I just received a very unexpected bit of news this past week. A "blessing" from above which has re-kindled my passion for education and professional development.
Out of the blue, I have been given the opportunity to lead a Staff Development Workshop for Elementary Literacy Educators in northwest Iowa!
This is a dream that, two years ago, I placed in my "someday" box, shut the lid and walked away from. Not because I wanted to, but because a future that was promised to me by someone else was quickly taken away without explanation. Key issue here: a future someone else was promising, not one I was creating myself.
Since that time, what I have realized is that all along I could have made it all happen. All I needed to do was believe, keep my priorities straight, not stress, breathe, family first.....and jump. And no regrets.
So....this is where I stand. Ready to give it everything I've got. Excited about where the path will take me, even if it is only for a moment. I get a shot at making a difference again in the lives of educators. And, by doing that, making a difference in the lives of many children, this being the most important reason of all. I am thrilled, and so excited to start!!
Thank you so much for listening. :)
INSPIRATION
02/21/2011
07/25/2009
Another Amazing Year On Its Way!
Today I have spent the afternoon with my laptop, google reader open, twitter page going, learning so many new and amazing things from my PLN (Personal Learning Network). Those of you who have not embraced the concept of twitter or subscribing to a blog, this is another call out to you.....DO IT! Your experiences with these tools will be substantial, I guarantee it.
Okay, enough, I'm stepping off the soapbox....and now to what I really wanted to share.
My daughter is getting excited (and this mommy, a little nervous) as my baby begins kindergarten. Just a few weeks from now she will get her first taste of public education.
I am thinking two things:
1) How can this be possible, she's in kindergarten??? 2) I hope she loves what she sees, experiences, feels, learns and wants to return.
Every teacher getting ready for school is probably feeling a bit anxious, with so much to do and so little time. I want to encourage you all (again) to stop, focus and remember what your JOB is about. You hold so much promise in your hands each year. Your JOB is to help children learn to LOVE LEARNING. And to BELIEVE in themselves. And you should promise each year to do everything in your power to make this happen. I know so many of you do. And I know how daunting a task this can be.
If I could write this letter directly to my daughter's teacher, begging for a few things, it would be this: Please love my daughter. Help her feel important and worthy. Give her courage to try those things that stretch her thinking. Build her confidence. Deem her an important part of the community. All these things can be accomplished (again) with the love of a teacher.
One of the blogs I love to follow is written by a gentleman named Larry Ferlazzo. Today's blogpost was fantastic, and one I think every teacher should read as you get ready for another school year. It discusses the relationships you build with your students and how those first few seconds you spend with them can make or break the entire year of learning. (Here's Larry, to the right). Great blogger, awesome site....you should read it!!
Please enjoy these last days of summer. Soak up those rays, eat a few fair corndogs, take a long walk,.....then breathe deeply and get ready to GEAR UP! It's going to be a great year!
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06/24/2009
The Learner Must Unwrap Their Own Gift
My head is just spinning!! Spinning, spinning, spinning.....
I am so excited to tell you about the day of learning I had on Monday, June 22nd.
Spent the day as a presenter at the 8th Annual Maiers Educational Institute, left a changed learner.
It's a gift someone else could have not unwrapped for me, I had to persevere to get the goods.
There is something very magical about 200 and some teachers, media specialists, administrators, business leaders being in the same room for one purpose: working together to make the educational system stronger and more efficient for the success of our children!
The day was led by Angela Maiers, my friend and colleague. She made a case as well as a plea that all educators dedicate themselves to the betterment of each and every student they touch, by way of using the latest in research related to meeting the needs of our students. The trainings and breakout sessions called for teachers and administrators to create an educational experience that captivates and acknowledges every student's talent, as well as their weaknesses.
