National Board Score Release on February 27 |
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Congratulations to all of the NBCTs who achieved certification including CSTP's Stories from School blogger, Emma-Kate Schaake!
National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) released scores for initial certification candidates who completed Component 1 testing after July 15, 2020 and/or submitted components after June 12 but by October 16. AND renewal candidates who submitted the Renewal Profile of Professional Growth by October 16.
You can learn more about NBCT score release on the NBPTS website. |
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Date: May 2, 2021
Cost: Free
Date: May 13, 2021
Cost: Free
Date: May 15, 2021
Cost: Free
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March's CSTP Colleague Recognition and Self-Care Kit Giveaway |
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It's a new month and we are running our CSTP Colleague Recognition and Self-Care Giveaway with new prize pack for March. To enter, tell us about an educator (teacher, principal, paraeducator, ESA, administrator) who is a beacon of light and both you and that educator will be entered to win a self-care kit at the end of the month. If you entered the January or February giveaway, you are welcome to also enter the March giveaway.
March's self-care kit contains:
(1) Starry Eyes Popmask
(1) Secret Garden Coloring Book for Adults
(1) 36 Dual Tip Marker Set
(1) CSTP Notebook
(1) Journal Sticker Set
(1) Copy of Teach and Still Have Time to Pee by Jamie Johnson
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WEA National Board Home Stretch |
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WEA's National Board Home Stretch takes place just before the National Board portfolio is due, when candidates are getting ready to focus their attention on final revisions. During the morning part of the agenda, candidates receive feedback on Component 2, 3 or 4 written commentary. In the afternoon segment, they can opt for feedback on a second component or testing center (Component 1) preparation.
Date: Saturday, April 24
Time: 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. (with 30-minute lunch break)
Format: Online via the Zoom platform
Structure: There will be two feedback opportunities – one in morning, one in the afternoon
Eligibility: This event will only be open to WEA members
Clock Hours: 6 hours for all day, 3 hours for one session (morning, afternoon)
Cost: $20 flat registration (morning and/or afternoon sessions)
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WEA National Board Maintenance of Certification (MOC) Training Opportunities |
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In 2020, the National Board introduced the requirements for the Maintenance of Certification (MOC). This Jump Start training guides participants through this process while collaborating with other National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs). MOC Jump Start consists of two modules. Each module will be an interactive, three-hour virtual training. Participants can attend one or both modules.
Module One provides a big picture approach to MOC. In this training, participants will network with other NBCTs, review the Five Core Propositions, and get an overview of the MOC process. They will also begin to plan their Professional Growth Experiences (PGEs).
Module Two is a close look at the MOC instructions to inform next steps with PGEs.
WEA National Board Maintenance of Certificate (MOC) Feedback and Support
WEA's Renewal MOC Feedback and Support provides NBCTs the opportunity to share and get feedback on a draft of their Professional Growth Experiences (PGEs) using a structured feedback protocol. There will be work time to make PGE revisions. Participants will share a copy of one draft MOC component, either Component One or Component Two.
Date: Saturday, May 15
Time: 9 a.m.-Noon
Format: Online via the Zoom platform
Eligibility: This event will only be open to WEA members
Clock Hours: 3 hours
Cost: $20 flat registration (morning and/or afternoon sessions)
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Stay Involved with Washington State Education Policy Boards |
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If you are an educator in Washington state, please take a moment to get to know our state policy boards that set the rules that impact K-12 education and your certification. Board meetings have online access during the pandemic. The public can provide public comment during scheduled times or submit written comment prior to the board meetings. View the board meeting agendas to see available public comment times or contact the board staff for more information.
The SBE meets every other month and oversees public education for K-12 students. Some duties include setting high school graduation requirements, issuing credit waivers, and advocating for student success.
Next Meeting: March 10-11, 2021, Online
The PESB oversees educator standards including certification requirements and assessments, educator preparation program approval and professional development requirements.
Next Meeting: March 18, 2021, Online
The Paraeducator Board oversees paraeducator standards including certification and program approval.
Next Meeting: May 19-20, 2021 Online
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Student Wanted for State Board of Education Representative Position |
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In partnership with the Association of Washington Student Leaders (AWSL), the State Board seeks a current high school sophomore from Western Washington to serve a two-year term as the student representative to the State Board of Education (SBE). This student will also serve on the AWSL Student Voice & Advisory Council.
Find out more about the application process, time commitment, responsibilities, and the desired qualifications on AWSL's application page. Applications are due March 8, 2021. |
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PESB Extends Dates for Emergency Certificates |
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In August 2020, PESB issued emergency rules allowing approved preparation programs to recommend teacher candidates for an emergency certificate if they had met all requirements for program completion with the exception of assessments. To provide additional flexibility, a new emergency rule has extended the deadline for programs to recommend their candidates for this emergency certificate.
The emergency teacher certificate is valid for one year and can be reissued for a second year with program recommendation. Programs may recommend candidates for their first emergency certificate by December 31, 2021. Programs may recommend candidates for their second emergency certificate by June 30, 2022.
