Typically when I write a post, I begin my thinking about how something that is currently on my mind in education relates to a specific arcade or video game. If you are a fan of those posts, don't fret because there will be many more, but I want to switch gears for this post. I am changing my character if you will. Think less Master chief, take charge kind of person, and more of a Cortana, the AI who sees all and guides progress. I don't know if I have mentioned before, but I work in four pretty amazing buildings. One of the best parts about my new position teaching the gifted program this year is that I get to be in 4 out the 5 buildings in my school district! I have the opportunity to witness the amazing things that teachers are doing on a much wider scale then most of the people who work in Excelsior Springs. So, because of the AI, see all, nature of my job locations, I want to share some of the amazing progress I have witness so far this year, and in the true spirit of an AI like Cortana (Halo video game franchise btw) hopefully guide some readers to these amazing educators as well! The pictures you see above are from the Middle school in Excelsior Springs. Now, when I first took this new position I knew it would mean teaching at the Middle school two days a week. I had only ever been at the elementary school level, so that was extremely intimidating for me. If I am speaking in game references, we are talking World 8 Super Mario sketchy! You guys I am so happy I have had the chance to experience this new building so far! We all know that middle school age kiddos are tough. They are the most emotional and complex characters of the game, but I have come to realize how surprisingly pleasant they are. The culture that the teachers and student leaders are working to build at our middle school is truly inspirational. The teachers are willing to try new instructional techniques and dabble with technology. They have welcomed me as a new teacher into the mix, and I am so thankful for their open arms. If your current school doesn't believe that culture matters, they are mistaken! I encourage everyone to follow #ESMSbestyearever on twitter as it blows up daily with the amazing things happening in this building. Students and teachers are leveling up and gaining valuable XP daily to make a lasting mark on each other. I was familiar with working in an Elementary school, and spend most of my time at Lewis Elementary where I have worked for the past 4 years. I didn't anticipate feeling much change when it came to my 3 elementary days. I was wrong! It was a whole new world. Being removed from the regular ed classroom as truly made me appreciate how amazing those teachers are! With the overwhelming amount of assessments, underwhelming amount of time, piles of standards, grades and behaviors; it is amazing teachers even exist anymore. Teacher are amazing people! I am talking the highest level character in the game. Despite seeing these struggles I have been able to witness teachers pushing to gain XP and level up daily at the elementary level. It blows my mind that through each challenge, they continue to complete levels and progress threw this game we call a school year. They do it because they care. That really is all there is to it. They love to teach, they want to help kids. It isn't a complicated plot line. It is the simplest side scrolling game around. Teachers want to help kids and in Excelsior Springs we truly have the high level gamers around!
Instead of cheat codes this post, I want to suggest some amazing Excelsior Springs educators to follow on twitter! @valstaponski @MS_ESSD40 @AllenDanielle91 @DebbieGatrel @MrsDuddyESMS @Kbiebighauser @96lsteffens @teacherharris @jennlyn_h
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AuthorGreetings Readers! My name is Taylor Arehart and I am a 6th year Educator in Excelsior Springs, MO. I have taught 3rd, 4th and gifted and talented, but now I am beginning a new adventure as an Instructional Coach. I have a huge passion for transforming education and giving students the 21st century skills they need to rock the world. I am writing about my journey of leveling up! Leveling up means to constantly look for ways to improve in teaching, learning and living. This means in the classroom with my students as well as in other areas of my life. I hope you enjoy reading about my journey (and my students' journeys) to reach our highest levels and rattle the stars! Archives
October 2017
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