to develop the essence of ECET2
at Umatilla High School, to celebrate the
ending of Hispanic Heritage Month, the
Spanish Club and the Culinary Academy
collaborated to create a traditional Hispanic
menu and invited the teachers and staff on
campus to “almorzar”. They enjoyed the
traditional Hispanic cuisine from countries
as a Mexico, Peru, Argentina, and Puerto
Rico. Somewhere this reunion reflects the
spirit of ECET2.”This day was a successful
opportunity for more than 85% of the
teachers and staff to enjoy a great and
positive time.
Instructional Best Practice
I will go over with the students the learning goal I want them to achieve. At the end of the lesson, for procedural knowledge to develop, it must be
practiced. I will need to present only small amounts of material at a time. Then I need to guided student practice (by working alone, with others, or
with the teacher) engage in the cognitive process of organizing, reviewing, rehearsing, summarizing, comparing, and contrasting different activities.
(Rosenshine -2002) When students are learning new skills I will provide a highly structured environment and monitor student actions very closely to
correct early errors or misunderstanding, I will chunk the lesson as follows:
First, I use gradual release (I do, We do) to introduce new vocabulary concepts using a PowerPoint Presentation , smart board game and the use of
Essential Questions to introduce a topic from a more interesting point of view. In using these essential questions in this way, students will develop
critical thinking and problem solving skills, as well as have a more global view of the topic of study at hand. Next, continuing with the gradual
release (You do) students will practice this new vocabulary through the use of different structures they have learned.
Finally, with the more independent practice to solidify the skill, they students will use the vocabulary to apply it to a writing assignment. I am
chunking this lesson to avoid any possible confusion from overwhelming the students with the amount of vocabulary being presented. If I think
about the way that this lesson progresses within the unit over time, this lesson is the application piece to a previous lesson in which the students
had to recall their background information of Spanish grammar and vocabulary for this particular topic. Students will then be able to apply these
concepts by adding additional words from today’s lesson. I will continue the application process by allowing the students to create projects using the
grammar and vocabulary learned. Keeping the idea of teaching procedural knowledge to help every student achieve a level of fluency by using
cooperative learning and projects. We don’t have to forget that they are great tools for students to demonstrate independent use and internalization
of key procedural knowledge.
An activity that I love to use with my students is called “running dictation”. The objective of the activity is recognizing key words in a text, understand
opinions in a text, and has a good understanding of high complexity text. The students will work in teams’. One at a time they will come to the text
and have approximately 30 seconds to memorize a section of it. Then the student will return to their group and add it to their sheet. (I try to do this
activity at the court yard).
When this part of the activity finalize I will then, ask them, some questions about the text which they will only be able to answer if they have
successfully completed the task!
Inspirational Quote
“I've missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I've lost almost 300 games. 26
times, I've been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I've failed over
and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.”
--Michael Jordan
Jaime Adkins
Web Development-CTE Teacher
Umatilla High School
Celebratory Best Practice
As the sponsor for SGA here at UHS, I wanted
the SGA leaders to recognize the importance of
celebrating teachers and their dedication to
students by honoring them each day during our
annual Teacher Appreciation Week. One activity
that I have implemented during this week was to
have SGA leaders write notes to each and every
teacher with a personal message about how that
teacher has impacted them in some way. This
year I am going to take it a step further and make
this a school wide effort. Each student will be
asked to write to a teacher of their choice a
personal message celebrating that teacher. Over
the past few years of doing this, teachers have
praised the SGA leaders for doing this for them
and how much it meant to receive these personal
messages. Now I want to extend this opportunity
to celebrate teachers to all students in the school.
