https://thesacredprofession.com/2013/07/22/first-day-back/https://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/img_3522.jpgIMG_3522The banquet hall (and my classroom this year!) at Trinity Baptist Church in San Antonio which is the temporary home of KIPP UPrephttps://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/img_3525.jpgIMG_3525My 2013 school supplies staples2013-07-25T02:54:05+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2013/06/30/bestcase/https://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/img_3468.jpgIMG_3468A motivational poster from a summer school classroom here at Teach For America's Los Angeles Institute.2013-07-23T01:21:23+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2013/06/26/exciting-new-changes/https://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/dsc_0063.jpgguest roomOne of the 113 year-old door handles in our new home in San Antonio!2013-07-02T05:20:07+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2013/04/11/first-we-fail/https://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/screen-shot-2013-04-11-at-11-29-15-am.pngJohn Mahoneyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/screen-shot-2013-04-11-at-11-42-13-am.pngNo Excuses checklist2013-04-16T16:05:11+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2013/04/09/transform-your-classroom-assign-a-research-paper/https://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/reportcard2bplagiarism2bcartoon.gifreportcard2bplagiarism2bcartoon2013-04-09T16:41:52+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2013/04/03/strange-bed-fellows-and-why-we-should-all-climb-in-too/2013-04-04T01:34:00+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2013/04/03/new-gallup-poll-u-s-teachers-love-their-lives-but-struggle/https://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/screen-shot-2013-04-03-at-7-50-28-pm.pngWork Environment Index Scorehttps://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/screen-shot-2013-04-03-at-7-50-14-pm.pngEmotional Health Indexhttps://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/screen-shot-2013-04-03-at-7-49-58-pm.pngLife Evaluation Index2013-04-04T01:04:50+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2013/04/02/great-book-mindset/https://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/screen-shot-2013-04-02-at-9-30-00-am.pngFixed and growth mindsets chart2013-04-04T00:04:48+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2013/04/02/speaking-truth-to-power/https://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/img_3032.jpgIMG_3032On the 7th floor conference room of the Department of Education (hence the official flag) about to present to senior ED officials. Yup, I'm kind of flipping out.2013-04-02T16:11:49+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2013/02/25/please-put-your-curriculum-away-and-get-out-a-scantron/2013-02-26T00:30:04+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2013/02/19/awesome-blog-the-edge-of-ed/https://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/screen-shot-2013-02-19-at-10-27-34-am1.pngEdge of Edhttps://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/screen-shot-2013-02-19-at-10-27-34-am.pngEdge of Ed2013-02-19T16:30:15+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2013/02/12/the-opposite-of-love/https://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/img_2903.jpgLorraine hotelhttps://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/img_2904.jpgIMG_2904https://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/img_2906.jpgLorine hotel in Memphis2013-02-13T02:36:10+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2013/02/12/guest-blogger-celebrating-black-history-month/2013-02-13T02:39:47+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2013/02/05/are-you-wearing-red-tomorrow/2013-02-09T04:04:52+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2013/02/06/warriors-and-worriers/2013-02-07T01:47:47+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2013/02/05/hope-and-truth/2013-02-05T17:36:06+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2013/01/21/summer-opportunity-with-learnzillion/2013-01-21T16:27:14+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2013/01/16/student-motivation-the-power-of-choice/https://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/screen-shot-2013-01-16-at-8-58-27-pm.pngScreen Shot 2013-01-16 at 8.58.27 PM2013-01-17T03:16:24+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2013/01/15/why-i-will-not-carry-a-gun-into-my-classroom/2013-01-16T03:49:13+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2013/01/13/sunday-night-inspiration-the-seattle-teachers-protest/https://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/screen-shot-2013-01-13-at-9-18-44-pm.pngScreen Shot 2013-01-13 at 9.18.44 PM2013-01-14T03:41:29+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2013/01/10/inspiration-is-for-amateurs/2013-01-11T02:12:58+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2013/01/09/you-have-more-or-my-former-student-kicked-a-robbers-butt-and-i-am-in-awe/https://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/screen-shot-2013-01-09-at-9-38-03-pm.pngScreen Shot 2013-01-09 at 9.38.03 