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Cutting through the Jargon, Understanding Current Educational Reforms

Cutting through the Jargon, Understanding Current Educational Reforms

by Eric Varney, Sagadahoc County Teacher of the Year Science, Morse High School

When it comes to education, there is no lack of public opinion. Since virtually everyone has had some significant experience in the classroom, we have also formed our own opinions on education. These opinions are built from our own unique vantage point and often vary widely. However, agreement can be found on one front; there is no lack of jargon in education.
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It’s Not a Vacation for Everyone

It’s Not a Vacation for Everyone

by Dyan McCarthy-Clark, Piscataquis Teacher of the Year 8th Grade Social Studies, SeDoMoCha Middle School

This is the time of year where it seems as if we have a vacation every time we turn around. It’s a time for teachers and students alike to rejuvenate. Teachers often take stock of the progress being made and adjust the course of instruction to address the varied needs of their students…and take some time to relax. Students get a chance to rest from the rigor and structure of the school day.
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Place-based Learning

Place-based Learning

by Victoria Grotton, Penobscot County Teacher of the Year Pre-K, Glenburn School

Have you ever carefully observed a three, four, or five year old in a garden? On a nature trail? In a mud puddle? The splashing is purposeful. The shouting is expressive. The climbing is rewarding. The touching is...slimy! This excitement exists in place-based learning and active teaching.
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Creative Writing – It’s Not Just a Spectator’s Sport in My Classroom

Creative Writing – It’s Not Just a Spectator’s Sport in My Classroom

by Cory Chase, Lincoln County Teacher of the Year 7th-8th Grade Language Arts, Boothbay Region Elementary School

I have noticed throughout my years of teaching, that I have not had a huge focus on creative writing. Often my lessons have revolved around the informational text: how to answer questions, how to reflect, and how to respond, and the always enjoyable grammar rules. Last year, my schedule changed to add another class that was based on Language Arts.
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Creating a Positive School Environment that Nurtures all Students as Learners

Creating a Positive School Environment that Nurtures all Students as Learners

by Kristi Todd, Knox County Teacher of the Year Kindergarten Teacher, Union Elementary School

At Union Elementary School, in Union, we work collaboratively to create nurturing classroom climates and a positive school environment. We work together towards building positive relationships and communicating clear expectations for behavior to students, parents, staff, and our community. At our school, we believe in building a culture of "our kids" where teachers believe that every student is their responsibility - not just the ones in their classroom.
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Habits of Mind are Measures of Success

Habits of Mind are Measures of Success

by Daniel Crocker, Kennebec County Teacher of the Year 5th-8th Grade Math, Hall-Dale Middle School

November is a good time to reflect on the school year so far. A few months are in and I have a decent handle on my classes and students. As with any reflection, my mind casts a wide net on topics – especially when I consider those areas where I can improve my practice. For instance, at our recent visit with members of Senator King's staff, we often brought up the employability of our students.
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Igniting Curiosity: Using "Emergent Curriculum" to build a community of curious learners

Igniting Curiosity: Using "Emergent Curriculum" to build a community of curious learners

by Sarah Reynolds, Franklin County Teacher of the Year 4th Grade, Cascade Brook School

As a novice gardener, I felt a surge of disappointment one evening after scurrying out to my raised beds only to discover the foliage on my tomato plants nearly destroyed. After further investigation, I jumped back in horror when I saw some enormous, green, worm-like creatures all over my plants. I couldn't even bear the thought of touching one, and I even found a few covered in eggs. That was all I needed--a reproducing garden-eating monster!
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Building Relationships: Fostering communication opportunities between school and home

Building Relationships: Fostering communication opportunities between school and home

by Sarah Brokofsky, Cumberland County Teacher of the Year 5th Grade, Westbrook Middle School

Parent teacher conferences are right around the corner. As I prepare my classroom to welcome these families back (some for the first time this school year), I can't help but reflect on my efforts to open up the lines of communication between school and home. I have always prided myself on building relationships with my families and I make it a priority to get to know the families of my students as well as the students themselves.
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Teaching and the Circus

Teaching and the Circus

by Kara Beal, Aroostook County Teacher of the Year English Language Arts, Valley Rivers Middle School

I also am wondering where reading is going in this technological age. The circus is not a big hit anymore with the masses, as there are no special effects or major animation techniques as seen on T.V. or web. Remember in history when reading was the only activity one had to entertain themselves, and families would sit around a fire for hours engaged with reading. Now, my students continually tell me how much they dislike reading (not all, but many). How can we nudge our students into the movie of their mind, instead of the circus on the web? 
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Family, Students and Schools: Keeping Students at the Center

Family, Students and Schools: Keeping Students at the Center

by Skip Crosby, Androscoggin County Teacher of the Year Spanish, Poland Regional High School

In July 2014, most of the sixteen 2014 County Teachers of the Year met to develop a common platform; a message deemed of utmost importance. At the end of the day we decided that since "nothing impacts a child's academic and social success in school more than a healthy relationship between schools, families and communities," we should make that relationship the center of our platform.
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