Coaches Corner *New*, Mandatory PowerTeacher Pro, OTS Spotlights

1. Coaches Corner

Why recreate the wheel?  Some of your math resources are right here for you.

Throughout the next few month's we will highlight some of the amazing resources found on the Everyday Math Virtual Learning Community (VLC).
The Everyday Mathematics Virtual Learning Community (VLC) provides a space for teachers to view and share resources that support mathematics teaching, communicate with other teachers about pedagogy, and take time to reflect on their practice.
Please take a few minutes to sign up if you haven't already done so.  Dana Pivnichny will be referring to the resources throughout the year, and strongly encourages its use.

This month's focus is on the Resources tab of the site.  There are teacher-made printable resources readily available.  Examples include: vocabulary cards, math messages, student work examples, and much more.  You can filter by topic and grade level, which will save you time!

1.  Go to the VLC website at https://vlc.uchicago.edu/login.
2.  In the top right, click Join.  It will take about 3 minutes to sign up, but it's worth it!
3.  If you already have an account,  choose log-in!
4.  Once you are logged in, we recommend the "Resources" tab for your first visit!
5.  Now that you  have an account, don't forget to add this to your PSD Key to help remember your new password!

•  Go to the Teaching Library in PSD Key.  Search for "Everyday Math VLC".  (See image)

 2.  PowerTeacher

All teachers will need to be using the PowerTeacher Pro for their final grade inputs at the end of the marking period.  If you missed the training at the end of August, here it is.

In addition, here are the basics on a 2 page tutorial sheet for how you'll access the final grade areas for your subjects.

Please do not wait until final input time to open PowerTeacher Pro and navigate through these steps.

3.   OTS Spotlights- Here are a few we are most excited about!

Mimio Basics- November 4-  We will cover the very basics of using a Mimio in your classroom.  If you have one, but aren't sure of how it works, please join us!  Any questions?  Just ask Erin Reichert

Mimio Advanced- December 10-  This will be the Part 2 to the November meeting.  You DO NOT need to attend in November to come to this session.  If you have a Mimio and are fairly comfortable, but want to know more, this is the session for you!  Any questions?  Just ask Erin Reichert

Teach Like a Pirate Book Study-  Beginning in December- This book study will take place over the course of 3 months.  We will begin with a face-to-face meeting on December 11th.  We will then meet two times through online discussions using some technology tools (don't worry, you don't have to be an expert!), and then will meet again face-to-face on March 11, 2020.  This book is a powerful, well-known book in education now and we hope you'll join us.  This PLT opportunity is for 7  total hours (4 for discussions/meetings and 3 for reading) of your district PLT time.  If you have any questions, please see Erin Reichert or Ken Ehrmann.  *Teachers must purchase their own copy of this book prior to our first meeting on December 11.*