TEACHER SOL

Get Tough #DCteachers

2013-06-18T23:09:00.000-07:00

Dear colleagues,

I was about to call it a night when someone who needed to hide behind fictitious names tagged me of a link on Facebook and Twitter attacking each and everyone of Elizabeth Davis's Slate supporters. I would like to share my two cents worth on this.

We are professional educators and our character and credibility can stand on its own to get us to where we are destined to be without needing to hide behind comical names to degrade, lie about or demean anybody.

Manipulation of information and malicious accusations thrown at me and the candidates that I am supporting in this WTU election make me believe even more that we need to keep the faith, stay united, and get tough.

Tough means that we are willing to stand tall and persevere. Even when our mind and body signal perfectly good reasons for giving up, we go on. This tough is obvious. But tough can also be standing up to cynics and skeptics who mock our faith. Many times it will be tough to be kind. Be kind anyway.

This is our teacher's union and we are more than 3,000 strong. I am confident that our WTU Members will stand firm by teacher leaders who can give them respect, who will not tarnish and put a shame on the WTU, and who will carry the name for our teacher's union with pride. Let us use our common sense and make informed decisions about our candidates when we vote in this 2013 WTU Elections. I will stay by Elizabeth Davis's side and elect her for WTU President because this is the right thing to do. We need to regain what was once ours, now is the right time. This is a call to action.

@WTULocal6 Presidential candidate's Debate

2013-06-18T22:30:00.001-07:00

SHARE! WTU Members: Here's to help us make informed decisions about who to vote for this 2013 WTU Elections. What are their stand on key education issues and what are they going to do about it? Be there tomorrow to watch this WTU Presidential Candidate's Debate!

#DCteachers Endorsing Elizabeth Davis

2013-06-12T19:23:00.003-07:00

In this coming WTU run-off election, I am supporting my colleague and friend Elizabeth Davis. Liz and I worked together for almost 8 years as Teacher Consultants of the DC Area Writing Project. We are both well respected in our circle and are active members of the Delta Kappa Gamma International Society for Key Women Educators. Ballots will be mailed on June 17. GET OUT THE VOTE!

A Message To #DCteachers

2013-06-08T15:18:00.000-07:00

I thank each and everyone of you for being hopeful and for working hard in this campaign. Let us be more involved and vigilant in advocating for the future of our profession and the children we serve. Please continue to hold the candle from which others can light their candles.

Vote for Change! Maria Angala advocates for diversity in the WTU

2013-05-25T03:59:00.002-07:00

INTERNATIONAL NEWS: Pinay vies for top DC teacher union post
by: Rodney Jaleco, ABS CBN North America Bureau
link: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/global-filipino/05/25/13/pinay-vies-top-dc-teacher-union-post

Times are changing, says Washington DC special education teacher Maria Angala and she says the diversity that’s fueled much of the growth in places like the nation’s capital should be reflected in their workers unions as well.

Maria with DC Cong. Eleonor Holmes Norton
and DCAWP Executive Board
lobbying for funding for student writers

Angala, a University of the Philippines-trained teacher at the Jefferson Academy Middle School for the past decade, has been outspoken and passionate about finding better ways to educate America’s school children. It’s driven her to an unprecedented campaign for the presidency of the 4,000-strong Washington Teachers Union (WTU).

She is one of hundreds of Filipino teachers – the vanguard of a foreign recruiting binge by US public schools – who were lured by the promise of better pay and a slice of the “American dream”.

They filled an acute teacher shortage especially in tough, rough and tumble inner city schools that struggled to meet standards imposed by the Bush-era No Child Left Behind Act. The Filipino mentors can be found virtually everywhere in America , from top-tier East Coast academies to sparse Indian reservations in the New Mexico desert.

“Times have changed,” Angala declared, “and public education has evolved.”

She wants to steer WTU towards her vision of the future. “There’s a battle being waged right now,” Angala averred, “It’s not about unions standing up for teachers; it’s about teachers standing up for themselves through their unions.”

