August Reflections

7/27/2015

We're back to school and the coaching has begun!
Complete your August reflection to let the team how your year in coaching has started. Be sure to check back and see what your team members are saying and comment on their posts!

DIRECTIONS:
~ Click where it says COMMENTS.
~ Provide your FIRST and LAST NAME in the "Name" field.
~ Include your Fulton County e-mail address.
~ Write your reflection/log in the COMMENTS section.

181 Comments

Stephanee

8/7/2015 12:35:47 pm

I am so excited to see what this year holds! Shout out to my Van-homies that helped to support NTO this year! You all truly are the McGuyvers of FCS! #VanguardProud #bestyearever

Heather Cox

8/16/2015 10:39:19 am

Hey, Steph! I just know this Vanguard team is going to show us some amazing things this year!! #CantWait

Suzanne Laisney

8/10/2015 01:02:57 pm

I am so excited about starting the school year! So far the team in fifth grade that I am co-teaching with seems very amenable to learning new things using instructional technology to try to make their lessons more transformative. Hooray! I've already spoken to them about mentoring and so I will probably observe them throughout the year to check for growth.
Additionally the grant that I had applied for came in fourth place at Georgia Public broadcasting last week. It was stiff competition considering we went from 220 people to only 6 candidates and from those 6 we came in fourth place. (Thank you to all of the Vanguard members who supported me by voting on Facebook that week!)
The live Studio broadcast was fun to do regardless and will air again sometime soon; I will follow up here when I know more specifics!
Although I got no money this time around from that particular grant effort (only the top three grants were awarded) I'm going to follow up on other ideas I have to see if they will come through. Gotta wait for the craziness from the beginning of the year to die down first though.
As the saying goes, "Never give up, right?"
All in all it seems like a very promising year !

Heather Cox

8/17/2015 12:42:25 am

Hi, Suzanne! I love your constant positive outlook! It's a great characteristic to have as a Vanguard member!! Once you have information about the re-air date, let us know!! I'm also glad your new team seems open to the use of technology! Any of them potential Vanguard members? Let me know how I can support you!

Kati Searcy link

8/10/2015 01:09:13 pm

A Whole New World! I'm at a new school this year and things are different, to say the least. Last year, I was able to check out one of three iPad CARTS to use as needed. This year, I am allowed to check out up to two iPADS each day. That being said, I am thrilled to be here. The principal has asked me to lead the school in a transformational technology initiative, and I have my first victim, oh I mean "mentee", for the Vanguard year. "Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can." ~Arthur Ashe

Heather Cox

8/16/2015 10:40:59 am

Hey, Kati! I love that Arthur Ashe quote! I had it on my wall last year to keep me moving! I'm glad that you've got someone in mind to support this year. Hopefully we can get more on board soon! Let me know if you'd like me to come out and do some encouraging!! :)

Julia Raposo

8/11/2015 07:21:14 am

So far the year has been going well. I am excited to continue as a Vanguard team member & look forward to helping out my fellow teachers. I usually start my year off with several "IT" requests... I've set up several projectors, computers, etc... Hopefully, I will be able to do a lot more actual training. We are looking into several ways to incorporate tech in our school, and we have several apps/websites/resources we will be training our teachers in this year.
Here's to another amazing school year!

Heather Cox

8/17/2015 12:55:25 am

Hi, Julia! I'm glad things have started out well for you!! The beginning does seem to have a higher IT focus, but hopefully you'll have the opportunity to get in and do some great coaching!! If there's any way I can support or help you with it, please let me know! :)

Ben Lynch

8/12/2015 05:11:20 am

Well, it's a new day here at Banneker High School, and the year is starting off, that much is assured. I have at least two people on the verge of applying, and I am seeking out two more as well. I've essentially been placing orders, and the biggest thing I'm working on is a plan to sustain the various projectors in place here at the school. There's been no actual addressing of the TCO on site, so I've got a proposal going forward with that. I've also been liaising with teachers to collaborate with them in the year to come.
We are still scheduling students, though, so things are not quite rolling as fast as might be allowed.

Heather Cox

8/17/2015 12:57:37 am

Hi, Ben! The beginning is always full of so many different things, that's for sure! I'm happy to hear that you have at least two people "on the verge." If there's any way I can help you convince them, let me know and I'll head over to Banneker for a chat!!

Barbara Rucker-Lott

8/12/2015 03:25:23 pm

I am beginning the school year at a new school, Langston Hughes High School. We have a new principal and who is very supportive of implementing technology integration in the classroom. She expressed a desire to utilize Vanguard members at our school, and we can help to change the school culture to support transformational technology through education, training and support.

Heather Cox

8/17/2015 01:03:19 am

Hi, Barbara! It's great to hear that your admin is supportive of integrating technology! That always makes the work a little easier! If I can support you by coming to speak with staff members about Vanguard, please let me know!!

Angela Winchester

11/18/2015 08:59:43 am

Hi, Ms. Rucker-Lott,

In reflecting back on completing all of my reflections, I am a new member of Vanguard this year where I was invited to join in September...I think of how Vanguard is an opportunity to meet new friends and catch up with old friends. When I was at the GaETC Conference I actually had so much fun, I asked Hoke if we were still going to be allowed in Vanguard next year. He assured me, "Once a Vanguardian....always a Vanguardian!" This made me feel good because I've seen your name on these posts and I know you've been in Vanguard longer than I have been! Since you and I go way back over the years...I wanted to say hello and I am proud to know we are Vanguardians together!

Though it is November, I do see the recruitment part of Vanguard in that you continue to lead by example. Cheers, Dear Friend!

Shelley Tomich

8/14/2015 04:57:57 am

I'm excited to start the new year! We have a lot of teachers that are on the two outliers of the technology spectrum. We have some that are scared to death of technology and others who are very, very adept at it. I'm hoping to recruit some of them to join the Vanguard team as I am a lone ranger in my building right now. I have a couple of ideas for mentees this year that I am super excited about!

Heather Cox

8/17/2015 12:59:55 am

Hey, Shelley!! It's definitely hard being the only Vanguardian at your school, but I'm happy to help you with the recruiting process!! I'm glad you're excited about your possible mentees. That excitement will certainly transfer over to them!!

Kelly Traynor link

8/14/2015 08:59:06 am

Just finished my M.Ed. in Instructional Technology at West Georgia this summer. So looking forward to having more time to focus on Vanguard coaching now! I've secured all four clients and will be talking with them next week about their goals and interests as far as technology integration.

Worked with FCS Fine Arts Coordinator Felice Margol during pre-planning to produce her annual Welcome Back Address via YouTube since calendar changes this year prevented all Fine Arts teachers from meeting until January. 96 views so far!

Also decided to create listening stations throughout my classroom this year with info on rules, routines, and important locations instead of standing up and talking AT my kids for 45 min, six classes in a row, five days straight. Student groups rotate from station to station, view and listen to presentation, work together to answer quiz question and move on. Successful so far!

Heather Cox

8/17/2015 01:01:54 am

Wow, Kelly! All of that sounds incredible! I loved seeing your tweet about the listening stations. What a great idea to engage them and save your sanity! :) I imagine we'll get to see amazing things from the Love T. Nolan Vanguard crew this year!

Dana Munson link

8/15/2015 01:20:36 am

It has been the usual chaos of a first week of school. As always there are new challenges and new opportunities. Through donor choose last year, I received an AppleTV and along with my iPad recording equipment from Vanguard, I have found some great ways to use the technology so I am not bound to my laptop behind a desk tethered to a wall. I have one prospect on my list that is interested in joining and several others who just don't know it yet.

Heather Cox

8/16/2015 10:38:25 am

Hi, Dana! If you'd like any help supporting/encouraging individuals to apply for Vanguard, let me know and I'll stop to chat with them! :) Have a great second week of school!

Casey Hall link

8/17/2015 01:12:10 am

So far this year, our Vanguard Team members at our school (Love T. Nolan) successfully produced a short 45 minute presentation on various new aspects of technology (Office 365 & Nearpod). And even when our technology malfunctioned (our projector stopped working) we were still able to come together as a team and help out our teachers! They were incredibly receptive as we were showing them that some/most of the technology out there is to HELP them and make their jobs easier. It should not be so scary/intimidating that they shy away from the word technology, especially because of the culture and world we live in!

Personally, I have found out why Twitter is as cool as they say it is. Previously I have not been able to see why Twitter was beneficial UNTIL I actually participated in the #fcsvanguard Twitter chats! It was so fun and it opened my eyes to all the benefits that Twitter has to offer!

In my classroom, I have connected technology, writing, and music all together by using Padlet.com to facilitate a writing activity in which students were asked to tell me something they wanted their music teacher to know as a welcome back assignment! They were completely engaged in the lessons! Can't wait to see the other responses! Some of them are so cute and informative! You can see their responses,too (padlet.com/hallc31/mrhallmusicroom)!

In the coming weeks, I will be using Nearpod as a pre/post test in my classroom. Can't wait to see how that lesson goes!

Heather Cox

9/1/2015 03:14:08 am

Love your reflection, Casey! Thank you for your thoughtful response and sharing all of the great things going on at Love T. Nolan! As the application rounds settle down, I hope I can make it out to see all of you in action!

Allison Scenna

8/17/2015 01:27:51 am

Man, it's crazy to be back in school! At Centennial, we're moving very quickly towards our 1:1 Initiative, so right now almost all of our PD is directed towards creating a blended learning classroom and figuring out how to personalize our lessons. It's gone well so far, but it's been interesting to see where our staff stands in terms of tech usage. One cool thing that I can see is that, no matter what their comfort level, almost everyone is willing to try something new and increase their skill level, which makes it fun to find people that want some extra coaching. We have such an amazing, open minded faculty and I know that we have really awesome things in store for our kids and school this year. Right now, we're all just trying to get back into the groove, so I haven't taken on any specific faculty members yet for observations and stuff, but it will happen soon!

Heather Cox

9/1/2015 03:15:58 am

Hi, Allison! I've heard about how hard all of you are working for your students! I'm hoping that I can come and visit with you soon. It's great to know that your staff are willing participants on this journey. That always makes the work go much more smoothly!!

Matt Bosarge

8/17/2015 01:44:11 am

Yeah, starting off the year in a new school has been quite busy. I'm involved (already) with the Personalized Learning team and also coordinating our certification for Digital Citizenship by Common Sense Media. All the staff has to be trained, and then each kid in the building has to have at least 2.5 hours of instruction. Not an easy task. We also have a new tech in the building, so I'm sort of backing him up on all kinds of technology issues. Some of which I'm able to handle, but some need his secret passwords and incantations. Trying my best to be helpful. :-)

Heather Cox

9/1/2015 03:17:58 am

Hey, Matt! It was great to finally meet you! It sounds like you definitely have your hands full, but are doing great work towards the Digital Citizenship certification. I loved seeing all of the doors with proof of the teachers' hard work! I hope all of the break-and-fix issues work themselves out!

