As the school year draws to a close, it’s important for students — and educators — to celebrate the hard work of a most extraordinary year. No question, that’s going to be a special challenge this year — there won’t be the usual ice cream socials, moving-up events, or goodbye hugs.
Looking for inspiration to end the school year on a good note? Join us at 7 p.m. Sunday for #NYSUTchat on Twitter, as educators talk about how they’re wrapping up the school year, celebrating all the hard work and reflecting on lessons learned. What was the most fun you and your students had together this year? What lessons from this past year will you carry into the new school year?
“Educators have done such an amazing job maintaining personal connections with students — providing instruction, remediation and enrichment during this period of remote learning,” said NYSUT Executive Vice President Jolene DiBrango. “And they’ve shown so much creativity, whether it’s making school-wide ‘We miss you’ videos or putting 2020 graduate signs on the front lawns of high school seniors. I can’t wait to hear what they’re planning for end-of-year activities.”
DiBrango started the Sunday chats several weeks ago to give members a place to share ideas and talk about what’s happening with remote learning. Previous chats have focused on trauma-informed instruction, professional learning networks, tips for handling stress and the value of community wrap-around services.
You can follow or join this week’s chat by watching DiBrango’s Twitter feed @nysutEVP. She will post questions to guide the discussion through the fast-moving hour, with participants sharing ideas and helpful links. When you respond to the tweets, be sure to use the hashtag #NYSUTchat, so we can keep track of everyone’s responses.
“Our online circle has grown every week, with participants from around the state,” DiBrango said. “It’s a great way to share creative ideas and be there for each other.”
Here are the questions for Sunday's conversation:
- During the last 6 weeks of school, how can teachers create opportunities for students that cultivate a sense of accomplishment and pride in their work, themselves, their class, and their school?
- As you reflect on your own learning throughout the entire year, what hard work and accomplishments are you most proud of? How have you grown as an educator?
- What was the most fun you and your students had together this year? What exciting activities can teachers plan for their students next year?
- As you look ahead to fall 2020, and think about next year’s work, what are some goals for your own teaching? What are your hopes and dreams for your students you have yet to meet?
- What lessons from the past year, including the last 8 weeks of remote learning, will you carry with you into the new school year?