wk4 response – @ Jacqueline Jones

This is Jacqueline Jones' reading blog post about the last four chapters of "The Art of Possibility".







This is my response to her blog post:

Dear Jacqueline,

I really like how you ended your reflection "the most important message is to get self out the way. Be open to the passion and talents of others and be prepared to be amazed with the possibilities".
I think your statement is so true for it is when we let go of ourselves that we can see all the positives our colleagues and teammates bring to the table. Just like you, I've challenged myself to encourage others (my husband, my students, my colleagues) and see how their potential and passion unfolds just by opening up a world of possibilities to them.
Thank you for sharing such an insightful response.

wk4 response – @ Gregg Eilers

This is Gregg Eilers' reading blog post to "The Art of Possibility" during week 4.





This is my response to his blog post:

Dear Gregg,

I could not agree with more with you in how this book has challenged me to rethink the way I do things at home and work. I really like Zander's image of us being the board because then that gives us control of situations we would otherwise consider hopeless.

Last night I was watching "Waiting for Superman" and it brought to my mind the analogy of the board, we as teachers can make the difference in our classrooms. We are the ones who have the power to modify the circumstances so that all of our students can learn. Sometimes, we get caught in the downward spiral because it is easier to put the blame on the students, their parents, our administration, our lack of resources, etc. But, if we take seriously the work of Zander & Zander, we will start acting as agents of change and make the necessary changes in our classroom to open up a world of possibility to our students. I think this reading could not have come at a better time.

wk4 - Publishing_Leadership Project

This was the problem that led to my Action Research:



Thus, my presentation is about how I developed video lessons that students could access online 24/7. For my first cycle, I created a website with class blogs on iWeb. I used Viddler as my video hosting site and while the feedback on the video tutorials and lessons indicated that they were effective, the whole interface of my online presence called for more user-friendliness. So, for my second cycle, I decided to use an LMS instead of a website. I also switched from Viddler to YouTube. For my LMS I used Blackboard since our school had purchased its license recently and we had been encouraged to try it out. The main issues my students faced were addressed during the second cycle. The LMS has become a great tool not just for my students but also for me in helping me organize and build a video library that I have been able to share with my colleagues.

These are the links to my two "Thinking Out Loud" blog posts:

1. Week 3: Thinking Out Loud

2. Week 4: Thinking Out Loud

This is the link to my presentation (including speaker's notes):

Taylor-Roman_Leadership_Project_Presentation

wk4 Thinking Out Loud

I received an e-mail last Sunday inviting me to the TFLTA Annual Regional Workshop. I think this was perfect timing. I asked Dr. Bustillos if he considered this a good opportunity to present and after he consulted with Dr. Berdard, this was his reply:

"YES!" So, go forth and conquer! jbb.

I am so thrilled to say the least. I filled in their proposal form right away and sent it as an e-mail attachment around 6:00 p.m. today. Since, I'm not a member of TFLTA, I also had to send it as a hard copy which I printed and mailed (about 5 hours ago). To my surprise, at 9:30 p.m. ET I received a reply from the event organizer:

Silvia,
How delightful of you to send us your session proposal. I am sending it on to the Spanish session facilitators for their consideration and have added you to the list of Spanish teachers for the Workshop as well.
Please spread the word to your Oak Ridge world language colleagues RE: the Workshop! It should be an exciting day for everyone.
Welcome to TFLTA, BTW! I'll look for your letter in the mail this week!


I'm so excited that things are taking shape and I look forward to hearing from them. Cross your fingers for me!