Instructional Best Practice
In my Foundations of Web class, students learned how to create and insert navigation into a web page. To deepen their
knowledge on this concept and to take these skills further, my students investigated whether or not the navigation was
actually functional, usable and accessible to all users. The targeted learning goal of my lesson was “Explore standard
practices for feedback and usability testing and be able to describe accessibility and its implications on web design.” This
lesson would allow students the opportunity to first explore what usability means, why usability is important, how to
improve usability, and when to work on usability. My first instructional strategy was the jigsaw method. I provided an
article to each student and then broke the usability article up into sections. I then divided the class into groups and
assigned each group member a role within the group a task. After the allotted time, I had each group with the chosen
group presenter come and teach the class on their specific section of the article. As each group presented, I further
asked questions to deepen their knowledge on their section. After group presentations and detailed article discussions,
new focus groups of two were assigned to conduct a real-world website focus group usability and accessibility test on
navigation. I first explained in a focus group that each member would have the opportunity to be the tester and to be the
observer. I also explained what the intended outcome from this research can do for a web designer. In the usability test
#1, the tester was given a specific set of instructions to follow based on a live website while performing a certain set of
tasks based on using the site’s navigation. The observer recorded each step the tester made during the navigation
usability test. Once the test was complete, the students switched roles and the usability test #2 was conducted. After the
usability testing was completed by each focus group, we then had an open group discussion on how the test was
conducted, why it was conducted that way, and how this affects a web designers choice in how they design and
implement navigation on a web site. This focus group scenario allowed them to see a website in a way they had never
been exposed to before. It also allowed them to see how navigation can impact whether a user stays on a website and if
they would again reuse the website. As a result of this process, my students were able to see navigation from all
aspects. They not only understand how to create a site’s navigational structure, but also how to ensure that the
navigation is usable, functional, and accessible to all users of a site. Students were also able to fully describe the
process of usability and the impact it has on the design process through a writing assignment in which they reflected on
the entire usability lesson.
Inspirational Quote
We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.
--Winston Churchill
Carolyn Mendez
Science Teacher
Lake County Virtual School
Celebratory Best Practice
Instructional Best Practice
In my virtual classroom, I am available to my students at all times, even on weekends.
I am always able to answer any questions and walk the students through a topic with
which they are having difficulty. This encourages my students to stay motivated and
complete their work at their pace.
Inspirational Quote
“Believe you can and you’re halfway there.”
--Theodore Roosevelt
Paul Miller
Social Studies Instructor
Lake Virtual School
Celebratory Best Practice
“As a first year Lake Virtual Teacher with
many first time virtual students, I took
time to visit some of the schools in which
we have part time students. This was
tremendously successful as I was able to
make face-to-face contact with students
and guidance counselors. Plans and
goals were set, success will follow for
these students. ”
Instructional Best Practice
This is easy: as a Lake Virtual Teacher, organization and consistency are key to
handling the student and course load. I currently teach 13 different middle school
and high school Social Studies Courses with about 175 students total. Organizing
student information and grades are a must; grading assignments with consistency is
a must; both are key to success.
Inspirational Quote
“The educational philosophy in one generation will be the government philosophy in
the next.”
--Abraham Lincoln
Linda Connor
Program Specialist
Academic Services Unit
Celebratory Best Practice
“A celebratory environment within a
professional community can be developed
when colleagues are encouraged to
recognize each other for a variety of
accomplishments including creative and/or
innovative thinking and actions, having a
positive attitude, etc. I was part of a
faculty in which this was done on a regular
basis during faculty meetings, in
conversations, through emails, and even
in the teacher’s lounge. This practice
developed a caring community that
boosted everyone’s confidence that no
matter what the task, WE could meet and
exceed it! ”
Instructional Best Practice
I believe deeper learning occurs when I intentionally structure the interactions among my
participants. A very basic example of how I have used this was during a recent Lesson Study
workshop when I used Timed Pair Share for participants to respond to an open-ended question (e.g.
What differences, if any, did you notice in what the students are saying/doing in the second research
lesson versus the first research lesson?). First, I gave solo think time and then partners took timedturns sharing their responses with each other and thanking each other for the ideas communicated.
Next, I called on a few individuals to share their partner’s responses and insights. This held the
participants accountable for active listening as well as thoughtfully responding to the question. This
structure validated all participants by giving an equal chance to share their ideas with at least one
other person as well as encouraging them to listen to their partner’s and others’ ideas to help deepen
and/or revise their initial thinking. Participants’ understanding of the lesson study process was
greatly deepened by structuring their processing time and providing an opportunity to revise their
thinking. Interestingly, since I was working with adults, I had considered allowing participants to
monitor their own air time, but when asked, the participants unanimously requested I model
structured interactions.
Inspirational Quote
“All human beings are born with unique gifts. The healthy functioning of our
community depends on its capacity to develop each gift.”
--Peter Senge
Seth Edwards
Program Specialist
Academic Services Unit
Celebratory Best Practice
In order to develop the essence of
ECET2 in Lake County Schools, I
focused on teacher to teacher
collaboration
and
empowerment
throughout the Lake Writes professional
development series. In this series I tried
to highlight specific practices with
regards to teaching of writing, and then
build room for teachers to make these
practices work for them. I wanted
teachers to feel like the learning was
personalized, as opposed to a onesize-fits-all mentality. We then took
time to have teachers show how they
utilized
the
strategies
in
their
classroom, with their kids, in their way.
