2017 CH ICE - MemberClicks Fall Newsletter2017 .pdfCH ICE Fall . 2017. 220 State Street, West...

CH ICEFall 2017

220 State Street, West Columbia, SC 29169 • 803.256.2065 • palmettoteachers.org

PALMET

TO S

TA

TE TEACHERS ASSOC

IATION

Since1976

Every year during November, we pause to be thankful for all that we have. In a few weeks, the PSTA staff

will join with the country in our gratefulness, and while we are remembering our blessings, we will most certainly remember the great educators that invest in the students of South Carolina. In this edition of Choice, we will celebrate you, your accomplishments, the work you do, and the students you love. As I type this now, I am remembering all of the exceptional educators that inspired me in my own journey. Without the love, compassion, and direction of those great teachers, I would not be where I am today like Mrs. Cecile Flanders and Mrs. Carol Shute. I proudly celebrate all that educators do every day, but in November, I take a moment to reflect even more about the powerful work you all are doing as you greet your students each day.

In an effort to celebrate our profession even further this month, we will join the nation in celebration of American Education Week, Nov. 13-17. The “U.S. Office of Education” began celebrating this week in 1922 as a way to honor the vital role public education plays in building our nation. Schools, businesses, and organizations across the country take the time to acknowledge the hard work of every facet of public education during this week. We think that it is very fitting that the week falls closely to the Thanksgiving holiday. We are indeed thankful for all the educators in South Carolina. Because of you, lives are changed, children are molded into productive citizens, and America advances forward. Thank you for the late nights, the weekend planning, the paperwork, and more. You matter and are making a difference!

Kathy Maness Executive Director, PSTA

A LET T ER F ROM Kathy

MONDAY — Kickoff dayCelebrate all things public education.

TUESDAY — Parent’s DayAcknowledge the power of strong parent partnerships in public education.

WEDNESDAY — Paraprofessional’s DayHonor the work and dedication of paraeducators, bus drivers, maintenance, food service, and all others who play a vital role in the daily work of public schools.

THURSDAY — Educator for a DayInvite your representatives to join you at school.

FRIDAY — Substitute’s DayRecognize the hard work of those who serve in the absence of teachers.

AMERICANEDUCATION WEEK

STUDENT LOAN FORGIVENESS Checkout the latest details about student loan forgiveness from the U.S. Department of Education on website at http://www.palmettoteachers.org/student-loan-forgiveness

http://www.palmettoteachers.org

2 Palmetto State Teachers Association

The PSTA Clothes Closet is continuing its travels across the state. On October 14th, we were proud

to sponsor the Teacher’s Clothes Closet at the Call Me Mister Summit in Rock Hill. We had a great

turnout and many current and future educators left with professional clothing. We will return to Rock

Hill on December 2nd as we host the first Edcamp on the campus of Winthrop University. If you have

clothing you’d like to donate, please contact Toni Chewning at [email protected].

PSTA Teacher’s Clothes Closet

REMIND PD UpdatesTEXT FOR TIPS: Text “@PSTAteach” to 81010Texts are sent weekly (usually on Thursday afternoons) and are applicable to a variety of grade levels and content areas. Subjects include technology, classroom management tips, time saving ideas, and freebies for teachers.

People are welcome to submit ideas, too. They can email [email protected].

Call Me Mister SUMMIT


2018 PSTA CONVENTION:GERRY BROOKS Guest Speaker

April 7th, 2018 at Richland 2 Institute of Innovation

We are very excited to be hosting Gerry Brooks for our 2018 PSTA Convention. Gerry Brooks is principal

at an elementary school in Lexington, Kentucky. His educational experience includes six years in the classroom, two years as an intervention specialist, and twelve years as an administrator.

He is a passionate public speaker whose focus is on encouraging and helping teachers improve their instructional abilities. He also has a desire to help to administrators successfully lead their staff.

An engaging speaker, he has spoken to educational groups all around the nation. His focus is on encouraging

teachers to improve their instruction through personal climate and culture strategies. He desires to help administrators focusing on how to lead all staff in a positive and constructive manner.

His following on social media has developed through humorous videos that focus on real-world educational experiences. He is currently followed on these social media sites by over 500,000 people.

Tickets will go on sale January 8th for PSTA members. Public sales will begin January 16th. Be sure to follow our social media for reminders!

We will host our second Edcamp of the year on the campus of Winthrop University on December 2nd from 8:30-2:30. The entire event is free, and your breakfast and lunch are provided thanks to Founders Federal Credit Union and Bojangles. If you are not familiar with Edcamp Palmetto, learn more about it here: www.edcamppalmetto.weebly.com. We will have lots of unique learning experiences for you, plus you will have the chance to spend the day collaborating with your peers. We will also be giving away lots of amazing door prizes including Donors Choose gift cards, $100 to Bojangles, a Breakout EDU kit, a 3D printer, and more! Renewal credit will also be available.

