Susan (NC) - Have you received "The BOX" ? Mine came this week....
Susan (NC) - My first visit was last week; this is kinda fun!
Mary Lou - I got my box in June! But I registered as soon as I could.
Debbie Mc. - movira, this is a chat for candidates going through National Board Certification.
Debbie Mc. - Have you heard about National Board Certification?
sheila/nc - LOL, i remember when i first heard the term "the box"... sounds kinda mysterious... still is for me! (no box yet) *sigh*
Mary Lou - Hi Wendy! Hi Sheila! Hi Debbie Mc.! Maybe Bev will come on and we can set up a time for our chat on phonemic awareness!
Mary Lou - I've been reading Ruth Charney's book, Teaching Children to CAre and it is excellent.
sheila/nc - tell us more, mary lou
Debbie Mc. - I have that book but haven't been able to start reading it.
Mary Lou - Has anyone read "The First Six Weeks of School'? Ruth's book is great for building classroom community.
Debbie Mc. - Wendy, you must be addicted too.
Debbie Mc. - I've read the first section of First Six Weeks of School.
Susan (NC) - Has anyone ordered Constructing Curriculum; mine came 1 day before the box and the Meeting Book should be here Monday.
Debbie Mc. - Mary Lou, I've sent out my notes on the first chapter of First Six Weeks if you're interested.
sheila/nc - susan, i've just received Building the Primary Classroom (2nd edition of CC)
Mary Lou - Susan, I have read Constructing Curriculum and it is very good. It could also be used as a reference as you do your portfolios.
Mary Lou - Debbie Mc. Where are your notes? I'd be very interested. Did you like it?
Susan (NC) - I didn't order the 2nd edition; because this one was so cheap from teaching strategies.
sheila/nc - i understand, susan. where in nc are you?
Mary Lou - Susan, If you're just starting school now, I'd read the Morning Meeting book first, you will want to use the ideas right away.
Kelly M - I have to set up a "Book Review" in our Files. I'll try to put a message out to the ring to get a volunteer for each book..... ((((((((all of you))))))) !!!!!!
Kelly M - Mary Lou - I miss the Maine summers. St. Louis is just hot, humid, and hazy usually.
Mary Lou - Kelly, That's why you have to come visit sometime! :-)
Kelly M - Mary Lou - one of these years..........
Susan (NC) - I'm in western NC just outside the Smoky Mountain National park.
Wendy - She has to come to Florida first
sheila/nc - i have a ?
Debbie Mc. - You're welcome. Kelly did I send those notes to you or do you have the book?
Susan (NC) - Sheila, What's your ?
sheila/nc - i have a few newspaper articles with my class from special projects we've done... can they be used for any of the entries? if so, which one?
Kelly M - Debbie - both! You sent them before I had the book. I've now bought 2 of them...gave one away....and am ready to order one for my student teacher this fall! Wendy, I AM coming to Florida!
Wendy - what were the articles about?
Lana - Florida! That's where Gore made the statement that he wants every NBCT to receive a $10,000 bonus!
Wendy - For every NBCT to get a $10,000 bonus we would have to be making on average 50,000
Mary Lou - As I start to write up an accomplishment for entry #5, I know I am going to use giving workshops as one of them. But for documentation, is it enough to have an evaluation from a teacher saying that this workshop was very valuable and she will take many ideas back to her classroom, or should I try to get a follow-up from a teacher that actually DID use it and have her note the impact on students?
Lana - Wendy, Gore just said it would be a bonus from federal funds, having nothing to do with any other $$$.
Kelly M - Mary Lou - you could do either - but the write up about how she used it would be best! :)
Debbie Mc. - Mary Lou, I think I'd go with the documentation on how it was implemented and it did impact her students.
Mary Lou - Thaks, Kelly, I thought so!
Kelly M - Lana - YES - I went last year, and am going again this time!
sheila/nc - kelly, thank you. i have some newspaper articles of my class with some special projects we have done. can i use these for an entry? if so, which one? (thanks)
Mary Lou - What happens at the Florida NB conference?
Lana - How interesting..... What can I tell my school district to convince them to send me?
Mary Lou - Sheila, Could you tie it into entry 6 for family and community partnerships some way? That is the entry that can use things for the past 4 years and the current year.
Kelly M - Sheila - you could write it up in 5 or 6 - depending on what you were in the paper for!