Jack Gilliland link

8/17/2015 02:44:38 am

Greetings, fellow Vanguardians -

This year started with a roar: new principal, new equipment in my broadcast studio, new IT person, new teachers on campus ... you get the idea. y focus this year to highlight and to train teachers in the joys of Safari Montage and MackinVia. Will offer training sessions on selected Fridays and will continue to create little teaching videos on their use. Also hope to win an Emmy for our school's broadcast - or at least produce a smoothly run daily TV show. Will assist our new IT person with all things iPads and plan to learn more as I pick up newly acquired tech related duties.

Looking forward to a great new year (and GaTEC in November).

Heather Cox

9/1/2015 03:22:43 am

Hi, Jack! Thanks for letting me visit with you at Elkins Pointe! It sounds like you're busy, busy, busy! Best of luck with your daily TV show. You can give yourself an Emmy for your efforts!

Robbie Barber link

8/17/2015 03:35:02 am

Hello All!

We started this year out with an emergency start to #TicklingTech during the Pre-Planning Friday. The administration had decided to require Edmodo as a tool for turning in lesson plans and 90% of the faculty had never used it before. We also used it as a method of showing people how to hook and use the interactive projector boards. (No wasted time!) In fact, the session was so popular, I repeated it the following Wednesday afternoon.

Now we're trying to get teachers using Safari Montage by uploading the morning news each day so they can watch them when they miss the "live" version.

Should be a lively year!

Heather Cox

9/1/2015 03:24:45 am

Hi, Robbie! I hope the teacher-required use of Edmodo translates into quality teacher-student use of it. It would be great for teachers to use it transformationally with the kids! Hope your #TicklingTech sessions continue with success!

Justin Evans

8/17/2015 04:21:47 am

Things at Riverwood are off to a great start. We're still in pre-1:1 limbo here, but I've been spreading the word of what a 1:1 world will look like and how instructional technology can transform their classrooms. After my pep talk, I very easily locked down my four mentees for the year.

As a math teacher, I'm very excited about working with other math teachers to integrate technology into teaching and learning. Though a STEM field, I find that math teachers (especially at the high school level) have an exceptionally difficult time integrating technology into instruction. My goal for the year is to change the culture of the department and create a more welcoming and excited approach to tech.

Heather Cox

9/1/2015 03:27:00 am

Hi, Justin! That's great to hear that you were able to acquire mentees so quickly and easily! You must have really inspired them! I love that you listed a goal for changing the culture in your department. That's so important to the success of the personalized learning transition!

Kenyatta Renfro link

8/17/2015 04:44:05 am

Ola Vanguardians! The year has begun on a positive note. I am extremely excited about implementing the new techno tools we were granted at the end of last year (thank you so much) and find myself answering a lot of questions about what the Vanguard team does. From what I see, the V team is looked upon as the technology pillars of the building, therefore, I'm ready to continue learning new skills to share.

Heather Cox

9/1/2015 03:29:10 am

Hi, Kenyatta! Keep up the good work at a technology pillar at your school! I hope you and your fellow team members find someone to add this year to really help you hold up the work! If there's any way that I can help, let me know!

Daniel Hodge link

8/17/2015 05:56:55 am

This year I have embarked on a new journey. I left the classroom after 10 years in K-5, and I am now the Instructional Technology Support Teacher at Shakerag Elementary.

It has been fun to watch the transition of seeing teachers emerge as learners. I have approached the role as a personalized model where I am trying to meet everyone where they are and set specific goals for each of them (some know these goals and some I'll tell about later when they're ready to hear them).

All of the usual learner profiles are there. The "student" who asks for help, the "student" who hides from help, and the "student" who doesn't want to admit that they need help. I am excited to work with them all this year.

Heather Cox

9/1/2015 03:31:20 am

Hi, Daniel! Wow! Are you loving your new position? I know that after stepping out of the classroom last year to serve as a tech coach, it was the best experience. I love your approach to your "students." The personalized learning model, as you know, is the BEST way to work with folks! Best of luck and let me know if I can support you in any way!

Ellen Reagin

8/17/2015 06:07:45 am

Here at Holcomb Bridge we are in high gear getting our staff and students ready for 1 to 1. Today we kicked off the Common Sense Media Digital Citizenship program so that students understand what a digital footprint is and the responsibilities that come with the privileges. Already collaborating with teachers introducing Edmodo and MackinVia, 2 tools we are hoping will really help make the transition to personalized learning.

Heather Cox

9/1/2015 03:43:39 am

Hi, Ellen! If you're using the Nearpod Common Sense materials, I'd love to hear how that's going for you! I love that you've already had the opportunity to collaborate with teachers. I'm hoping I get to come and visit with your Vanguard team very soon!

Tamara Whitaker

8/17/2015 06:56:37 am

Wow, and so another year has begun! Being in Cohort 3, I feel a sense of more responsibility upon my shoulders as this new year begins since it is time to begin documenting my work with my peers. It is also refreshing to start anew, because it gives me time to implement all the cool and resourceful technology ideas I have learned about through collaborating with fellow Vanguard members.
Our school has a new administration team and several new staff members, so our school Vanguard team was allowed a chance to re-introduce ourselves to the staff and offer our services where they are need. We also showed them a few of the awesome features of Office 365, such as the functions of One Drive and how to collaborate while editing documents online.
With 6 Vanguard members in one building, the race is ON to offer our tech-mentor services. I already have 3 staff members to mentor in technology and am looking for a 4th! I plan on "personalizing" their learning, as each teacher is different and may be in need of different tools/strategies to do their job effectively. I look forward to a great year of technology integration!

Heather Cox

9/1/2015 03:46:22 am

Hi, Tamara! I LOVE your spirit! You definitely have the right attitude headed into this school year. I hope that we're able to provide the Cohort 3 folks with the right support needed to be successful. I'm glad you've got people on board to mentor and I think it's great that you plan on personalizing for them!!

Pam Kelly link

8/17/2015 09:32:10 am

Here at AHS the school year is off to a great start!! This will be the second year of our Instructional Technology PLC- We meet monthly and share ideas the each of use bring back to our departments!
We are a cohort one school for personalized learning and are very busy with the process.
How are schools handling the for certification for Digital Citizenship by Common Sense Media?

Matt Bosarge

8/22/2015 10:24:54 am

At the middle school I'm in, they have a (short) period each day dedicated to reading. This year the focus is literature circles, but they let us co-opt it for two weeks to deliver the Digital Citizenship curriculum to the kids. Not sure how I would approach it if I were still in a high school.

Heather Cox

9/1/2015 03:52:47 am

Hi, Pam! I'd love to come to one of your instructional technology PLCs sometime! It'd be great to hear the ideas shared by everyone. Schools are handling the Common Sense certification on their own. Make sure to check the dates for the application!

Joanna Gillespie

8/17/2015 01:12:09 pm

For the last several years, I have been frustrated with my PLC because I wanted to move forward with new technology and different teaching strategies, and they have been reluctant to join me. This year, I decided that I would invite them ( my content-area PLC) to try new things as my mentees, and they agreed. I'll be coaching them as we work to develop personalized learning lessons. There is movement already! I taught them how to use Office 365 to collaborate, and we are working within our group to design lessons with personalization and tech in mind. I am also helping them to learn how to use OneDrive to share our files and resources. We also keep our Balanced Assessment Calendar on Office 365. It's a start.

Heather Cox

9/1/2015 03:54:47 am

Hi, Joanna! I love that taking a different approach has already resulted in a new outcome! How wonderful that you're seeing movement from teachers and an increase in collaboration! I definitely hope that continues for you and I'd love to come participate in a coaching/planning session sometime!

Chelsey Lloyd link

8/18/2015 01:54:36 am

The first week of school was wonderful. I have yet to fully implement technology in the classroom due to students not signing off on waivers. I have begun gathering goals from my mentees regarding use of technology in the classroom. It will be a difficult task for one as she is reluctant to use technology or her idea of using technology is strictly for research. I am hoping in some way she sees how technology can indeed transform student learning.

Heather Cox

9/1/2015 03:56:56 am

Hi, Chelsey! I love that you're starting with the goals for the teachers you're coaching. That's a wonderful way to start and the best way to personalize your coaching for each of them. Don't give up on that reluctant teacher! As she sees the benefits, she'll definitely come around! Looking forward to hearing how it progresses!

Marcus Borders

8/18/2015 02:14:51 am

Wow, so the 2015 - 2016 school is already in full swing. After a trying 2014 - 2015 year, that allowed me to grow through various experiences, I'm excited to start a new path as my school's Educational Technology Instructor. I feel like I'm personalizing/differentiating coaching for 50+ educators, instead of four. Luckily *greedily rubs hands together* I'm able to "spread the gospel" of technology integration to the masses by supporting K-5 with their pedagogical practices. I may have my hands full, but I'm extremely excited about this new venture.

Amidst my four mentees, I decided to take an approach based on interest and ability levels, so I'm ready to get the ball rolling with each of them. They vary from simply wanting to know ALL there is as it relates to tech integration to wanting to simply narrow it down to entry level integration. I'm working closely with our METI and Tech. Teacher to ensure that all facets are covered with everyone.

I'm missing my students, my 1:1 classroom, and (believe it or not) all of the hustle that comes with being a general ed. classroom teacher. Here's to new beginnings!

Heather Van Looy

8/18/2015 03:51:10 am

Well, the school year is off to a great start. My coaching role at RTMS is going to look a little different this year. I'm focusing on teaching the staff at large about Personalized Learning, coaching the new Vanguard members at RTMS, and working closely with the teachers at River Trail who enroll in my PD courses that I will offer this year.

I started the year off by doing a 2 hour training session during pre-planning about Personalized Learning and what that means in FCS. Now, I'm beginning to work with the new Vanguard Members at RTMS to identify goals for their mentees. I'm meeting with the Personalized Learning team on Friday to discuss our next Personalized Learning training, which will be on September 8th. Next week, I will meet with the Technology committee to finalize this year's Digital Citizenship plan... all in all technology plans are rocking and rolling at River Trail!

Amy Palermo

8/18/2015 07:56:31 am

Good afternoon! I am super excited about this year and connecting technology within our PBL units at RTMS. I have chosen my 4 individuals that I will be coaching throughout this year and we are working on establishing goals within their classroom. I cannot wait to see what technology will be implemented in their classrooms through their PBLs and general learning environment.

Ashley Ellis

8/20/2015 02:58:15 am

I am excited for a new school year! I have been on maternity leave since March, so I am ready to get back into the swing of things! I am currently working with our Professional Development Committee on integrating monthly in house trainings for our teachers and staff. We are focusing on Data and Differentiation this school year. I am working with teachers on different digital tools that can be used to collect data that then can be used for differentiation in the classroom. Our goal is to get to a point in the school year where every students individual needs are being addressed through differentiation and teachers become comfortable with technology that they can use in the classroom to increase classroom rigor and engagement.