Registration is limited so sign up today to secure your spot. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/edcamp-palmetto-rock-hill-tickets-38147064898

If you cannot attend this Edcamp, we will be hosting two more this school year.

Columbia @ Columbia College, March 24, 2018Charleston @ College of Charleston North Campus, April 28, 2018

Registration for these events will open two months prior to the date listed above.

Thanks to these businesses for becoming statewide partners with us as we bring Edcamp Palmetto to the teachers of South Carolina! The list continues to grow!!!


Congratulations STAR TEACHERS!Our Fall 2017 STAR Seminar was held October 23–27 at the St. Christopher Conference Center located on beautiful Seabrook Island, South Carolina. Teachers from public schools around the state were chosen to enjoy a week of renewing, relaxing and rejuvenating! The group participated in a book study, took a guided beach walk, and enjoyed a tour of historic downtown Charleston. At the end of the week, the teachers left with many new ideas as well as many new friends!

Many congrats to this semester’s excellent group of STAR Educators!

GANGGADHAR PADIGELA

Wade Hampton High SchoolHampton 1

ROBIN CHANDLERCleveland Academy

of LeadershipSpartanburg 7

FELICIA THOMAS-ADAMSAbbeville High School

Abbeville

DANA EDWARDSMoultrie Middle School

Charleston

KRISTY GARRETTAbner Creek Elementary

Spartanburg 5

FRANCES MEETZEMid-Carolina High

SchoolNewberry

PAULETTE MOSESDeerfield Elementary

Lexington 1

MICHAEL GLOVER JR.Fairfield Middle School

Fairfield

KIM GIBSONOak Grove Elementary

Lexington 1

Who Can Apply to STAR?Any outstanding veteran teacher who has taught for more than 5 years in SC’s public schools and is currently teaching in the South Carolina public school system may apply. Guidance counselors and media specialists are also encouraged to apply. (Note: You do not have to be a member of PSTA to apply.)

How Can Teachers Apply?Teachers should complete the STAR application. They must prove through the application and letters of reference that they are outstanding educators. Applicants will answer an essay question and must have written permission from their superintendent and principal to apply.

When is the next STAR?Our spring session is March 19-23, 2018. Deadline for applications is December 31, 2017. You can download the application on our website, www.palmettoteachers.org.


SCCSS AWARD W I N N ERSWe were honored to see many members receive awards for their hard work and dedication to their

profession at the South Carolina Council of Social Studies Conference. Congratulations to these members!

Tom Buckland Teacher of Excellence Award

DAWN LISKNations Ford High School

York 4

Best Practices in Social Studies Award

MARC TURNERThe Learning Collaborative

Richland 2

I T C O N N E C T S U S A L L

At the heart of education is a girlconnectingwith her hero.itslearning is the only teachingand learning platform designedby educators specifi cally for theway today’s K-12 students learnand connect.

Which means teachers canmeet kids where they learn,and personalize lessons totheir unique needs.

Let’s connect at itslearning.com.


ONLINE PD PORTAL:PSTA is proud to offer our members access to a wide variety of online PD through our partnership with The World Continuing Education Alliance. The WCEA provides global continuing education (CE) platforms for connecting educators and independent education associations across the United States. This platform ensures PSTA members of having an accessible resource of continuing education choices available anytime. The options that PSTA has chosen for our members are all available free of charge!

There is something for all grade levels and subjects. Members can choose to view the PD all at one time or break it down into smaller sessions. Times vary from thirty minutes to several hours for completion. PSTA members may view PD workshops and sessions then print certificates to turn in to their district certification office.

To access the PD Portal, visit our website at www.palmettoteachers.org and choose “Professional Development Opportunities” under the Events drop down menu.

Your account is now active and you are ready to access a whole new world of online Professional Development sessions!

Once you are at the PSTA Education Portal Homepage, click on “Create your account” to choose your login and password information.


TO THE POINTFrom the South Carolina Department of Education Office of Educator Effectiveness and Leadership Development

ThinkingTeaching students how to think and integrating activities and resources that require critical thinking skills is an essential component of the South Carolina Teaching Standards (SCTS). The SCTS 4.0 rubric includes descriptors for four types of thinking that deepen student learning and facilitate mastery. Analytical thinking, practical thinking, creative thinking and research-based thinking can and should be evident in daily instruction. Research highlights four methods a teacher can use to “teach” thinking.

• Questioning — Learners must be presented with problems and questions, the answers to which are not apparent.