“There are so many things happening right now at the local and national level which lead to frustration, anger and all those are harmful not only to the teachers but also to the children whose lives we continue to influence daily,” she said, adding that “when I empower, encourage and inspire teachers to do their best of the kids, I am impacting the lives of more just the students in my classroom.”

Angala is a familiar face in the education protest scene of DC (something she attributes to years at UP where she says she learned stand up for what’s right). She was WTU’s vice president for special education from 2007-2010, a member of the Asian & Pacific American Labor Alliance (APALA), the Teacher Leaders Network and the Delta Kappa Gamma International Society for Key Women Educators.

She is board certified as an exceptional needs specialist and was named Outstanding Special Education Teacher (2008-2009) by the National Association for Special Education Teachers (NASET). She also has two blogs – “Digital Anthology” is the online extension of her classroom and “Teacher Sol” where she tackles education-related issues, including the plight of Filipino mentors in Maryland .

She says the “prospects are both exciting and frightening” as she cobbled a multicultural and multi-generational ticket which, she vowed, would bring much-needed changes in the WTU. “We have exceptional candidates in our slate (4 of them are also Filipinos), who carry the promise of being real game-changers because of our diversity, problem solving skills and courage to speak on behalf of our teachers and students,” she explained.

They are pressing for an “objective and fair evaluation system and due process aligned with that system.” She sees the inordinate emphasis on high-stakes tests and the lack of support and resources to teachers as the biggest problems bedeviling the DC Public School system today.

“We should now be thinking how we can change our traditional practices to better reflect the tasks assigned to our schools, teachers and students,” she said, stressing that “teachers should be treated as partners in reforms.”

Her “platform” includes providing more resources to DC public school teachers, lower class sizes especially for schools in poverty-stricken communities, and building respect for teachers.

Unions, she added, are “only as good as their members. I believe we need to set higher expectations and standards for ourselves so we can inspire our students and encourage them to do what it takes to be successful in life. We need to take control of our actions and not sit by as others define effective teaching for us.”

If Angala sounds like she’s gearing for a fight, that’s probably because she’s been there before. A tireless advocate of change, she was part of the WTU panel that negotiated a “progressive” teachers’ contract which led to a 15 caseload limit for special education teachers, among other concessions.

She promised to “rebuild our teacher’s union and make great things happen” as WTU president. The ballots have been mailed out and should be due back in the Post Office by June 7.

Her feisty attitude is stark contrast to the publicity that Filipino teachers have received lately – as hapless victims of illegal recruitment, from Prince George ’s county in Maryland to the Baton Rouge parish in Louisiana. Angala offers the contrasting image of a fighter ready to pounce on behalf of her fellow teachers and perhaps more importantly, for the school kids.

Video Clip: We Are The Union

2013-05-24T17:11:00.000-07:00

Thank you to everyone who contributed to this video. Much appreciation to the members of Maria Angala Slate and supporters who have been working hard helping us in this 2013 WTU Election of Officers. There are challenges ahead of us, and we will keep fighting to stand up for what is fair to all members. We deserve a democratic election, we will uphold diversity in the WTU leadership, we will win!

Our Slate's Platform #DCteachers

2013-05-23T22:59:00.003-07:00

We will focus on social justice unionism to deliver what matters most to our students/ teachers. We hereby present our platform:

(click on the photo for larger size)

Maria's Union Background #DCteachers

2013-05-23T18:40:00.001-07:00

As the WTU Vice President of Special Education (2007-2010), Maria was part of a team who negotiated a progressive teacher's contract which made 15 IEP Caseload Limit for Special Education Teachers possible. Once elected, she and her team will make things happen!

Vote for Maria Angala Slate #DCteachers

2013-05-20T20:31:00.002-07:00

These are exceptional candidates who carry the promise of being real game-changers by virtue of their diversity, innovation, wisdom, problem-solving skills, and the courage to speak on behalf of our teachers and students. A vote for Maria Angala Slate is our contribution to making a better union.

(click the photo)

Meet & Greet with Angala Slate #DCteachers

2013-05-11T11:15:00.000-07:00

Happy hour, jokes, stimulating conversations, bonding, networking, camaraderie, laughter, fun, etc! Thank you everyone...join us again next Friday!

