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Connie Hamilton has served many roles in over two decades as an educator. She has been an elementary and middle school teacher and instructional coach. As an administrator, Connie held positions as a principal at both the elementary and secondary levels and a central office curriculum leader. Her experience in these positions fueled a passion for supporting high quality instruction. Dr. Joseph Jones is the Superintendent of Schools in the New Castle County Vocational-Technical School District. Joe is a former high school teacher, assistant principal and principal. As principal, he was named the Delaware Secondary Principal of the Year and during his tenure, Delcastle Technical High School was the first high school to receive the state's Outstanding Academic Achievement Award. Joe received his doctorate from the University of Delaware in educational leadership. He is also an adjunct professor for various universities. Dr. T.J. Vari is the Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Schools and District Operations in the Appoquinimink School District. T.J. is a former middle school assistant principal and principal and former high school English teacher. His master's degree is in School Leadership and his doctorate is in Innovation and Leadership. He holds several honors and distinctions, including his past appointment as President of the Delaware Association for School Administrators and the Paul Carlson Administrator of the Year Award. He teaches educational leadership courses at the masters and doctoral level. Together, Joe and T.J. present nationally on topics of school leadership, and they co-founded TheSchoolHouse302, which is a leadership development institute specializing in leadership coaching for new and experienced school leaders. They have written five books together, co-authoring several of those with their friends, Principal EL and Connie Hamilton. Show Highlights 7 mindset shifts designed around accepting whatever happens with model solutions to implement. The “Octopus Approach” will get in the right mindset so the crisis doesn't crush you, but rather catapult you. Technical tips with practical solutions and strategies to avoid professional development that doesn't land. Get into the dirty details of how to solve your biggest obstacles with a model shaped around your immediate needs. Creative ways to rethink, embrace and implement new scheduling, teacher retention and technology that works specifically for your school. The questions you need to ask to identify somebody willing to be a part of your learning culture and join your system. Systems outside of education that will transform your schools from the inside out. “Remember is that nothing really comes easily and it may take some effort, but solutions are out there. We have plenty of resources available to help us to achieve some goals and we have plenty of evidence that we can do things that we never thought were possible before.” -Connie Hamilton Get the episode transcript here!! Show's Resources & Contact Info: Author of : Hacking Questions, Hacking Homework, Strained and Drained, and 7 Mindshifts for School Leaders website Connie Hamilton, Blog | Podcast Facebook Linkedin/connie-hamilton Twitter: Conniehamilton, Joe & T.J. Subscribe to Our Newsletter Read my latest book! Learn why the ABCs of powerful professional development™ work – Grow your skills by integrating more Authenticity, Belonging, and Challenge into your life and leadership. Read Mastermind: Unlocking Talent Within Every School Leader today! Apply to the Mastermind The mastermind is changing the landscape of professional development for school leaders. 100% of our members agree that the mastermind is the #1 way they grow their leadership skills. Apply to the mastermind today! SHOW SPONSORS: HARVARD GRADUATE SCHOOL OF EDUCATION Transform how you lead to become a resilient and empowered change agent with Harvard's online Certificate in School Management and Leadership. Grow your professional network with a global cohort of fellow school leaders as you collaborate in case studies bridging the fields of education and business. Apply today at http://hgse.me/leader. TEACHFX Last year, teachers using TeachFX increased their student talk by an average of 40%. TeachFX uses AI to help teachers see the power of high-leverage teaching practices in their own classroom-level data. It's like having a personal instructional coach...on your phone, tablet, or laptop. Start your free pilot at teachfx.com/betterleaders. ORGANIZED BINDER Why do students struggle? I'd argue that they lack access to quality instruction, but think about it. That's totally out of their control. What if there was something we could teach kids there was something within their control that would help them be successful in every class? It's not a magic pill or a figment of your imagination. When students internalize Executive Functioning Skills they succeed. Check out the new self-paced online course brought to you by OB that shows teachers how to equip their students with executive functioning skills. Learn more at organizedbinder.com/go Copyright © 2023 Twelve Practices LLC
We talk with Starr Sackstein, arguably the world's leading authority on the no-grades classroom. She is a longtime teacher and author of six education books, including the bestselling Hacking Assessment and Hacking Homework. It's a conversation you don't want to miss!