• Modeling — Model what you expect. A brief demonstration of the thinking and behaviors you expect in an instructional moment sets the stage for student responses.

• Responding — The use of wait time, accepting student feedback without judgment, clarifying when students don’t understand, purposed academic feedback, and empathetic teacher responses further deepen student mastery.

• Structuring — Structuring occurs when there are clear expectations, thinking occurs across content areas and throughout the school day, there are multiple opportunities for interaction, and activities that address all learning styles.

As teachers move toward the proficient and exemplary descriptors of the Thinking indicator, the descriptors become more student-centered versus teacher-driven. For example, students need to know how to research to find information, but also how to review a variety of ideas and come to solutions that are well-supported and make sense. Research has shown that monitoring and thinking about one’s thinking leads to better academic performance, behavior and on-task engagement.

As you reflect on your own classroom, how do you plan instruction that teach students different types of thinking and problem solving? Do your lessons utilize analytical, practical and research-based thinking? How often do you integrate creative thinking into lessons and activities?

INSTRUCTIONExemplary (4) Proficient (3) Needs Improvement (2) Unsatisfactory (1)

The teacher thoroughly teaches three types of thinking:

• analytical thinking where students analyze, compare and contrast, and evaluate and explain information.

• practical thinking where students use, apply, and implement what they learn in real- life scenarios.

• Creative thinking where students create, design, imagine and suppose.

• research- based thinking where students explore and review a variety of ideas, models, and solutions to problems.

The teacher consistently provides opportunities where students:

• generate a variety of ideas and alternatives.

• analyze problems from multiple perspectives and viewpoints.

• monitor their thinking to insure that they understand what they are learning, are attending to critical information, and are aware of the learning strategies that they are using and why.

The teacher thoroughly teaches two types of thinking:





The teacher consistently provides opportunities where students:



The teacher attempts to teach one of the following types of thinking:





The teacher sometimes provides opportunities where students:



The teacher implements no learning experiences that thoroughly teach any type of thinking.

The teacher provides few opportunities where students:




Founded in 1946, Discovery Place (DP) exists to inspire curious thinkers to discover the wonders of science, technology and nature. DP currently operates four hands-on Museums: Discovery Place Science, Discovery Place Nature, Discovery Place Kids-Huntersville and Discovery Place Kids-Rockingham The organization provides off site educational opportunities for students through its Outreach program and professional development for educators through Discovery Place Education Studio. At the Education Studio we pride ourselves on innovation and creativity within the context of both our custom professional development offerings as well as our support of classroom instruction. As a team we have identified five guiding principles that represent the heart of our work in education:

Recognize educators as leaders they are. Build meaningful partnerships with schools and districts. Deliver minds in, hands on experiences. Collaborate with the community. Break down the walls of STEM Education for all educators and classrooms.

Over the past year of 70 partnerships and 120 schools served, our team has been able to identify what we see as the ideal suite of offerings to provide our partners with the best service possible. Each partnership begins with a consultation where we discuss the needs of the school/district and what the expected outcomes are. Within this consultation we develop a plan of action or what we call a project narrative that is based upon the needs, outcomes and budget of the partner. Within that project narrative, our partners may experience one or more of the following:

Vision Setting- Providing expertise to guide the implementation of a new project Professional Development- Modeled teaching experiences and technical trainings Coaching- Collaborative and creative partner in the development of new lessons Resource Kit- Providing the unique materials to support innovation in the classroom Modeled Teaching Experiences- Providing museum quality experiences to students

With respect to our amazing partnerships in South Carolina, this past year alone has provided us with the privilege to support a number of schools and districts with amazing and diverse projects. In Rock Hill and Chester, we have provided professional development to support the implementation of Problem Based Learning and STEAM. In Spartanburg, we have built 3D Printers and trained educators on their use and implementation. In Lexington, we have assisted in the development of a Project Management & Entrepreneurism course. In Florence, we have written the curriculum to support their new semester length coding course. For more information regarding the abilities and offerings of the Discovery Place Education Studio or to schedule a consultation, please email Doug Thompson [email protected].


Greetings from Erin Fox, 2018 SC Teacher of the YearI hope that everyone has had a wonderful start to their school years and that you are all comfortably settling into the second nine weeks as the crisp fall air and kaleidoscope of colors surround us. I have had the honor of touring South Carolina as the 2018 State Teacher of the Year, and I have had the pleasure to meet and interact with many incredible students and teachers across our state. As a proud PSTA member I have witnessed firsthand how our representatives from the Palmetto State Teachers Association are working to improve the educational experience for teachers and students through their work with the legislature and with teacher preparation events. It is clear that supporting teachers and providing a quality education for all students is a top priority and that they want to ensure that teachers feel as though they are an appreciated voice in South Carolina.