(click to enlarge the image)

Who truly cares that the union does right? #DCteachers

2013-05-08T03:31:00.005-07:00

Teacher Appreciation from Angala Slate

2013-05-05T17:10:00.002-07:00

Dear colleagues,

We are helping mold the future, and our influence will long outlive us. What an honor, what an awesome responsibility, and we never take it lightly. We are proud teachers!

Happy Teacher's Appreciation Week!

♥ In solidarity,

-The Angala Slate -

(click to enlarge the flier)

WE are you & you ARE THE UNION! #DCteachers

2013-04-23T21:31:00.001-07:00

Who dares wins. #DCteachers

2013-04-08T16:57:00.002-07:00

We don't have to wait for permission to do the right thing.

We need to take the initiative.

We need to do it now.

-MARIA-

Proposed DCPS Calendar for School Year 2013-2014

2013-04-01T10:36:00.003-07:00

The Proposed DCPS Calendar for School Year 2013-2014 includes the "Holy Week" as part of our Spring Break, many teachers expressed their appreciation. The proposed calendar is now on the website for comments and inputs from teachers, parents, and other stakeholders.

Happy Easter, everyone!

2013-03-31T07:17:00.001-07:00

I found this and just wanted to share. But regardless of your religious affiliation, Easter is a symbol of renewal. Spring is in the air, we're filled with new hope. Enjoy your Spring Break, colleagues!

TRIVIA Question:

Why an egg to symbolize easter?

Answer:

April is Autism Awareness Month

2013-03-31T06:38:00.000-07:00

Hello colleagues,

Monday, April 1st, begins Autism Awareness Month. April 2nd is Light It Up Blue Day. We invite you to turn a lamp or a porch light blue for the day. Several places carry blue light bulbs. Walmart, Lowes, and others. More than lighting it up blue, you can also donate to a walk. Learn about a child with autism, share the knowledge.

MARIA

Update about 'Good Friday Petition' on Change.org

2013-03-28T20:33:00.000-07:00

Dear colleagues,

Again, let me thank you for signing the petition. With your support we have made a huge step towards making our collective teacher voice heard by the administration.The only way that we can fail is to stop using our voice on behalf of the voiceless.

The petition was sent to Chancellor Henderson last night (Wednesday @ 12:00mn) and we received her prompt response this morning (Thursday @ 6:00am) that our request was denied. Please find her response and our further request below. Please do not call the Washington Teacher's Union office tomorrow, it is a non-working day for them. You can reach me anytime at solangala@yahoo.com or leave a message at http://teachersol.blogspot.com. It is always a blessing to be in a position to help a colleague, this is just the beginning!

Sincerely,

Maria Angala, NBCT

Twitter: @TeacherSol

Facebook: Teacher Sol's Funshine

Blog: Teacher Sol

Pinterest: Teacher Sol's Board

LinkedIn: Maria Angala

(#2) OUR RESPONSE TO HER EMAIL

Dear Chancellor Henderson,

We, the signatories of the petition, received your email response this morning that you did not approve our request for Good Friday (March 29, 2013) to be a non-working day for teachers who observe this day as part of their religious beliefs. Although it was a real disappointment, we appreciate that you conveyed your decision. We also appreciate the courtesy and professionalism exhibited in the email.

We further, want to ingeminate that this is a day that many DCPS teachers value and observe as a core part of their religious faith. We are requesting that in the future, when planning for the calendar for each school year please keep in mind and consider having the "Holy Week" as part of our Spring Break.

Thank you and have a blessed Easter!

Sincerely,

Maria Angala, NBCT and DCPS Teachers

.
(#1) CHANCELLOR'S RESPONSE TO OUR PETITION

Ms. Angala and others,

We set the calendar for each school year 1-2 years in advance. We work with the WTU to come up with an agreed upon calendar that meets the required number of instructional days, and the requirements for record-keeping days, PD days, and other contractual requirements. We present the calendar for public comment before we finalize it. Each year, there are holidays that don't fall exactly the way we want them, or school doesn't end when we'd like, or there is some calendar intricacy that some seek to change. As you know, nothing is ever perfect. However, we have finalized a calendar and will abide by it, as we do each year. Our families and employees have already made plans and rely on us to be consistent, which is why we solidify the calendar so far in advance. Feel free to request leave if you determine that you need to be absent on Friday.