Today, I'm continuing a hot topic in education right now -homework. My guests in this episode are incredible educators Starr Sackstein and Connie Hamilton who co-authored the excellent book, Hacking Homework. We have a great conversation that explores homework issues including giving practical ideas for how to do it right, if you have to do it all. And we also have a lot of fun! When I asked parents and teachers on Twitter, “How do you feel about homework?” I received almost 500 answers, along with a healthy discussion. And while people had a variety of passionate opinions, most were respectful of each other. In addition to a lively Twitter discussion, one teacher, Alex Giorgianni, reached out to me with an amazing assignment he's and his colleagues, Mike Rinyu and Maryann Hilton gave their sophomore World History/English 2 and Junior US History/English 3 classes when they were studying propaganda in the US. It was called “The War on Homework” – you can find the assignment on their episode page on the Overthrowing Education website. Also, you can see the incredible results of Flagler Palm Coast HS students here. I want to give special thanks to my guests Connie Hamilton and Starr Sackstein, my fauxmercial helpers Yossie and Tuvia Frankel, and Alex Giorgianni and the students of Flagler Palm Coast HS for sharing their work with us. Links and Resources For Connie: Twitter: @conniehamilton website: conniehamilton.org For Starr: Chief Operating Officer at Mastery Portfolio Chat with Starr: sign up for a time Starr's TEDx Talk A Recovering Perfectionist's Journey to Give up Grades Amazon Author page Starr's website Twitter @MsSackstein Starr on LinkedIn Starr on Facebook
Assessment is part of what teachers have to do in school. Although it is required, we teachers can make sure we assess with respect. Today's guest, Starr Sackstein, author of Assessing with Respect: Everyday Practices That Meet Students' Social and Emotional Needs, shares an overview of what is needed so that every student feels respected even as they are given the necessary feedback to improve and level up their learning. https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e739 Starr Sackstein - Bio As Submitted Over 16 years ago, Starr Sackstein started her teaching career in Far Rockaway High School, eager to make a difference. Quickly learning to connect with students and develop rapport, she was able to recognize the most important part of teaching, relationships. Fostering relationships with students and peers, to encourage community growth and a deeper understanding of personal contribution through reflection, Sackstein has continued to elevate her students by putting them at the center of the learning. Starr Sackstein currently works at Long Island City High School as a Teacher Center Teacher and ELA teacher. She spent nine years at World Journalism Preparatory School in Flushing, NY as a high school English and Journalism teacher where her students run a multi-media news outlet at WJPSnews.com. In 2011, the Dow Jones News Fund honored Sackstein as a Special Recognition Adviser and 2012 Education Updated recognized her as an outstanding educator. Currently Sackstein has thrown out grades, teaching students that learning isn’t about numbers, but about the development of skills and ability to articulate that growth. In 2012, Sackstein tackled National Board Certification in an effort to reflect on her practice and grow as an educational English facilitator. After a year of closely looking at the her work with students, she achieved the honor. She is also a certified Master Journalism Educator through the Journalism Education Association (JEA). Sackstein also serves at the New York State Director to JEA to help serve advisers in New York better grow journalism programs. Author of Teaching Mythology Exposed: Helping Teachers Create Visionary Classroom Perspective, Blogging for Educators, Teaching Students to Self Assess: How do I help Students grow as learners?, The Power of Questioning: Opening up the World of Student Inquiry, Hacking Assessment: 10 Ways to Go Gradeless in a Traditional Grades School, Hacking Homework: 10 Strategies that Inspire Learning Outside the Classroom and most recently Peer Feedback in the Classroom: Empowering Students to be the Experts. (You can find all of the books here: https://amzn.to/3vPs9go) Sackstein co-moderates #sunchat as well as contributes to #NYedChat. She has made the Bammy Awards finals for Secondary High School Educator in 2014 and for blogging in 2015. In speaking engagements, Sackstein speaks about blogging, journalism education, throwing out grades and BYOD, helping people see technology doesn’t have to be feared. Most recently, Sackstein was named one of ASCD’s Emerging leaders class of 2016, in addition to presenting a TedxTalk about throwing out grades. Balancing a busy career of writing and teaching with being the mom to 10-year-old Logan is a challenging adventure. Seeing the world through his eyes reminds her why education needs to change for every child. Contact information: mssackstein@gmail.com @MsSackstein on Twitter Starr Sackstein, MJE Facebook Fan page Disclosure of Material Connection: This episode includes some affiliate links. This means that if you choose to buy I will be paid a commission on the affiliate program. However, this is at no additional cost to you. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I believe will be good for my readers and are from companies I can recommend. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” This company has no impact on the editorial content of the show.
