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Starr Sackstein is a recovering perfectionist who is an assessment reforming enthusiast. Currently, she is the COO of Mastery Portfolio, an Edtech Startup committed to helping schools move to Standard-Based communication. Additionally, she works with teacher teams to engage students in the learning process, advocates for personal growth, and effectively use student data to drive instruction. She was a high school English and journalism teacher for 16 years, a lead Humanities learner for 2 years, a publisher and developmental editor, and social media manager. Starr is an author, blogger, and speaker committed to changing the way we do assessments nationally and globally. You can learn more about her work on her website MsSackstein.com, and you can follow her on Twitter @MsSackstein. When Starr isn't advocating for students and educators, she is a mom and partner looking for the next adventure. Episode 102 of the Better Learning Podcast Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com.
The Counter Narrative: Changing the Way We Talk (and think) About Education
In this episode, I chat with Starr Sackstein, a recovering perfectionist who is an assessment reforming enthusiast. Currently, she is the COO of Mastery Portfolio, an Edtech Startup committed to helping schools move to Standard-Based communication. Additionally, she works with teacher teams to engage students in the learning process, advocate for personal growth, and effectively use student data to drive instruction. Starr was a high school English and journalism teacher for 16 years, a lead Humanities learner for 2 years, a publisher and developmental editor, and social media manager. She is an author, blogger, and speaker committed to changing the way we do assessment nationally and globally. You can learn more about her work on her website MsSackstein.com and you can follow her on Twitter @MsSackstein. When Starr isn't advocating for students and educators, she is a mom and partner looking for the next adventure. During our conversation, we talked about … assessments. In fact, Starr pointed out that we cannot expect major risk-taking in high stakes situations. And this goes for both our staff and our students. Starr shared stories of how she developed spaces for students to serve as cocreators of the curriculum in her space and was then investigated when students came to her class but skipped others. She shares the idea that our modern approaches disrespects and dishonors the natural learning process and questions why it seems that the love for learning happens to begin diminishing around the same grade level when these high stakes assessments are implemented. Ready to hear more about the role assessments could play in your classroom? Let's go! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thecounternarrative/support
In this bonus episode, Starr Sackstein shares her exciting announcement about Hacking Assessment and we discuss how to shift the “Grades Mindset”, change your grading system, and improve the feedback process. In this episode, we discuss: A No-Grade Classroom Rebranding Assignments as learning experiences Project based learning - Teaching the Reflection Process Ditching the Traditional Gradebook And her new edition, Hacking Assessment: 10 Ways to Go Gradeless in a Traditional Grades School About Starr Sackstein: Starr Sackstein is a recovering perfectionist who is an assessment reforming enthusiast. Currently, she works with teacher teams to engage students in the learning process, advocate for personal growth, and effectively use student data to drive instruction with the Core Collaborative. She also works as publisher for Mimi & Todd Press. In her past lives, she was a high school English and journalism teacher, a lead Humanities learner, and social media manager. Additionally, Starr is an author, blogger, and speaker committed to changing the way we do assessment nationally and globally. Her most recent book is called Assessing with Respect: Everyday Practices that Meet Students' Social and Emotional Needs with ASCD. When Starr isn't evangelizing about grading reform, she is the wife to Charlie, mindfulness mountain biker extraordinaire, and mother to Logan, a high school student, and gamer and Huxley the cat, an aging Abyssinean. Follow Starr Sackstein Website: http://www.mssackstein.com (www.mssackstein.com) Twitter: https://twitter.com/mssackstein (https://twitter.com/mssackstein) (@MsSackstein) Instagram: Starr53177 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MsSackstein (https://www.facebook.com/MsSackstein) Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/starrsackstein/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/starrsackstein/) YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/StarrSackstein (https://www.youtube.com/c/StarrSackstein) Hacking Assessment Book (NEW Edition): https://www.amazon.com/dp/1956512217?&linkCode=sl1&tag=starrsacks-20&linkId=3eb6cd7d997618655b7b038651defa60&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl (https://www.amazon.com/dp/1956512217?