Beth Valentine

8/20/2015 12:06:27 pm

Well here we go! I had a terrific summer, attended GLMA summer institute and the American Library Association conference in San Francisco! Came back with my batteries recharged and lots of ideas to work on the Common Sense Digital Citizenship curriculum. I love their scope and sequence and have been using it throughout K-5 the past 2 years. I also applied for the Finch Robot loan, with my 3rd grade team and got the "we are reading all the applications" email yesterday so I haven't heard yet if we will get them. It's a strong team and they are committed to giving the 2 month loan a strong push and together we have brain stormed some great ways for not just the 3rd grade to learn with them. I touched base with the judge that Suzanne and I co judged with at the app-a-thon and he is enthusiastic about supporting the Finch loan as well as our Day of Code activities this year. I also enlisted at least 4 professional programmers who volunteer with after school programs to help us with the Finch loan in a mentoring capacity as well as the Day of Code activities. It's terrific to bring in women and people of color to show our students that anything is possible.
In the meantime, I've been troubleshooting for faculty in my building. I have solved some of our own issues in the library, and our teachers are comfortable coming to me for help with setting up and using their educational technology.
It's going to be a great year, it's gotten off to a great start!

Shaka Gore link

8/22/2015 04:38:34 am

I am excited because we will be able to use clickers in the classroom to help assess the students throughout the lesson. There are a couple of people in my building that is interested in becoming a member of vanguard and have started working on their application. I am eager to learn how I can engage my students more in the classroom with technology.

Lori Herman link

8/23/2015 12:40:40 pm

The year has started off in every direction. 1/2 of the hallway my classroom is on is excited to get their interactive projectors installed, but have been working around not having them in the mean time. I have spent a bit of time helping them set up and get started on the right track to make those technologies seamless in their classrooms. I have found 3/4 men-tees who are excited to get support and collaborate on more ed-tech integration. I'm ready to get this year really started now that the initial first "hump" of kindergarten has started and we can really start delving into the curriculum.

Mary Justice link

8/24/2015 05:28:21 am

We received $45,000 in Seed Fund money to change our Media Center into a 21st Century learning space. I am just starting to enter the orders into SAP and can't wait to see how it all comes together!

Emily Davis

8/24/2015 07:00:04 am

This month has been a little bit of everything! I have been adjusting to a new school/new role and meeting lots of people and trying to make connections to begin coaching teachers this year! I have been able to help get the school set back up technology-wise after the summer construction. This has allowed me to be in a variety of classrooms and get to know a variety of teachers. The ITC and I have sent out a survey to gather data and identify people who are open to a coaching relationship. We are also finalizing the school Personalized Learning plan and I am so excited about what this year will bring!

Jessica Karp link

8/24/2015 07:48:57 am

We have hit the ground running here at Haynes Bridge. We have planned all summer for our Personalized Learning initiative and teachers have begun the year with blended learning, station rotations. We got some very nice looking furniture this summer for the media center that caters to a more flexible environment. This week the whole school is participating in the Common Sense Media certification process. Every content area teacher is teaching one lesson from the unit for his/her grade level. That way every student will receive five lessons, but the teachers are only giving up one day of curriculum instruction.
We have a part time personalized learning coach, Vanguards very own Aysha Farooqi. We have been working together to plan the professional development for the year. We started with Digital Citizenship and will move on to Routines and Procedures and Lesson and Unit Planning with Rotations in September.
Haynes Bridge has 24 new teachers this year so they have need a lot of support which keeps us busy. I'm thinking about who I will coach this year but have not made any final decisions yet.

Katie Rope

8/24/2015 08:02:29 am

Good afternoon! The year has been off to a great start so far! I am a K teacher at Shakerag Elementary School. Our Vanguard Team has picked our 4 teachers to each coach this year. Before the month is out, we are planning to have a small informal meeting about what to expect as we coach them. We want to make sure it is a relaxed environment and that teachers understand that we are here to help! :)

Gigi Whiteside

8/24/2015 08:19:24 am

Good afternoon techies! Our Assistive Technology Dept. has moved and we are adjusting to holding our trainings at the North Learning Center. First one is tomorrow and we are so excited about not only providing training and support with SOLO this year but piloting some components of SOLO specifically for iPads, thank you Hoke! Additionally, we are making a training available for UDL across platforms. I visited Roswell North ES today to work with a teacher in her first year (FCS) from Canada, this is the fourth country she has taught in, can't wait to hear her insight! Her classroom had standard dell desktops, they had 4 Ipads and a cart of chromebooks. I was bring a portable word processor to one of her student, so now they 4 platforms to work with, UGH!!! Looking forward to the excitement of all the roll outs this year, and congrats to Suzanne!

Jamie Silverboard

8/24/2015 08:39:55 am

Another great year has begun! I will be teaching 2nd grade for a 2nd year at Barnwell Elementary School. I have already been 'tweeting' up a storm, and have heard back from Drew Daywalt, the author of The Day the Crayons Quit. I have already been meeting with the new teachers to discuss how to create a website and the best ways to communicate electronically with families. I have introduced the students to our interactive SmartBoard, and love to see how excited they are to learn!

Sharnitra Mathis

8/24/2015 11:20:01 am

Good evening. This year has just begun, and already I have dove into more technology than I had expected to. This year I am grade level chair, and so far, I have been guiding my team on how to use classroom management apps such as Classdojo, using the promethean board, document camera, and LCD projectors. I've trained my team members on how to make webpages for their classrooms. My principal has me choosing the best website for students to blog, and create as we make our school wide STEM game. I am also planning my first PD with my team on using Plickers for quick assessment data. I am also taking IT grad classes at KSU, which is requring me to do more coaching as well. I'm having fun all the while. Phew. Until next month,

Denise Haltrecht

8/24/2015 12:06:55 pm

Hey Team! The year is off to a quick start at Dunwoody Springs ES! We have a new METI and a new STS so I have been busy supporting them both as best I can! I have collaborated with our METI to get her to do the morning announcements on Safari Montage, given her the reins for our school Twitter account and encouraged her daily! Our STS is well on his way too..In just the first week on the job he is getting our Ipads into the hands of our students! I have targeted several tech savvy teachers to join the V- team! Let' hope they do! In order to integrate more technology, I have dedicated a section of our weekly communication to staff to technology, instructional strategies using tech and sites that are offering tech freebies to our teachers! Thanks Katie for sharing the Powtoon :)
Looking forward to having more DSES members join the team!

Charlotte Mitchell

8/25/2015 01:30:17 am

My year is off with a bang! I had the opportunity to create and share a TIM professional learning workshop with the McClarin staff. Additionally, I have 4 candidates for the Vanguard Team. I worked with one candidate on creating a Weebly website template for our student led conference platform.

Yesterday I showed a teacher how to use Padlet and Nearpod. I use Padlet frequently to access prior knowledge and keep the students engaged.

I created an OfficeMIX Powerpoint to share with counselors and CAP's. I am 50% Fulton Virtual and I am creating a buzz around CTAE course offerings.

In love with teaching :)

Martha Powell

8/25/2015 05:23:28 am

Almost the end of August and we are going to make it! We have all new admin team, new TST and a nearly new CST so we are all learning new processes and personalities. I am very optimistic! I am working to grow our Vanguard team so I am not the one and only. I have a few strong candidates so am hopeful. I am SOOO grateful Kris McBride is with us again. She keeps me steady and I sure appreciate her wisdom, calm and encouragement! See you on Twitter. Thanks everyone for sharing and helping each of us achieve more for kids!

Angus link

8/25/2015 08:51:29 am

So far so good and so far not traditional. I've undergone an underground gorilla style coaching method. I wait. I listen. I lurk. And when the sound of a needy educator becomes a blip on my radar screen I pounce! I offer free and unsolicited advice, counsel and wisdom. This year I've coached on Wix, Padlet, wifi stuff, iPEVO display devices, IPEVO readers, and a few others. I have some visions and aspirations too of some good coaching ideas, but they must wait for now--an incubate.

Alison Francis

8/26/2015 12:59:52 am

Good morning Vanguard! This year I'm starting a new position as Instructional Technology Coach, and preparing for our school to go 1:1 in October! Many changes are coming and we've been training our teachers in best uses for their Apple devices, Office 365, and introducing our new teachers to Safari Montage and Nearpod. I'm very excited for what this change will bring for our students. My focus in coaching this year (the 4 I focus on and the whole staff in general) is to incorporate an individualized and flexible approach to make this new learning convenient and relevant.

Tess MacMillan link

8/27/2015 02:53:12 am

Hello! Hopefully I'm not the last one posting--things are a bit crazy the first couple/few weeks of school and I feel like I am just catching my breath and thinking about my Vangaurd responsibilities!

I have had much initial interest among the staff for the Vanguard application--it'll be interesting to see how many go through the full process. I find that high school teachers are so overloaded with grading, coaching, and club sponsorship that many may drop off when they see the application. Lots of questions about the time committment.

Still working on who my 4 "mentees" will be. I have 2 of them picked out and onboard, but we haven't gotten down to business yet. Hoping to nail down my second 2 before Labor Day for sure.

Leigh Martin link

8/27/2015 03:49:19 am

We started pre-planning with a personalized learning simulation for classroom design. It was a lot of fun and our teachers have really taken the ideas and the experience and transformed their classrooms. Now, we're just waiting for our new flexible seating to arrive to make the whole picture complete!

The first weeks of school have been packed, as usual. Our Ten Day count saw us collapsing a fourth grade classroom and opening a second grade classroom and shifting several other classrooms around to fill open space. One thing I learned is that being a vanguard coach sometimes means lying under a table to help your recently relocate mentee get their technology up and running.

I've been able to meet and work with all my mentees. We got Edmodo up and running in 5th grade. K is working on some fun green screen projects in addition to a community helper skype visit from the frontlines of a California Wildfire. 4th grade students are going to take over the morning weather report on our news report using their recently acquired weather expertise. We have spent time in the past few days training them to use the studio equipment.

Next month, Digital Citizenship! K-5 students and teachers are coming to the library to participate in DC lessons and activities to fulfill our Certification Requirement.

Erin Shurbutt

8/27/2015 08:16:29 am

August has been a whirlwind for sure. Esther Jackson moved to a new school, which is our temporary location while our old building is being torn down and rebuilt. Moving, setting up a new room, plus all the usual chaos that comes with back to school has kept me very busy.
Last year I had an inspired classroom, but since we are only at this building for a year and did not have much time to move in, I decided not to set up computers at each table, especially since we just got our desktops last week. Well, I regret this decision already. I miss having the easy access to the technology. I miss having the students find the answer to their own questions. I do not regret not spending the time to set it up, but I definitely will make sure to set it up again next year. At least I do have three computers and some iPads in my room, even if the computer are against a wall.
I am excited about mentoring and coaching some of our faculty members, and have encouraged a few to apply to be apart of our wonder Vanguard family!

Marquita Jones link

8/27/2015 08:27:21 am

The month of August was a little challenging. I had to go on sick leave during pre-planning and just returned to work last week. I have identified my mentees. I have coached a couple on using Class Dojo. We have one additional teacher applying to become part of the Vanguard team which should bring our capacity to 3. I will try to get in and do my observations next week.