PM2013-01-10T18:09:06+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2013/01/08/happy-new-year/https://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/img_2695.jpgIMG_2695https://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/img_2696.jpgIMG_2696https://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/img_2698.jpgIMG_2698Me and my former students from last year who returned from college to receive their IB Diplomas today at IDEA - so proud!2013-01-11T00:43:26+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2012/12/17/tragedy-and-our-role-as-teachers/2012-12-18T02:10:55+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2012/12/13/celebrating-the-season-in-your-classroom/2012-12-13T16:32:40+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2012/12/11/poet-taylor-mali-what-teachers-make/2012-12-12T02:04:14+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2012/12/11/loving-your-team/2012-12-11T22:24:54+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2012/12/11/ditch-the-lecture-or-8-tips-to-do-it-better/2012-12-11T17:23:08+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2012/12/07/character-education-and-mind-in-the-making/2013-01-22T11:55:23+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2012/12/06/when-a-teacher-dies/2013-09-12T21:46:04+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2012/12/05/character-report-cards/https://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/screen-shot-2012-12-05-at-1-18-43-pm.pngKIPP Report Card sample2012-12-06T04:57:25+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2012/11/30/pathbrite-student-portfolios/2012-12-05T00:54:34+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2012/12/04/book-review-how-children-succeed/2012-12-05T00:28:39+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2012/11/30/let-the-students-teach-themselves-seriously/2012-11-30T23:03:37+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2012/11/29/student-run-schools-nightmare-or-human-right/2012-11-30T00:43:32+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2012/11/29/listening-to-our-students/2012-11-29T16:55:17+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2012/11/28/wait-arne-duncan-isnt-perfect/https://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/img_2065.jpgIMG_2065Me presenting to Arne Duncan at this year's Education Nation - notice the bright red and extremely unprofessional Toms I'm wearing. Colleagues, this is what happens when simple teachers think they can rock heels in NYC for more than 5 hours. You get horrific blisters and are then forced to wear Toms in front of the Secretary of Education. Lesson learned . . .2012-11-29T02:48:56+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2012/11/27/our-students-interests-iggy-peck-architect/2012-11-27T21:01:08+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2012/11/27/better-science-teaching/https://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/screen-shot-2012-11-27-at-10-39-09-am.pngScreen Shot 2012-11-27 at 10.39.09 AM2012-11-27T17:05:48+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2012/11/19/quitting-on-principal/2012-12-04T04:20:57+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2012/11/14/77-years-in-the-classroom/2012-11-15T01:50:27+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2012/11/13/the-new-majority/https://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/screen-shot-2012-11-13-at-10-56-38-am.pngScreen Shot 2012-11-13 at 10.56.38 AMhttps://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/screen-shot-2012-11-13-at-10-55-03-am.pngScreen Shot 2012-11-13 at 10.55.03 AMhttps://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/screen-shot-2012-11-13-at-10-53-14-am.pngScreen Shot 2012-11-13 at 10.53.14 AMhttps://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/screen-shot-2012-11-13-at-10-54-13-am.pngScreen Shot 2012-11-13 at 10.54.13 AM2012-11-27T19:14:00+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2012/11/06/schools-and-sandy/2012-11-07T01:32:39+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2012/11/02/trying-to-keep-organized-workflowy-is-working-for-me/2012-11-02T20:29:07+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2012/11/01/ms-duncan-evans-classroom/https://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/work-folders.pngwork foldersMy ninth grade students maintain student work folders. At the end of each unit, they empty out their binder and put all of their old notes, readings, and graded work in a folder that I keep at the back of the class. It helps them stay organized. It also means that at the midterm and end of the year state test, I can give them back a year’s worth of notes, without worrying about them losing important pieces along the way. Finally, it helps me when I have parent meetings, IEP meetings, or meetings with a counselor, because I can always access examples of particular students’ work. It’s also be great in the past when I’m applying for peer-reviewed awards, to be able to easily add student work to my teaching portfolio.https://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/why-i-love-teaching-evans.pngwhy I love teaching Evanshttps://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/staging-area.pngstaging areaThis is my basic staging area where I place handouts and graded work that needs to be passed back. As a social studies teacher, I’m pretty much obligated to have up the three branches of government