THE SUMMER CHALLENGE..........Engaging students as the summer approaches

Summer is fast approaching! Teaching at this time can be extremely challenging. The days are getting warmer and longer. Students are more interested in planning their summer escapades rather than being engaged in the classroom. While this is not true for all, there is a notable decline in students' motivation. This is even more evident at the high school level. 

Is it possible to increase students' motivation at this time of the year?

According to Allen Mendler, in engaging students we must examine our relationships with students, articulate the relevance of what is being taught, provide opportunities for students to demonstrate responsibility, plan for challenging activities that will allow students to experience success in a safe and fun atmosphere. The benefits of using these as guiding principles when you are planning for the next few weeks will yield positive results. You will be amazed at the level of your students' engagement and how much you have enjoyed the remainder of the year as well!

Engaging students  as the summer approaches can be a challenge but utilizing a few approaches such as Project Based Learning and Meaningful Engaged Learning may be a good start. 

How do you cope at this time of the year?

Have a Great Week!

Petreno 

Educating Students Who Live in Poverty

Last night I was privileged to be included among a group of educators recognized for the work that we have been doing with our diverse student population. Like all honorees, I was surprised and humbled as we sat and listened to how our work have impacted the community.

The event was organized by the District's Title 1 Executive Board Officers and General Parent Leaders' Council.Title 1 refers to the federal funding of schools in low income neighborhoods. According to the U.S. Department of Education, the purpose of Title 1 funding, “is to ensure that all children have a fair, equal, and significant opportunity to obtain a high quality education and reach, at minimum, proficiency on challenging state academic achievement standards and state academic assessments.”

As I spoke to the other teachers present, I immediately recognized the passion we all shared for learning and seeing our students succeed. Though our profession requires dedication and a lot of hard work, we can all agree that we will continue to do what's best for our students. 

I would like to thank and encourage all teachers to continue to challenge, nurture, and prepare our children for the future. Educating students who live in poverty should be everyone's top priority. Let us continue to do what we can today for tomorrow. 

                                              

Happy Teacher's Appreciation Week!

Petreno