We focused on helping students understand the habits and attitudes necessary to be successful in today's world, as well as tomorrow. We also talked about the importance of being a global learner (and TEACHER) by building a personal learning network, not just online but face to face. We shared ways to become a fervent educational researcher and collaborator by utilizing the web as an up to date way to gather information. And, we discussed how to help our students spread their message and voice to the world, using technology as a tool, not as a toy.......whew, I could go on and on...there was so much more.
Every time I gather with teachers for this reason, whether it be in a workshop such as this, or even in a classroomw with one or two teachers having coffee, I am compelled by their commitment to their kids, and I can't help but think...."How can I make the process of utilizing this research in the classroom much easier and time-efficient?" What is my place in all of this?
Angela mentioned in her keynote how everyday she wakes up, turns on her computer, and is absolutely blown-away by new information she receives through her PLN and the research she follows. After following her lead (and Mike Sansone's brilliance), building my own PLN via RSS feeds and twitter, I SEE IT happening for myself now. I SEE how important this is for my professional development, and for the development of the teachers and preservice teachers I serve. I am giddy with glee as I turn on my laptop and watch my firefox tabs explode in the morning!!
My ultimate goal and mission is this.....I love teaching my own classroom of kiddos, but now I see my place unfolding before my eyes.....I have the opportunity to impact more lives of children if I support their teachers than I can if I am only in one room with my 30 kids, and I am excited about the possibilities ahead.
I have SO MUCH to learn about this job, but can't wait for the learning adventure!
The Habitudes of curiosity, imagination, adaptability, courage, self awareness and perseverance are absolutely critical for you to find your calling. I have experienced this first hand, in my own learning experiences over the past weeks. We must teach our kids this, not by adding another curriculum to what you already do, but by integrating these skills into our everyday lessons, conversations, interactions, problem solving arguments, learning to tie our shoes, wipe little noes, etc....these kinds of habits and attitudes are everywhere, everyday.
So, a big learning day for many......a life changing experience for myself. What more can one teacher ask for?
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05/18/2009
Summer Days Ahead, But Futures to Ponder
Educators, as you prepare to wrap up a busy and full year, do this: ....slow down, take a deep breath, reflect on your year. The end is near!!
Time for summer, a well-deserved break for both you and the learners you taught each and every day. Time to reflect, rejuvenate, appreciate all that transpired during another year hard at work in academia.
But, really, I know how it goes....you won't completely relax. You won't completely forget. Your mind will always be thinking of some small piece of work, the year ahead, the tasks that are coming, the kids you will teach in the year ahead and the challenges you will all face.
Can I give you one thing to kick around in your mind over the summer months? One thing we educators all truly know, but sometimes forget? And, will you promise me that when you return to the classroom in August, you will keep this written at the top of your lesson plan notebook?
- Take your time, take your time, take YOUR time....to really KNOW your kids. Their strengths, their weaknesses, their loves, their fears, their learning styles, their lives. Put the OVERWHELM off to the side, address it little by little, the work will always be there. Without really learning about your kids, how can you authentically and effectively teach them, anyway?
- REMEMBER, authentic means the learning needs to "mean something" to them and their lives. How can we do that unless we find the right way to teach them, only through an understanding of them as a child, not as a "student" in my class. Take a little time over the summer to really think about the learning in your classroom. What can you do to keep your learners' passion alive throughout the year? What can we do to show them that learning is important and worth their time?
Teach them to be curious about their world, build their imaginations, help them learn to persevere, have courage, be self-aware and adaptable. This CAN be done and needs to be done in every classroom, every year.
I know it takes work, and it takes time. It takes true commitment. But, the learning that happens in your classroom will go far beyond the walls in which you teach.
Use some time over the summer to ponder these things. In the fall, you will be ready for your students in a way you never knew you could be.
And, if you need a book to help you teach all these lessons, I have one in mind!
(Just check out Classroom Habitudes, by A. Meiers)
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05/13/2009
7 Traits of Great Teachers
Today I came across an article which summarizes a reseach study of effective teachers and the qualities they posses.