posters. The American flag is one of my favorite things in my classroom.https://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/from-back-of-class.pngfrom back of classHere’s a view of my classroom from the back of the room. I have a few computers that I let students work on if they need to. I also have a growing classroom library that I’m not quite sure what to do with – there are a mix of all different types of books, but I haven’t yet done much independent reading in class. You can probably tell from looking at the front of the room that I’m a big LCD projector teacher – almost everyday I use powerpoint.https://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/classroom-view.pngclassroom viewFor the most part my desks are in rows, but about once every two weeks I make a circle for discussions or create small groups for kids to work together. In the back of the classroom you can see my freedom of the press wall, which has a map showing global press freedom and great student work. I love maps!https://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/christina-duncan-evans.pngChristina Duncan Evans2012-11-09T05:36:27+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2012/10/31/how-much-time-should-students-get/2012-11-01T01:47:10+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2012/10/30/the-teaching-test-feedback-reflection-movin-on/https://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/screen-shot-2012-10-30-at-1-40-28-pm.pngScreen Shot 2012-10-30 at 1.40.28 PMhttps://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/screen-shot-2012-10-30-at-1-33-44-pm.pngScreen Shot 2012-10-30 at 1.33.44 PMhttps://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/screen-shot-2012-10-30-at-1-34-28-pm.pngScreen Shot 2012-10-30 at 1.34.28 PM2012-10-30T18:44:48+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2012/10/29/germs-vs-teacher/2012-10-30T00:35:24+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2012/10/25/ms-caseys-classroom/https://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/nik-casey-at-door.jpgNik Casey at Doorhttps://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/by-the-door-entering-the-classroom1.jpgBy the Door - Entering the Classroomhttps://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/culture-wall.jpgculture wallThis is my visual culture wall containing some of the key concepts/skills the need to master throughout the year.https://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/why-i-love-teaching-copy.jpgWhy I love teaching copyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/where-im-from-wall-this-year.jpgWhere I'm From Wall (This Year)This year, I changed the "Where I'm From Wall;" students now come up with at least 40 descriptive, juicy words that represent who we are and these words were then used to create a Word Cloud on Tagzido. Kids loved it! I taught imagery as the standard to drive this activity.https://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/where-im-from-wall-last-year.jpgWhere I'm From Wall (Last Year)This is last year's 'Where I'm From Wall' - it is about my students, all about them. It includes their "Where I'm From" poems, posters.https://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/wall-of-social-justice-inspiration.jpgWall of Social Justice, Inspirationhttps://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/wall-of-inspiration.jpgWall of InspirationMs. Casey's paraphernalia.https://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/vocabulary-placement-cards.jpgVocabulary Placement CardsVocabulary Cards - a word, its definition and an awesome picture/photo to help a student remember the meaning of the word (tackling all five of the human senses) is located at each table seat throughout the classroom. We use this to learn the words via tactile activities.https://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/the-reason-why-i-teach.jpgThe Reason Why I Teach2012-10-25T22:06:15+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2012/10/25/tagxedo/https://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/screen-shot-2012-10-23-at-1-10-14-pm.pngThe Sacred Profession's TagxedoWhat Tagxedo spit out for The Sacred Profession - I picked the shape and colors2012-10-25T20:36:20+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2012/10/24/what-to-do-with-a-half-day-symposium/https://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/screen-shot-2012-10-24-at-8-22-50-pm.pngScreen Shot 2012-10-24 at 8.22.50 PM2012-10-26T01:45:58+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2012/10/23/guest-blogger-reviewing-math-problems-for-understanding/2012-10-24T13:22:54+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2012/10/22/eating-the-marshmallow-might-be-a-good-idea-if-youre-poor/2012-10-23T19:07:14+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2012/10/19/survive-suctober/2012-10-22T02:24:45+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2012/10/18/uniforms-an-easy-way-out-of-character-education/https://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/screen-shot-2012-10-18-at-2-16-17-pm.pngScreen Shot 2012-10-18 at 2.16.17 