Starr Sackstein reflects on when she knew it was time to leave the classroom. www.coolcatteacher.com/e564 Starr Sackstein - Bio As Submitted Over 16 years ago, Starr Sackstein started her teaching career in Far Rockaway High School, eager to make a difference. Quickly learning to connect with students and develop rapport, she was able to recognize the most important part of teaching, relationships. Fostering relationships with students and peers, to encourage community growth and a deeper understanding of personal contribution through reflection, Sackstein has continued to elevate her students by putting them at the center of the learning. Starr Sackstein currently works at Long Island City High School as a Teacher Center Teacher and ELA teacher. She spent nine years at World Journalism Preparatory School in Flushing, NY as a high school English and Journalism teacher where her students run a multi-media news outlet at WJPSnews.com. In 2011, the Dow Jones News Fund honored Sackstein as a Special Recognition Adviser and 2012 Education Updated recognized her as an outstanding educator. Currently Sackstein has thrown out grades, teaching students that learning isn’t about numbers, but about the development of skills and ability to articulate that growth. In 2012, Sackstein tackled National Board Certification in an effort to reflect on her practice and grow as an educational English facilitator. After a year of closely looking at her work with students, she achieved the honor. She is also a certified Master Journalism Educator through the Journalism Education Association (JEA). Sackstein also serves at the New York State Director to JEA to help serve advisers in New York better grow journalism programs. Author of Teaching Mythology Exposed: Helping Teachers Create Visionary Classroom Perspective, Blogging for Educators, Teaching Students to Self Assess: How do I help students grow as learners?, The Power of Questioning: Opening up the World of Student Inquiry, Hacking Assessment: 10 Ways to Go Gradeless in a Traditional Grades School, Hacking Homework: 10 Strategies that Inspire Learning Outside the Classroom and most recently Peer Feedback in the Classroom: Empowering Students to be the Experts. (You can find all of the books here: https://amzn.to/2Me7gX8 ) She blogs on Education Week Teacher at “Work in Progress” where she discusses all aspects of being a teacher and education reform. Sackstein co-moderates #sunchat as well as contributes to #NYedChat. She has made the Bammy Awards finals for Secondary High School Educator in 2014 and for blogging in 2015. In speaking engagements, Sackstein speaks about blogging, journalism education, throwing out grades and BYOD, helping people see technology doesn’t have to be feared. Most recently, Sackstein was named one of ASCD’s Emerging leaders class of 2016, in addition to presenting a TedxTalk about throwing out grades. Balancing a busy career of writing and teaching with being the mom to 10 year old Logan is a challenging adventure. Seeing the world through his eyes reminds her why education needs to change for every child. Contact information: mssackstein@gmail.com @MsSackstein on Twitter Starr Sackstein, MJE Facebook Fan page
Connie Hamilton Ed.S. is a curriculum director in Saranac, MI and educational consultant working with school districts across the United States. She is a certified trainer in effective classroom questioning, teacher evaluation tools, visible learning and supports teacher learning in the area of literacy. Connie is the co-author of Hacking Homework and is the author ...
