There are so many great resources for teachers. The problem is trying to read all of them for the best ideas. We are making it easy for you with this list of the 11 classroom hacks that can help you reach kids, organize the classroom and make your life at school easier.
Discourage test cheating by putting version numbers on each question sheet and tell students to write the version they have on their answer sheet (hint, although there are version numbers, they are all the same – but nobody has to know that but you)
Pre-empt excuses for missing homework by holding a “best excuse writing” lesson (then you’ll be able to say, “I already heard that one”)
Employ a “Too Noisy” app that shows a colorful graph with a digital noise meter to alert you and your students when the class has exceeded acceptable noise levels
We know we’ve barely scratched the surface of great classroom/teacher ideas and we’d love to hear about some that you use.
Here are two more resources from California Casualty that can help educators:
Let us help make setting up your classroom a little easier on your wallet with a $2,500 Academic Award at www.calcasacademicaward.com.
If you hate going into the run-down teacher’s lounge at your school, make sure to enter our $7,500 School Lounge Makeover® contest at www.schoolloungemakeover.com.
The face of education is changing with the rapid acceleration of smartphones, learning pads and computers into schools. While new electronic learning options open exciting opportunities for engagement and creative possibilities, there is a raging debate about its effectiveness. Many are also warning about some negative implications.
Edutopia contributors have been writing about technology integration for years. Their website has a dedicated section about the adoption of technology in the classroom and how it is changing learning. But judging by the point and counterpoint, there’s much more still to be decided. Here are some of the pros and cons to merging electronics into the classroom.
Pros
Multiple studies show advanced learning systems can enhance student engagement and motivation. A Stanford Center for Opportunity Policy in Education study found when implemented properly, the use of tablets and computers has produced significant gains in student achievement while boosting engagement. One of the paper’s conclusions is that while all students benefit from technology, the greatest impact was on those most at-risk.
Using computers and tablets in class has shown to improve student cooperation and collaboration. It has also created a new approach to class time called, “blended learning” – combining digital content with face-to-face discussions and activities. An NEA Today article discussed the pros and cons of allowing bring your own device policies being introduced in many school districts to aid the “flipped” classroom strategy.
Other noted advantages of technology in the classroom are:
Easier communication with parents and students
Faster turn-around on papers and grading
Quicker access to information
Addition of learning games and other activities for students
Introducing students to careers and technology based applications for the future
Integrating the apps and devices children are already using into learning and research opportunities
Many experts say there is no going back on advancing technology, and many educators are convinced it has opened new doors for teaching and engagement.
Cons
The other side of the debate warns that unbridled use of technology in the classroom can dumb-down student learning, waste taxpayer dollars, and leave some teachers and students lost in a maze of technological difficulties leading to lack of adaptation.
First, there’s the expense. Many school districts have jumped headfirst in the technology pool without thinking about the effects. A classic example is Los Angeles Unified School District’s $100 million dollar iPad fiasco. The deal was scrapped after issues surfaced with late delivery, incomplete software and teacher complaints about inadequate time and support to integrate the systems. Some experts warn that many school districts and administrators are allocating money for technology because they believe they have to, not necessarily because they need it. Also, many districts don’t factor in the cost of updates and how quickly new technology becomes outdated.
Another problem was highlighted in an article by technology writer Benjamin Herold, which found students using digital readers retained less information. They were more likely to skim the texts and were more distracted by links and other digital extras than students who read from a book or magazine. Herold advises that there needs to be a better understanding of comprehension issues before e-readers are mainstreamed in the classroom.
Other authors have raised concerns about cyberbullying and students who may seem savvy, but are actually not as adept they appear to be in using their devices for deeper learning and research applications.
And in a recent study, educator Katie Davis and Harvard professor Howard Gardner found the reliance on apps by today’s youth may be harming creativity and could inhibit reflective thinking, which they say affects the ability to build empathy and understanding of others.