PM2012-10-19T18:43:35+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2012/10/17/over-the-partisanship-and-through-the-bickering/2012-10-17T18:15:20+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2012/10/16/ap-classes-are-a-scam/2012-10-16T18:22:02+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2012/10/15/popular-pedagogy-project-based-learning/2012-10-16T11:27:39+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2012/10/12/considering-the-un-thinkable/2012-10-12T19:35:59+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2012/10/11/ms-scheinfelds-classroom/https://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/reading-nook.pngreading nookThe biggest perk to being in the library is that we have fantastically comfortable furniture that students can use when we’re in small group work or writing independently. It’s pretty awesome to have a couple of nooks like this and for that I’m super grateful.https://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/melissa-with-students-from-website.jpegMelissa with students from websiteThe part of my old classroom that I miss the most is the world map that you can see in the background of this photo. I installed two sheets of metal onto the wall and painted it with a world map. It's magnetic and visible from all parts of the classroom. The teaching potential is endless…for the new World Geography teacher who has taken over the space.https://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/melissa-at-door.pngMelissa at doorThis is the first year in my teaching career that I don’t have my own classroom. It was moderately traumatic when I learned this fact at the end of last year. I teach in the library and share the space with the 12th grade English teacher. It’s a beautiful, spacious, well-lit space and I now love teaching in this room. However, I had to do a lot of soul-searching at the start of the year about which of the bookshelves, wall posters, physical systems, and messages that I had all over my classroom were really necessary to run a highly-functioning classroomhttps://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/fixed-mindset-quote.pngfixed mindset quoteAfter reading Carol Dweck’s Mindset, I started teaching an annual lesson about fixed and growth mindsets to my students to help them identify both in themselves. I point to this question on the wall every time I return work to students with critical feedback or offer challenging corrections in order to support them moving more often towards embracing a growth mindset.https://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/filing-cabinet.pngfiling cabinetI have a filing cabinet in my classroom for students to pick up anything they are missing. The sign above it says, “Your GPA tells a story about you…what story do you want to tell? Check your grades and pick up missing work here.” The key to this system is that I don’t have to be around for a student to figure out what he/she needs to do to improve their grade or to help him/her find the missing/replacement handouts to get organized. Every teacher in my building has a system like this and we all know that if we’re supporting a student, we can send the student to another room to find extra copies of the assignment that needs additional attention.https://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/dream-job-sign.pngDream job signThere are two signs that I’ve had up in my room every year since Abby gave me the brilliant idea… “This is my Dream Job. What’s yours?” and “Yes, I really do love you.” It’s incredible how many times students have referenced these two signs when I talk to them about our class years later. They are very empowering messages. And, I love to shamelessly promote careers related to the class I’m teaching, so the rest of the wall includes a list of jobs that this class might lead toward.https://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/classroom.pngclassroomThe white board floating at the front of the room is on wheels and the English teacher and I rotate it depending on whose class is being taught. For additional writing space, there are packets of poster paper attached to it with binder clips. When there is additional information I want in front of my students, I put it on the chart paper and flip back and forth in the stack to get to the key info. It can be a bit of a challenge as it all adds a few more tasks in order to get set up for class, but for the most part it’s working great this year.https://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/book-shelf.pngbook shelfWith super limited space this year, I don’t have a table for handouts, but rather an empty shelf. In addition, I leave student supplies on the same bookcase with easy access for students to get to the materials they need.2013-04-03T16:42:32+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2012/10/11/salman-khan-school-should-be-more-like-summer-camp/2012-10-11T18:17:44+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2012/10/10/change-our-schools-or-drug-our-students/2012-10-11T14:21:54+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2012/10/10/affirmative-action-unfinished-work/2012-10-10T18:15:23+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2012/10/09/end-of-affirmative-action-what-you-can-do-for-your-students-today/2012-10-09T20:13:16+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2012/10/09/the-texas-two-smash-staar-budget-cuts/2012-10-09T19:44:44+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2012/10/08/making-the-most-of-parent-teacher-relationships/2012-10-08T18:41:26+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2012/10/05/helping-students-deal-with-test-anxiety/https://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/100media_imag0587.jpgTest