Teaching Counts

1. Teaching Counts Joining the Art and Science of Teaching University of California, Irvine January 29, 2011 Tim Allen M.A. Executive Director Carlston Family Foundation 949-640-7840 tima@carlstonfamilyfoundation.com

2. Carlston Family Foundation • Mission Statement • To recognize and reward outstanding teachers from California public high schools who must be nominated by former students, either currently enrolled in or graduated from a four-year college or university and who believe the former teacher made a life changing impact, both academically and personally. • Five Teachers Honored Annually • $15,000 Personal Awards • $ 5,000 for High School as designated by Honoree Teaching Counts

3. Selection Process • Interview minimum of 5 former students regarding specific pedagogical skills of teachers and determine how teacher impacted the lives of students • Interview Principal and primary evaluator • Interview a minimum of two colleagues • Interview nominee regarding teaching philosophy, specific pedagogy, expectations, assessments and outcomes • Priority given to teachers in lower socio-economic areas and/or low performing schools • 10-12 finalists submitted to Board for selection Teaching Counts

4. Carlston Family Foundation Honorees Nicole DiRanna, M.A, Biology Teacher and Department Chair Centennial High School Compton, CA Marlene Carter, M.A Nationally Board Certified Teacher UCLA and National Writing Project Consultant Carnegie Fellow English Teacher Dorsey High School Los Angeles, CA Teaching Counts

5. UC Irvine Guest Speakers Michelle Ogden USC Doctoral Candidate First Grade Teacher and BTSA Support Provider Vista Verde School Irvine Unified School Dist. David Hernandez, Ph. , Ed.D Kindergarten Teacher and BTSA Support Provider Newport Heights Elementary School Newport Mesa Unified School Dist. Teaching Counts

6. Students Tell Us Effective Teachers… 1. Have a deep passion for subject and love teaching 2. Are scholarly - knowledgeable in subject and love learning – inspire students with their enthusiasm 3. Challenge Students - Have high expectations that are clear, fair, reasonable and hold all equally accountable and responsible 4. Are extremely well prepared– Dedicated, Energetic, Engaging, Exciting 5. Are caring and create safe classroom environment – in control of classroom Teaching Counts

7. Students Tell Us Effective Teachers… 6. Consistent, predictable and always willing to help any student 7. Push students beyond comfort level and what they believe they are capable of doing 8. Challenge students to ALWAYS do their best work and won’t accept anything less than best effort 9. Creative and make subject matter relevant to the lives and experience of students 10. Optimistic about students – see potential in all and make students believe they are capable of doing the work. Teaching Counts

8. Students Tell Us Effective Teachers… 11. Explain complicated material well – will re-teach if necessary 12. Are insightful, respectful of students and non- judgmental 13. Have a flexible teaching style - failure is not an option – will do to help students master the subject 15. Use Humor effectively - Engage all students in activities – expect all to be tracking the lesson Teaching Counts

9. Students Tell Us Effective Teachers… 16. Tell students what is important to know and won’t move on until students demonstrate mastery 17. Treat all the equally and listen intently- make each student feel special 18. Are constantly assesses if students understand and comprehend material 19. Will re-teach if assessment demonstrates students are lost – won’t move ahead until all understand concept 20. Are authentic/Real/Appropriately autobiographical Teaching Counts

10. Great teachers…. • Have Passion and demonstrate knowledge of subject • Understand the Art of teaching and take the time to practice, hone, adapt and refine their skills • Understand how students learn, assess students appropriately and challenge them to be the best and to improve each day. • Are able to develop strategies that translate theory into action and make subject matter relevant and exciting for students. • Have good human relation skills, are flexible, intuitive and use humor effectively • Understand time as the commodity of teaching and spend it wisely and with purpose • Always begin at the end – plan objectives, then assessments, then activities Teaching Counts

11. Questions for Consideration • How do you establish high academic standards and expectations in your classroom? • How do you approach the planning and presentation of the material required by the Standards and yet maintain originality, interest and inspirational lessons? • Would you like to be a student in your classroom? How do you demonstrate your love and knowledge of your subject? • How do you ensure your classroom is safe, welcoming, inspirational and encourages open discussion? Teaching Counts

12. Setting High Academic Standards • What are the expectations of your classroom? How do you know they are fair, reasonable and achievable? • How do you assess student capabilities so you can establish expectations that do not lead to immediate failure? • How do you check for student understanding of material? How do you determine the class is with you? • What do you do if you realize students are not tracking? • How do know how far you can push your students? Teaching Counts

13. Proper Planning Ensures Academic Achievement • How do you organize and structure the way you will teach a unit? A lesson? • How do you build in on-going assessment? • How do you guide and foster open discussion and dialogue? Teaching Counts

14. Knowledge and Passion for Subject • How do you transfer the love and passion for your subject matter to your students? • How do you create the “hook” that captures the interest of students and inspires students to want to learn what you are about to teach? • How do you demonstrate what is interesting, engaging and relevant about what you are going to teach? Teaching Counts

15. Classroom Management • How do you consciously create a safe environment that welcomes students, recognizes them as individuals, protects them emotionally and physically and creates consistent opportunities for scaffolded success? Teaching Counts

16. The Art vs. the Science of Teaching • Science – a generalized approach to inform decisions, i.e., what will be taught, in what order and with what goals and objectives • Art – The mastery and application of skills learned individually through diligent study…the “Action” of the professional to craft teaching into a life changing experience. Teaching Counts

17. The Art of Teaching • Becoming an “Artist” requires: • Everything done with purpose • Practice every skill over and over – practice doing it “right” and prepare to win – do it better • Plan objectives, then assessments, then activities • Assess effectiveness/use data to analyze student thinking and teacher effectiveness • Evaluate success • Adapt and refine when necessary • Pursue new techniques and learn new approaches • Know and be yourself!!! • Maximize and leverage your strengths Teaching Counts