With a group, I created a children’s math trail book. My role was the primary photographer and layout designer. I used my skills in graphics design and what I’ve learned as a professional photographer to create a professional product. I filed this under School and Community Involvement because this book takes place at a well-known location in the DC community – Prince Georges’ Plaza. The math scenarios presented are actual scenarios that students may be faced with, and we used math to solve their real-world problems. As an educator, I make it a point to make what I teach real to my students. I want them to be able to connect their learning with a purpose!
For our school’s Black History Month Program, the 4th grade team worked together to make an educational tribute to our ancestors. I recorded the video and audio for this project and assembled the entire presentation using iMovie. All of the teachers on the 4th grade team participated in this project. All of our students had a part in the video as well.
For the past 2 years, I have coached students in oration to compete in the Frederick Douglass Oratorical Contest in Washington, DC. This national contest is a wonderful opportunity for our students to challenge themselves by memorizing an excerpt from a Frederick Douglass speech. In the first year, one of my students placed 3rd in the competition, and in the 2nd year, she placed 2nd.
Our school partners with Live It Learn It, an organization that takes Title 1 schools to relevant field trips that tie into the learning objectives. It was such a joy to have other chaperons on a field trip, so I took some images of this engaging field trip!
We had our last 4th grade award ceremony for the school year on June 6, 2014. This was by far the highest quality awards ceremony we have done to date! There were so many awards to give out for all of our students’ achievements, but the highlight was when my students took it upon themselves to give me the “Best Teacher Ever” Award. I was truly touched by their thoughtfulness and love!
It was also a joy to see so many of the parents that showed up (to support their children)!
In the past 2 years, I made breakfast for my students on the first day of our state testing – the DC CAS. This year, I did not want the tradition to end, but I asked the other 4th grade teachers to join me in this breakfast tradition. What a joy it was to see all of our 4th graders fellowshipping and eating a great breakfast before their test! No worries, no stress – just laughs and good food! We made the students waffles, pancakes, sausage, and bacon. Undoubtably, this showed our scholars our love and support for them as they went in to show DC what they’ve learned all year!
In this teaching profession, I have grown accustomed to working without any recognition because when all is said and done, my job is really not about me! It is about equipping the youth for future success. That being said, it is always nice to get a little recognition or “Good job” ever so often!
Well the other day, I was notified that I would be receiving an award for my students’ achievement and growth on the Achievement Network (ANET) benchmark assessments. Once the event started, we were notified that out of over 1,000 teachers, between 20 and 30 teachers were being recognized at this event for our students’ growth. What an honor!
Superb Student Tests from ANET #1The ANET AwardThe PowerPoint from Award Ceremony
