Month: March 2011

Daily GeoQuiz Podcast and More!

Posted by admin on in social studies0 Comment

I’m a republican, and I listen to NPR.  Yes, we do exist!  I don’t listen to NPR constantly, just occasionally; I like the stories and the shows.  Sometimes on the way home from work PRI’s The World is on, and lately I have been thinking about how cool their daily GeoQuizzes are!

Everyday PRI has a daily GeoQuiz, it’s short, fun, and interesting!  And if I taught middle school or high school social studies I would use these in my classroom from time to time.   Check them out for yourself, learn something new and pass on this great resource to others!

GeoQuiz Challenge

GeoQuiz Podcast

 

Enjoy some daily GeoQuiz today!

-CA-

 

What is an EPSE?

Posted by admin on in inspiration, leadership0 Comment

Public schooling has been under attack recently.  The view of the public school teacher has been negatively portrayed in the media lately. Don’t get me wrong, I am pro reform in public schools, but I am pro informed reform!  As a principal and teacher I see the daily work and care my teachers pour into their students and I think it’s time we school leaders promote some deserved recognition and appreciation.

I am blessed to work in a school district that has a proactive superintendent who is an advocate for best practices, students, teachers, and public schooling.  My superintendent, Dr. Jeff Swensson, recently wrote and article in the Indianapolis Star that inspired me to write this post and share his article.  Please take 5 minutes to read his article here: EPSE Awards

“What’s the EPSE (pronounced Ep-see) about? It’s fairly simple. This award doesn’t involve a fancy statue, nor does it require a lavish awards program. Instead, the EPSE involves just a “thank you” to the many effective public school educators who do an impressive job every day in a public school near you.”
I agree with what Dr. Swensson said, “I recommend that each of us takes a moment to award an EPSE. What will be the result when you send your e-mail, make that phone call or have a brief conversation to present an EPSE?”
Leaders, get involved in promoting a positive pat on the back for your teachers in your community!  I hope the following creation can help you get started!  I have created a certificate that parents and students could fill out and give to their teacher to say thank you!  You can access it here: EPSE AWARD CERTIFICATE FORM —– CERTIFICATE (NOT IN FORM MODE)
Please feel free to share this!  My hope is that this helps build on Dr. Swensson’s idea and that we can spread some love and appreciation, as well as a positive perception, toward our public school teachers who work hard to make our students successful!
Original Photo Credit: AttributionNoncommercialShare Alike Some rights reserved by Jeff the Trojan; Manipulated by Chris Atkinson