Other problems with technology:
Wasted time with connectivity and downloading or buffering issues (insufficient band-width)
Teachers and students frustrated by inadequate technology support
Lack of training and understanding of how to integrate technology into lesson plans and learning
Incompatibility with existing systems
Not enough computers, laptops or tablets for all students
Unreal expectations that technology will improve student performance
So, what is the solution? A recent summit of top educators (including 2014 National Teacher of the Year Sean McComb), ed-tech advocates and policy makers developed six key points to help make integration of technology in the classroom more successful:
Allocate more time for professional development with technology
Reimagine the ecosystem and the offerings for professional development
Move from 20th– to 21st– century training
Change the school culture to encourage trust and experimentation
Redefine leadership, recognizing teachers and students may have more technological expertise
Create meaningful mentorship opportunities
While it appears nobody can stop the advance of new learning systems, many are urging decision makers, administrators and teachers to take a long look at what e-readers, laptops and tablets can do and to understand the implications of improper implementation.
And whether it’s for tablets, electronic learning games, or new books and pencils, California Casualty is ready to help with the $2,500 Academic Award. The funds can be used for any classroom supplies and materials that will benefit students. The information and application can be found at www.calcasacademicaward.com.
My name is Donn Harrison and I have been a member of California Causality for years. I have also taught school for over 25 years. This past May I was awarded Top Teacher on the Live with Kelly and Michael Show. I was asked by California Casualty to write a few articles to teachers and members of the California Casualty family. While this article is directed to educators it certainly applies to all careers.
As the beginning of the school year washes over us like a cold shower on an August morning, hopefully you have established a routine. You know your students by name, and you’ve interacted with some kids so many times that you say them in your sleep. Here are several “keeps” I use as I go through the year that help me to be a better educator, parent and spouse. Hopefully some of these may help you not only survive the year but thrive!
Keep Ahead
There are so many expectations on teachers today. You are a shoe tying, data collecting, problem solving, group leading, question asking educator. All these expectations are heaped upon you and you have to keep ahead. There are several ways to do this. When your principal announces that all teachers have to turn in something, get a jump on it. Try to at least knock it out that day. Getting a jump on it will give you time later.
Keeping ahead may even happen at home. I get all of my clothes ready for the week and put them on hangers on Sunday night. There is nothing better than grabbing an already ironed outfit on in the morning. This is a great way to keep ahead and avoid a hectic morning!
Keep Grounded
No matter how crazy my day is I save time for a hobby. I love to bike. So every day I save at least 45 minutes to get out and get some fresh air. It centers me and relaxes me. You may crochet, read, jog, walk or jam out in the car on the way home, but take time and make this a priority in your daily routine.
Keep your priorities
You can’t get everything done in a day. You have to see a task coming at you and be able to say, “this can wait.” You need to find out when someone expects it and get ahead if you can. Some things you will miss and forget to do. That happens. Apologize and move on. As a firefighter I am able to prioritize pretty well. On a fire scene, I know that gas and electricity needs to be turned off when we arrive at a structure fire. The same goes at school. The scraped knee at recess needs a band aid before the zipper on the coat needs fixed. See tasks coming at you and prioritize them.
Keep an open mind
Education changes year to year. Changes can drown you and make you seem like an antique when you fight them. Keep an open mind and embrace change and spin it with your own unique teaching style. In my career, I have seen policies from not leaving children behind, to racing to them to the top to making their core common. Each time I tried to embrace the change and spin it in a positive way and make it my own unique system.
I hope you have a great year and some of these tips help you make teaching fun for you and your kids!
You got the job, you have the room prepared and you think you are ready for that first day in the classroom. But as the day arrives you are more nervous than you thought. Here are some tips you can take into the classroom from those who have been there before you:
Look over your room one more time to make sure there is nothing to distract the students
Create good traffic patterns
Prepare for every silly question possible
Have a lesson plan but be ready to deviate when teachable moments present themselves
Have clear rules and expectations
Don’t worry if the students don’t like you; teaching is not a popularity contest
Build relationships with the other staff, administrators and the janitors (you will need their help)
Use a normal, natural voice
Stash a spare set of clothes for emergencies (ink gets spilled on you or someone becomes sick)
Realize you’ll arrive early and stay late
It’s important for new teachers to be prepared and build a strong support network; research shows that up to 40 to 50 percent of new instructors leave the profession within the first five years.
California Casualty understands educating our children is a tough job. That’s why we created the $2,500 Academic Award to help educators purchase the classroom supplies and materials they need. Give your wallet a break and visit www.calcasacademicaward.com for more information.