Wendy - Sheila that kind of depends on what the activities involved
Susan Nebrick - I have to write an article every month for our local paper, can I use those?
Wendy - Susan can you relate that to student learning?
Kelly - Lana - go to nbpts.org and scroll down to the link to the conference information. You'll have to have adobe acrobat reader to view it. It has a letter you could use (or revise) to send to district administrators requesting that they send you! :)
Mary Lou - Sheila, scroll down, becuase we answered your question when you got booted!
Lana - Thanks, Kelly! I will do just that!
sheila/nc - thanks for the messages. (i scanned down to see them). we were runners up in a nat. time capsule contest; participated in state-wide groundhog project, etc...
Debbie Mc. - Sheila, have you read the "Making Good Choices" sections of the entries?
Mary Lou - Sheila, always think back to how did this impact student learning.
Lina - Hello, is eveeeryone almost ready to go bacccck?
Debbie Mc. - I am back. Started with inservice on WEdnesday.
Lana - Sheila, I had friends assess the parents portfolio. They said a reading log sent home for parents' signatures is good. They said a "Flat Stanley" type project is good.
Susan - I'm back already! Friday was my 1st day of school and the kids come the 11th.
sheila/nc - i start monday (groan, wanted my box first) and am worried about TIME
Ros - kelly- after college, im going to start applying for bd teacher positions at center schools- probably hs, maybe ms
Mary Lou - I'm way up here in Maine. We don't go back until September!
Susan - Shelia, when did you send for it? Mine came one month to the day after they received my application.
Debbie Mc. - Susan, Did you read my remark about the "Making Good Choices" sections?
Lina - I'm in Conn. we go back on the 5ht of Sept
Debbie Mc. - Mary Lou, when do you get out of school?
Kelly - Our kids come the day after Labor Day - we "officially" go back the week before. But I'm already in workshops......then will be setting up my room, etc.....
Ros - kelly- what do you teach?
Debbie Mc. - Sorry, Susan, I meant Sheila.
mark - I must be doing something wrong here. This t.chat is so inefficient. I used to teach through a Virtual University in Mexico and it was a lot easier.
Mary Lou - Not until June 24th this year because we had sooo many snow days. If we don't have many snowdays, then we still don't get out any earlier than around June 14th!
Susan - Sorry Debbie, no I haved read it. Can I order it from Amazon?
Kelly - Ros - most recently, first. But I'll have a 1-2 split class this year.
Debbie Mc. - Susan, I'm sorry I meant that section of the portfolio entries. I meant to ask Sheila. Sorry.
Ros - if you dont mind me asking, kelly, what state do you teach in?
Mary Lou - Kelly, Have you heard anymore about Shirley? Is she home?
Susan - I wanted to know about Shirley too, can we send her cards?
Kelly - Ros - Missouri. Mary Lou - I haven't heard anything else from her. She was to go home Wednesday (maybe). She's supposed to recuperate there and go back to get her staples out next week....then on to Vanderbuilt for consultation
Wendy - mark, I don't think it is you
Kelly - I don't have Shirley's home address. I'll try to get it and post it to the ring.
Ros - kelly- i go to the univ of mo at kansas city
Lana - Kelly, thanks. A lot of people would send her get well wishes.
sheila/nc 3rd time - i hope shirley is ok. she seems like such a sweet person
Lana - Kelly, do you know who the main speaker will be at the NB conference?
Susan - How long does everybody hang around? This is only my 2nd time.
Kelly again - Lana - I have the conference schedule right here - and it doesn't name a certain speaker
Debbie Mc. - Kelly, let me know how you talked them into sending you!
Kelly again - Okay, I guess I'd better leave! Everyone has said goodbye! :) Talk to you all later!
Kelly again - Debbie - will do! NEA is paying my way! Long story! Short version is that I'm going to be doing some nbpts work for them! :)
Debbie Mc. - Let me know what you're going to be doing! I might have to live vicariously through you.
Susan (NC) - Has anyone heard if we will have a pin or shirt for our group? I voted for both!
Debbie Mc. - I really don't know what won Susan. I'd like to have both.
Debbie Mc. - Lana, do you know?
Susan (NC) - I thought that was a good suggestion about the pins because T- shirts wouldn't be suitable at conferences but what I would really like is a sweatshirt! That's my uniform sweatshirts & jeans!