Jessica Jackson

8/28/2015 03:43:50 am

I am really looking forward to this year!!! I will be coaching our new tech lab teacher, the music teacher, and 2 new teachers to our school.
Tech Lab Teacher- We have met several times to work on nearpod as she is using the Common Sense Media nearpods to teach our Digital Citizenship curriculum. Nearpod in a lab is trickier than on devices!! Learned that @nearpodhelp is AMAZING and cookies are no fun!!
Music Teacher - My undergrad degree is in music and I am extremely excited about working with our music teacher. He is looking to incorporate tech into his Orff method of teaching music.
4th Grade - So far we have only had time to run a few ideas by each other. She is interested in quizizz for informal assessment and Skype so far. She is a Reading/ELA teacher and is using Readers Workshop. I need to dig into the Readers Workshop materials to see how I can support her in this personalized pathway!
2nd Grade - She is fresh out of college, ready to go and already Kahooting with our set of iTouches that are for check out. We brainstormed about a dozen other ideas already. She will keep me researching and on my toes!! :)

Gina Ceely

8/28/2015 06:53:26 am

I'm so excited to be acting as a technology mentor and coach this year. I have recruited a few people to mentor and these individuals vary in skill level, from still having a flip phone to being fairly savvy in the technology department. I have meetings scheduled with each of my mentees to set goals for the upcoming year. I've met with my flip phone buddy and the goal is to start using ANY technology in the classroom. I can see this as a major opportunity for growth on both her part and mine, as we work through the mentor/mentee process. I have a variety of grade levels, subject areas, and even special ed participants, so I'm looking forward to seeing the various ways that my coaching will impact the school. I'm looking forward to the great year ahead.

TAMELA RICHARDSON

8/28/2015 08:03:53 am

Well, I am off to a great start. I decided to introduce a modified flipped classroom this year. So far my parents and students have been very receptive. I am also very excited that opportunities to mentor have magically come to fruition without much effort on my part. So far I have set up my ELA team and TAG department in 365. We now can share documents and communicate. My plan for next month is to have a small PD to get everyone set up in 365. Baby steps...

Kelly Parker

8/30/2015 08:31:31 am

What a stressful start for scheduling students and the use of TAC with teachers. The delays caused by the overwhelmed systems really taxed my coaching and mentoring abilities. We have made it through to the other side, but it is my hope all of the FCS systems benefit from the experience.
I wish to really increase the use of the FVS online learning activities and resources with our building-based staff. I know that once more teachers see what is offered to all students, personalized learning and flipped classrooms really will be more prevalent at Taylor Road MS!

Crissy Wade

8/30/2015 10:02:22 am

This year has started off busy as usual! I finally got my projector and Promethean Board up and running (the pens still do not work with the board). I am a little envious of the new interactive systems that were installed in the rooms without boards but I know those of us with old Promethean Boards will be getting those installed in phase two. One of the goals this year through our Governance Council at Creek View Elementary is technology integration. A lot of teachers are concerned due to the limited access to technology in some classrooms. We are working on that so all teachers have access to use technology as well as learning ways to use it effectively in the classroom. We hope to engage in more project based learning.
I have already started using the BEE BOTS I got with the grant money last year and my first graders love them! It was like a watching sports in our classroom as the students tried to figure out how to get the Bee Bot from one continent to the other on the rug last week. We are going to rotate them to other classes as well! We will start using them for math lessons soon!

I have asked a few people about mentoring and will start talking about observations next week. Most were nervous for that part but I think they are eager to learn more as the year progresses.

Anne Alarcon

8/30/2015 01:36:59 pm

The past three weeks have gone by so quickly! With the media center (and whole school) undergoing a complete renovation it has been somewhat stressful trying to get everything moved back in and ready to use. We finally got the media center open the second week of school with an environment more conducive to personalized learning. With all of the moving and construction issues the members at our school haven't had much time to get started with the coaching. I have selected two of the mentees, but the TRMS Vanguard team is meeting this week to discuss how to start our coaching. On Friday I did have faculty professional development sessions on the FCS and TRMS digital resources offered to teachers and students.

Beverly Watola link

8/30/2015 02:24:04 pm

The beginning of the school year is always a busy time. I am beginning a new position as a middle school teacher at Taylor Road Middle School. I am learning a lot and getting to know my teammates. I have stayed in touch with some of my colleages from CWE and will continue to provide support with Edmodo, Nearpod and Weebly as needed. The TRMS Vanguard team will be meeting next week to discuss how we will start our coaching. At this point, I work closely with the seventh grade math team, and the team is excited about increasing student engagement and personalizing learning. I am waiting to learn the TRMS way as far as coaching before I select my mentees. I have already introduced Planbook.com to the seventh grade math team to help us with collaboration. The Planbook.com will also allow us to share and bookmark technology tools that we will use in lessons. I am excited about increasing the levels of personalized learning. Last week, I used the Plicker app with my class and loved the individualized data that I received on each student. I look forward to sharing this tool with the math team.

Cathy Moore

8/30/2015 03:15:39 pm

What a crazy start to the school year! With Taylor Road being under construction all summer and not getting into the building until August 4th, I still feel a bit behind! Despite the construction and not having a permanent home (I am in the portable until the new wing is complete) my Inspired Classroom is up and running. That was top priority! I can function without posters on the wall (well sort of anyway), but not without my technology. My 6th graders are loving all the technology, and they are anxious to begin using their own technology. We had a little set back when the portable was struck by lightening and the wifi went down, but as of Friday that was fixed so we should be good to go! I am excited to begin mentoring the 7th and 8th grade Reading teachers at my school. We all plan together, so I am hoping to implement my coaching into our planning sessions. The biggest challenge is finding a way to transfer what I use in the Inspired Classroom with 6 comptuers to their classrooms which have no technology right now! I know we can do it; we will just have to be a bit creative!

Frank Fortunato

8/31/2015 10:00:51 am

This year I've transitioned to a new role at Alpharetta High School, and so a lot of this fall is acclimating to a new team and adjusting to what supporting the Vanguard mission now looks like for me personally outside of the traditional classroom. An area where I see an immediate need is helping the admin team (many of whom are admittedly techno-hesitant) make more intentional and effective use of existing platforms (such as OneDrive and Office 365). Additionally, I'm very excited to begin working with the iSchool Initiative, specifically our student advocates. What this group could offer the school from a place of student leadership is very exciting! That opportunity, combined with our work in integrating blended learning school-wide, is going to help speed up what has, thus far, been a slow shift into more varied instructional models.

Heather Temske

8/31/2015 10:57:36 am

It's been a busy start to the year, just like everyone else. It is nice to be returning to the same school, grade level and subjects so I should be able to focus on more this year than just surviving :-) Since I am teaching a combo math class this year (2 levels) I am really trying to do more of a math workshop model using technology as part of the rotations. I have all the kids set up and going on Front Row, XtraMath and educreations. I have been talking with our CST to finalize the people for coaching. I discussed Nearpod with one of them as an option to deliver some Reading/SS content. I've also been reviewing Vanguard application. I agree with the comment that we have some very good candidates. Other than that I've just been settling into my groove.

Whitney Beem

8/31/2015 11:20:02 am

This has been an interesting school year so far. With a brand new job plus two new wings, 1/4 of the building does not have technology (or Internet!) so teachers are not in their happy place yet. I have already held 2 sessions helping teachers with different technologies (sadly, one was on how to use the new copiers because lots of people were confused!!!). I am ready to get started working with my mentees (one more to find...I just keep forgetting that I do not have them all yet!). Even though the beginning of the school year has be very stressful so far, I am excited to see where this year is going to take me and the people in my building (hopefully more Vanguard members will added).

Dianna Locke

8/31/2015 12:25:35 pm

So far this school year I have been helping teachers get ready for the school year. I have plans to work with all teachers and students in my school. Will be using various technology tools to enhance their digital literacy education.

Ann Alvarez

8/31/2015 01:46:50 pm

This has been an extremely exciting school year! We have moved into a beautiful new building! It has been so amazing to think that we basically moved and settled in 4 days! A focus for us starting off has been making the switch from Promethean to Epson. As things begin to settle in we are gearing up for more personalized learning and roll out of devices. We are all set for our first planning meeting and I am looking forward to marching forward. I am partnering with some great teachers in multiple grade levels, I am excited about collaborating with my colleagues. I also look forward to many coaching opportunities as my school works to increase real world learning opportunities for our students, from a more global perspective

Ayo Richardson

8/31/2015 01:50:00 pm

I've been thinking a lot about WHO I'll be coaching this year. I think the dynamics of a coaching relationship can be a bit different when the coach is also responsible for evaluations. I am thinking about how I can foster a relationship with the teachers I coach in which they feel they can be honest about successes and challenges throughout the process. My AHHHHHMAZING METI suggested I coach the CST this year. I thought that was a fabulous idea. Now I'm settling in to think about who the other 3 will be. I've thought about veterans and newbies alike but also thought of another interesting idea to explore; coaching other APs. Just a thought! Would love your insight. Looking forward to a great year of growth!

Mike Cianciolo

8/31/2015 04:12:15 pm

The pace of the school year never ceases to amaze me. This is compounded by the warp speed that I am feeling at home with a 2 year old. I blinked and the past two years flashed before my eyes.

I arrived back at school with a sense of calm and confidence, with a strong team and a firm grip on personal and professional goals. My initial thought was to work with some of my grade level teammates, as we already have a strong bond and comfortable working relationship. Plus, our collaborative nature would allow me the perfect backboard to infuse our lesson planning with a new level of technology integration. The team was at first very interested in what I could bring to our table. In the past few weeks, I've lost a bit of steam and direction.

Our school is in transition, as it seems so many are. We have half of an administration team, having lost our principal and counselor over the summer. I've lost my entire Vanguard Team and am the sole member left at our school. Our school is moving forward with a new writing program, which we desperately need. This new program, however, is taking a front seat to our drive for more transformative technology integration. We are only a month into the school year and it seems that so many around me are already starting to feel the overwhelming pressure building. I'll admit it, I am too.

I have had a member of the staff reach out to me, who is interested in working along side me. She's an instructional parapro, but she's committed to bringing technology to every student in our building. She the force behind our new iPad lounge, which is amazing. I am sure that she is going to teach me just as much I might teach her.

I am weary that I find myself so stretched to the hilt, that I am not even making the headway necessary to be the leader I know I need to be. I'm not one that fears a challenge, but I am firm believer that in order to do things well, a strong focus is necessary. My new grade level chair responsibilities, our new writing program, and a week long phonics training on the horizon are all chipping away at my personal commitment to the Vanguard Team.

Phil Chaffer

9/1/2015 12:32:07 am

Firstly the calendar reminder I set up on the last day of each month to remind me to enter a Vanguard log entry, worked a treat!

The school year has started in its usually 0-60mph way with the calm of summer vacation long gone. The first couple of weeks have been spent helping co-workers in many different ways with their tech needs. From setting up classroom PCs, active boards, and ipads to populating accounts for Study Island, FAST Math, BrainPOP and Edmodo.

I have selected my 4 'mentees' and just like last year I'm sure I'll learn just as much as them along the way. They are all keen to learn and share their new found knowledge with each other and the rest of the faculty.

Looking at the list of speakers and presenters at this years GaETC I'm already excited. Having sub coverage for my class paid for has been an added bonus for my school and one less worry for me. Thank you Vanguard admin.