Thanks for reaching out. Best wishes for a restful spring break.

Kaya Henderson

Good Friday DCPS Petition

2013-03-24T22:31:00.003-07:00

Dear colleagues,

We are having an online petition for Good Friday to be off for DCPS teachers, please support, sign and pass on to another DCPS teacher in your listserv. We need 100 signatures for this petition, thanks to all who signed!

http://www.change.org/petitions/good-friday-petition?share_id=sxXJXltbuQ&utm_campaign=friend_inviter_chat&utm_medium=facebook&utm_source=share_petition&utm_term=permissions_dialog_false

We, the DCPS teachers signing this petition, are committed to providing high quality teaching and educational services to our children each and every day. However, Friday, March 29, 2013 is a ½ instructional day for our children. It is also “Good Friday”, a day that many DCPS teachers value and observe as a core part of their religious faith. While this “Good Friday” is scheduled on the DCPS school calendar as a recordkeeping day for teachers, the ½ instructional day for students can easily be altered in such a manner that our spring break includes Good Friday as it has been in the past.

Therefore, we are asking that Chancellor Henderson allow all teachers to perform their recordkeeping activities at home and not require teachers to report to our school or work location on Good Friday, March 29, 2013.

We believe her granting of this request will have no negative impact on DCPS school operations but will allow teachers who wish to observe “Good Friday” as a part of their faith to do so without being penalized and forced to use a leave day. Also, the Chancellor's granting this reasonable request is a win-win for her as our Chancellor and all DCPS teachers, as we work together with mutual respect and commitment to improve and deliver quality educational services to our students.

Sincerely,

Maria Angala, NBCT

Twitter: @TeacherSol

Facebook: Teacher Sol's Funshine

Blog: Teacher Sol

Pinterest: Teacher Sol's Board

LinkedIn: Maria Angala

What Are The Signs of Autism? Infographic

2013-03-24T06:11:00.004-07:00

This is a very helpful chart! As soon as you notice these signs, get them into Early Intervention (even if it's just a delay). April is Autism Awareness Month, pass this on to a friend in need!

5 Pinterest Collaborative Boards : Teaching & Education

2013-02-18T14:32:00.001-08:00

I must confess that I am now an official Pinterest addict and I have spent more than an hour of my waking day to devote to building content of my awesome Pinterest teacher boards since its inception in November. The great news is that I'm now opening them up for collaboration!

What are Pinterest Collaborative Boards? They are actually boards on Pinterest that allow other pinners to pin content on the board. Yes, it's that plain and simple! I believe that I have great colleagues who are also Pinterest users (like YOU!) who would want to share pins centered around teaching and special education. Collaborative boards on Pinterest are a great way to share your information to other teachers and networkers, while also generating great back links to your blog or website.

My Pinterest boards are now open, please leave a comment on the latest post and I will certainly add you. Let's start sharing!

Link

#1. Books and Reading Resources. This is all about the written word. Please leave me a comment on the most recent pin if you are interested in sharing your books and everything about books on this board.

Link

#2 Great Ideas From Teachers. Need ideas for the kiddos? Get authentic teacher-made classroom resources, fun kid-friendly games, craftivities and more from our amazing teachers. If you want to share your awesome classroom pins, please leave me a comment on the most recent pin! We currently have 75 teachers collaborating on this board, join us!

#3 Social Media and Technology in Education. For social media savvy teachers, this board is for you! Blog, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Google + tips and tricks to make all of them grow and glow...follow this board! Let me know if you want to be a pinner to this board by leaving a comment on the most recent pin.

#4 100+ Education Quotes. Get your education quotes from the most political edreform sayings to the most inspirational wisdom laden and famous proverbs from this board! Same process, share your pins by leaving a comment on the most recent pin and I will add you as a collaborator.