Connie Hamilton is the author of two books, Hacking Homework, co-authored with Starr Sackstein and her latest book, Hacking Questions. Connie's experience in education includes classroom teacher at elementary and middle school levels, instructional coach, and principal Currently she proudly serves Saranac Community Schools as the curriculum director. She provides engaging professional development on instructional strategies and works directly with groups of teachers in their classrooms to bring their learning to implementation. Don't forget to purchase Hacking Questions here: https://www.amazon.com/Hacking-Questions-Answers-Classroom-Learning/dp/1948212145/ref=pd_sbs_14_4/131-0768206-9874469?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=1948212145&pd_rd_r=4ae2c168-82ca-11e9-a9ce-814cf5dd9e62&pd_rd_w=eeCV6&pd_rd_wg=qpmgA&pf_rd_p=588939de-d3f8-42f1-a3d8-d556eae5797d&pf_rd_r=JT1727MYRZY2M6CQRBQX&psc=1&refRID=JT1727MYRZY2M6CQRBQX
Starr Sackstein started her teaching career at Far Rockaway High School more than sixteen years ago, eager to make a difference. Quickly learning to connect with students, she was able to recognize the most important part of teaching: building relationships. Fostering relationships with students and peers to encourage community growth and a deeper understanding of personal contribution through reflection, she has continued to elevate her students by putting them at the center of the learning. Currently, Sackstein is the Director of Humanities (business, English, library, reading, social studies, and world languages) in West Hempstead, New York. While in her first year of leadership, she completed her advanced leadership certification at SUNY New Paltz. Taking what she learned in classes and applying her classroom leadership to a team of teachers, Sackstein was able to start growing as a new school leader, building relationships and demonstrating the kind of leadership she would have liked from her own past administrators. Prior to her current role, Sackstein was a Teacher Center teacher and ELA teacher at Long Island City High School in New York. She also spent nine years at World Journalism Preparatory School in Flushing, New York, as a high school English and journalism teacher where her students ran the multimedia news outlet WJPSnews.com. In 2011, the Dow Jones News Fund honored Starr as a Special Recognition Advisor, and in 2012, Education Update recognized her as an outstanding educator. In her current position, Sackstein has thrown out grades, teaching students that learning isn't about numbers but about the development of skills and the ability to articulate growth. In 2012, Sackstein tackled National Board Certification in an effort to reflect on her practice and grow as an educational English facilitator. After a year of close examination of her work with students, she achieved the honor. She is also a certified Master Journalism Educator through the Journalism Education Association (JEA). Sackstein also served as the New York State Director to JEA from 2010-2016, helping advisors in New York enhance journalism programs. She is the author of Teaching Mythology Exposed: Helping Teachers Create Visionary Classroom Perspective, Blogging for Educators, Teaching Students to Self-Assess: How Do I Help Students Grow as Learners?, The Power of Questioning: Opening Up the World of Student Inquiry, Hacking Assessment: 10 Ways to Go Gradeless in a Traditional Grades School, and Hacking Homework: 10 Strategies That Inspire Learning Outside the Classroom co-written with Connie Hamilton. Most recently, Starr has published From Teacher to Leader: Finding Your Way as a First-Time Leader Without Losing Your Mind (DBC), Peer Feedback in the Classroom: Empower Students to be the Experts with the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD). Sackstein has also contributed to compilation works in 2017 and 2018: Education Write Now edited by Jeff Zoul and Joe Mazza and What Connected Educators Do Differently with Routledge. She blogs on Education Week Teacher at "Work in Progress," where she discusses all aspects of being a teacher and education reform. She made the Bammy Awards finals for Secondary High School Educator in 2014 and for blogging in 2015. At speaking engagements around the world, Starr speaks about blogging, journalism education, bring your own device, and throwing out grades, which was also highlighted in a recent TedxTalk entitled “A Recovering Perfectionist's Journey to Give Up Grades.” In 2016, she was named one of ASCD's Emerging Leaders. Balancing a busy career of writing and teaching with being Mom to thirteen-year-old Logan is a challenging adventure. Seeing the world through his eyes reminds her why education needs to change for every child. Starr can be reached at mssackstein@gmail.com or via Twitter at @MsSackstein. She can also be found on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Starr-Sackstein-MJE/173509889399007.