Amanda Mauldin link

9/1/2015 04:08:21 am

Well, we've gotten our self-paced mastery classroom up and running. Now that the classes are a nice 35 instead of 45, we can manage a bit better! The students are finishing their first small unit and then beginning our new unit this week...assuming they pass the quiz at the end. Those that do not pass will remediate with me until they do pass it. If you are interested in looking around on our Moodle page, it's miltonmoodle.com. The introductory biology class is the sel-paced one. Getting ready for September and I'm teaching 6 classes this year! Aghhhh! Oh yeah, and I broke my leg...which complicates things a bit. Wish me luck :)

Meggan Ford

9/2/2015 01:55:43 am

August has been a blur. I just took over my METI position at our schools. This month has been filled with textbooks. I'm hoping in September to begin assisting teachers with learning the resources we have in Mackin. I also had a blast working with our Forensics teacher. I provided an orientation on the use of video production. The students were really excited to create the murder scenes and investigations.

Ashlie Szatkowski

9/2/2015 02:24:28 pm

Wow! August flew by! Getting situated at a new school, a new grade level, and finishing up my last class for my Master's Degree sure has kept me busy! This year at MOE I plan on supporting my team of 4th grade teachers as well as other teachers throughout the entire school. I am excited to share what we learn through Vanguard with other teachers!

Renee Morris

9/3/2015 09:02:26 pm

The beginning of the school year has definitely flown by! I am in a totally new role at my school, so I have really been trying to figure out all the aspects of my job. I have been working with my whole school on completing our Personalized Learning PD plan. We can't wait to roll out devices in each classroom this year. I have also been teaching lots of Nearpod/Common Sense Digital Citizenship lessons this month.
I have my four Vanguard mentees all set up! I have different things in the works with each of them. I am really excited to start working on student digital portfolios the most!

Patricia Thomas link

9/7/2015 08:59:39 am

Wow, it’s September, where did August go? I can’t believe August flew by us!!! This year has started off with positive vibes. A few teachers are excited about technology and some are still not feeling it because of no iPad in the classroom. I have a lot on my plate this year, with teaming up the STEM teacher and starting a STEM Ambassador Club, starting a Coding club after school with just a few students, and making arrangements to start working with my school with the Professional Learning Development Plan PD at my school ECW. Lets not forgot starting my Reading Endorsement this year. (I have my refrigerator stock with energy drinks) I have two mentees for now and will have my other two in January. I will start them off slowly and we will work ourselves up to mastery. I’m excited for this year and for the few teachers who wants to get on board the Techno Train!!!! LOL!!!

Cynthia Hardy

9/7/2015 06:40:29 pm

It's great to be back at school though the summer break went very fast. I attended a few awesome sessions this summer at ISTE on personalized learning. I am anxious to implement the new strategies this school year. However, I have conducted two PLCs on Office 365 during the month of August. Teachers are now using one drive as the primary share drive for collaborating. I am looking forward to an exciting Vanguard year.

K'Asha Wright

9/7/2015 08:58:59 pm

What a busy month August was - so much so, that I delayed creating my response just to be sure I "closed" all my inquiries for the month!!

I've provided assistance with a basic understanding of OneDrive, creating groups on OneDrive, assisting a teacher create a classroom webpage, a quick overview of beginning of the year apps/websites to use with students, encouraging and assisting several educators with joining the Vanguard team, and reaching out to a few other colleagues in efforts to create my "Tech Tweakin" team!!

And now on to September!

Jodi Moskowitz

9/8/2015 10:37:57 am

For me the year started differently than I expected. We didn't deploy 1:1 which meant back to the drawing board for the plans I had made from the summer. Not a bad thing because it gave me time to get to know teachers, be in classes, as well as time to help with the entire school program which is so important at the start of the year!

Caroline Boddiford

9/8/2015 01:03:43 pm

The school year has started off busier than ever! I was spoiled with a class set of iPads last year, but I don't have that luxury this year, so I'm adjusting to the "rent a cart" process.
I've found 2 people to mentor and am working on 2 more.
I'm a part of our launch schools team, and that process has been interesting. The training with Samir was very productive and well-planned.
With the help of Dave Lockhart, we are pushing our teachers to complete professional development on instructional technology! He created courses on a weebly site and I initiated a contest by grade level to earn the most badges by the end of the month. It's amazing how many people will complete things when you make it a competition. :)

Julie Whelan

9/8/2015 01:35:06 pm

I met with our school admin team to decide which teachers I would mentor. One of the teachers and I have already decided on our first project which begins in two weeks. I am currently in the midst of our Book Fair so that is consuming most of my time and energy. Outside of my mentoring responsibilities, I am working with the computer lab instructor to get Sweet Apple certified as a "Common Sense Media Digital School." Although we are not required to attain this certification for several years, we are already meeting the requirements so I thought I would jump the gun!

Vonda Shands

9/8/2015 02:57:58 pm

The start of the school year was extremely busy and highly productive for me at Paul D. West Middle School . I thoroughly enjoyed meeting with quite a few of our large number of new teachers and letting them know that I am available for helping them adapt their teaching styles to our technology offerings. I held 3 early bird training sessions in August on Edmodo.com, School Messenger, and the new and improved Fulton Connect. The participants were eager to use each application as they began to meet and teach their new students.

I have the additional responsibility of being the contact person for an exciting new STEMs grant at PDW that is offered through Georgia Southern University. A group of our students will be doing a research class that will require them to develop and implement their own community-based projects. We are so excited to be able to guide our kids through this amazing opportunity. We expect to the kids to produce many high quality Science Fair, Tech Fair, and Appathon projects through this program.

I have pushed really hard for my colleagues to apply for Vanguard. I am currently the only Vanguardian at Paul D. West. With so many new teachers and new students added because of rezoning, we need more people to more effectively impact classrooms and learning. I have several who have agreed to apply and I have my fingers crossed that we will get a couple in this new cohort. We now have a new technology specialist on board. We have been making due since March of last year when our last one transferred. This helps out quite a bit with the everyday trouble-shooting with computers, printers, etc. I feel that this year will be a great one here at West.

Ashley Campbell

9/8/2015 03:39:44 pm

This year is off to a good start. I have left my 1st grade classroom and moved into the media center as our school METI. It has been a big learning curve with lots to do! I am on a fixed schedule so I feel that I will be able to work with teachers schedules to help plan and deliver lessons as well as meet with teacher more frequently. Two of the people I am mentoring are starting the process of getting their masters in Instructional technology so this mentorship is very beneficial to them. Last year I felt that the mentors were assigned and they did not get much say. This year I feel the motivation to get started and improve lessons. I can't wait to see what happens! Stay tuned...

Sharon Ferguson link

9/8/2015 06:48:25 pm

I went to work a few day early to get my Advanced Strategies Lab and my Science Lab put back together. I was trying to stay ahead of the game. Had so many great ideas to put into play. In walks admin and they tell me that a teacher has extended her maternity leave and that they need me to open a 4th grade class and stay there for 8 weeks awaiting her return.
So I have been busy opening her classroom - have not been in contact with her at all - rumor is she is not coming back.
I love 4th grade, the kids are great! Went shopping at the goodwill, have an amazing reading center with 99 cent pillow. (Black and White theme).

The good news is that I have an Ipad cart in my labs. Brought that with me. :) We have been doing keynote presentations, thinglinks, and have just started a puppet pal project. I have been assigning projects to groups to complete during I-Block. The time is so limited in 4th grade.
Sharing my ideas with the 4th grade team. I have learned that you can't just tell anyone about a new resource, that you need to show them how it works and what to do it. Help them get started.
It is going to be hard to leave my 4th grade students that I have grown
so attached to. Looking forward to coaching this year. It has been an enjoyable learning process for me as well.

Kenneth Livingston

9/9/2015 08:02:42 am

Second year, woo! As opposed to last year, where I thought it would be a good idea to get a different mentee from every grade level, this year I decided to stick to 4 teachers that had the same standards that needed to be addressed and the same types of unique challenges in integrating technology in the classroom.
This year I chose kindergarten. This may be a bit challenging, kindergarten comes with unique challenges in using technology (students just getting use to a classroom environment, limited motor functions in manipulating traditional ed tech tools, and a very dense curriculum for the teachers with a constant need to test skills to determine progress). All the teachers I chose are very enthusiastic and ready to try new approaches in their classes and I am excited to start my second year as a Vanguard mentor!

Shana

9/11/2015 06:42:57 am

I am really excited about the number of people who expressed interest in coaching. Looking forward to this new beginning here at Asa G. Hilliard!

Derek Wright

9/12/2015 05:33:21 pm

Here at AHS, it has been a crazy start of the year. I have been working on finding some people to coach, but I have been busy myself! I currently have a class-set of iPads that I am working on figuring out the best way to use them in the classroom. I went into the year thinking that the students would pick one up every day and use it that way, but I have been leaning on more of a blended model with station teaching. I am excited that we have Nearpod, and I am really loving students being able to see the information right in front of them.

I know there is more I need to do in my own classroom with technology, but it is tough with a new prep this year and trying to figure out pacing. I am looking forward to continue to learn more about how to incorporate technology, and I am really excited about students having their own device!

Megan Endicott link

9/13/2015 08:13:23 am

So far we are off to a wonderful start to the year! I have selected my four mentees, some new and some returning from last year and we have hit the ground running. In my fifth grade class and second grade class, we are playing with warm-ups and Nearpod to get the kids ready for the day. In my 3rd grade class we started off with using Today's Meet to allow each student an opportunity to participate in meaningful conversation. The art teacher and I have begun working together on Class Dojo's messenger to connect parents in the moment to classroom activities and behavior. We have started looking forward and plan on using TouchCast for student presentations on Reconstruction, Seesaw for digital portfolios, and setting up the 3D printer! (Which I may need some help with.... it needs service apparently) I am excited to see where we are going this year with personalized learning and hope to get my second grade classroom ready to experiment with the new style right away. (And she is 100% on board!) I was able to team up with my fellow Vanguard team member, Tammy to play with Nearpod's virtual field trip and their "on the fly" features. We had a blast. I am hoping to continue working with our own Vanguard team as well to test out more strategies to share with others.

In my class, I have been continuing to work on providing students with a voice in my class through padlet and assessments through Nearpod, Kahoot, and iDoceo to begin building a knowledge base for where we are in our learning. My personal focus this year has been to work toward creating a personalized learning environment in my music room, which will take some thought as I see them only 45 minutes once a week, but I'm up for the challenge! Where there is a will, there is a way! :)

Jessica Taylor

9/14/2015 07:34:48 am

The year is off to a wonderful (yet crazy) start! This year I am teaching a full load with no planning period (ekkkk) and I started off very overwhelmed (hence the date of this August Reflection post) but things have settled down and I am starting to get in the groove. I also accepted the responsibility of being the TAG Department Chair at my school, so my plate is definitely full! With that being said, I am excited about the things happening at Centennial this year. On Wednesday, August 5th, we had our Personalized Learning Day where we kicked off the initiative with Alpharetta High School and iSchool and it was great! I gave a presentation on resources that teachers could use today to personalize their classroom (https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1gKwK4Q8YUQqVwnNdzROYUAIoYKHiQhztiRNePZGZSrM/edit?usp=sharing) The whole day was really wonderful and very informative! We have also revamped a lot of our computer labs to be more collaborative spaces where the students can join up and work together on projects and assignments. Our school moved to a Google Classroom school and I think it has been a great shift! The students seem to be responding well to having one platform that all their teachers are using to most assignments and announcements. I am a member of our PLIP team and we have been working hard to prepare our staff for the 1:1 roll out and have planned already some professional development opportunities for them.