#5 National Board Certification and Teacherpreneurship. When the going gets tough, what do you do? Here are some resources that you might need if you are going through the process of National Board Certification or are just looking for teaching standards and best practices for effective teacher leaders. If you have something to share about NBC or Teacherpreneurship, please leave a comment on the most recent post.

HAPPY PINNING!

100 Education Quotes

2013-02-18T12:29:00.000-08:00

I was floored when I saw from my blog stats that this post has been one of my top 5 of all time! I wrote this post when I was just a newbie blogger and was trying to learn the tricks of using hyperlinks, etc. Who would think that this was going to be a major traffic source to my blog? Now, I am updating this post from 2007 because I do not want people to stumble upon my blog while surfing the internet only to find that the information that they're looking for here is already obsolete...

UPDATE # 1: Visuals! Added some photos of famous education quotes on every post.

Original post: The educational process has been the subject of much comment by academics and writers. Their observations range from praise to cynicism. I have collected here a variety of thought-provoking observations on education.
Education Quotes 1
Education Quotes 2
Education Quotes 3
Education Quotes 4
Education Quotes 5
Education Quotes 6
Education Quotes 7
Education Quotes 8
Education Quotes 9
Education Quotes 10

UPDATE #2: Pinterest Education Quotes Collaborative Board. Get your education quotes of the day and famous proverbs from this board! If you want to share your inspirational pins to this board by leaving a comment on the most recent pin. It's NOW OPEN for collaboration, and I would love to have you on board!

UPDATE #3: Student Writing Practice. I have been using education quotes from my lists and from my Education Quotes Pinterest Board in the classroom as a warm up activity for my students. The students use the quotes as writing prompts to get started during the first five minutes of class just writing what the quote means to them following the RACE strategy to make connections during their free write. It's been great, plus, it's aligned to Common Core Standards! Here's an activity you can try for your class.

How about you? I would love to hear how you are using these quotes for your students!

Textbooks vs E-books in schools? #edtech

2013-02-15T06:47:00.000-08:00

Many schools are abandoning textbooks in favor of e-books and tablet computers, but writer Nicholas Carr urges them to consider research that shows paper books still have some advantages. Traditional books retain the reader's attention, allow greater flexibility and cater to more learning styles, he argues. Carr also cites a study suggesting that college students still prefer print reading. Star Tribune (Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minn.)/Dallas Morning News

But, if you are a Kindle lover, here's a book for you...Kindle Buffet! Part of the title on the book is also "Find and download the best free books, magazines and newspapers for your Kindle, iPhone, iPad or Android" This explains the book very well. It is an amazing resource for finding free books. The book is oversize and easy to understand. This book is full of step by step instructions, graphics and pictures to help explain the steps.

Special Education Infographic

2013-01-15T18:48:00.001-08:00

If you are a special educator, paraprofessional, or a parent working with a kid with special needs, here's a detailed infographic about special education which you may find useful from USC Rossier Online.

"Although special education began in the 1950s as a movement to win individuals with disabilities a free and quality education, it has today come to embrace the ideal of inclusion, with many students with disabilities being taught in general classrooms alongside their non-disabled peers. Thus, as fully inclusive classrooms become more of a reality, all prospective teachers can benefit from a better understanding of the basics of special education. The number of students receiving special education services is also steadily on the rise, so now is certainly the time to start learning more about the field."

Cyclist with disabilities raises funds for multiple sclerosis

2013-01-14T19:32:00.001-08:00

Harvey Dawkins, 44, who has cerebral palsy and epilepsy, has made it his mission to raise funds for multiple sclerosis by riding his bike in fundraisers in New Jersey, Florida, Georgia and Texas, and he plans to start a nonprofit to allow him to participate in fundraisers in all states. Dawkins, who rides his bicycle 70 miles a week, became interested in raising funds for the disease because of a co-worker who has multiple sclerosis. "The way I see it, if one person can help another person, we can get pretty far," Dawkins said. Burlington County Times (Willingboro, N.J.)