When I read this, I nearly jumped for joy.
We need staff development (and preservice teacher training) based on:
(Published in TES Magazine on 8 May, 2009) - published in the UK
Check out what they listed as the "secrets" effective teachers put into practice:
1. They build confidence
Many pupils suffer from low self-esteem, basing their aspirations on celebrities and feeling disappointed when their lives don’t match up, so teachers have to build confidence in abundance.
2. They’re not afraid to make difficult decisions
The decisions teachers make on a day-to-day basis have a profound impact on children’s lives. It seems natural then, that 57 per cent of participants have a strong or extremely strong preference for authority, meaning that they are comfortable making difficult or unpopular decisions.
3. They develop others
This behaviour is collectively the most prominent among teachers. It is one of the involving behaviours and as well as developing your pupils, it’s about developing your own and others’ capabilities by providing opportunities for career development, giving coaching and constructive feedback or setting aside a specific budget for training.
4. They’re good communicators
Being able to communicate well is fundamental to teaching and all teachers provided evidence of this. “This is an inspiring behaviour and is about getting the same message across to a range of abilities,” says Ms Henshilwood. “It’s also being able to communicate across the board - from parents to colleagues, the wider community and to pupils.”
5. They’re non-conformists
Teachers may get frustrated with pupils who insist on asserting their individuality at every opportunity, but it turns out that they are just as averse to conforming: 87 per cent have a low or extremely low preference for conformity as a personality trait.
6. They thrive in the company of others
While a vast proportion of the population spend their working life in front of a screen, teachers spend most of their professional life in front of children. So it’s good to know that teachers enjoy the company of other people and there is a strong leaning towards fellowship among this group: 31 per cent show an extremely high preference and 44 per cent are above average for this extroverted personality trait.
7. They see the bigger picture
Just over half of the teachers interviewed show a low or very low preference for detail in the results of the personality test. This suggests that they prefer to look at the strategic objectives rather than get involved with the minute details of planning or administrative tasks, says Ms Henshilwood.
For those of you in the classroom, or those thinking of entering the field of education, this is a strong reminder of what it takes to be a success. For the benefit of our students, for the benefit of OUR future.
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05/05/2009
The 21st Century Classroom
When I think about education and the 21st century, I think about the reframing of our relationships with students. This applies to teachers, administrators, anyone involved in education K-12.
The stronger the relationship you have with your learners, the more positive of learning experience your student will have. Seems like common sense? Why aren't teachers making this our number one priority, over grades, lessons, etc.
I have had 3 years away from the elementary classroom; 5 away from my own homeroom of first graders. Having had that time away, I have had lots of moments when I looked back, knowing what I know now as a parent and educator in higher ed, and think, "I wish I could go back and do that over again, this time doing........." The should-a, could-a, would-a's! I know that is a waste of brainpower in some ways, but it has enlightened me in my role as consultant and adjunct professor.
I know teachers break their backs meeting the needs of their kiddos. I was there once, 9 years teaching in elementary. It was a hectic day from the moment you woke up in the morning, 'til you sat down on the couch at night. And, even then, your students were STILL on your mind. Then, you wake up the next day, start all over again. I have seen many of my colleagues shed tears over their students, in both good times and bad. Each class you have places a permanent stamp on your heart. Deep down, we're all in it to make a difference in the world, I don't care what some say, teachers know that's what's happening in this job. For better or for worse.
What I propose is this (very simplistic thinking):
Build the relationship FIRST with your students, create the lessons and learning experiences second.
- It is only by having a strong bond of respect and love for your students (yes, I said LOVE, even for those who try your patience, everyday) that you help them to become their best. They absolutely HAVE to know you believe they can do it, even when you aren't so sure yourself if they can. If you set the expectation, they will rise to the occasion.