Lauren Busing

9/14/2015 02:41:45 pm

Whoops, a little behind, but as always we were off to a busy start here. Getting all the new teachers up-to-date on how we use technology to enhance instruction at Dolvin has taken up the majority of my coaching time. Some of these tasks include helping teachers create websites, to using digital tools during instruction. Another good portion of time has been devoted to helping teachers complete the necessary PD for our personalized learning roll out (hopefully) in October. We are getting near the finish line with that but still need to push through!

Pamela Sanford link

9/14/2015 05:16:11 pm

I feel as if it has taken longer than it should to get all my tech tools up and running this year. I'm using digital tools to track data this year, and it's going well, but there have been more than a few bumps in the road! I'm using OpenED for math assessments, study guides, and 3-5 question formatives on each standard. I added the app to my classroom ipads, but the students personal devices seem to be blocked. This is the third little bump in the road I've had with this tool, and I'm wondering if others have used it enough to know if I'm likely have other issues... If so, I'd love to hear from you!

Allison Kerley link

9/14/2015 05:32:17 pm

Shakerag Elementary is off to a great year! The biggest change is our new blended learning model for 4th and 5th grades. We have combined these two grade levels into 1 "Academy". All 10 teachers are working together to provide the best learning experience for our kids. Every day, students travel to three different Learning Studios: Mathematics and Advanced Technology, Literary and Linguistic Exploration, and Historical and Scientific Inquiry. Balanced Literacy connects all three Learning Studios. Check out our Academy Website for more info! www.ShakeragAcademy.weebly.com

We are also a Cohort 1 school on our Personalized Learning journey. It has been exciting to work on a new vision for our school and see it set into motion. We have developed several plans for Personalized Learning and are about to begin the device selection process.

I am excited to coach the teachers at my school with technology integration. In fact, I just sent out an email to my fellow teachers about The Global Math Task Twitter Challenge (http://gmttc.blogspot.com/) to connect our students globally with other math classes. I hope you all join in, too! I have also met with four teachers at my school (one in each grade k-3) to discuss how I can help them grow this year with the TIM as a guide.

I'm excited to be a part of all the amazing changes and growth at Shakerag this year!

Vera Woods

9/14/2015 05:56:23 pm

I am off to a great start being the lone VanGuardian at my school. However I am excited about bringing some other amazing people on board. I've introduced and trained our my Kindergarten team and ALL of the first grade team how to implement SeeSaw for student documentation. Seesaw is a WONDERFUL way to communicate with parents so that they can get a peek at what's happening in their child's classroom.
I am working closely with three other teachers using TIM and they are all at very different levels of learning. It's so cool to be able to mentor and learn all at the same time.

It's going to be a great year!

Christel Bonner link

9/14/2015 06:29:26 pm

Dare I say change is in the air? This year is starting off with many changes and with change comes growth. I'm already trying to strategically plan how to approach "the talk". No! Not the birds and the bees but the transformative technology talk. As GLC, I am charged with sharing lots of information with my team and introducing new initiatives at times so this talk of transformation causes me to pause at times. I'm excited though that the majority of my team has approached me concerning effectively using technology not as just a tool but as a way to charge and push our students' thinking. Fellow Vangaurdian, Carol Spear and I, led the initiative to help our teachers to build websites to share information with our stockholders. It was a success though we still have more work to do.

I look forward to leading by example. As a classroom teacher, sometimes, that is all that I can do. Hopefully, next month I will begin tech breaks, where teachers can stop in for tech chats once or twice a month. For now, I'm busy solidifying my mentees. I can't wait to go full stem ahead!

Amanda Rudolph

9/14/2015 06:43:57 pm

August was a whirlwind beginning of the year, as every year in teaching seems to be! Beginning my third year as an instructional technology coach, as well as in charge of updating, managing, and troubleshooting all 350ish iPads in our school. I spent a lot of time researching new apps and talking to grade levels about what apps need loaded and removed from their iPad carts, as well updated settings for better security from student searches, and regular updates, and many iPad repairs.

Amidst many, many days of iPad updating, I assisted teachers in setting up the technology in their classrooms, worked with some on their use of Office 365 and Outlook calendars, wifi troubleshooting, brainstormed about and co-planned some PBL and upcoming units that would be integrating technology, discussed BYOT with some teachers, as well as introduced a couple to Safari Montage, new BrainPOP features, etc., and assisted some in finding proper apps and websites to support their ESOL newcomers in 4th grade.
I also assisted admin in planning for SLO/STAR testing.

Lynn Early link

9/14/2015 06:50:07 pm

Starting a new job at a new school makes it difficult to put myself in a coaching situation. However, I am enjoying getting to know Amanda Rudolph and working with her and Miss Harrison as we put together a schedule to coach people who have shown an interest in being coached. My new position at Mimosa is as a tag teacher and I am finding it interesting to utilize e-school and the feature of doing advanced searches based on the selected demographics. I am wondering about the implications of this as respects personalize learning and customizing data to generate meaningful information.

Christa Heath link

9/14/2015 09:20:04 pm

I will continue to coach the same teachers at Holcomb Bridge who I worked with as part of Ed.S last year. I am working as our Digital Storyteller as part of our 1:1 grant with Digital Promise. I am been working with my student team along with introducing the new tools in One Note including Class Notebook and Staff Notebook

Anita Norton link

9/15/2015 07:04:57 am

August seems so long ago! New administration, mostly new staff, getting everyone set up. Presented "Media Matters" schoolwide at PLCs. Pushing Mackin and Safari in our Personalized Learning goals. Happy to see our Tech Coach - Ms. Bileau! Have recruited 3 "mentees" and have begun collaborating with them! Our STEM teacher and I are trying to implement a MakerSpace in the Media Center. Anyone have any great ideas? Oh, yes, and then there is Digital Citizenship Certification. We decided to certify the entire school by September 30th - I do love the Nearpod lessons. The kids are sooo engaged!

Jennifer Lee

9/15/2015 09:17:23 am

It will be an interesting year as I try to bring my department (Health & PE) on board with technology. It will be something new for them, especially in PE, but hopefully, they're willing to try.

Lizzie Fragale

9/15/2015 09:30:40 am

August was crazy at our elementary school. We were without an STS for the first 3 or so weeks of school so a few of us were handling all issues tech. This could vary from installing software to setting up computers to getting laptops into the hands of new teachers. Because of this, I didn't have time to REALLY be a tech instructional coach, but more of an attempt to solve tech issues. Looking forward to September with co-teaching, planning, and getting into the part of my (part-time) job I love most - giving our students unique opportunities that are made more enriching through the power of technology!

Anitra C. Morris

9/15/2015 10:15:03 am

We've had a very busy year so far. I've had the opportunity to meet with our new teachers to show them the tools/materials provided by the county and school. I will be working with the entire staff and students on becoming responsible digital citizens.

Anu Bhardwaj

9/18/2015 09:00:29 am

I am the only Vanguard member at my school. I spent the beginning trying to get more of my colleagues complete the application for becoming a Vanguard Member. I was only able to convince one:(
I have played with a few new tech tools which I plan to share in September.

Marisa Wesker

9/18/2015 10:41:09 am

I returned from maternity leave on 8/31 so I did not do any coaching in month of August...but making up for it in September :)

Tom Wickson link

9/20/2015 09:41:02 am

My plans to start off the year using the individual rotation model were delayed following a 3 day PBL training the week before preplanning. I have been working on letting students acquire content and practice with labs and activities somewhat at their rate for short periods. I am using quizzes as formative assessments where they have to reach 80% or better mastery or they must go through remediation and take a new quiz. The hardest part is giving fast feedback from data. As the semester goes on I plan on increasing the amount of time students spend with individual rotation.
I plan on meeting with my mentees this week to address their goals for the year and work on giving them some ideas and resources.
I am part of the personalized learning team for our school and we were able to provide our entire staff with a one day introduction to the various personalized learning models. There was some great discussion and less pessimism than I had expected. We really do have a great group of professionals in our building.

Shaka Gore link

9/20/2015 01:08:23 pm

A great coach is one that motivates and is truthful (in a nice way). Coaches are there to help a person become better at the task at hand in essence helping the person become better than them. A coach has to make sure what they are telling their mentee something that will help and something that is worth listening to. I can support teachers with integrating technology by showing them how it could make their life easier and their class more engaged. People tend to accept things when they see how it could help verse being something additional they would have to do. Going into the teacher class and showing them is sometimes more help than a class and inviting them to my class to see how the technology is an asset.

Artis

9/21/2015 12:36:34 am

When you purchase a car, it’s usually with the understanding that the vehicle will need required maintenance. The same type of thought process must be adopted when utilizing technology. To assume that someone else will always take responsibility you are unknowingly teaching your student some destructive habits. Understanding the tools you are working with disciplines you to use the more efficient and effectively and more importantly provide your students one of the best real-world troubleshooting experiences. Allow your students to exercise those muscles with any opportunities provided. In addition to the learning experiences, students will respect and learn powerful technology fundamental skills that could lead to their design. Teach a man to fish and will always eat well. Remembering that coaching is provided guidance with the objective of the learner becoming independent.

Kelly Parker

10/26/2015 11:22:45 am

This comparison really struck me. A maintenance schedule is so important. One also needs monitoring - and the gauges on the dash give us monitoring information we need to make adjustments. The vanguard leadership also helps us stay focused and refresh our technology talents by making sure we share and explore new tools.
I know teachers who appreciate the feedback from my monitoring - I do as well.

Joy Harrison

9/21/2015 04:22:48 pm

I am sorry this is so late, but as many can relate, August was crazy! I met with Ms. Rudolph and Ms. Early (2 other Vanguardians at my school) and we started to talk about the beginnings of coaching and we gauged interest to see which teachers in the school would be interested in collaborating with us. We scheduled meetings for September so that things could settle down. We're excited to see where this will go!

Matt Bosarge

9/24/2015 10:38:41 am

Hmm. Coaching is interesting topic--sometimes it ends up more like coaxing. I liked what someone said earlier about teaching someone something in the moment, or just before they need it. I've found that in the last few days or so, I listen in on what is being taught, and the outcomes the teachers expect. Then, I can connect that to some tech tool i've seen. I try to make a quick example lesson or product to show them in the moment, which plants a seed in their brains for the next class, or the next semester, so that they are more likely to try something new the next go around.

Tierra Reed

9/25/2015 01:19:14 pm

This month, I started my year off by creating a Yammer for Virtual PLC's for our school.The purpose of creating the space is model how to collaborate and share ideas on the go. Additionally, I held a pop up technology tidbit on creative ways to use google docs in the classroom.

Sandra Bennett link

9/25/2015 03:07:42 pm

August was a busy month at the “Bridge” (Haynes Bridge Middle School). We introduced our Personalized/ Blended Learning initiative that was planned out over the summer by several of us on the Personalized Learning Design Team. Teachers grouped themselves based on readiness to begin with Blended Learning using a station rotation format. I am excited to be part of the design team and in the first group for the roll out. My students began the first week of school with station activities in a blended learning environment. The students rotate between these stations: Independent Practice, Collaborative Learning, Online Learning and Direct Instruction. The students have been responding favorably and I am seeing many benefits to this way of teaching. Most noteworthy to me is that kids are moving and are highly engaged. I love the small group interactions in the direct instruction and am better able to assess their understanding and meet their individual needs. I’m excited about what’s in store for the rest of the year!