anxiety relaxation poster2012-10-06T03:20:36+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2012/10/04/romeny-a-weaker-federal-government-except-in-education/2012-10-04T19:05:29+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2012/10/04/ms-thompsons-classroom/https://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/social-studies-notebook1-e1349362915927.jpgsocial studies notebookHere’s an example of a social studies reading assignment. We read and annotated the passage together. I always integrate reading and content whenever possible! Because my class loves art, we also do a lot of reading and sketching to help us visualize. *Abby's Note: Annotating primary sources in 3rd grade = Common Core compliance and general butt-kicking awesomenesshttps://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/social-studies-notebook-e1349362695107.jpgsocial studies notebookHere’s an example of a social studies reading assignment. We read and annotated the passage together. I always integrate reading and content whenever possible! Because my class loves art, we also do a lot of reading and sketching to help us visualize. *Abby's Note: Annotating primary sources in 3rd grade = Common Core compliance and general butt-kicking awesomenesshttps://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/window-and-birds.jpgwindow and birdso We’re lucky to have giant windows in our classrooms. A lot of teachers cover them with posters or put furniture in front of them. I understand this, since wall space is at a premium, but my aesthetic sensibilities have over-ruled my desire to be able to keep posters up. Instead, I hang student work from the windowsill. (It’s magnetic!) And yes, we have pet birds. Word to the wise: birds are much easier classroom pets than hamsters or turtles. I should know—I’ve tried all three.https://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/reading-notebook-e1349362516206.jpgreading notebooko We also use a notebook for most of our reading assignments. I love reading notebooks! My students write a short entry (1-2 sentences) every day, and then on Fridays they write me a letter about what they’ve been reading that week. I write them back over the weekend, and on Monday their entry is a response to me. When I grade their notebooks, I give grades based on the quality of their entries, and I also keep a running list of who has demonstrated understanding of key learning targets. For example, this student is starting to show an understanding of theme, although it’s not totally solid yet.https://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/portrait-of-ms-t.jpgstudent portrait of Heather ThompsonDon’t worry, someone made a portrait of me, toohttps://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/organizing-student-work-e1349363469925.jpgorganizing student workWhen students turn work in, they turn it in to a folder labeled with the subject area. This way at the end of the day I just pick up the folders, and all the work is organized by assignment. If someone turns something in late, they just find the correct folder and put it in, which saves me a lot of time. Most ongoing work is kept in a notebook. Third graders have a hard time keeping track of papers, so if things are glued down they can easily refer back to them. Additionally, I know that if I need to look back at a student’s work, it will be in the notebook.https://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/library-bulletin-board.jpglibrary bulletin boardo This is one of two bulletin boards at the front of my classroom. I use this one for vocabulary and book recommendations. You can see that a lot of the recommended books have been checked out by other students! The vocabulary is organized on posters by subject, so I can easily swap the posters out depending on what lesson I’m teaching.https://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/goals-e1349363643475.jpgClassroom valuesClassroom rules, signed by all students.https://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/classroom-library.jpgHeather Thompson in Classroom Libraryo My classroom door is a little dark and uninviting, so here’s a picture of me in the classroom library instead. This is where the magic happens anyway! Welcome to third grade!2012-10-07T03:19:31+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2012/10/03/what-if-teachers-ran-their-own-pd/2012-10-03T23:48:03+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2012/10/02/shout-out-from-eds-teaching-matters/https://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/screen-shot-2012-10-02-at-3-16-25-pm.pngScreen Shot 2012-10-02 at 3.16.25 PM2012-10-03T01:47:50+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2012/10/02/wont-back-down-is-not-a-teacher-bashing-movie/https://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/img_20431.jpgIMG_2043My less-than-amazing cell-phone picture of the panel discussion on Won't Back Downhttps://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/img_2043.jpgIMG_2043My less-than-amazing cell-phone picture of the panel discussion