Month: January 2019

‘Collective Teacher Efficacy Takes Center Stage in Kenai’ by Christine M. Ermold, Ed.D.

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The Kenai Peninsula Borough School District may encompass over 26,000 square miles, but the support new teachers have make it feel like everyone’s within walking distance of each other.  The range of school sizes often results in singleton teachers with a grade level configuration or content area, so connecting teachers has been a priority for KPBSD leaders.  Research by Hattie (2009) affirms what many knew instinctively; collective teacher efficacy almost quadruples typical teaching efficacy with an ultimate effective size 1.57! Continue reading ‘Collective Teacher Efficacy Takes Center Stage in Kenai’ by Christine M. Ermold, Ed.D.

‘Newsies Production Puts Lathrop HS Talent on Show in Fairbanks’ by Teacher and NEA-Alaska President Tim Parker

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NEWSIES

Nearly 100 students from Lathrop High School have come together for one of the best musical theater productions of the year with “Newsies.” On stage, back stage, and in the box office, the students have put together a real winner of a show. Continue reading ‘Newsies Production Puts Lathrop HS Talent on Show in Fairbanks’ by Teacher and NEA-Alaska President Tim Parker

‘Shadow A Teacher Day’ by Dr. Karen Gaborick, Superintendent of Fairbanks North Star Borough School District

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This year, our district implemented a new initiative called “Shadow a Teacher” to build connections and enhance communication among district staff.  It took place the week of October 1st and was a smashing success. Staff who work behind the scenes to support district functions spent an entire day shadowing teachers who volunteered to host guests in their classrooms. Visitors included staff from facilities maintenance, network services, business administration, human resources, teaching and learning, federal programs, special education, communications, and the superintendent’s office. Even school board members participated!  Continue reading ‘Shadow A Teacher Day’ by Dr. Karen Gaborick, Superintendent of Fairbanks North Star Borough School District

ACTing to Transform Learning by Dr. Mary Wegner, Superintendent of Sitka School District

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Arts, culture, and technology are more than words in the Sitka School District. To us, arts, culture, and technology represent education that is grounded in our explicit embrace of culture as a context for learning, a desire to have students graduate with an appreciation for the role of arts in community life in Sitka, as well as in personal happiness, and a need to prepare students for success in a digitally-rich life. The Sitka School Board adopted our Arts, Culture, and Technology (ACT) Standards in 2014, and we haven’t stopped ACTing since then! Continue reading ACTing to Transform Learning by Dr. Mary Wegner, Superintendent of Sitka School District

YKSD’s Career Fly-In by Superintendent Kerry Boyd, Yukon-Koyukuk School District

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Annually, the Yukon-Koyukuk School District invites high school students to participate in the Career Fly-In.  At this weeklong camp, students learn about a variety of careers and post-secondary options, build employability skills, and prepare for life after high school. Continue reading YKSD’s Career Fly-In by Superintendent Kerry Boyd, Yukon-Koyukuk School District

Chickens, Salmon, and Plants OH MY! by Colby Way, teacher in the Kenai Peninsula Boro School District

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Community outreach is a key aspect of the Port Graham Middle School, grades 5-8
(multi-grade classroom). Each year we, as a class, choose from a teacher created list of
community out-reach projects. Two years ago (school year 16-17), we formed a collaboration
with the Port Graham Hatchery and ADF&G to participate in the salmon rearing program:
Salmon in the Classroom. Continue reading Chickens, Salmon, and Plants OH MY! by Colby Way, teacher in the Kenai Peninsula Boro School District

Better Together: The Power of a Hashtag by Beth Houf, Co-Author of Lead Like A Pirate

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It’s hard to believe it has been three months since my visit to Alaska as I had the honor and privilege of speaking at the Alaska Principals’ Conference. I was forever changed after this conference for one reason…the people. I met incredible school leaders from all corners of the great state of Alaska doing AMAZING things for students and staff. No matter the overwhelming obstacles that may face each of them, it was evident that each person I had the pleasure of meeting was all about making the world better because of the influence of his/her leadership. Continue reading Better Together: The Power of a Hashtag by Beth Houf, Co-Author of Lead Like A Pirate

Ready, Set, Teach by Devin Way, Teacher in the Kenai Peninsula Boro School District

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What if students could teach each other?

That was the question I asked myself when I learned the new application ‘Clips’ for the iPad. It was simple, user-friendly, and fun! I wanted to use the app, and to have the older students in my classroom actually teach the younger students how to use it. Continue reading Ready, Set, Teach by Devin Way, Teacher in the Kenai Peninsula Boro School District

Celebrating 100% Teacher Retention! by Robin Jones, Principal of Chief Ivan Blunka School

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Teacher retention, effective classroom instruction, and institutional knowledge are key to closing achievement gaps and increasing student performance. It takes time for teachers to gain experience and maximize their effectiveness in the classroom.  When teachers commit to being consistent year after year, the students gain a sense of continuity and the staff gains strong collegiality and relational trust. Continue reading Celebrating 100% Teacher Retention! by Robin Jones, Principal of Chief Ivan Blunka School

Share Your Story!

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It is our privilege at the Alaska Council of School Administrators (ACSA) and the Alaska Staff Development Network to support Alaska’s public schools and our incredible workforce of educators. We know that every educator, from para-professionals, to teachers, to administrators, are doing amazing things every day to inspire Alaska’s students. We need to tell our education stories! ACSA and ASDN is committed to helping you do this through the Our Alaskan Schools blog. Continue reading Share Your Story!