A. Rioux

9/27/2015 07:10:23 pm

For the month of August, I focused on the iPad Roll for AMMS. During this time I coached all 8th grade teachers and SWAT team. It was an amazing smooth because of all the training & coaching for all involved.

Kathleen Simon

9/28/2015 10:01:22 am

Well, my beginning of the year was so busy I'm doing this August Reflection when it is almost October. We have a new AP this year who is BIG into Office 365 so I think that will help everyone get on board when they see what she can do with it. Also, thrilled to be working with a Tech Specialist who is AMAZING and very teacher focused!! My goal this year is to become very comfortable with 365.

Beth Valentine

10/1/2015 07:50:53 am

The 2 most important qualities I heard in the video that pertain to my role as a technology "coach" is to be patient and instill confidence. As a METI, we provide the tools for them to work with (electronic books, equipment like document cameras, etc.). As a Vanguard coach, I listen to my teachers' goals and help them find resources to support their efforts to integrate technology into their lessons and activities with students. Being patient as teachers learn how to use new equipment and tech tools helps instill confidence in them because they take ownership as they learn it. Listening to their concerns and addressing them patiently encourages them to ask questions and have confidence in their new skills. I'm lucky to work with an enthusiastic and dedicated community of staff both teachers and others who work with us.

Chris Sinon

10/2/2015 11:22:21 pm

I ready for the new year. I have a unique opportunity as a district member of Vanguard to be able to coach persons at different schools around the district. I am happy to share my experiences with Edgenuity and how blended learning can look this year.

Daniel Hodge

10/3/2015 01:43:25 pm

I hope all is well. I was hired on this year as an Instructional Technology Support Teacher, but I have found that the position has evolved with the progress of our Group 1 status in the Fulton Co. Personalized Learning Cohort. As a coach, I find myself focusing less and less on the next "cool thing" I heard about on Twitter that someone might be able to use in their class. My focus has been more on facilitating the introduction of the 7 Principles of Personalized Learning through our enrichment block. The whole time I have been focusing on where does the technology support this transition.

I am learning more and more about connections as I work as a coach. I always knew the importance of them when working with children, but never realized just how much adults need them as well when approaching new concepts.

Tammy Felton link

10/3/2015 08:31:27 pm

Well I can say that August and September were two of my busiest months and they flew by before my very eyes. During these two months I have spent time helping others get started on their websites and use different technology tools to help facilitate their classes. One website that I helped a few new teachers use was Edmodo. They were definitely amazed at most things they could do with this website. I am also in the process of helping some of my mentees use Nearpod. I love using nearpod in my class and helping others to use it is one of my main goals. Also, at my school we are in the 1st cohort for personalized learning so I have spent some time helping others submit ideas on Sophia.org. I know that this will be an exciting year because as I am learning more I want to help others learn more as well!

Cathy Blodgett

10/5/2015 09:36:51 am

I am very excited to work with many new teachers that are "hungry" for technology and personalized learning in their classroom. They are willing to take on the challenge and commit the the success of the lesson. As a group, we are learning how to over come challenges when all does not go as expected. The new interactive projectors will really make things exciting :)

Betsy Skalet

10/5/2015 10:07:36 am

This year I am looking forward to helping our school with the implementation of 1:1 with all students getting devices. So far this year I have tried to answer "tech" questions for individuals in our building. If I don't have an answer for them I work hard on finding the answer. I love participating in the twitter chats to share and get ideas.

Pamela Sanford link

10/5/2015 05:35:26 pm

I gravitated toward the idea that a true coach gets the best that each player has to offer! I think we loose sight some times of those that are willing, but require additional support transition and grow. I plan to focus on being a coach to the four souls kind enough to join me in this endeavor, but also to be a resource to anyone that needs my help.
On a lighter note, today, I showed a teacher how to save files to a flash drive. It's strange, I know, but she was elated! It's a small step... tiny, and almost inconsequential, but while we worked through her issues I told her I was excited about a new green screen app , and explained our next big project in my class. And, she invited me to come back...

Koiabrion Lawrence

10/5/2015 08:36:42 pm

The 2015-2016 school year is a year of promises. I began the year by working with teachers to find innovative ways to utilize interactive whiteboards, besides using them simply as a tool to show videos. To help build confidence with using IWB's, I began with techniques like virtual manipulatives, interactive games, and use during workstations. As the year continues, I will increase the rigor in the use of the IWBs, by hoping to help teachers and students create products that show mastery of content. .

Nan Brown

10/5/2015 09:38:40 pm

Perhaps the best description for our start to 2015-16 at Webb Bridge is tsunami! In addition to preparation for personalized learning and 1:1 devices, we have two HUGE new seed fund initiatives (inquiry-based learning and extended advisory), so my teachers are frankly - and understandably - overwhelmed. Our WBMS Vanguard group sent out an all-call for Vanguard applicants and for those interested in working with us as mentees with zero and little response. I have two nibbles to work on as potential mentees still, but I also may have to work with a foursome PLC as Joanna is doing so no one is pushed over the edge of sanity, including me! (If someone tells you that governance council takes 3-4 hours a month, please know that is a serious underestimation!) IBL has huge potential for alignment with meaningful tech integration, and we have a great teacher leading this seed fund effort, but change is very incremental at times...

Holly Berg

10/6/2015 03:38:47 pm

The beginning of the school year (at both schools) was a rough start. Neither school had an STS in place, one school had been renovated, and nothing was working. Luckily, or not depending on your perspective, I was able to fill in. I will say that stepping back into the STS role was probably good for me and helped me gain perspective. Our teachers have become very dependent on technology (lapotps, ipads, projectors, computer labs) and it does create a sense of panic when things arent working. But it is critical that we try and maintain perspective and understand what is within our STSs control. And as Vanguards, it is very important that we ask, not demand, whine, pout, or bully to get things done. Vanguard is often pushing the limits of what our traditional school model looks like and with the recent changes to the STS position things take more time to get done. Dont ask "when will it be ready" but "what can I do to help you". This will go along way to getting what you want/need faster.

Tashika Gresham

10/8/2015 08:11:22 am

August began a new leaf in my school! I was so busy with a personalized learning initiative that I almost neglected to find a team! I started lonely due to the fact that ALL the other members were appointed to new technology positions! So I spent most of the month helping about 6 teachers with Vanguard applications and explaining the mission/vision of the group. All in all the month was super busy with meetings and one-on-one conferences with other teachers/staff members, encouraging them to effectively integrate technology.

Craig Gendreau

10/8/2015 08:37:39 am

This year seemed to have start off a lot crazier than in the past. I'm really excited about seeing the students shine with shift in education, and that I can be a part of it by helping my coworkers through collaboration, brain storming, and mentoring.

Kelly Williamson

10/9/2015 09:15:58 am

It has been a crazy start to the school year! We ended last year packing up one school - that was quickly torn down to be rebuilt for the 2016-2017 school year and started the new year in our temporary home at Hwy 9. Erin and I began reaching out to potential new Vanguard members, but with the stress of the new school year and unpacking in a new building our potential candidates while interested were unable to make the deadline for the fall application!.

Aysha Farooqi

10/11/2015 06:38:42 pm

Sorry, this is way too late. I took a new role at my school in addition to my teaching job which a part time personalized learning coach position. I am very excited to be in this role and working very closely with my METI Jessica Karp who is also a Vanguard member to help with the personalized learning implementation.

Jennifer Taylor

10/15/2015 09:56:31 pm

What a crazy start to the year. I can't believe how much time has gone on.
I have helped with the traditional setting up and I continue to do report card training.
I have been trying to show team members different ways to use existing technology that doesn't require major changes in their daily routines.

Amanda Smith

10/19/2015 02:52:28 pm

This is my first year to work in the Assessment Department at the start of the year. While coaching looks different at the district level, I am excited to see what this year holds in Vanguard!

Margarita Dragoumaniotis

10/23/2015 01:23:09 pm

Sorry for the late reflection. In August I was excited about being in a coaching position at my school. This gives me the push I need to explore new ways to meet my students needs while coaching my co-workers.

Mandy Bell link

10/25/2015 03:23:35 pm

I am excited about mentoring this year. I have identified my mentees and they seem eager too! Hopefully we can learn from each other. The mentees are 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th grade teachers, so it may be challenging as they will need different approaches based on their student's abilities. I will bereading alot of comments/reflections for tips!

Lynette Okeninca

10/25/2015 07:14:00 pm

One of the coaches said that you "have to have a feel of the game." To me, this means that you have to know what your students need are interested in and at what level they are able to learn their best. You also have to embrace ways to facilitate learning that is interesting to them. Technology can help with this task, as this is their age! This year, I am at a new school, and am continuing to learn my students as I focus on personalizing their learning. We are getting our devices as we move 1:1 within the next few weeks and I am so excited and hope that I can develop some awesome Inquiry Based activities for them in Physical Science. As far as coaching others myself, my students are my main team, and I look forward to working with the peers at my school as we move forward through the 1:1 plan.

Jenny Johnson

10/25/2015 09:41:54 pm

This year is very different for me! I have moved from an elementary to a middle school. While technology has been a part of my teaching tools over the years, this year is going to be very different. It was much easier to be a coach when I had already built relationships with people at my last school over 9 years. It is much more difficult to be someone's coach when they don't know anything about you. The key for me to becoming a technology coach this year is going to be for me to establish good relationships with my coworkers first.

Lori Jackson

10/26/2015 03:52:06 pm

Moving to a new school has meant being purposeful, patient, and positive. I must admit, it was Awkward AUGUST, which brought forth Studious SEPTEMBER; and now, Optimistic OCTOBER! Teachers and students are settling in mutual expectations of meeting their technological goals. Interests in being coached and mentored for great technology implementation with students has brought forth meaningful dialogue, goals, challenges, and a desire to grow and do! Here's to a great school year of new beginnings, new tools, and new ways of perfecting old creations; all with transformation of the Technology matrix of Excellence.

Kirsten VanWagner

10/26/2015 04:50:20 pm

Coming into the 2015-2016 school year with an open mind. I'm excited to use the green screen software, screen and lights that I was able to purchase with my $500 classroom grant via the Vanguard Team.

Kelsey Ferguson

10/27/2015 10:14:23 am

It has been a crazy start to the year! Although I am a little behind with this reflection, I cannot believe that I am writing this at the end of October. My year in coaching got off to a rocky start. Since this is the first time that I have experienced coaching, I had to work through some changes and adaptations as I started to work with teachers in my building. We had to build up trust, come to communication agreements, and I had to work out a schedule that worked for me. I have really enjoyed helping teachers in my building to use new tools in their instruction. As the STAR champion, I have also been working with new teachers to understand and use their data more effectively.

Tamara S. Creech link

11/1/2015 06:06:35 pm

Hi Kelsey! What is your role at the school. I am the METI so building trust was not an issue for me. Also our KSU instructional tech coach started this school year also, so she may have warmed them up for me.