&linkCode=sl1&tag=starrsacks-20&linkId=3eb6cd7d997618655b7b038651defa60&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl) [caption id="attachment_3508" align="alignnone" width="1024"]https://joshstamper.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Aspire-Swag-Website-Image-update-6.18.21.png () Aspire: The Leadership Development Podcast Swag, Joshua Stamper, Teach Better[/caption] NEW Aspire Swag with Discount Code: ASPIRE Tee-Shirts and Drinkware: https://teachbetterswag.com/collections/aspire-the-leadership-development-podcast (ASPIRE: The Leadership Development Podcast) This post contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase through these links, The Aspire Podcast gets a small percentage of the sale at no extra cost to you. Need a Presenter for a conference or school PD? https://joshstamper.com/contact/ (Contact Joshua Stamper ) for presentations on Restorative Practices, Leadership Development, and Innovative campus systems. Watch my session on Trauma Informed, restorative and social emotional practices athttp://www.teachsummit.com/stamper ( www.teachsummit.com/stamper) Follow the Host, Joshua Stamper: Contact:https://joshstamper.com/contact/ ( https://joshstamper.com/contact/) Twitter:http://www.twitter.com/Joshua__Stamper ( www.twitter.com/Joshua__Stamper) Instagram:http://www.instagram.com/joshua__stamper ( www.instagram.com/joshua__stamper) Linkedin:http://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-stamper/ ( www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-stamper) Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/AspirePodcast ( https://www.facebook.com/AspirePodcast) Subscribe:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/aspire-the-leadership-development-podcast/id1384210762?mt=2 (...
Mastery Portfolio is a collection of web-based tools and professional development experiences designed to improve education practices. Our primary application, MasteryBook, revolutionizes how instructors record, assess, and view data that is standards-first and mastery-focused. We bring teachers, parents, and students along on the journey together. Connect with them on Twitter at @masteryforall.
Can we teach critical thinking while omitting obvious facts, and self-evident truths? How will you relate to students whose perspectives are no longer allowed in your classroom? How do you plan to teach, now that legislation around the nation is converting your classroom into a flashpoint in the culture wars? Follow on Twitter: @MsSackstein @tomwhitby @sgthomas1973 @HarveyAlvy1 @bamradionetwork @jonHarper70bd Ed Chat Archive: http://edchat.pbworks.com Harvey Alvy has served as a teacher, principal, and university professor, and was honored to be a National Distinguished Principal. He is the author of Fighting for Change in Your School: How to Avoid Fads and Focus on Substance, and co-author of Learning From Lincoln: Leadership Practices for School Success.
In this episode, we recap the chat we held on how teachers are spending their summer break after an intense and demanding school term. Follow on Twitter: @Hahne_Elyse @teacherstenger @MsSackstein @tomwhitby @sgthomas1973 @HarveyAlvy1 @bamradionetwork @jonHarper70bd Ed Chat Archive: http://edchat.pbworks.com Elyse Hahne is a K-5 Life Skills Teacher in Grapevine, Texas and focuses on Social Emotional practices in her classroom and school setting. Elyse believes in supporting teachers and students to the best of her ability and believes everyone needs a champion. She loves to see the lightbulb moments and successes each and every day. Elyse is an ASCD Emerging Leader, Google Certified Educator (Level 1&2), and collaborator for success. Merissa Stenger is in her third year of teaching 3rd grade in north Texas. She is a proud mother, a lifelong learner, and strong advocate of student voice. She graduated from San Diego State University with a degree in education in 2005. She has worked as a special education aide, pre-K teacher, sous pastry chef, custom baker, costumed character for children's parties, sign spinner, waitress, bartender, and custodial hostess. Merissa received the inaugural Standing Ovation Award from Frisco ISD for her schoolwide interactive bulletin boards in 2018 and was nominated for Teacher of the Year by her colleagues as a virtual teacher in 2020.
We've all seen the requests to support a teacher on DonorsChose, GoFund Me, or similar crowdfunding sites. This week we discuss the implications of this practice and whether it promotes continued education underfunding. Follow on Twitter: @dubioseducator @MsSackstein @tomwhitby @sgthomas1973 @HarveyAlvy1 @ShiftParadigm @jonHarper70bd @bamradionetwork Ed Chat Archive: http://edchat.pbworks.com Faige Meller taught for 38 years at the same school “The Center For Early Education” and that's where she is a substitute teacher. She began teaching in 1977 in the preschool. In 1991 she became one of the kindergarten teachers. She taught kindergarten until retired in June 2015. She started subbing in 2016 and subbed in Toddlers, 3 and 4-year-old program, kindergarten, 1st and 2nd. She did a three and a half month sub position for a kindergarten teacher from January till April 17th — which included in the classroom and then remote learning.
