Valerie Zielinski

Seesaw Certified Educator 2nd Grade Teacher at Greenbrook Elementary in Illinois

[Valerie Zielinski @MrsZs2ndGrade]

Perseverance pays off! I have a 2nd grader who has put extra time and effort into her reading at home since November. Her reading has grown leaps and bounds! Not only did she close the gap but now she is striving beyond! I’m super proud of her! #AuthenticEDU #ESD20learns

[Valerie Zielinski @MrsZs2ndGrade]

We love to read! These 2nd graders helped our class reach our first 1,000 minutes on the @Seesaw We Love to Read Challenge! #kidsdeserveit #esd20learns

[Valerie Zielinski @MrsZs2ndGrade]

In 2017 my 2nd grade class had the wonderful opportunity to pilot 1-1 Chromebooks for our district. The kids and I learned a lot from that experience. One of my favorite memories is the kids using @Seesaw to video/record their STEM group projects! #AuthenticEDU #esd20learns

[Valerie Zielinski @MrsZs2ndGrade]

I agree it is so important to keep learning as an educator. Here is a book that I’m currently reading to improve my practice. I also believe we can learn so much by observing our peers. #kidsdeserveit #esd20learns

[Valerie Zielinski @MrsZs2ndGrade]

Feedback is so important in helping students grow. I try to sit down and talk with them on a one - one basis about their work whenever possible. Usually it’s quick but getting that one- one time is important too. #AuthenticEDU #esd20learns

[Valerie Zielinski @MrsZs2ndGrade]

My class ❤️s Fun Fridays when we have indoor recess because they can create with our Stem Bins! #kidsdesrveit #esd20learns

[Valerie Zielinski @MrsZs2ndGrade]

Two key principles resonated with me…6 - kids learn best when they’re interested & they understand the purpose…why is this important for me to learn? Also, 7 - if they feel safe & connected, they will cheer each other on and help each other grow! #esd20learns #AuthenticEDU

[Valerie Zielinski @MrsZs2ndGrade]

One of my favorite things to do with my students is to help them set goals, work & encourage them as they make progress & celebrate when they achieve their goals! #esd20learns #KidsDeserveIt

[Valerie Zielinski @MrsZs2ndGrade]

Keep it positive! Not always easy to do, especially during this busy time of year but so important. We need to remember that little eyes & ears are absorbing our actions and reactions everyday. #kidsdeserveit #esd20learns

[Valerie Zielinski @MrsZs2ndGrade]

“We have the power to tear down or build up the children who walk into our lives every day.” When we focus on building them up and building those relationships, that’s when we know we’re making an impact that matters. #KidsDeserveIt #esd20learns

[Valerie Zielinski @MrsZs2ndGrade]

@DrCarrieFogarty Congratulations! I loved watching the video of your ceremony!!!

[Valerie Zielinski @MrsZs2ndGrade]

Connections…that’s what it is all about…welcoming and greeting each student at the door with their name sets the tone for the rest of the day…you matter. #AuthenticEDU #esd20learns

[Valerie Zielinski @MrsZs2ndGrade]

I love to celebrate students’ successes on @Seesaw It is so easy to snap a quick picture and send a message home! The kids love it & so do their families! #KidsDeserveIt #esd20learns

[Valerie Zielinski @MrsZs2ndGrade]

Student engagement = student excitement! Being a “checker” by listening to their classmates reading words and taking turns being the “teacher” to practice spelling words are great ways for students to take ownership of their learning. @MrGGreenbrook #KidsDeserveIt #esd20learns

[Valerie Zielinski @MrsZs2ndGrade]

Relationships are key! Take time to build them; kids learn better when they know their teacher cares about them. #AuthenticEDU #ESD20learns

[Kari Johnson @STC_MsJohnson]

Summer Training Camp with @TheNoraProject at the beautiful @chicagobotanic garden 💜
@MrsZs2ndGrade @KeeneyvilleD20 #esd20learns

[Valerie Zielinski @MrsZs2ndGrade]

I love to read and I absolutely ❤️ reading to my 2nd graders! These are a few of my favorites for the beginning of the year. They are amazing and are the first books in their series. I truly believe it’s all about getting them hooked! 😊 #kidsdeserveit #esd20learns

[Valerie Zielinski @MrsZs2ndGrade]

Continuing to grow as an educator is so important! Twitter chats and FB teacher groups are a great source of PD! #KidsDeserveIt #esd20learns

[Valerie Zielinski @MrsZs2ndGrade]

One of my favorite things to do is to make “Good News Calls” home celebrating students’ successes!#kidsdeserveit #esd20learns

[Valerie Zielinski @MrsZs2ndGrade]

As teachers we need to be our students’ biggest cheerleaders. A simple, “You got this; I believe in you!” can make all the difference! #KidsDeserveIt #ESD20learns