A blog for Alabama teachers learning about or working on achieving National Board Certification.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
ALABAMA State Department Grant Application Link
ftp://ftp.alsde.edu/documents/74/AlabamaNationalBoardCertApplication.doc
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Persistence
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Persistence
If you're not able to walk that far, then you can take a single step. After taking that step you'll likely find that you're ready to take another.
If you have trouble imagining yourself reaching your goal, then imagine yourself taking one small, simple action in the direction of that goal. Imagine it, and then do it.
After that first step, there will be another one you can take, something that's a little bit more challenging and yet not overwhelming. Keep it up, and soon the ultimate goal begins to come into view.
Anything can be accomplished if you are willing to keep taking the next step when it is time to do so. What you lack in brute strength, or resources, or knowledge, or skills, you can make up for with persistence.
You absolutely can get where you choose to go, step after step after persistent step. And now is the perfect time to begin.
-- Ralph Marston
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
The Mentors are Coming!
I hope to see you there from 5:00 to 7:00 pm.
Thursday, December 06, 2007
Write, Right! Dec. 11th meeting UM campus
The topic will be WRITE, RIGHT! We will be discussing the different types of writing involved in the National Board process and WHY you need to know the difference!
Come join us!
Saturday, December 01, 2007
YES YOU CAN DO IT!
Yes you can do it
Yes, you can do it. And you can begin right now.
Sure, you've run into problems in the past. Yet there is a way to get past every one of them.
When it is important enough to you and meaningful enough for you, you will find a way. There is a positive, effective step that you can take this very moment.
It will require effort on your part, as well as commitment and persistence. Fortunately, you are fully capable of all those things.
Yes, you can do it, and in the process you will more fully become the beautiful, unique person you are meant to be.
When your objective is connected with the purpose that drives every other purpose, there is no doubt that you can do it. Begin now to work your way there.
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Next National Board Candidate Support Meeting-Dec. 11th
Who: All University of Montevallo Inservice Region NB Candidates
What: The topic is types of writing involved in the portfolio
Where: UM campus Wills 200
When: Dec. 11th 5:00 to 7:00 pm.
Why: Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much!"
Helen Keller
Monday, November 12, 2007
First Meeting for NEW CANDIDATES!
Friday, November 09, 2007
Friday, October 19, 2007
Who got the grant?
pthomas@talladega-cs.net
And CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Saturday, September 08, 2007
Share Your Video for the State NB Grant
I will be happy to take a look, plus others in attendance can give feedback. We will be using the rubric that scorers use when the grants are reviewed at the State Department.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
New National Board Support Group Forming!
The University of Montevallo Inservice Center is forming a new support group for teachers interested in participating in the National Board Certification process.
We will meet monthly to discuss the process, share helpful tips, have guest speakers, and learn from each other.
For more information, check the PD web for meeting dates and times.
For application forms, click here. http://www.savefile.com/files/970930/
For a copy of tonight's powerpoint, click here. http://www.savefile.com/files/970916
Saturday, May 19, 2007
S.O.S. for the Assessment Center
As promised....here are some of the most helpful tools I have collected from myself and others throughout my mission to help teachers become NBCTS. I hope you will find something that is helpful.
websites:
www.responsiveclassroom.org
www.teachingstrategies.com
www.socialstudies.org/standards/positions/elementary/html
Books:
Pathways to Play by Sandara Heiderman and Deborah Hewitt
ISBN: 0-934140-65-0
The Play's the Thing...A Teacher's Roles in children's Play by Elizabeyh Jones and Gretchen Reynolds
ISBN: 0-8077-3171-4
Word Matters by Pinnell and Fountas (page 104-105 Full of questions you might ask about student)
Reading and Writing
Invitations by Regie Routman
Locating and Correcting Reading Difficulties by Eldon Sckwall
Kid Writing by Eileen G. Feldgus and Isabell Cardonick
ISBN: 0-322-00763-1
Apprenticeship in Literacy by Dorn, French and Jones
ISBN: 1-57110-088-1
Observational Survey-Marie Clay (good testing/questioning)
All Entries and Assessment Center
Building the Primary Classroom by Toni bickart, Judy R. Jablon, Diane Trister Dodge
ISBN: 1-879537-38-9 ** MOST HELPFUL OF ALL MATERIALS
Developmentally Appropriate Practice in Early Childhood Programs by Sue Bredekamp and Carol Copple, Editors
ISBN: 0-935989-79-X
www.naeyc.org 1-800-424-2460
Science books
Doing what scientists do by Ellen Doris
ISBN: 0-435-08309-0
Good Luck!!! Remember... just a day at the Beach...and blow some bubbles for me!