Temaria Gray

10/30/2015 09:45:22 pm

This year in coaching has been interesting. I have been coaching and mentoring a KSU student getting a degree in Instructional Tech. Teachers have been working well with understanding how to effectively integrate technology. We will be working with a student team to train them on training other students. It will be a great year!

Tamara S. Creech link

11/1/2015 06:05:00 pm

Hi Tameria. We have several staff members in the IT program at KSU.

Tamara S. Creech link

11/1/2015 06:03:41 pm

My year of coaching got off to a slow start. I have 4 great teachers that I am coaching AND most importantly they are open to me coming in their room and suggesting tools to take their lessons to the next level. I am not in the classroom a lot so I love being able to check level of student response to technology or lack of in the classroom.

Kwanza Lippitt

11/2/2015 07:53:06 am

I am excited to start a new school year. I am an ELA coach so I hope my transition into technology coaching will be a smooth one.

Carol Spear

11/3/2015 09:37:02 pm

August was a major milestone for me. I was in a new role outside of the classroom, had 2 new administrators, and 70% of the staff were new to our school. Instead of beginning the coaching cycle, I had on a life vest and was frantically rowing with my team in the ocean of uncertainty. I spent the month of August building relationships, learning new processes and procedures, and gaining access to systems which now required me to have administrative rights. Identifying my mentees and beginning the coaching cycle would not begin to take place until late September.

Paul Chesher link

11/17/2015 02:48:16 pm

The year in coaching is going really well so far. I have found a couple teachers that are interested in Vanguard. I'm currently working with these teachers on how to utilize technology better in the classroom. We're currently using different coding apps as centers in the classroom and aligning them with our current math units.

Fawn Bell-Palmer

11/17/2015 03:27:05 pm

I am excited to become a member of the Vanguard Team! I can't wait to see all the great things this year will hold!

Kelsey Goldstein

11/17/2015 04:04:57 pm

I can't wait to co-teach this year and work with some amazing teachers on other grade levels as we prepare for rolling out our personalized learning plan this is a great way to help them really get involved with technology and different uses in the classroom!

N'jemele Bush

11/17/2015 11:33:06 pm

Hello? Is this thing on? I am so excited to be the Vanguard team once again this school. This year, my school has a new principal, which means new ideas and a new attitude. She also seems to be very instrumental in backing ideas from our school's team as it related to tech coaching and personalized learning. I have also a few new responsibilities this year, too. So am I excited? You bet I am. I have enjoyed learning at the GaETC conference as well as meeting with other fellow Vanguardians from all over Fulton County. Also at LHHS, we have proposed PDs and drop in session to help all faculty and staff. So we are moving forward on our journey and very motivated and inspired.

Nate Golla

11/18/2015 07:25:25 am

Right on time here.....

This year has been a great step forward in the transformation process of Northwood Elementary. Teachers are finally starting to embrace a change in pedagogy and curriculum (for the most part), and I see big things on the horizon. Our school leaders have been instrumental in encouraging our staff to buy into the personalization process.

Tanisha Lewis

11/18/2015 07:36:43 am

Although this is a late post, I remember starting the year off with a list of fresh new ideas I gathered over the summer. I quickly met with my team before we got back in the building and shared some ideas about integrating the IPAD with stem projects. We created a timeline to use them at least once a week incorporating a new app. We also prepared time to use the green screen and using technology with each class.

Nayeede Bailey

11/18/2015 03:32:42 pm

I am super excited to be apart of the Vanguard team! I can't wait to see how much I grow as a teacher and coach!

Lee Ann Senne link

11/19/2015 07:42:04 am

I am ready to start another year of coaching and hope to implement some of the great ideas presented at ISTE this year. With my new role as Stem Lab coordinator I have a little more flexible schedule. I am finding when my schedule allows pushing in and modeling the lesson with them gives them the confidence to try it on their own. Recently we have been modeling Safari Montage and getting some folks excited about using this program.

Dr. Jamnique Kengwa

11/20/2015 10:09:29 am

I have a new position this year!!!! I'm so excite. I'm the Professional Development Coordinator. This is a new position and I'm all over the place. LOL. I've geared up by sending out a personalized needs assessment in order to find out what teachers what and need. It's going to be an awesome year.

Corey Wellmaker link

11/20/2015 03:48:42 pm

Yep so I'm way behind, but that doesn't mean I've been doing a lot of coaching! I've been working with an AP Biology college to set up a Google Drive account for himself and his students. He's the first to admit that he isn't the most technology savvy individual, so I have been spending a lot of time helping him organize his website, utilize the cloud for information sharing, and showing him how to use various technology tools (Promethean, Epson DS-510, ExamView).

Cindy Goodwin

11/20/2015 08:57:31 pm

We are busy at River Eves Elementary. We are excited about what this year holds especially with personalized learning.

Lynn LeBreton

11/21/2015 09:15:06 am

I was involved in the Reimagine FCS meeting with Samir Bolar from Mastery Design Collaborative in June. It was a really inspiring meeting as we looked at some leading-edge schools efforts to personalize learning. Some were clean-sheet schools/designs so not that applicable to an existing school, but others were transitions/transformations of existing schools and therefore more pertinent. We also started the process of creating a school-wide Strategic Plan for Personalized Learning, but much more to do to create a realistic plan and start to roll it out to Ridgeview.

Christian Padgett

11/23/2015 06:18:24 pm

To begin this year, I think I was excited. This year my role became Instructional Technology Co-Teacher/Coach. I think the thing that made this year great is that I am working with everyone so trying to identify four people for Vanguard would not be that difficult. However, that is became the difficult part of this year. I am working with everybody thus, having to attend to 40 adult needs plus those of the children. One thing I can say I have learned is that while I maybe an instructional tech coach, I serve as an instructional coach because the pedagogy supersedes the tech.

Stacey Story

11/24/2015 12:27:35 am

I am starting this school year at a new school. Since I am new to the building, I don't know anyone. My principal has suggested that I coach members on my grade level. This will give me an opportunity to get to know my co workers in addition to being able to share my expertise wth them. In addition, I have learned that I am the only Vanguard member at Campbell. I hope that I am able to encourage others to apply to become a member of the Vanguard Team.

Jeff Burch

11/29/2015 08:41:19 pm

August was a busy month but an exciting one. We had a great professional learning day at Centennial where we collaborated with iSchool and Alpharetta HS. The day was kicked off with a Travis, the founder of iSchool and then we had 4 sessions for professional learning with a menu of 17 different options for teachers to choose from. There was a lot of energy and a really positive atmosphere from teachers and presenters. It was a great way to kick of the school year as both schools prepare for Personalized Learning in Cohort 1.

Lory Cox

11/30/2015 12:07:45 pm

Thinking back to August and the beginning of the school year, I remember being overwhelmed learning the new textbook software (tipweb "left;" Destiny textbook manager "arrived." I also was eager to try a new way of conducting the Media Center Orientation.

Pegeen Byrd

11/30/2015 08:59:37 pm

August and we have returned to school. Unfortunately, we are still trying to deal with the fact that our current administration both left us in the 3rd week in July. This is disconcerting and unsettling news and has had a decided impact on our school climate. The immediate concerns are finding new administrators, establishing the new schedule and the fact that our numbers are down which will impact teaching positions. Our tech specialist has decided to create a new check out and distribution system for our circulating technology – iPads - so no one has access to classroom iPads at this time. I have taken the time to re-establish the idea of doing observations with the three teachers that I talked to last year. However, there is no tech for them to use at this time and they are less willing or rather, view it as less of a priority in our current situation. Last year, teachers were told that media would be a 5th special this year. During the summer, I met with the AP several times to try and help her with planning. We found no way to work this out without cutting class times and in view of the fact that the other special areas all have more than one teacher and there is only one of me. This left us without an answer there so I am working with our now full time STEM teacher to put together a schedule to help out our CST soon to be new AP with this problem. The new AP is satisfied with our ideas and we will move forward with that. I start seeing classes the 2nd week of school. Fortunately for me, as part of our media remodel, we have a class set of iPads and I will be using them daily.

Kate Arthur

12/1/2015 04:07:14 am

My year in coaching has started with a lot of personal reflection. As I approach working with my colleagues in this role, I strive to remain as open minded as I hope the people I’m coaching will be. All of my colleagues are in different places in regard to technology integration, but all of my colleagues are stellar teachers with or without these tools. As much as I enjoy sharing the ways I integrate technology into my classroom with my peers, I need to work on looking for the potential to use technology to support what my colleagues are already doing in their classrooms. Coaching is a very rewarding position. By listening and supporting others, I learn more about what works best for a variety of situations and students. The next steps are to find ways to support these ideas consistently.

Becca

12/1/2015 09:30:42 am

I am fillling this in a bit late, but my year began in a rough spot. There were not many teachers who wanted to volunteer to be coached. I had to send multiple emails out, some of which I copied Hoke on, and at last I had a volunteer. I was excited to be able to work with this person, as I believe she already has a great foundation in technology and she really will try all of the new things she learns and that we discuss.

Katie Pardee

12/1/2015 11:36:53 am

The school year has started off with a bang. There are a lot of changes this year as we focus on three new initiatives which include Inquiry Based Learning, a new advisory program and Personalized Learning. We are a 1:1 rollout school this year and so we have been meeting as a tech committee to prepare for this event. I am also connecting with potential interested mentees who are wanting to incorporate technology more into their lessons.

Tatum Roberts link

12/1/2015 12:17:22 pm

The school year is flying by! I'm at Liberty Point Elementary where I serve as an Instructional Technology Teacher. It's been really exciting to watch the students progress with technology integration. This role, has also extended my thinking. I have many opportunities to collaborate with teachers. I also value working with the school's KSU coach, Andrea J. I'm looking forward more fun next Semester!

Ann Marie Girard

12/1/2015 03:03:39 pm

This year I teaching in both "a brick and mortar" school but also teaching virtually with Fulton Virtual and it is amazing!
It is fun using Edgenuity as a LMS as well as Genuis for communication logs.

Virtually speaking, I have 27 new French students who are learning at their own pace... This is great and also scary to experience ...
I am looking forward to tweaking the content for next year's virtual Frenchies to help those students who need some extra TLC.

Patti Lee

12/1/2015 08:57:29 pm

I'm really excited about the new opportunities for coaching at Creekside HS this year! This is my first full year as Department Chair for the social studies department as well as AVID Site Team Coordinator. While these new roles have added a lot of new responsibilities, they have also allowed for new opportunities for coaching. We have 40+ new faculty/staff in the building this year, which includes so many enthusiastic educators. Just in the social studies department, I have 5 new teachers with various experience levels in education, much less instructional technology, but they are so excited about trying new things! I've been feeding off their energy ever since NTO!

Beth Miller

12/1/2015 08:59:39 pm

My goals for this year is to get the 1-1 program up and going at Crabapple MS. This includes managing the project aspect of the rollout and helping coach the entire staff in digital resources. As a METI I really coach the entire staff and help in various aspects of the iPads including Digital Citizenship.

Jennifer Beard

12/7/2015 12:41:00 pm

This year will be a wonderful challenge. As a member of the Assistive Technology team in FCS, one of my goals is to identify accessibility features available in each of the devices in the marketplace. What exciting times!

August Reflections

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