How much teaching experience is required to be an effective school leader? Have the modern demands of school administration increased or decreased the need for classroom experience? Follow on Twitter: @mrterborg @MsSackstein @tomwhitby @sgthomas1973 @HarveyAlvy1 @bamradionetwork @jonHarper70bd Ed Chat Archive: http://edchat.pbworks.com Mike Terborg is a former federal librarian turned school media specialist and works at 2 inner-city schools. He believes that the appropriate use of technology should be integrated into our students' educational experience.
What if, in the world of education, grades did not exist? This week's guest, Starr Sackstein, shares how she removed grades from her classroom, focused on critical feedback to her students, and incorporated social emotional and equity components to the assessment process. In this episode, we discuss: Systems of evidence mastery Changing the way we assess The stigma that is attached to grades And Starr's new book, Assessing with Respect: Everyday Practices That Meet Students' Social and Emotional Needs About Starr Sackstein:Starr Sackstein is a recovering perfectionist who is an assessment reforming enthusiast. Currently, she works with teacher teams to engage students in the learning process, advocate for personal growth, and effectively use student data to drive instruction with the Core Collaborative. She also works as publisher for Mimi & Todd Press. In her past lives, she was a high school English and journalism teacher, a lead Humanities learner, and social media manager. Additionally, Starr is an author, blogger, and speaker committed to changing the way we do assessment nationally and globally. Her most recent book is called Assessing with Respect: Everyday Practices that Meet Students' Social and Emotional Needs with ASCD. When Starr isn't evangelizing about grading reform, she is the wife to Charlie, mindfulness mountain biker extraordinaire, and mother to Logan, a high school student, and gamer and Huxley the cat, an aging Abyssinean. Follow Starr Sackstein Website: http://www.mssackstein.com (www.mssackstein.com) Twitter: https://twitter.com/mssackstein (https://twitter.com/mssackstein) (@MsSackstein) Instagram: Starr53177 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MsSackstein (https://www.facebook.com/MsSackstein) Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/starrsackstein/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/starrsackstein/) YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/StarrSackstein (https://www.youtube.com/c/StarrSackstein) https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1416629971/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1416629971&linkCode=as2&tag=aspirewebsite-20&linkId=d2a943ca1f876217fdaf31142cb05103 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0986104914/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0986104914&linkCode=as2&tag=aspirewebsite-20&linkId=8d0b414a5b78a62ce822c5091220e4d5 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/194959520X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=194959520X&linkCode=as2&tag=aspirewebsite-20&linkId=8b15744dc84209821e65621bf29d5f47 Are you a superfan of the Aspire podcast? Well, now you can show off your support with the new Aspire swag, featuring tee shirts, hoodies and a variety of drinkware. You can find all your Aspire Swag athttp://www.teachbetter.com/swag ( www.teachbetter.com/swag) [caption id="attachment_3247" align="alignnone" width="1024"]https://joshstamper.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Aspire-Swag-Website-Image.png () Aspire Swag, Teach Better Team, Aspire: The Leadership Development Podcast[/caption] Use Discount Code: ASPIRE for 25% OFF Tee-Shirts, Hoodies, and Drinkware:https://teachbetterswag.com/collections/aspire-the-leadership-development-podcast ( ASPIRE: The Leadership Development Podcast) This post contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase through these links, The Aspire Podcast gets a small percentage of the sale at no extra cost to you. Need a Presenter for a conference or school PD?[caption id="attachment_3378" align="alignnone" width="1024"]https://joshstamper.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Josh-CBB-2021.png () Joshua Stamper, Teach Better[/caption] https://joshstamper.com/contact/ (Contact Joshua Stamper ) for presentations on Restorative Practices, Leadership Development, and Innovative campus systems. [caption id="attachment_2597" align="alignnone"...
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.
