Meeting Minutes
November 4th, 2015
At this meeting, we talked about classroom environment and resources. We also created classrooms and rules based on our grade level and content areas. It was great seeing all of the creative ideas everyone came up with for their classroom layouts and rules.
At this meeting, we talked about classroom environment and resources. We also created classrooms and rules based on our grade level and content areas. It was great seeing all of the creative ideas everyone came up with for their classroom layouts and rules.
October 28th, 2015
We had the pleasure of having Dr. Sara Jozwik come speak with us about Diverse Learners in the classroom. Dr. Jozwik has taught in the K-12 setting with non-native English speakers and Bilingual students with disabilities. She spoke to us about the factors in second language acquisition which included, cultural values and motivation. She also mentioned issues that are related to English Learners in Special Education. Many instructional strategies were mentioned, such as collaborative reading and peer assisted learning. She noted that it is important to view linguistic differences as an asset and assist the student in building bridges to reading English. We are so grateful that Dr. Jozwik took the time to speak with us and thanks to everyone who came to this meeting.
We had the pleasure of having Dr. Sara Jozwik come speak with us about Diverse Learners in the classroom. Dr. Jozwik has taught in the K-12 setting with non-native English speakers and Bilingual students with disabilities. She spoke to us about the factors in second language acquisition which included, cultural values and motivation. She also mentioned issues that are related to English Learners in Special Education. Many instructional strategies were mentioned, such as collaborative reading and peer assisted learning. She noted that it is important to view linguistic differences as an asset and assist the student in building bridges to reading English. We are so grateful that Dr. Jozwik took the time to speak with us and thanks to everyone who came to this meeting.
October 21st, 2015
At this meeting, we discussed different scenarios involving diverse learners. After some house-keeping announcements, we played a ice-breaker game. This game was a new and different version of Rock-Paper-Scissors that involved going around in a circle and finding a way to get all around. After the game, we broke into three groups to talk about the scenarios. Some of the different scenarios included situations dealing with ESL students, students with ADHD, and standardized testing. After rotating the scenarios around, we came together as a whole group and discussed how we would hand each situation. Thanks to everyone who came to this week's meeting.
At this meeting, we discussed different scenarios involving diverse learners. After some house-keeping announcements, we played a ice-breaker game. This game was a new and different version of Rock-Paper-Scissors that involved going around in a circle and finding a way to get all around. After the game, we broke into three groups to talk about the scenarios. Some of the different scenarios included situations dealing with ESL students, students with ADHD, and standardized testing. After rotating the scenarios around, we came together as a whole group and discussed how we would hand each situation. Thanks to everyone who came to this week's meeting.
October 7th, 2015
Introducing our theme of diversity for the month, we started with the Culture of Power. We started with a re-imagined game of spades where one person in each group had all the power. No one could speak in the game and no directions were given to the players. This game emphasized the values, beliefs, ways of acting and being that elevate groups of people to positions where they have more control over money, people, & societal values. This is the culture of power. Always remember to learn about your students and have them teach YOU about who they are and their community and culture. Thanks to everyone who came and see you next time! |
October 14th, 2015
At this meeting District 87 ELL/Bilingual Coordinator, Kim Taber, came to speak with us about Bilingual and ESL education in the Bloomington, IL area. She really emphasized on advocating for your students -- sit with your student and talk with them and get to know them. It is also important to know the legislation for bilingual education. She also showed this fantastic video Immersion about a 10 year-old boy who struggles to communicate at his new school where there is limited access to his native language. This video was very eye-opening for us and lead to an engaging discussion on how to accommodate for ESL students. Thanks to Kim for taking the time to come to our meeting! |
October 1st, 2015
Happy October, UNITE! we went over different What-If scenarios and discussed on what choices we would make as teachers in a certain situations. We had such a great and engaging conversation with some very interesting scenarios. Also, Dakota Pawlicki and Colleen Burger from UNITE National came by to talk to us about future collaborations and events! Thank you to Dakota and Colleen for the all the support and thank you for everyone who came! |
September 23rd, 2015
We expanded on our theme of "What is Urban" and discussed the struggles of an urban educator and the teacher burn out rate within urban areas. We started off with a Chalk Talk, where we wrote on the whiteboard different issues that an urban educator faces everyday. After discussing over what we came up with, we broke into small groups to find solutions to different scenarios that might lead to a teacher burn out. Thanks to everyone who came and participated.