on Won't Back Down2012-10-03T18:47:07+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2012/10/01/best-behavior-management-tip-of-all-time-give-clear-directions/2012-10-03T18:46:17+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2012/09/28/the-sat-scrap-it-or-re-write-it/2012-09-28T19:02:06+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2012/09/28/why-american-students-cant-write/2012-09-28T23:01:55+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2012/09/19/how-does-your-school-districts-performance-stack-up/https://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/screen-shot-2012-09-19-at-12-40-09-pm.pngScreen Shot 2012-09-19 at 12.40.09 PM2012-09-27T18:51:23+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2012/09/27/the-civil-rights-movement-of-our-time/https://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/img_2042.jpgIMG_2042Me on the set of NBC's Education Nation; I'd probably have a similar expression if I had my picture taken in Buckingham Palace.https://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/img_2063.jpgIMG_20632012-09-29T12:12:33+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2012/09/24/nbcs-education-nation-quick-update/https://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/img_2053.jpgIMG_20532012-09-25T03:12:10+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2012/09/21/should-teachers-be-allowed-to-sell-their-lesson-plans/2012-09-21T19:42:59+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2012/09/21/the-most-important-10-minutes-of-your-class-time/2014-07-04T22:26:06+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2012/09/20/youre-a-teacher-now-what/https://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/dukeshire_erin.jpgDukeshire_Erin2012-09-20T18:22:11+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2012/09/19/link-between-student-achievement-and-poverty-an-inconvenient-truth/2012-09-19T19:03:07+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2012/09/19/the-key-to-smarter-students-effective-effort/2013-08-16T02:25:02+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2012/09/18/us-education-spending-vs-performance/2012-09-18T19:44:54+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2012/09/18/throwing-money/https://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/screen-shot-2012-09-18-at-2-18-18-pm.pngScreen Shot 2012-09-18 at 2.18.18 PMhttps://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/screen-shot-2012-09-18-at-1-45-28-pm.pngScreen Shot 2012-09-18 at 1.45.28 PM2012-09-18T19:34:21+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2012/09/17/motivating-students-through-role-models/2012-09-17T19:06:11+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2012/09/14/headed-to-nyc-next-week/https://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/en.pngen2012-09-14T19:45:45+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2012/09/14/youtubes-search-to-find-the-next-online-teaching-sensation/2012-09-14T19:25:12+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2012/09/13/why-one-chicago-teacher-supports-the-strike/2012-09-14T00:58:23+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2012/09/13/ode-to-office-supplies-post-it-notes/2012-09-14T00:33:58+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2012/09/12/great-books-how-to-talk-so-kids-will-listen-listen-so-kids-will-talk/https://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/img_2006-e1347472087586.jpgIMG_2006https://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/img_2003.jpgIMG_20032012-09-13T02:27:29+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2012/09/12/are-us-teachers-paid-as-well-as-those-in-other-countries/2012-09-13T20:30:11+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2012/09/11/the-strike-in-chicago-whats-the-big-deal/https://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/pngSTAAR question2012-09-19T19:01:31+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2012/09/11/the-10-commandments-of-getting-a-life-beyond-your-classroom/2012-09-12T01:40:17+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2012/09/10/the-limits-of-heroic-teaching/2012-09-14T12:35:32+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2012/09/07/superschools-creating-an-environment-of-achievement/2012-09-10T00:16:50+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2012/09/07/what-about-the-girls/https://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/screen-shot-2012-09-06-at-10-21-42-am.pngScreen Shot 2012-09-06 at 10.21.42 AMhttps://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/screen-shot-2012-09-06-at-10-19-27-am.pngAP scores of 3+2012-09-11T04:56:50+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/about/2014-01-07T02:03:48+00:00weekly0.6https://thesacredprofession.com/2012/09/06/ms-bissos-classroom/https://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/side-window.jpgSide Window"I eventually cover all those windows in words (put backing on them so they don’t fade, or butcher paper – it still lets light through) and you can’t see well, but each couple of panes is already marked off as one of my units. They are color-coded in an OCD way to match the library color codes (purple is Native Americans, for example). I can easily pull the shades down when it’s time for a quiz, and boom – words covered. Always