I believe the 21st century homeroom should operate in this way:
- an environment of respectful, open communication,
- sense of ownership by all persons involved,
- a safe place where your thoughts can pour out,
- clear expectations set for all learning experiences,
- and an adult learner (teacher) who is thought-provoking, structured, respect-worthy, and most of all, in LOVE with the students doing the learning in that classroom. Even when they don't feel like it.
- Technology should be integrated into the classroom in all subject areas and discussions, so that kids see it as a "tool" for learning and not as another subject for teaching. Again, it is a TOOL, not a subject area! As an educator of all these up and coming adults, we must teach them to be absolutely comfortable with it, understand its power, the implications of how it works, the safety behind using it, and the beautiful experiences it can bring to their life.
Not only will this 21st century classroom change the lives of the students involved, it will change the lives of the educators.
Believe it or not, I think teaching will be much, much easier. Motivating students will no longer be difficult, discipline issues will decline (the amount of chatter may increase, but hey, that's what we want, right?), and their students' learning experiences will be powerful and authentic.
It will be nothing short of amazing.
Stay tuned as I write more on this topic in the weeks and months ahead!
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05/01/2009
Thank you, Atlantic!
A very quick post and HELLO to my NEW FRIENDS at Washington Elementary School in Atlantic, Iowa!!
In a few weeks, my team and I are returning to Atlantic to work with the teachers, supporting them as they examine their curriculum planning, especially in regards to the implementation of the Iowa Core Curriculum.
Our meeting went longer than expected, but for an amazing reason. These teachers are passionate about being able to provide the very best, research-based program for their students, to ensure they are preparing 21st century learners, not 20th century.
Can't wait to tell you more......and I will!
I hope to begin planning this week, preparing some resources for the staff to pick through and choose what best fits in their curriculum. I can't wait to hear what they have to say!!
So, to you all in Atlantic, thank you for the warm welcome.... see you soon!
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04/23/2009
My "Official" Welcome....Such an HONOR!!
Happy Thursday, and thank you for reading my "edublog!"
For those of you who have been watching and reading my blog, twitter, etc.....the following is the whole reason why I have been getting all of this started. Just a little more background about me, so you can get to know who I am and what I am about.
My inspiration comes from my mentor, Angela Maiers. If you subscribe to my site, you HAVE to subscribe to hers; it is a chance for phenomenal learning.
I place this posting on my blog, because it is probably one of the proudest moments of my life. I can't tell you how excited, pleased and honored I am to be working in such company! With the launch of my website and all that goes with it, Angela released this on her own blog:
Welcome Jen Stover to Team Maiers!
I am soooo thrilled to welcome Jen Stover to my team. I was humbled and honored when Jen first shared with me her interest in following a path similar to my own. As we got to know one another, it became clear that the fit was perfect! Her passion and excitement for changing the conditions of learning and helping teachers is contagious!
Jen brings her own uniqueness and talent to the work, but has discovered that these are the areas that she is most passionate about supporting:
- Lesson planning and curriculum development
- Modeling focus lessons and briefing teachers on strategies
- Finding and organizing resources (offline and online)
- Breakout sessions during some workshops and institutes
This new partnership comes on the heals of just finishing Steve Farber's newest business book, Greater Than Yourself based on the idea that we can change the world faster when we advance anothers potential. Steve believes that bigger change and influence comes as the result of giving the most of yourself to someone who you feel compelled to lift up, support, encourage, teach, coach and mentor. Great leaders, and I would add, great teachers do this by following these key tenants:
- Expand Yourself
- Give Yourself
- Replicate Yourself.
As Mike Sansone and I joined forces, I saw the power of the impact grow. With Jen on our team, we can only imagine what is to come! Make sure to follow Jen as she reaches levels that she can not yet imagine possible. She shares her learning journey at her new blog Jen Stover and the resources that help her most on Twitter and FriendFeed.
I am so proud of how hard she is working, and how much heart and soul she is ready to give. I am looking forward to the future! Welcome, Jen!!