Debbie Mc. - We talked about going to Orlando. Are you going?
Debbie Mc. - Susan, do you have any questions now?
Jennifer - I can't get to Orlando. County won't give me release time and I can't afford the plane fare either
Susan (NC) - My parents live about 1 1/2 hours from Orlando; I visited them this summer.
Debbie Mc. - I'm working on it.
Debbie Mc. - You mean you make the big bucks teaching and can't afford it? Me either.
Jennifer - Susan are you a candidate? New or "In Waiting"
Susan (NC) - When is the conference in Orlando? I think I was off line when they answered that one.
Debbie Mc. - Oct. 20-22
Jennifer - Debbie... Big bucks??? LOL
Debbie Mc. - Yes, I don't have to go on Who wants to be a Millionaire now.
Susan (NC) - I just started the process; had my box 4days and already think OH MY! What have I got myself into?
Jennifer - You will be fine...it is definitely an OH MY but you will get lots of support from us
Debbie Mc. - You'll think that a lot of times before the year's up. Work through the frustration. Start working early. Take a few days off and then go back to it. You won't get so burned out that way.
Jennifer - I agree PACE yourself
Susan (NC) - What do you think I should start first?
Jennifer - Look over the entries and decide on the hardest one for you. Start on that but don't be afraid to leave it and come back to it. What do you think Debbie
Debbie Mc. - I just started with number 1. I didn't know any better. Then I worked on the videotaped entries. Really, I worked on them all collectively and separately. Did 5 and 6 last.
Susan (NC) - So far, I've read the Standards, now I'm going back and taping all of them to listen every chance I get.
Jennifer - Susan...great start
Debbie Mc. - Number 1 was the hardest for me. I thought the actual writing of 5 and 6 was the "easiest"? I agree with Jennifer.
Jennifer - We all have different working styles.One was hardest for me too.
Debbie Mc. - I think it was harder because it was my first one and I had no help. I was shooting in the dark. After that one, the others didn't seem as hard.
Susan (NC) - My biggest problem is I don't have a regular classroom......I'm a Title 1 reading teacher who has K- 5 classes. This year, we were out of room so I had to give up my classroom for another 2nd grade.
Jennifer - I saved literacy for last because I felt it was my great strength. It was not my highest score though
Debbie Mc. - 1 was my lowest score and literacy was my highest score and the last one I did.
Susan (NC) - I'm now sure whose class "I'll borrow" or do you think it "doable " if I work with just my reading group?
Jennifer - Susan. I am also a reading teacher...not title one though. I was in the classroom for doing NB though
Debbie Mc. - Ironically literacy portfolio was 3.something or other and my lowest ac score. I couldn't work the computer to get enough info on the student.
Susan (NC) - This year I will be going in the different classrooms....
Debbie Mc. - Susan, could you teach the other units with your reading class? How many are there?
Jennifer - You will need to look at the entries and see what will best meet the requirements I know a librarian in our state who got certified MC GEn using all her library classes
Debbie Mc. - Do you have a good friend who would let you borrow her class?
Jennifer - Also Susan...how big are your groups there are some size requirements for entries
Susan (NC) - Not sure what you mean? How many are there? We have a Title 1 school; which means every child is allowed to be served by Title 1 but normally I never have more than 7 kids at a time.
Debbie Mc. - I'm sorry, I meant how many children?
Debbie Mc. - Could you pool a couple of groups for some of the entries?
Jennifer - Okay you might need to borrow a class, Debbie am I right in remember that classroom community you need at least 8-9 kids?
Debbie Mc. - Yes, Jennifer. I'm sure that it says "large" group or it may say whole class discussion.
Susan (NC) - O.K that makes sense but what do I do about making the drawing of a classroom? Just draw another teachers room? What about using K kids for one unit and 2nd grade for another?
Jennifer - Didn't BEV from St Louis borrow classes to do entries? She might be a resource.Yes do draw the room the lesson is taped in. they just want to see the context you are teaching in
Susan (NC) - So many questions????I feel so dumb and frustrated right now!
Debbie Mc. - I don't know about switching grade levels. Would that be hard for you? I just think that it would be easier to pool two of your groups or borrow a friend's class. I think Bev borrowed.