thinking. My biggest yay moment is that when kids want to stare out the window…they CAN’T. Up on top is some of my timeline, roughly years 1400-1777"https://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/side-boards.jpgSide Boardshttps://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/pic-of-door.jpgpic of door"I like to fill the door with student responses to various questions. Here they answered the question "Where are you from?" and I wrote out selected responses on sentence strips."https://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/pic-of-door_1.jpgpic of door_1https://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/photo.jpgphotohttps://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/me-in-classroom.jpgMe in ClassroomMs. Bisso welcomes you to her classroom!https://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/lib.jpgLib"My classroom library"https://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/kidney-table.jpgkidney table"Classic kidney table"https://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/june-2012-024.jpgjune 2012 024"The map at the end of the 2011 - 2012 school year"https://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/june-2012-006.jpgjune 2012 006Last year's 2012-09-07T19:19:36+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2012/09/04/is-teach-for-america-working/2012-09-11T14:30:39+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2012/09/05/the-sexy-six/2012-09-13T18:29:43+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2012/09/04/the-best-review-game-of-all-time/2013-02-07T13:51:25+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2012/08/31/classroom-management-kohlbergs-stages-of-moral-development/2014-02-06T17:32:20+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2012/08/30/ms-corroys-classroom/https://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/img_19641.jpgIMG_1964https://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/img_1963.jpgIMG_1963https://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/img_1960.jpgIMG_1960"I book one of those book display shelves for elementary classes on top of a table to make the station where students grab papers everyday. I also posted reminders so that if they've forgotten something they can run to their locker quickly before class begins. Notice the continuation of my orange and yellow color scheme . . ."https://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/img_19621-e1346357423240.jpgIMG_1962"This is a get-to-know-you strategy I use at the beginning of the year. Students write whatever they want to me in the top boxes and I write back to them in the bottom box. They ask me random questions, I ask them questions, and we get to know each other on a low-risk yet one-on-one basis without spending too much time outside of class."https://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/1.png1"Every day as students leave my classroom they give a high-five to the yellow hand if they ____. Today it was "I am ready to stay organized" and everyday I change what is written on the white board below the yellow hand. This is a fun way to sometimes check for understand as well as give a last minute reminder as students leave the classroom."https://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/img_1962.jpgIMG_1962"This is a get-to-know-you strategy I use at the beginning of the year. Students write whatever they want to me in the top boxes and I write back to them in the bottom box. They ask me random questions, I ask them questions, and we get to know each other on a low-risk yet one-on-one basis without spending too much time outside of class."https://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/img_1959.jpgIMG_1959"On top of one of my shelves I have a "Shrine to Myself" with my diplomas, certifications, awards, and other special items - like the Wisconsin Badger. This shows students how seriously I take teaching as well as revealing a little of who I am personally."https://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/img_19541.jpgIMG_1954"This is the entrance to the room. The sunburst above the door represents the four major assessments my students will take this year. Every time they complete an exam I will have them place a sticker of their choice on the sunburst thus marking our progress towards earning college credit. Last year, I cut this up into little pieces and framed one for each of my students; some even took it with them to college! Notice the print of Abbie Hoffman above my classroom library - it was made by one of my students last year and says "What is your identity as a learner?" Students pick up papers at the table to the right of the door as they come in."https://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/img_19611.jpgIMG_1961"Rocking the paper lanters WITH lights in them as well! I haven't turned my overhead lights on yet this year. It seems dark but actually you get used to the light pretty quickly and students can clearly see. It also casts a nice sun-set glow on everyone in the room."https://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/img_1961.jpgIMG_1961"Rocking the paper lanters WITH lights in them as well! I haven't turned my overhead lights on yet this year. It seems dark but actually you get used to the light pretty quickly and students