Now that we have a new administration and a new head of the U.S. Department of Education, what changes do you hope to see? Follow on Twitter: @messner_mike @MsSackstein @tomwhitby @sgthomas1973 @HarveyAlvy1 @ShiftParadigm @jonHarper70bd @bamradionetwork Ed Chat Archive: http://edchat.pbworks.com Mike Messner is a teacher of United States History and Civics at Los Altos High School in Los Altos, California. He is also an adjunct instructor of United States history and California history at Skyline College in San Bruno, California. He is a Google certified educator, a 15-year veteran of teaching, and a proud husband and father.
What do you love about teaching? What inspired you to teach? How are you finding ways to experience what you love about teaching in the current climate? Follow on Twitter: @daniellemancin @MsSackstein @tomwhitby @sgthomas1973 @ShiftParadigm @jonHarper70bd @bamradionetwork Ed Chat Archive: http://edchat.pbworks.com/ Danielle Mancinelli is currently a Senior Learning Designer of Professional Development with Springboard Collaborative. She started her career as a second-grade teacher and since then has served as a Reading Specialist, an Early Literacy Specialist, and an Assistant Principal of Instruction. Danielle was a member of the Leadership Philadelphia’s 2018 “Connectors and Keepers” class, appeared on Billy Penn’s “Who’s Next” list of education leaders, and a New Leaders Council Fellow.
In this session, we talk about how to maximize the positive potential of social media in education and minimize the downside and misuses. Follow on Twitter: @messner_mike @MsSackstein @tomwhitby @sgthomas1973 @HarveyAlvy1 @ShiftParadigm @jonHarper70bd @bamradionetwork Ed Chat Archive: http://edchat.pbworks.com Mike Messner is a teacher of United States History and Civics at Los Altos High School in Los Altos, California. He is also an adjunct instructor of United States history and California history at Skyline College in San Bruno, California. He is a Google certified educator, a 15-year veteran of teaching, and a proud husband and father.
This week we asked teachers to share what they wished school leaders understood about leading teachers. Both teachers and school leaders shared their thoughts. Follow on Twitter: @daniellemancine @MsSackstein @tomwhitby @sgthomas1973 @HarveyAlvy1 @ShiftParadigm @jonHarper70bd @bamradionetwork Ed Chat Archive: http://edchat.pbworks.com Danielle Mancinelli is currently a Senior Learning Designer of Professional Development with Springboard Collaborative. She started her career as a second-grade teacher and since then has served as a Reading Specialist, an Early Literacy Specialist, and an Assistant Principal of Instruction. Danielle was a member of the Leadership Philadelphia’s 2018 “Connectors and Keepers” class, appeared on Billy Penn’s “Who’s Next” list of education leaders, and a New Leaders Council Fellow. Danielle holds a Master’s degree in Reading from Saint Joseph’s University, with undergraduate degrees in English and Political Science from Temple University. She also is a PA Certified Reading Specialist and a Yoga Alliance certified yoga teacher. Harvey Alvy has served as a teacher, principal, and university professor, and was honored to be a National Distinguished Principal. He is the author of Fighting for Change in Your School: How to Avoid Fads and Focus on Substance, and co-author of Learning From Lincoln: Leadership Practices for School Success.
Remote learning is creating wide disparities in the progress of students at all grade levels. Will the pandemic-driven disruption to education be the catalyst to move us away from the practice of grouping students by age? Follow on Twitter: @bradyvenables @MsSackstein @tomwhitby @sgthomas1973 @HarveyAlvy1 @ShiftParadigm @jonHarper70bd @bamradionetwork Ed Chat Archive: http://edchat.pbworks.com Brady Venables began her teaching career 10 years ago through an alternative certification program after making a career change. After experiencing the power of incorporating technology into her high school biology classes she transitioned to a role supporting teachers as a technology coach in her small district. Eventually, her path led to a role in a larger district that allowed her to broaden her support by working exclusively with technology coaches, supporting them with professional learning, personal coaching, and other resources as they in turn worked at their schools. In 2020-2021, however, Brady is excited to make the leap from her district office cubicle back to a classroom and she will be teaching high school students biology and physical science once again. Her pedagogical approach uses technology to center the student-teacher relationship and she believes that teachers must work to catch students in the act of learning through meaningful and authentic lessons and assessments.