The opportunities I have had to share my love for the classroom and for my students with young people at Teacher Cadet College Days this fall have been some of the most gratifying experiences I have had thus far in my journey. I love being able to tell students about the various pathways I took on my road to becoming a teacher and how those experiences continue to shape my work as an educator and coach.

I’ve enjoyed speaking to them individually and learning about their own calls to the classroom, and I hope that I have been an inspiration for them to continue driving toward our profession. It is definitely a blessing to me, and I feel that it is one of my chances to truly change the world for the betterment of all people. There are so many young adults with a passion to teach; let us be a positive inspiration for the impact they stand to have on future generations of learners as we work together to champion the wonderful aspects of our careers. Their own educational dreams and perceptions have been shaped by motivating and encouraging teachers, so we must continue that trend and make our voices even stronger.

I’ve also had the pleasure to speak and work with South Carolina teachers throughout these first few months as State Teacher of the Year. I can see so much love for their schools and their students through our interactions, and each one has such a desire to be a positive influence in the life of every child he/she encounters. As I said before, I can completely relate; teaching lets me be the person I was created to be. I, too, share that love for my students and school, and I identify with a desire to be impactful at the highest levels.

I would love to have the opportunity to speak with your classes, with your department, or with your school or district’s teachers. Please email me at [email protected] if you would like to arrange a visit or presentation.

TeachSC becomes a real live Twitter chat for SC Educators on Nov. 21st @ 9PM! Moderated by Director of Professional Development @mrdearybury1 each time.

Spread the word and follow us on Twitter: @PSTAnews

10 Palmetto State Teachers Associationfacebook.com/PalmettoTeachers@PSTANews [email protected]

We are here for you, so you can be there for your students!

Dear PSTA Family,

As educators, we all have some form of leadership responsibilities whether it’s

over a building or a classroom. Within those

responsibilities lie strategies and a plan to carry

out. As a first year assistant principal, my transition

from the classroom to the front office has allowed

me to remember what it’s like to be a teacher while

at the same time plan for what needs are in the

building and how I plan to fulfill the needs.

I am currently reading a leadership book titled

“H3 Leadership: Be Humble, Stay Hungry,

Always Hustle” by Brad Lomenick. These three

components combined with PSTA’s Director of

Professional Development and Communications,

Jed Dearybury’s mantra to Equip, Encourage and

Empower will hope to provide you with reminders

and tips for being and building the leader in you.

1. Be Humble (Equip):In Lomenick’s book, to be humble means to know

who you are. We are obviously not all the same

whether it’s a teaching style or how we manage

a classroom or how we interact with staff and

students. Each of us is equipped with unique

abilities and qualities that allow us to perform our

duties. But we all need reminders on occasion as

well as helpful tools and tricks for being equipped

to bringing who we are into what we do.

2. Stay Hungry (Empower):“A goal without a deadline is simply a dream.” I’m

not sure who said this but for us as leaders, we

must have at least an idea of where we’re going

and how we are going to get there. Lomenick gives

six actions for leaders to stay hungry: 1) develop

an appetite for what’s next, 2) keep learning,

3) love what you do, 4) stay current, creative and

engaged, 5) nurture a vision for a better tomorrow

and, 6) take calculated risks. We as educators

cannot AND must not simply do what’s always

been done because our culture and our students

who are growing in this culture are not the same

as it was for us. If I as an educator have the fixed

mindset that my students must learn how I teach,

then I will continue to have problems both with

learning and behavior. Growing as a teacher both

in using learning tools and instructional strategies

are vital to my students’ success.

3. Always Hustle (Encourage):One of Lomenick’s points in this section of his

book says to “create an environment that attracts

and retains the best and brightest.” One of my

overall goals as a building administrator is to

create a school culture that is so positive and

effective that word spreads to the outside and

others flock to want to work here. But for that to

happen means I can’t do what everyone else is

doing. As a teacher, I hoped that not only did every

student want to be in my class, but I wanted every

parent to want their child in my class. Students,

parents, and other teachers know those who have

an encouraging and hard-working attitude that

simply makes everyone want to be on their team

or in their classroom.

As we move towards the midpoint of the year, and

the days grow darker earlier, and we feel tired and

weary, remember this quote… “Be Humble, Stay

Hungry, Always Hustle,” and keep moving. The

students of South Carolina are counting on us!

Matt JohnsonPresident, PSTA

A LET T ER F ROM T H E Pre s i d e n t

http://www.facebook.com/PalmettoTeachers

http://www.facebook.com/PalmettoTeachers

https://twitter.com/pstanews

2017 CH ICE - MemberClicks Fall Newsletter2017 .pdfCH ICE Fall . 2017. 220 State Street, West...

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