Jennifer - It is okay to feel that way. we all did. There is no dumb question I think you could use different grade levels if that is your teaching situation
Debbie Mc. - Don't you have to fill out that contextual thing for the "forms" section. You know that section you put together when you mail in your box and you include one in each entry?
Susan (NC) - Is it plossible to see archives of the EC/Gen list? I have only been a member for almost a month?
Jennifer - Not sure about that one Susan... do you know Debbie
Debbie Mc. - I'm sure that Bev would be glad to help you if you contacted her. But think about what's going to be best for you. You can read the archives but it would take forever to find what you wanted.
Susan (NC) - Does anyone have Bev in ST. Louis' address?
Jennifer - That contextual form would certainly help explain your situation to assessors
Debbie Mc. - She's a friend of Kelly's.
Jennifer - She is on the list I am sure she would help But I do have to admit I am not perfectly sure what her situation was
Susan (NC) - Don't know about the contextual form is all about? Is it in the Step by step directions or the notebook - there is just so much stuff ....I feel overwhelmed!
Debbie Mc. - I don't know either. I know that she retired this year.
Jennifer - You need to spend some time in that first section of your portfolio where it has guidelines and suggestions for organizing, developing a timeline etc
Debbie Mc. - Susan, it will take time to familiarize yourself with everything. Don't panic. There's plenty of time.
Susan (NC) - If Bev is a friend of Kelly's; I'll write Kelly. She seems so nice and has already emailed me about this chat room thing... I couldn't get in at first.
Debbie Mc. - Susan, I have the community entry on my computer. I sent it to someone. If you want it, I'll send it to you. Maybe that will make you feel better. But Jennifer's right. The first two sections are important to read and familiarize because it gives important info.
Jennifer - It all comes together...as you study the standards...read and reread the entry questions. Sometimes just the act of thinking through "What did they mean by that question" helped me clarify what I needed to do and what evidence I needed to collect
Susan (NC) - Thanks both of you! I really need to take some deep breaths and tell myself I CAN DO THIS......
Jennifer - Yes you can
Debbie Mc. - Don't feel pressured about people who have already begun. There's plenty of time for you.
Susan (NC) - I would love to see what your community entry looks like- do you have my email address?
Debbie Mc. - It's not my entry. It's the directions for the entry.
Jennifer - I did not get my portfolio until December and then did not start until January. I had pleny of time but I did really need to stay on a schedule.
Susan (NC) - Another little added pressure is no one at my school is doing this......I will be the first one at my school to try it and I'm scared.....
Debbie Mc. - Jennifer's right. I worked for about an hour each night and wrote a lot on Saturday's. I only got one professional day to work on mine.
Jennifer - Susan...There is no one right way to do this. It is okay to look at other folks entries but most NBCT's don't email out there entries because we want everyone to understand that there is not one right way to do this.
Susan (NC) - We are supposed to have 3 days of paid leave to do it.
Debbie Mc. - Susan, I'm the only person in Western Kentucky who is certified. No one around me is. But now I'm spreading the word. You can too. And it really makes you feel good. I wouldn't even tell anybody I was going through. Except my best friend.
Jennifer - I had 3 paid days also and I was also the first and still the only
Susan (NC) - Jennifer, what state are you in?
Debbie Mc. - There are many ways to do entries and pass. I'll bet mine and Jennifer's are as different as daylight and dark because we teach in different states with different guidelines.
Jennifer - I am still spreading the word but I find that other counties in Maryland are doing a better job of encouraging candidates
Debbie Mc. - My district isn't too into it now. But I mentored an Ex. Needs candidate last year and am helping a few more this year. Winning the race one teacher at a time.
Susan (NC) - I thought everyone used the same standards; I know each state has different strands - is that what you mean?
Jennifer - You know, girls, there was an EC GEn in the next county up from mine who had all her entries written in first draft by the end of Christmas Her portfolio was completely different than mine and so was her working style. She had a strict phonics approach...I had what some call 'balanced" we got the same score
Debbie Mc. - We teach to those National Standards, but we have different requirements in every state. Lots of entries and methods of teaching can be "accomplished".
Susan (NC) - I should be so happy that NC is picking up the tab for the entire process; we had to sign a promissary note that if I didn't finish it or don't teach for at least 1 year after being certified, I have to pay back $2,300.......won't let that happen!