Friday, May 04, 2007
Grant Results are IN!
You should have received your grant results by today. Please let me know how you did so I can plan to support you in the future.
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
Grant Applicants!!
Of course, I have high hopes for you all!
ASSESSMENT CENTER MEETING
In case you don't know, I will be meeting with those who are doing the assessment center soon. We will meet on Montevallo's campus (Wills 200) on May 17th from 5 to 7 pm. Share the news with anyone you think will benefit. They should be able to register on the PD web.
Monday, April 02, 2007
The Assessment Center- Let's Get Ready!
To assist candidates, the University of Montevallo Inservice Center is planning a session entitled, "The Assessment Center- Let's Get Ready!" This session is scheduled for May 17th from 5:00 until 7:00 pm. on the campus of the University of Montevallo, in Wills 200. You must register on STI PDweb for this session. It should be posted sometime this week.
We will have an overview of the experience and a breakdown of different National Board Certification Area requirements. Your input and knowledge is very valuable to the group. Bring your fears, questions, and motivational strategies to share with others.
Saturday, March 03, 2007
YOU CAN!
YOU CAN
You could come up with all sorts of very reasonable excuses for not taking action. Or you can simply do what is to be done.You could worry about what might or might not happen. Or you can get busy and make sure you achieve the result you desire.
You could take one look at the immensity of the challenge and decide that there's no way around it. Or you can begin to work your way, step by step, through that challenge.You could delay and procrastinate and find plenty of ways to distract yourself from the task at hand. Or you can choose to enjoy the real fulfillment of making a positive, substantial contribution to life.
You could listen to all those people who tell you with certainty that it can't be done and that you're not qualified to do it. Or you can decide that you'll find a way to make it happen.
In the end, whatever the excuses or distractions or challenges may be, the decision is always yours. For when you choose to, you can do it
HAPPY WRITING!
Thursday, March 01, 2007
Great National Board Interest in Montevallo Inservice Region
The group was very knowledgeable about the process and the state grant that is available to help with the cost of process. To learn more about the grant process and print the application forms visit:
http://www.alsde.edu/html/sections/section_detail.asp?section=74&footer=sections
The deadline to apply for the grant is March 12.
Janet Taylor, an employee of the UM Inservice Center, will not be able to help with videotaping. Please ask within your system to receive technical support.
If teachers want to pay for the process for the school year 2007-2008, they would do the following:
A fee of $65.00 is due upon registering.
If paying a lump sum, the payment of $2,500 is due by January 31, 2008.
If using the extended payment plan, candidates may make payments until March 15, 2007, which is the due date for the total amount.
If you would like to have a reader for the "Five Core Proposition" Essay, a part of the grant application, I will be happy to help. Please email by attachment to pthomas1628@charter.net.
To receive more information about National Board Certification, visit www.nbpts.org or call
1-800-22-TEACH.
Thursday, February 08, 2007
Motivation Site to visit
http://www.ifilm.com/video/2713192
Monday, January 08, 2007
Worth Checking Out!
Hey Guys!
Remember that book the inservice center provided, " The National Board Certification Workbook?" There are a few pages you might want to check for clarification of topics we discussed at the last meeting.
Page 55-56 Gives great teaching strategies. You may already be using these and did not consider these strategies.
Page 70-71 The author of the book shares one of her accomplishments. It is a great example of strong writing! She is clear about the description, significance, and impact on student learning.
Page 92-93 Scoring is discussed on these pages. The author stresses the use of "How will my response be scored."
page 94 Author suggests you score your own entry. See if you can find evidence of the standards.
I'm still thinking about you! YOU CAN DO THIS!