We expanded on our theme of "What is Urban" and discussed the struggles of an urban educator and the teacher burn out rate within urban areas. We started off with a Chalk Talk, where we wrote on the whiteboard different issues that an urban educator faces everyday. After discussing over what we came up with, we broke into small groups to find solutions to different scenarios that might lead to a teacher burn out. Thanks to everyone who came and participated.
September 16th, 2015
Today we had a great discussion about What is Excellent Teaching and What is Excellent Urban Teaching. We first wrote what we thought were some characteristics of an excellent teacher on Post-It notes and posted them on the board. Then on a second Post-It note, we wrote characteristics of an excellent urban teacher. We then discussed if there was a difference between the two -- why or why not? Who decides if they are different? After discussing this together, we broke out into small groups to talk about our experiences and thoughts on urban teaching and how to motivate students. It was amazing to hear everyone's opinions and thoughts! Thanks to everyone who came!
Today we had a great discussion about What is Excellent Teaching and What is Excellent Urban Teaching. We first wrote what we thought were some characteristics of an excellent teacher on Post-It notes and posted them on the board. Then on a second Post-It note, we wrote characteristics of an excellent urban teacher. We then discussed if there was a difference between the two -- why or why not? Who decides if they are different? After discussing this together, we broke out into small groups to talk about our experiences and thoughts on urban teaching and how to motivate students. It was amazing to hear everyone's opinions and thoughts! Thanks to everyone who came!
September 9th, 2015
What a great turn out! Our faculty advisor, Dr. Mark Zablocki, came to speak with us about What is Urban? After some housekeeping announcements, we began with a fun ice-breaker -- the Adjective Name Game. Everyone has a great memory and it was fun learning everyone's names! Then, Dr. Zablocki took the stage and began his presentation. We started off with a survey that had some statements like, 'Students in urban schools come from low-income backgrounds' and then we rated 1 to 5. After, we did a Think-Pair-Share activity of coming up with adjectives to describe urban education. We shared our adjectives with everyone and then we discussed more in-depth about the survey questions. We ended our meeting by splitting into small groups and discussing how we would handle different scenarios that Dr. Zablocki provided. Dr. Zablocki did a great job introducing us to urban education and thank you to everyone who showed up!
What a great turn out! Our faculty advisor, Dr. Mark Zablocki, came to speak with us about What is Urban? After some housekeeping announcements, we began with a fun ice-breaker -- the Adjective Name Game. Everyone has a great memory and it was fun learning everyone's names! Then, Dr. Zablocki took the stage and began his presentation. We started off with a survey that had some statements like, 'Students in urban schools come from low-income backgrounds' and then we rated 1 to 5. After, we did a Think-Pair-Share activity of coming up with adjectives to describe urban education. We shared our adjectives with everyone and then we discussed more in-depth about the survey questions. We ended our meeting by splitting into small groups and discussing how we would handle different scenarios that Dr. Zablocki provided. Dr. Zablocki did a great job introducing us to urban education and thank you to everyone who showed up!
September 2nd, 2015
Welcome back, UNITE! Today was our informational meeting; we talked about the foundations of UNITE including our mission, the 5 Principles of a UNITE Teacher, and our university chapter goals. We also broke into small groups where each of our executive board members expressed our ideas for bus trips, fundraisers, volunteering, our workshops, and Spring/Winter break trips. Next week, our faculty advisor, Dr. Mark Zablocki will talk to us about 'What is Urban?" Thanks to every who came to our first meeting of the year. We're so excited for the rest of the year!
Welcome back, UNITE! Today was our informational meeting; we talked about the foundations of UNITE including our mission, the 5 Principles of a UNITE Teacher, and our university chapter goals. We also broke into small groups where each of our executive board members expressed our ideas for bus trips, fundraisers, volunteering, our workshops, and Spring/Winter break trips. Next week, our faculty advisor, Dr. Mark Zablocki will talk to us about 'What is Urban?" Thanks to every who came to our first meeting of the year. We're so excited for the rest of the year!