Connie Hamilton has served as an elementary teacher, middle school ELA teacher, instructional coach, and principal at both the elementary and middle school levels. She now serves as the K-12 curriculum director in Saranac Community Schools and provides professional development nationally that focuses on questioning, best instructional practices, literacy, assessment, and leadership. Connie is the co-author of Hacking Homework: 10 Strategies That Inspire Learning Outside the Classroom, Volume 8 from the Hack Learning series of innovative thinking around education. Connie’s Book on Amazon: Hacking Homework: 10 Strategies That Inspire Learning Outside the Classroom, Volume 8 Connect with Connie on Twitter: @conniehamilton About EducatorsLead: Educators Lead is a podcast created to help launch educators into the next level of leadership. This show is for you if you are interested in educational leadership as an assistant principal, principal, superintendent, teacher or someone who hopes to be a school leader one day. Educators Lead offers inspiration and practical advice to help you lead more effectively. Jay Willis interviews school leaders three days a week to discuss why and when these educators made the decision to move into school leadership, challenges along the journey, and stories that made it all worthwhile. Educators Lead is a great resource for any educator looking to make a greater impact. Educate. Inspire. Lead. http://www.educatorslead.com
Connie Hamilton @conniehamilton challenges us to re-think homework so we can get better results. After you listen to these five steps, you'll have a process to determine what homework should be assigned, what shouldn't, and how to better support parents at home. You can make homework work for learning and not just be busy work. Let's hack homework! Connie co-authored the book Hacking Homework with Starr Sackstein. This show is sponsored by Bloomz. Go to www.coolcatteacher.com/bloomz to find out why Bloomz is the best parent-teacher communication system. Read the show notes at www.coolcatteacher.com/e120 at 5:45 am EDT after this show goes live on iTunes. Search the over 100 episodes of past shows by subject and topic to find just what you need at www.coolcatteacher.com/podcast.
Our guests offer suggestions on how homework can be redefined to make it meaningful, relevant, and fun. Follow: @coolcatteacher @mssackstein @conniehamilton @classtag #edtechchat #edchat #edtech Connie Hamilton Ed.S. is a curriculum director in for Saranac Community Schools and a national presenter focusing on questioning, best practices, and leadership. She co-authored Hacking Homework with Starr Sackstein. Starr Sackstein teaches writing and journalism in New York City. She is a National Board-certified teacher and the New York director for the Journalism Education Association.
Starr Sackstein believes in change, and sometimes change in education means cutting out archaic practices like traditional homework and grades.Author of Hacking Assessment and Hacking Homework, Starr explains how to change out-of-class work so that the onus of learning and how that learning is assessed falls squarely on our most important stakeholder — the student.Read an excerpt of Starr's latest book, Hacking Homework, at http://hacklearning.org/hwgradesCheck out all Hack Learning podcast episodes and show notes links at http://hacklearningpodcast.com
There are so many things in education that we do simply because they've always been done...and done a certain way. Take the school calendar. We follow an antiquated model that was crafted to serve our agrarian society in the late 19th Century. But most are accustomed to the typical school calendar regardless of whether it makes sense educationally. The same could be said of homework. Teachers, parents, and administrators must reevaluate the entire homework paradigm. Students are also a crucial voice! It's time to evolve! Connie Hamilton and Starr Sackstein are here to help. On today's episode, they'll talk about their new book "Hacking Homework".