Jennifer - It is all about knowing why you are doing what you are doing. Proving that you are thinking about what kids need and reflecting on what is happening in your class
Debbie Mc. - One good thing about this list is all the different ideas and methods that you're exposed to. Don't you ever read one and think "Why didn't I think of that?"
Debbie Mc. - Be happy about that money. Now candidates in KY who certify get 75% of the fee reimbursed, 5 days release time, 2 paid days to study for the AC. Now my NBC is worth 53000 over 10 years.
Susan (NC) - Yes I do......some times when I'm reading the list , a little light bulb comes on and I say, we'll DUH !
Jennifer - Absolutely, Debbie. That is one reason I stay on the list. I learn so much and feel a great satisfaction in having a dialogue with others who feel as passionately about teaching as I do.
Jennifer - I had to sign a similar note Debbie
Susan (NC) - I can't tell you how many posts I print out to add to different folders so I won't forget this wonderful ideas!
Jennifer - I mean susan
Debbie Mc. - Susan, there are all kinds of doors open to candidates. There will be job opportunites available in Kentucky to work on NB stuff. There has been a coordinator hired in one region just to oversee and mentor candidates. I wish that I didn't live so far away. I would love doing this all the time.
Susan (NC) - That's ok, Jennifer......when so many people were on the list; I had a problem keeping straight, "Who said what?"
Jennifer - I am doing alot to mentor candidates in my state. I get paid 75 to facilitate Saturday morning sessions. I do not get paid to coordinate the facilitators who work with me, or to arrange for refreshments etc. Those things I do for no money but not for nothing. I agree with you Debbie...what fun it would be to do this for a job.
Debbie Mc. - I have to go now. Susan, I'll send you the directions for that entry. When do you start back to school?
Susan (NC) - Are either of you close to retirement? I didn't want to do National Boards because I thought I was too OLD (don't tell anybody but my last birthday, I was 52!)
Jennifer - No I am a baby of 37 years of age. You are not too old.See you Debbie. I should go too I have a hungry family
Debbie Mc. - We'll be there some day Jennifer. Is that 75 for Sat. mornings or 75 per candidate?
Susan (NC) - Debbie, my lst day was yesterday and the kids come August 11th. I'll be looking forward to your directions! Thanks for sharing
Jennifer - Email me Susan off list at CNJPalmer@aol.com
Debbie Mc. - I have 11 more years counting this year. You're never too old! My best friend is sitting for certification this year and she's 55.
Susan (NC) - Bye Jennifer- I've written down your address.
Jennifer - 75 for each Saturday morning. We expect 45 candidates at my center and I will have 1 other NBCT with me to help.
Debbie Mc. - Jennifer's a big help Susan. She's good at what she does.
Jennifer - Thanks Deb See you on the ring and Susan...Deb is pretty wonderful herself
Debbie Mc. - Jennifer, I'd like to know more about mentoring because I have to write a proposal to the state department for our district.
Debbie Mc. - If you can just send me an overview of what you do, I'd appreciate it.
Jennifer - Okay would you like me to email you What is your address or are you uncomfortable sharing over the chat lines
Susan (NC) - My poor hubby is probably starving and I haven't given dinner a thought?
Debbie Mc. - crow@muhlon.com
Debbie Mc. - Thanks Jennifer. Susan, he might as well get used to it this year. Your mind will be occupied even when you're not working.
Jennifer - Yes that is a very familiar address on the EcGen list I should have remembered. I will write you over the next day or so
Debbie Mc. - Thanks, Jennifer.
Jennifer - I do need to go...it has been a pleasure
Susan (NC) - Guess I better go too- Thank you so much Debbie & Jennifer! Hope to chat with you again. I hate to admit this too, but my husband cooks a lot of things better than me!
Debbie Mc. - Susan, I'm going to send you the directions for Entry 3/Community. The directions are somewhat different from this year's.
Debbie Mc. - Bye Jennifer.
Debbie Mc. - The year that I had my portfolio, there were no optional artifacts allowed.
Debbie Mc. - I think that you can now send artifacts with community and science.
Debbie Mc. - I'll send you the directions. Bye both of you!
Susan (NC) - I guess I need to reread the directions again; like I said before.....there is so much stuff!
Debbie Mc. - Susan, I'm still learning about the process. Mentoring really helps too.
Susan (NC) - Bye guys! Thanks again.
Debbie Mc. - Bye!