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Paraeducators Invited to Attend the Paraeducator Board Listening Session |
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This event will take place March 23 from 4:00-6:00 PM and is an opportunity for our Paraeducator Board members to hear directly from paraeducators about their roles during COVID-19, and their experiences receiving the Fundamental Course of Study training. All Washington paraeducators interested in sharing their story, or listening to the stories of others, are encouraged to attend. Attendees will discuss:
- Presentation on professional growth plans (PGPs)
- Discussion between paraeducators and board members:
- Reflections on paraeducator training
- The impact of COVID-19 on the role of a paraeducator
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Teacher Leadership Opportunities |
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Ellison Education Grants for Educators |
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Ellison education grants will be awarding 10 grants in the spring of 2021. This grant application is open to those employed in a public Washington State K-12 school to empower and support their innovative and inspirational ideas. Grants range from $1,000-$10,000. Grant applications are due by March 21, 2021. To learn more and apply, visit the Ellison Foundation website. |
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Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms Program (Fulbright TGC) |
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The Fulbright TGC is accepting applications through March 24, 2021 for their upcoming program. The program is a yearlong professional learning opportunity and short-term exchange for elementary, middle, and high school educators from the United States to develop skills to prepare students for a competitive global economy. Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms equips educators to bring an international perspective to their schools through targeted training, experience abroad, and global collaboration. Stories from School blogger, Lynne Olmos, previously participated in this program and documented her experience on the blog. To learn more about this program visit the Fulbright TGC website. |
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Inclusionary Practices Update |
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Inclusionary Practices for Preschool - Virtual Demo Sites |
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The Haring Center for Inclusive Education is offering webinars featuring deep dives into specific inclusionary practices with their demonstration sites. Register for one or more below.
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"Critical Thinking...and Q" by Mark Gardner |
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"So what happens when we go to teach current events, American history, civics and government, or other social sciences and students or families want to opt out because it does not match what they believe?"
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"Blue Sky Thinking, Part 2" by Jan Kragen |
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"What if school districts and parks and recreation departments worked together to create a seamless educational and supervised day, from 8am to 6 pm, year-round?"
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"Straight to the Source: Student Voice in Equity Work" by Emma-Kate Schaake |
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"Because of the relationships we’ve formed within this team, we were a little wary about inviting students. We seek their feedback in a variety of ways, but something about inviting them into where we, for example, brainstorm how to deal with student outrage over a Black Lives Matter sign, seemed risky."
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"Honoring Martin Luther King Jr's Legacy in 2021" by Emma-Kate Schaake |
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"Though circumstances have forced us to alter these traditions, I also believe that we should rethink how we recognize Martin Luther King Jr. in 2021. The fact that this MLK Day of Service follows a summer of protests for racial justice across our country should not be ignored."
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"Behind the Scores" by Denisha Saucedo |
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"Testing environment in this new virtual world is no longer in our control. This means that the story behind the score will always be much more. Call it pessimistic or realistic, I call it unjust, unequitable, unfair."
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"Piloting Year-Round Schooling" by Gretchen Cruden |
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"The summer slide has always been painful, but now we are facing a COVID slide that threatens to overwhelm our educational system. Washington State is examining ways to address this loss of learning, including extending the school year as outlined in Senate Bill 5147."
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"The Struggle Between EL & SPED" by Inessa Bazelyuk |
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"My parents don’t recall ever being notified of the placement. They say, I brought it to their attention at the end of his fifth-grade year when I asked them why he qualified for the SPED program. My parents first had me explain what SPED meant. Then, they contacted the school to ask the same question: what about my brother qualified him for SPED?"
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Quick Tips from the Ask-A-Teacher Help Desk |
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Canvas
Did you know that you can use the gradebook function to quickly change and/or message students regarding their assignments? Check it out here!
Google Classroom
Microsoft Teams
Check out this video for 8 new features in Microsoft Teams and Outlook Integration for 2021.
Schoology
Going hybrid? Organize your student roster into Grading Groups for hybrid cohorts or other groupings. Grading Groups allow you to assign folders and materials to groups of students in your course, ideal for differentiating schedules and other materials for your hybrid cohorts. Students can be assigned to more than one group, allowing you to also differentiate assignments and supports for other groupings.
Seesaw
Time to update your app to Seesaw 7.6! The latest app update allows you to add your voice to anything, lock items in place, and upload audio files.
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Clock Hours Available for Completion of Teacher Tech Project's Instructional Design Modules |
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On December 31, 2020 CSTP added four new modules designed by educators for educators in grades K-12. Badges and clock hours are available for those completing any of the 20 available asynchronous modules in the Teacher Tech Project. Each completed module is worth one clock hour.
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The cold doesn't bother this Texas husky who can't enough time in the snow. |
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Your gift ensures that CSTP continues to support student achievement through a focus on teaching excellence. With you as a partner in CSTP’s mission, you directly make a difference in the lives of youth across Washington State schools. Donations are tax deductible and essential as CSTP works to support educators navigate unique models of student engagement during the COVID-19 outbreak. |
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Liking and sharing our posts on social media is another way you can support CSTP during these times. Thank you for sharing our message. |
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