can clearly see. It also casts a nice sun-set glow on everyone in the room."2012-09-01T15:10:08+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2012/08/29/keeping-up-with-education-news/2012-08-31T18:42:14+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2012/08/28/great-books-when-kids-cant-read/https://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/photo-2.jpgphoto (2)https://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/photo-1.jpgphoto (1)https://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/photo.jpgphoto2012-08-29T03:29:22+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2012/08/27/the-tome-interactive-notebooks/https://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/img_1942.jpgIMG_1942https://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/img_1941-e1346115841514.jpgIMG_1941https://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/img_1940.jpgIMG_19402012-08-28T18:05:47+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2012/08/23/creating-the-conditions-for-authentic-learning/2012-08-24T01:42:18+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2012/08/22/hot-cheetos-takis/2012-08-23T00:12:40+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2012/08/21/keeping-it-civil-tips-for-in-class-discussions/https://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/socratic-seminar.pngsocratic seminar2012-08-23T18:06:04+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2012/08/20/great-books-the-skillful-teacher/https://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/img_1920.jpgIMG_19202013-04-09T13:51:11+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2012/08/17/what-should-we-do-with-excellent-teachers/2012-08-21T01:55:21+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2012/08/15/current-events/https://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/current-event.pngcurrent event2012-08-17T01:27:49+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2012/08/16/looking-for-a-do-it-all-seating-chart/https://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/seating-chart.pngseating chart2012-08-22T21:32:25+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2012/08/14/feeding-two-birds-with-one-hand-dbq-on-me/https://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/dbq-on-me.pngDBQ on me2012-08-17T12:20:43+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2012/08/13/classroom-branding/https://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/abby-in-classroom1.jpgAbby in Classroom2012-08-22T20:44:59+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2012/08/08/ode-to-office-supplies-the-moleskine/2012-08-11T01:48:05+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2012/08/10/moving-beyond-advanced-placement/2012-08-11T01:43:35+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2012/08/10/what-should-teachers-wear/https://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/300-morrison-glee-080709.jpgWhat should teachers wear?2012-08-10T16:37:58+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2012/08/10/coming-soon-classroom-visits/https://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/img_1537.jpgIMG_15372012-08-10T14:41:28+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2012/08/09/dont-smile-until-christmas/2012-08-21T01:45:54+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2012/08/08/your-classroom-online-edmodo/https://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/edmodo2.pngedmodohttps://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/edmodo1.pngedmodohttps://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/edmodo.pngedmodo2012-08-09T01:02:24+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2012/08/07/keateal/https://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/img_0267.jpgIMG_0267https://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/img_02661.jpgIMG_0266The KEATEAL lesson from one of my student's interactive notebooks.2012-08-07T23:45:06+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2012/08/06/top-10-classroom-decor-tips/https://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/img_0787.jpgIMG_0787The ID (name, event, place from history) wall in my classroom spilling out of its butcher paper frame. Each color represents one unit.2013-09-15T05:20:35+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2012/08/04/a-little-respect-16/https://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/me-at-dept-of-ed1.jpegme at dept of ed2012-08-07T04:30:26+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/become-a-teacher/2012-08-05T01:26:06+00:00weekly0.6https://thesacredprofession.com/2012/08/02/economic-integration-in-our-schools/2012-08-07T03:06:38+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2012/08/01/faceboard/https://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/abby-with-faceboard1.jpgAbby with Faceboardhttps://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/abby-with-faceboard.jpgAbby with Faceboard2012-08-01T15:04:29+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.com/2012/07/27/hello-world/https://thesacredprofession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/img_1819.jpgIMG_1819My students' graduation from IDEA College Prep on June 7, 20122012-08-01T14:46:36+00:00monthlyhttps://thesacredprofession.comdaily1.02014-07-04T22:26:06+00:00