This week we take a deep dive into chronic absenteeism in the current climate. We explore what’s working to mitigate the problem and what’s simply isn’t. Follow on Twitter: @daniellemancin @MsSackstein @tomwhitby @sgthomas1973 @ShiftParadigm @jonHarper70bd @bamradionetwork Ed Chat Archive: http://edchat.pbworks.com/ Danielle Mancinelli is currently a Senior Learning Designer of Professional Development with Springboard Collaborative. She started her career as a second-grade teacher and since then has served as a Reading Specialist, an Early Literacy Specialist, and an Assistant Principal of Instruction. Danielle was a member of the Leadership Philadelphia’s 2018 “Connectors and Keepers” class, appeared on Billy Penn’s “Who’s Next” list of education leaders, and a New Leaders Council Fellow. Starr Sackstein (NBCT) is a certified Master Journalism Educator through the Journalism Education Association (JEA). She serves at the New York State Director to JEA. She is the author of several books, including Teaching Mythology Exposed: Helping Teachers Create Visionary Classroom Perspective.
The gap between women and men in school leadership is stark in parts of the country. What’s behind the gap and how does the gender imbalance impact our schools? Follow on Twitter: @dubioseducator @MsSackstein @tomwhitby @sgthomas1973 @HarveyAlvy1 @ShiftParadigm @jonHarper70bd @bamradionetwork Ed Chat Archive: http://edchat.pbworks.com Faige Meller taught for 38 years at the same school “The Center For Early Education” and that’s where she is a substitute teacher. She began teaching in 1977 in the preschool. In 1991 she became one of the kindergarten teachers. She taught kindergarten until retired in June 2015. She started subbing in 2016 and subbed in Toddlers, 3 and 4-year-old program, kindergarten, 1st and 2nd. She did a three and a half month sub position for a kindergarten teacher from January till April -- which included in the classroom and then remote learning. Harvey Alvy has served as a teacher, principal, and university professor, and was honored to be a National Distinguished Principal. He is the author of Fighting for Change in Your School: How to Avoid Fads and Focus on Substance, and co-author of Learning From Lincoln: Leadership Practices for School Success.
School and emergency remote learning are over for most of us. As we pause to recharge and reflect, what practices will we rethink and what practices will we leave behind in a post-COVID-19 world? Follow on Twitter: @bradyvenables @MsSackstein @tomwhitby @sgthomas1973 @HarveyAlvy1 @ShiftParadigm @jonHarper70bd @bamradionetwork Ed Chat Archive: http://edchat.pbworks.com Brady Venables began her teaching career 10 years ago through an alternative certification program after making a career change. After experiencing the power of incorporating technology into her high school biology classes she transitioned to a role supporting teachers as a technology coach in her small district. Eventually, her path led to a role in a larger district that allowed her to broaden her support by working exclusively with technology coaches, supporting them with professional learning, personal coaching, and other resources as they in turn worked at their schools. In 2020-2021, however, Brady is excited to make the leap from her district office cubicle back to a classroom and she will be teaching high school students biology and physical science once again. Her pedagogical approach uses technology to center the student-teacher relationship and she believes that teachers must work to catch students in the act of learning through meaningful and authentic lessons and assessments.
The focus of race and racism is quickly shifting from what are we going to say about it to what are we going to do about racism as we head back to school. Join us as we start looking at what action items are showing up on educators’ to-do lists. Follow on Twitter: @dubioseducator @MsSackstein @tomwhitby @sgthomas1973 @HarveyAlvy1 @ShiftParadigm @jonHarper70bd @bamradionetwork Ed Chat Archive: http://edchat.pbworks.com Faige Mellen taught for 38 years at the same school “The Center For Early Education” and that’s where she is a substitute teacher. She began teaching in 1977 in the preschool. In 1991 she became one of the kindergarten teachers. She taught kindergarten until retired in June 2015. She started subbing in 2016 and subbed in Toddlers, 3 and 4-year-old program, kindergarten, 1st and 2nd. She did a three and a half month sub position for a kindergarten teacher from January till April 17th -- which included in the classroom and then remote learning.