And, the NEA® Auto & Home Insurance Program from California Casualty provides educators quality insurance with benefits not available to the general public:
$500 personal property coverage for items stolen, damaged or destroyed in your vehicle
Reduced or zero deductible for vandalism or damage to your vehicle when it is parked at work
Rates guaranteed for a full year (not six months)
Free identity theft protection with each policy
Multiple payment options including EZ Pay and holiday or summer skips
New educators can explore the possible savings and benefits by calling a California Casualty advisor today, 1.800.800.9410 or by visiting www.calcas.com/NEA.
For many teachers, the beginning of the school year is both exciting and overwhelming. In the final few weeks of summer, their minds are racing with thoughts of lesson plans, class rosters, assessments, Back-To-School Night, and classroom set up. Before you dive into your classroom theme or your new reading corner, consider the following items as you prepare the upcoming school year:
1. Tackle Your Personal “To Do” List
Seemingly small tasks can become a burden during the hectic school year. Do yourself, and your family, a favor by taking care of these things before you head back to school. Get household affairs in order: make doctor/vet appointments for all members of the family, finish incomplete summer projects, and tackle any needed car or home maintenance. It would also be a good time to evaluate your personal finances – including your auto and home insurance. Check out the “Get a Quote” box to the right. You might be able to save some serious money!
Fewer items on your personal/family “To Do” list means more time to grade papers and plan lessons, right?
2. Plan Ahead for Professional Development
Once the school year has started, it may be difficult to switch from thinking about lesson plans, to thinking about your professional development. Many districts lack the funds to provide quality professional development opportunities to teachers. If this is true for you, check out the continuing education courses at your local university. Before the school year begins, enroll in coursework that will benefit you in your professional development. Some school districts may even have a tuition reimbursement program.
3. Re-establish Routines
Make it a point to re-introduce daily routines before the school year begins. Many of us get used to a more relaxed routine during the summer months: bedtimes are later, mornings are less hurried, and brains take a break.
A week or two before school begins, introduce your usual routine. You can start slowly, or all at once. Create (and stick to) bedtimes, set morning alarm clocks, practice bathroom routines, and eat a healthy breakfast. Don’t forget to incorporate some reading time into that routine! Having a routine in place before heading back to school, for both teachers and students, helps ease the transition from summer to the school year.
4. Take a Moment for Yourself
Take a day, a half-day, or even just an hour, before you head back to school for some “me” time. Lounge by the pool, give yourself a pedicure, get a haircut, watch a movie, or even have a spa day. Whatever your choice of leisure activity, squeeze in some time for yourself before diving into the new school year.
Cheers to a great new school year!
Erin Randolph has taught elementary school in Louisburg, Kansas for eight years. She lives in Olathe, KS with her husband, a three-year-old son, and a two-year-old daughter (and a seven-year-old border collie).
Pictured here from left to right are: Susan Frantz (Group Marketing Team Manager, California Casualty), Tom Torlakson (CA Superintendent), Beau Brown (CEO, California Casualty) and Lisa Almeida (Assistant Vice President Group Marketing, California Casualty)
The Association of California School Administrators and California Casualty are mutually committed to serving members who lead great schools. California Casualty is proud to stand with ACSA for more than 30 years as it supports the administrators who encourage and steer their staff to attain new heights in an ever changing education environment. ACSA lends support to its members through professional development, sharing of great ideas and innovation and with benefits of membership.
As the Presenting Sponsor of the California Department of Education’s School Recognition Program, California Casualty has recommitted to ACSA’s goal of supporting California’s educators and administrators, helping make possible events that honored the 2015 Teachers of the Year, Classified School Employees of the Year, and the 373 secondary schools named 2015 Gold Ribbon Schools.
California Casualty CEO Beau Brown remarked what a privilege it was to play a key role in acknowledging the achievements and successes of California educators and their schools. “Our partnership with the California Department of Education is a testament of how schools, businesses and communities can come together to promote the remarkable successes of those developing the minds of our future generations.”
ACSA and California Casualty salute the great work of administrators across the Golden State and the schools they lead. Together, our organizations are able to do more for the ACSA members we serve. A California Casualty representative would welcome the opportunity to explain the many benefits that come with ACSA membership. If you would like more information, contact Roxanne Dean, 1.800.964.3903 ext. 5923 or rdean@calcas.com.