Instructional Best Practice
As an English Language Arts teacher I sold out to the best practice of what could be called
Author’s Craft. In short, Author’s Craft is a lens through which to view literary works. Through this
lens you focus on the author’s use of language to convey meaning. In other words, our focus was
on style more than story. My primary goal was to produce kids who could flat-out write. I wanted
them to be able to write in whatever way they needed to, whether it be creatively, analytically,
reflectively, in short burst of on-demand situations or in long bursts of revision and rewriting. To
that end we examined other writer’s writing. We pulled out small chunks of text and looked at
every word choice, comma spice, semi-colon, sentence length, and so on, and tried to see how
connected style was with story. We tried to do it in a way that married new-school grammar
instruction with old-school discipline. While at times it did involve drill and repetition, and students
aren’t always over-enthused about becoming better writers, the results by the end of the year were
usually strong.
Inspirational Quote
“The self-taught man seldom knows anything accurately, and he does not know a
tenth as much as he could have known if he had worked under teachers, and
besides, he brags, and is the means of fooling other thoughtless people into going
and doing as he himself has done.”
--Mark Twain
Melonee Ferguson
New Teacher Coach
Academic Services Unit
Celebratory Best Practice
To develop the essence of ECET2 at
Clermont Middle School, I created
various lessons for teachers to
incorporate technology to relate to
students learning needs.
The
educational resources such as Khan
Academy, Edmodo, Safari Montage,
and Class Dojo are great learning
platforms that help students relate to
learning,
receive
feedback
on
assignments and activities, and make
real-world meaningful connections.
The avenue for learning increased
the discovery of students engaging in
“accountable talk” which lead to great
discussions and writing assessment
gains.
Instructional Best Practice
An instructional best practice that I used in the classroom was the discussion of the
essential question. The essential question centered on the lesson, interests,
concerns or factors relevant to students’ lives and communities. It helped me to focus
on the point of instruction and allowed students to dig deeper and foster the
development of critical thinking skills and problem solving ability. The students were
connected to the lesson and able to reflect on their learning.
Inspirational Quote
"Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you
the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world."
-- Harriet Tubman
Theresa Frisby
New Teacher Coach
Academic Services Unit
Celebratory Best Practice
In order to develop and reinforce 5th
Grade science standards at Round Lake
Elementary, I wrote a grant to the Lake
County Water Authority for funding to
support “Science Fun in the Sun”: A
hands on field trip for students. Students
and teachers visited Gilbert Park in Mount
Dora where various experts helped
students experience science in its natural
surroundings.
Instructional Best Practice
Teachers who provide students with effective feedback are providing them with
information they can use to be successful in their learning environment. In math, I
chose to do what we termed “Math Dailies”. Each day students were given 5
questions that spiraled to provide them with constant review of material. Students
brought their paper to their teacher upon completion, one on one feedback was
given and students were allowed to go back and fix the problems. This practice
resulted in significant student growth.
Inspirational Quote
Romans 12:7 “If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher,
teach well.”
Dr. Loretta Faith Harris
Program Specialist
Academic Services Unit
Celebratory Best Practice
In order to develop the essence of ECET2
at
Celebration
High
School,
I
implemented FCAT BLITZ. The FCAT
Blitz was a 3-day process that provided a
series of data-driven workshops focusing
on Level l and Level 2 students in grades
9-12. These sessions were conducted by
fellow reading teachers and provided
researched-based best practices and
instructional strategies to assist with the
remediation
of
students’
reading
deficiencies. Follow up surveys had
proven that students benefited greatly
from these sessions! During my time at
Celebration High School, administration,
teachers, and students demonstrated
effective collaboration.
This is the HEART of ECET2!
Instructional Best Practice
I absolutely loved Literature Circles!! Implementing Literature Circles was a reflection of my desire
to have students collaborate, lead, and practice critical thinking skills, which are all important 21st
Century Skills! Literature Circles were implemented as a fourth quarter activity. First, students had
the opportunity to select a novel from the top teen reads list. Then, groups of 4 to 5 were formed
based on interest. Students were assigned leadership roles within in each group. Group norms
were created to ensure effective collaboration. Next, we reviewed the aligned standards, made
connections and hosted fun warm-up activities. Pacing guides with weekly activities were issued.
Finally, students had to agree on a culminating activity to present their group’s book to the class at
the end of the year. A rubric was provided to guide students thinking. Time and guidance was
allotted each week to ensure students completion. Today, I still have those videos that
demonstrate student’s innovation and creativity expressed during Literature Circles. Educators
ROCK!!!!