04/15/2009
Welcome to JenStover.com!
Good Morning, Happy Wednesday, and Welcome to my Blog!!
My name is Jennifer Stover. I am an educational consultant, beginning my new career alongside Angela Maiers (of Maiers Educational Services, Inc.), and Mike Sansone (of Converstations). I am humbled and honored to be a part of their (my) mission, which is very simple: change the lives of learners all across the world.
This is a very exciting and brand-new day for me as I begin a completely new venture in my life. Today marks the beginning of a turn in my career I never expected. I couldn't sleep last night, I am having so much fun imagining the possibilities that are ahead!
Angela Maiers: Many of my friends and colleagues in the public school system, as well as the graduate level are familiar with Angela and the amazing work she does with schools around the country (and world). While teaching in Johnston, IA, I had the pleasure of being involved with staff development with Angela. She is acknowledged as an accomplished writer, leader in best practice research, and 21st century learning strategies. More importantly, she works with her heart, then her head. Her work isn't "work"...it is a life mission. I am honored to be her colleague as well as her friend.
Mike Sansone, designer of the company "Converstations", is a business builder and conversation conductor, who works with Angela and I on every issue from designing our businesses to opening our car doors and holding our purses while we shoe shop! He is an amazing man, committed to positive change in the world. I am proud he considers me worthy to be a part of his team!
As a reader of my blog, what I hope to provide is this: insights from one educator to another of what I believe to be important in regards to best practices and resources for your classrooms. My goal is to constantly be researching, learning from the best, trying new lessons with learners, staying focused on helping you be your best at all times. My background is elementary and early childhood education, undergraduate literacy education, graduate early childhood education and digital literacy.
As an educational Consultant, what I hope to provide is this: to be invited to come to schools and work with teachers and staff, working with them to support the curriculum they already have, strengthen their strengths, and not "reinvent the wheel." Thinking about what is important to teachers in staff development, I want to assist them in feeling empowered, inspired, and excited about what they do in their classrooms with our most precious future resource....our children.
With that.....I look forward to having conversations with you and hope to be working with you soon!
Sincerely,
Jen Stover
04/13/2009
A Simple Reminder of Authentic Learning
Just a quick post about something fantastic that happened while driving with my daughter this week.
It was a great reminder of the learning process, especially in relation to young children.
We were driving along, she wanted to listen to her vacation bible school cd from a few years ago. She loves that cd; it is familiar, she can sing right along and enjoy the songs, completely on auto-pilot.
I suggested we pop in a new one, our upcoming summer VBS songs, so she could begin learning the lyrics.
To this, she was very, very opposed.
I said, "Honey, why don't you want to listen to this one?
She replied, "Well, I just don't know it like the other one, it is more fun to sing. It's no fun when you don't know the words."
We had a discussion about the new cd in relation to her beloved cd from a few years ago. We discussed how she felt when we first started listening to it, whether she could sing along right in the beginning, or did it take some time to learn the words and music?
A light bulb popped on inside her little head and she realized.....the same thing would happen with this new cd! She just had to try it out, then try it again, and again, each time in different ways. Sometimes in the car, sometimes while dancing, while coloring and drawing, etc. Her brain was literally "bathed" in that music, just in different ways all the time. And, guess what, just a few short days later, she is singing away, several songs memorized, belting them out at the top of her lungs!
Maybe not the most exciting story to read (I apologize). However, it is a simple reminder of this...
We must always teach a concept more than once if we expect our learners to REALLY internalize the learning!! Also, we should always teach the concept by incorporating strategies that work with many learning styles.
I loved this story.....a simple reminder of learning.
Through perseverance (keep on trying, you will get it) and adaptability (learning in many different ways), learners will have ownership. Keep the activities spiraling; returning again and again, so students can feel successful and learn the same concept in many different ways.
.....Hopefully, they will be eager to come back for more!
Image taken from Flickr by Khwarlings
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