Teacher Weekly: October 25, 2023

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October 25, 2023

"The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires."

- William A. Ward

Don't miss your last opportunity! Get 40% off most merchandise at the Nike Employee Store during October. Click HERE to view details, rules, and regulations

Learn effective methods for resolving on-the-job conflicts TODAY, Oct. 25 from 12-1pm at the Conflict Resolution Webinar with Dr. Kanesha Moore. Click HERE to learn more and to register.

The Macy's Wolfchase Galleria Private Shopping Event for MSCS employees will take place on Oct. 28 from 8-10am. Bring your MSCS ID. Click HERE to learn more.

Enjoy exclusive discounts as an MSCS employee at Designer Shoe Warehouse (DSW) from Oct. 24-26. Be sure to bring your MSCS ID to receive your discounts. Learn more HERE.

Looking for new grant opportunities for your school? HERE are the latest grant opportunities that are now available.

Secure the Chalk: Disrupting Teacher Turnover

The MSCS Equity & Access Office presents Secure The Chalk: Disrupting Teacher Turnover "If You Listen, We Will Stay." on Nov. 7 from 6-7:30pm at Pyro's Pizza at 2035 Union Ave.

Come and fellowship as we zero in on solutions that work to retain diversified teacher talent. Learn more HERE.

ESL Endorsement Opportunity

Are you a certified classroom teacher interested in getting your ESL endorsement? Select candidates may qualify to receive their ESL endorsement for free!

Applications are due by Nov. 3. Please, click HERE to find out more information.

Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching

The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) is a distinguished U.S. initiative acknowledging and commending exceptional K-12 mathematics and science educators for their remarkable contributions to the field of education. This prestigious award, presented annually by the President of the United States, honors teachers for their commitment, creativity, and influence on students and the educational realm. Participate by nominating an exceptional math or science educator or applying through the link provided. For inquiries, join one of our upcoming informational sessions or reach out to Dr. Demetria Smith at smithdl@scsk12.org.

Reading 360 Alternative

Beginning Aug. 1, candidates seeking to obtain, renew, or advance a teaching license with at least one qualifying endorsement (listed here) must demonstrate compliance with TLSA requirements when submitting licensure transactions. Educators may elect to demonstrate compliance using one of the below pathways. Both the trainings and the assessment are free to all educators.

Foundational Literacy Skills Training: Complete Course 1 of either the Early Reading Training or Secondary Literacy Training.

Assessment: Pass the Tennessee Early Literacy Assessment (TELA). The Tennessee Early Literacy Assessment (TELA) is now available online.

MSCS & Shelby County Health Clean Air at Schools

Memphis-Shelby County Schools and the Shelby County Health Department are teaming up to provide student-run science and community involvement projects to Memphis area students. The featured activities allow students to learn how to run a public service campaign and expand their science and math skills. Representatives from the Shelby County Health Department will arrange to visit your school site to share information. Click HERE to learn more.

Civics Essay Contest

The Secretary of State’s office is conducting its annual K-12 student Essay Contest! Our goal is to encourage students to be actively engaged citizens by recognizing their important roles as citizens in the great state of Tennessee. The theme of this year’s essay contest is “Why Your Civility Matters.” Student winners will receive a TNStars 529 Program College Savings scholarship of $100, $250, or $500 in addition to a trip to the State Capitol. Essays must be submitted by Dec. 15. Click HERE for more info.

Grants Available from the Junior League

The Junior League of Memphis is excited to award grants of up to $2,500 for PK-12 teachers in need in the Memphis metro area!

Applications are due by Wednesday, Nov. 1.

Visit jlmemphis.org/innovative-teaching-grants for more information and to apply!

2023-24 Growth & Achievement Selections

The window for completing Growth and Achievement selections for the SY2023-24 is open from Oct. 2-27. Please find the guidance for EDUCATORS and EVALUATORS , which can also be found in PLZ under the "Resources" tab for completing the selections for Growth and Achievement.

Questions or concerns? Call 901.416.2475 or send an email to eps@scsk12.org .

Fall 2023 Student Perception Survey

The Fall Student Perception Survey is approaching. The survey window will run from Oct. 30 to Nov. 9.

Educator Level of Effectiveness (LOE) Score Release

Per the TDOE, Educator Level of Overall Effectiveness (LOE) scores for 2022-23 are live in the TNCompass platform.

Information regarding the calculations for 2022-23 teacher evaluations may be found here.

For an educator to receive an LOE score, all required component scores (depending on the evaluation type) must be present in TNCompass. Components include Observation, Achievement, Growth, Professionalism, and/or Student Perception Survey) Note: Educators identified as partial year exemption (PYE) will not receive an LOE score.

For questions regarding missing component scores or other evaluation-related questions, please submit a PLZ HelpDesk ticket so that the EPS can research the issue (link also available in PLZ under "PLZ Help").

Stress Management Workshop

A good way to overcome stress is to help others out of theirs! Join the Stress Management Workshop to learn how to identify, understand, and manage stress! Groups have already started, but it's never too late to join.

Click HERE to learn more and to get started.

MSCS 2024 Open Enrollment

Mark your calendars for the Annual Open Enrollment and Benefits Fair on Nov. 1 from 3-6pm in Coe Auditorium. Speak directly to representatives from Cigna, Bentek, Metlife, Empower, AFLAC, American Fidelity, Colonial & more.

Annual MSCS Open Enrollment for active employees will begin Wednesday, Nov. 1 and continue through Wednesday, Nov. 15 (changes will be effective as of 1/1/2024).

Important Reminders during this Open Enrollment period:

If you are an FSA participant, you must elect your coverage levels for 2024:
Health Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account

You will have the opportunity to enroll in new plans and opt-out of any plans you no longer wish to participate in for 2024

Access Bentek (our online enrollment system) at this link www.mybentek.com/mscs to review your demographic information, current MSCS elections and life insurance beneficiary information