Well-known connected educator Connie Hamilton says the most critical component of kids becoming independent learners is to be clear about what they should be learning and how it’s connected to a broader purpose. In another edgy, unabridged, unedited edition of Hack Learning Uncut, Hamilton, co-author of Hacking Homework: 10 Strategies That Inspire Learning Outside the Classroom, discusses a much-needed shift in education away from kids learning at home “because my teacher said I need to.” to students choosing to work outside of school because the activities “help me solidify my learning.” In this brief Uncut interview, Hamilton makes clear connections between in-class lessons and real-world learning at home that students will always choose to do—not because they’re told to but because they want to learn more. Look inside Connie Hamilton’s new book at http://hackinghomework.com Search for Hacking Homework on Facebook and join he conversation there.Share the love: tell friends to check us out at http://hacklearningpodcast.com
Many districts/schools are implementing technology programs that offer opportunities for 24/7 learning, but teachers need more support and ideas when it comes to implementing the technology in a way that redefines and transforms teaching and learning.Mark discusses using the SAMR model and the 4 Cs with Stephanie Smith Budhai and Laura McLaughlin Taddei, authors of Teaching the 4Cs with Technology: How do I use 21st century tools to teach 21st century skills?Learn more on the show notes page at http://hacklearningpodcast.com/4cDon't miss Hacking Homework: 10 Strategies That Inspire Learning Outside the Classroom at http://hackinghomework.com
Hack Learning Podcast host Mark Barnes is uncut, as he vilifies traditional homework and the idea that it has any real value to learners. Hack Learning Uncut is a special weekly episode, dedicated to subscribers. There are no formal show notes, although you can locate all episodes at http://hacklearningpodcast.com.To learn more about throwing out traditional homework and inspiring independent learning outside the classroom, look inside the book Hacking Homework at http://hackinghomework.comJoin the discussion on our Facebook Page and on Twitter at #HackingHomework.
Connie Hamilton is an admitted curriculum geek. She's been seen with Fisher and Frey in her hands at the beach during summer break, using her store of knowledge and life lessons to synthesize new perspectives and make connections that deepen understanding of complex pedagogical applications. Connie never outgrew her 4-year old mindset of asking question after question. As a 20+ year veteran in the educational field, Connie excels at using her communication skills, masterfully using effective questioning to clarify situations and distill information and data fundamental to the creation of logical, thorough, and realistic solutions. The “look at me I have all the answers” leadership model didn’t work Why questions are more valuable than answers How to ask better questions If you want to build great teams do this ____ How Connie finds untapped resources in her people Why Connie would tell herself “shut-up” as a novice principal Connie’s new book that is coming out ... Be faithful to your calendar Focus on impacting the individual The problem in education is that everything works Resources Hacking Homework by Connie Hamilton & Starr Sackstein (available end of Oct 2016) Connect Follow Connie on Twitter Visit Connie’s website Do you need accountability? Text BETTERMASTERMIND to 33444 Daniel wants to work with you and help you accelerate your leadership development and increase your impact. Follow Me and Get Behind the Scenes Access on SNAPCHAT!!! BECOME A PATRON OF THE SHOW FOR AS LITTLE AS $1/MONTH DID YOU LIKE THE SHOW? iTunes SUBSCRIBE HERE! SHOW SOME LOVE: PLEASE LEAVE A 5-STAR RATING AND REVIEW Grab your FREE 15 Phrases of Effective School Leaders Text PHRASES to 33444 or click the link above. Website :: Facebook :: Insta :: Twitter :: LinkedIn
Apple Distinguished Educator Peter Cameron dramatically changed his teaching methods. He created a new kind of homework, which he calls "home share". After reading Cameron's blog post on this alternative to traditional homework and discussing it with him, Mark Barnes explains Cameron's home share strategies and expounds upon the value of Cameron's unique out-of-school assignments, in yet another assault on traditional homework. This is Hacking Homework . . . Again. Learn more at http://hacklearningpodcast.com and follow Mark Barnes on Twitter @markbarnes19.
Mark Barnes identifies 6 reasons that teachers assign traditional homework and explains how to circumvent each reason and eliminate outdated traditional homework. In this brief episode, Mark Barnes explains how to throw out homework, while inspiring independent learning. Join Mark in Hacking Homework.