I wish that all stakeholders of public school systems in Iowa would stop focusing on what schools are not doing, or what we missed, and instead celebrate and recognize all that our superintendents, school boards, principals, teachers and staff have gotten RIGHT!
Iowa retired teachers and administrators, in Governor Reynolds's most recent proclamation she temporarily suspended the bona fide retirement period and earnings limit relating to IPERS benefits and pay if a retired teacher returns to work as a teacher or substitute teacher.
Westside educators continue the call for a safe and equitable return to schools. We are proud of our supportive school board members for issuing today's op-ed in @OWHnews.
Westside has done our job. It's time for our elected gov't leaders to do theirs. https://t.co/RyXSZuvSD7
Dear BOE, superintendents & principals,
We see you. Your job is impossible. There are no perfect answers. You didn't receive training for this. There is no manual. We trust you to make the best decisions possible with the information you have.
Godspeed (and rest, please rest).
Smartest thing I heard from a supt recently:
As part of reopening planning, arrange a simulated school day (or even 1/2 day) for key stakeholders (supt, bd, union pres, etc) to "attend" school under draft plan.
From bus to class to bathroom, walk in their shoes b4 deciding.
Today is Juneteenth—a day for celebration and remembrance that should be part of our collective knowledge of freedom struggles in this country. May our educators and youth continue the fight to ensure that the promise of freedom is delivered.
https://t.co/m8TBF6vpCA
It's naive and will backfire if you ignore the trauma and fear we've all just been through and try to just "get back to normal" asap when we return. Name it. Discuss it. First step to healing is self-awareness.
#BuildingExpertise
Little ones aren't the only ones who need SEL. MS/HS maybe even moreso. Those are some of the most stressful times in our lives, and those students need support.
#BuildingExpertise
Check out these 3 suggestions for implementing culturally responsive teaching in the current situation—starting with using students’ background knowledge.
https://t.co/ZIXTVqMlNk
When the answer is concrete... "2+2=4", instead of accepting "4", ask students how they got that answer, why is that the best way to find the answer, what is another way to find the answer? #BuildingExpertise#ProductiveStruggle