Inspirational Quote
“It always seems impossible until it's done”
-- Nelson Mandela
Rehana Insanally
Program Specialist
Academic Services Unit
Celebratory Best Practice
At a previous school, teachers’ and
students’ hard work were celebrated in a
weekly newsletter put together by the
administrators. They would capture
pictures of student work and give the
teacher and class a “shout-out” to
showcase the amazing learning that was
taking place. It was a great way to get a
glimpse into teachers’ classrooms that
you would otherwise not have the
opportunity to see, as well as affirm the
dedication and hard work of both the
students and teachers on campus.
Instructional Best Practice
The use of Thinking Maps in my classroom has helped me become a more
engaging and effective teacher. I used Thinking Maps with my students to promote
discourse in all the content areas. Students gained confidence to have discussions
driven by the content and integrate domain-specific vocabulary by simply “talking it
off their maps.” I was also able to pair cooperative structures with the maps to
ensure that all students had the opportunity to practice effective speaking and
listening skills before taking it to writing. Thinking Maps have truly revolutionized the
way I teach, lead, and learn!
Inspirational Quote
I’ve missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26
times I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over
and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.
--Michael Jordan
Dr. Cele Oldham
Program Specialist
Academic Services Unit
Celebratory Best Practice
Significant learning relationships are built
on mutual trust and respect. When we
seek first to understand one another, as
compared to seeking to be understood,
we are making a deposit in that
relationship. When our deposits are
greater than our withdrawals, our
investment in learning from each other
grows. Our collective wisdom reflects the
spirit of ECET2.
Instructional Best Practice
One of the instructional best practices that has forever altered my perception of
teaching is based on the research of Dr. Ivette Jackson, who authored the
Pedagogy of Confidence. Her philosophy focuses on developing student strengths
to inspire learning and high intellectual performance. My efforts are small compared
to the challenge, but through my work in Academic Services, I strive every day to
assist teachers in becoming more effective and humane in preparing young lives for
the world they will inherit. When you truly believe in the intellectual potential of
students you start with the goal of identifying their strengths and then provide them
with enriching options and direct support. Support, high expectations, and insistence
needs to be our guiding lights in our decisions about instruction. I believe that
educators must “be relentless” in this most important work.
Inspirational Quote
“When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.”
--Wayne Dwyer
Claudia Rowe
Program Specialist
Academic Services Unit
Celebratory Best Practice
While Department Chair at MDMS, during
each department meeting teachers
brought in a lab that worked and reviewed
the lab with the group. Each teacher also
brought in an activity or lesson that didn’t
work for input by the group.
This
cooperation and support helped to
strengthen the teachers and rewarded
best practices. In addition, this time
provided assistance and support with
lessons to ensure student success.
Instructional Best Practice
Cooperative Learning is a wonderful strategy that I used in the classroom. Through
the use of cooperative groups, I was able involve all (most) students in the learning
process during lab experiences.
This strategy assisted with classroom
management of 24 individual students. This tool allowed me to walk around the
room focused on the needs of the students as they interacted within groups.
Students learn 21st Century Skills through Cooperative Learning.
Inspirational Quote
“Treat the earth well. It was not given to you by your parents, it was loaned to you
by your children.
We do not inherit the Earth from our Ancestors, we borrow it from our Children”
--Ancient Indian Proverb
Lisa Sabino
New Teacher Coach
Academic Services Unit
Celebratory Best Practice
In order to develop the essence of
ECET2 at Academic Services Unit and
in my work with new teachers, I created
a Gratitude Journal. I have the teacher
write down something they did right or
feel positive about. The index card is
placed inside an envelope and
whenever they need a boost, they can
look at their Gratitude Journal.
Academic Services Unit/Professional
Development truly reflects the spirit of
ECET2.
Instructional Best Practice
As a 9-12th grade English language arts teacher, I use a practice called “Invitation to
Notice.” When we study writing, I give the students three exemplars of published
writing that highlights a writing structure we are practicing. The “Invitation to Notice”
is when students recognize the patterns in the professional writing and discuss them
in small groups. The students then practice imitating the style in their own writing.
Inspirational Quote
“Inch by inch it’s a cinch; yard by yard, it’s pretty darn hard.”