We’re on the verge of heading back to school and many teachers are questioning the plans (or lack of plans) unfolding before us. Join us for a candid discussion on the tough choices teachers face and some thoughts on how to guide those decisions. Follow on Twitter: @teachermike72 @MsSackstein @tomwhitby @sgthomas1973 @HarveyAlvy1 @ShiftParadigm @jonHarper70bd @bamradionetwork Ed Chat Archive: http://edchat.pbworks.com Mike Messner is a teacher of United States History and Civics at Los Altos High School in Los Altos, California. He is also an adjunct instructor of United States history and California history at Skyline College in San Bruno, California. He is a Google certified educator, a 15-year veteran of teaching, and a proud husband and father.
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
Peer instruction is a powerful teaching strategy that engages and promotes deeper learning. Our guests provide practical tips for working with students as co-teachers. @larryferlazzo @DrYemiS @DrJDavisBowman @bobsonwong @MsSackstein @Bamradionetwork Dr. Jennifer Davis Bowman is an adjunct professor at the University of Cincinnati and Cincinnati State College. She writes on research-based classroom strategies. Adeyemi Stembridge, PhD, is an educational consultant specializing in equity-focused school-improvement. He is a coach and thought-partner to teachers and administrators. Bobson Wong has taught math at New York City public high schools and is a three-time recipient of the Math for America Master Teacher Fellowship. Starr Sackstein (NBCT) is a certified Master Journalism Educator through the Journalism Education Association (JEA) and serves at the New York State Director to JEA. She is the author of several books and a blogger.
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.
Search engines have changed the rules of teaching and learning in many ways. As the answers to many questions can be Googled, some old approaches to instruction are no longer viable. Follow:@tomwhitby @blairteach @MsSackstein @bamradionetwork Ed Chat Archive: http://edchat.pbworks.com/ Starr Sackstein (NBCT) is a certified Master Journalism Educator through the Journalism Education Association (JEA). She serves at the New York State Director to JEA. She is the author of several books, including Teaching Mythology Exposed: Helping Teachers Create Visionary Classroom Perspective. Blogger and co-moderater of #sunchat. Nancy Blair is a middle school principal in Georgia and previously served as a school improvement consultant. Tom Whitby is a former contributing Editor at SmartBrief, founder of #Edchat, Twitter-Using Educators, and NYSCATE Network.
What is the most optimal way to give parents a measure of how their children are progressing? Join us as we explore options. Follow: @tomwhitby @blairteach @MsSackstein @bamradionetwork Ed Chat Archive: http://edchat.pbworks.com/ Starr Sackstein (NBCT) is a certified Master Journalism Educator through the Journalism Education Association (JEA). She serves at the New York State Director to JEA. She is the author of several books, including Teaching Mythology Exposed: Helping Teachers Create Visionary Classroom Perspective. Blogger and co-moderater of #sunchat. Nancy Blair is a middle school principal in Georgia and previously served as a school improvement consultant. Tom Whitby is a former contributing Editor at SmartBrief, founder of #Edchat, Twitter-Using Educators, and NYSCATE Network.
How can we teach kids to be more self-reliant learners? In this segment, we look at why many are not, and how to shift responsibility for learning to students. Follow: @bamradionetwork @raepica1 @jasonflom @coachginsburg @MsSackstein #edchat #edreform #ece #earlyed #AskingWhatIf David Ginsburg helps schools improve student outcomes through various services including leadership coaching and instructional coaching and Ed Week blogger, Coach G's Teaching Tips. Starr Sackstein, NBCT, is a certified Master Journalism Educator through the Journalism Education Association (JEA) and author of Teaching Students to Self Assess: How do I help Students grow as learners? Jason Flom is director of Cornerstone Learning Community in Tallahassee, Florida, a whole child school he cofounded with other educators and serves as a faculty member with ASCD’s Professional Learning Services, and founding editor, Ecology of Education.
Some school days are very productive and enjoyable, other school days are extremely challenging. In this segment we talk about the one thing that can transform even the most difficult school day into a great day. Follow: @bradmcurrie @MsSackstein @wkrakower @ScottRRocco @bamradionetwork An educator, author, reformer, recovering perfectionist, Starr Sackstein leads by example both in the classroom and on the internet. Tattooed, quirky and opinionated, she takes every opportunity to learn and dispel myths and false expectations. Impassioned writer, photographer and mother. Brad Currie is the co-founder of #satchat, a weekly Twitter discussion for current and emerging school leaders. Brad is a Vice Principal and Supervisor of Instruction for the Chester School District in Chester, N.J.