--Dr. Larry Holt, UCF Professor
Zhakima Spratley
Program Specialist
Academic Services Unit
Celebratory Best Practice
In order to develop an awareness of an
inclusive
learning
environment,
I
implemented a Five Minute Share A
Success Story in our grade level
department meetings. Everyone who was
a part of the Exceptional Student Education
(ESE) team had to share a success story
related to an inclusionary practice to
promote awareness and the successes of
helping all students learn. This reminds us
that ALL students can reach their fullest
potential in the general education
classroom, regardless of their disability.
Instructional Best Practice
The use of cooperative learning structures increased student to student discourse
as well as accountable talk in my classroom. Engaging students through the use of
cooperative structures provides student opportunities to learn together, share ideas,
and promotes speaking and listening skills. This helps make them responsible for
their teammates' learning as well as their own. Students working in cooperative
groups have improved their abilities to reason, critically think, to build positive
interdependence. It encourages individual accountability, equal participation, and
simultaneous interaction among all learners.
Inspirational Quote
“Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is
success.”
-- Henry Ford
Andrea Steenken
Program Specialist
Academic Services Unit
Celebratory Best Practice
In order to develop the essence of
ECET2 within the culture of a school, I
have witnessed a school which
implemented a school wide affirmation
system. Prior to the monthly faculty
meeting, teachers are able to send in
affirmations
of
others
to
the
administration.
Administration then
affirms the teachers and recognizes
them during the faculty meeting
spotlighting the great things going on
at the school. This truly reflects the
spirit of ECET2.
Instructional Best Practice
A best practice I use in the classroom is to combine two Lake County initiatives,
Thinking Maps and collaborative structures. When my students work on a thinking
map in a collaborative group, I try to ensure a structure is used to increase
participation and accountability. One that I have found extremely useful is to have
each student use a different color marker or post-note when working through a map.
Through this I able to see who is doing the work, and who may need additional
support.
Inspirational Quote
“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.”
--Benjamin Franklin
Dee Ann Wilson
Program Specialist
Academic Services Unit
Celebratory Best Practice
Our school had a teacher of the month
award. I nominated a different teacher
each month so more deserving teachers
would receive the recognition.
Instructional Best Practice
In order to motivate and engage low performing students I gave out reward coupons
when I saw them participating in class activities, modeling good behavior, completing
assignments, etc. My goal was to increase student achievement by providing
opportunities for students to deepen their knowledge through practicing the new
content. Students liked getting the rewards so much they would remind me if I forgot to
let them trade them in at the end of the week.
Inspirational Quote
“There is no beginning or end to your dreams or plans. Life is a journey from moment
to moment. Live each moment to its fullest.
--Garth Catterall-Heart
Laura Woodham
Program Specialist
Academic Services Unit
Celebratory Best Practice
One practice I use in my trainings are
KUDO Cards.
When participants
share
their
implementation
of
strategies, other participants offer a
KUDO which addresses at least one or
two reflective elements.
K–
A KIND comment
U – An UNDERSTANDING gained
D – Something I might DO
O – One idea for consideration or
One question I have is …
Every time I use this practice, my
participants express how positive it
made them feel and how it helped
them reflect both as a participant and
as a presenter.
This structured
feedback is a practice my teachers
take back, modify and use with their
students.
Instructional Best Practice
As a former math teacher, a best practice was to inspire students to utilize
technology to enhance their understanding of mathematics and how math is utilized
in the real-world. My students manipulated variables utilizing software such as GSP
or Geogebra to examine changes in many different shapes, structures, and
algorithms. Having real-time manipulations allowed for rich conversations around
essential questions such as: How do characteristics of shapes play a role in the
safety of the buildings we live in, the cars we drive, the purchases we make and the
world we live in?
Inspirational Quote
“If kids come to us [educators / teachers] from strong, healthy functioning families, it
makes our job easier. If they do not come to us from strong, healthy, functioning
families, it makes our job more important.”
--Barbara Colorose quotes
Elevating and Celebrating Effective
Teachers and Teaching
A special thanks to all of those who made ECET2 Lake possible.
Your dedication to the teachers and children
in our community is greatly appreciated!
Dr. Susan Moxley, Superintendent Lake County Schools
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
Carmen Cullen-Batt, Executive Director Educational Foundation
Walt Disney World
Lake Receptions
Dr. Irvin Scott, Deputy Director of Education the BMGF
Ky Vu, Senior Program Officer of Education the BMGF
Kati Pearson, Director of Teaching and Learning LCS
Dorina Sackman, 2014 Florida Teacher of the Year
Danelle Owca, Secretary for Academic Services Unit LCS
Justin Hunter, President of Hunter Signs