May 9 Share-Day

After it was all said and done our workshop on Friday, May 9 definitely proved to be an insightful and motivating event. Insightful in that all who attended came away with resources and teaching concepts that will be highly beneficial in the classroom. Over the course of the day much conversation was generated in regards to successful teaching approaches among all teachers who were present. Not only were multiple teaching concepts in English uncovered, but also how to overcome learning difficulties among an array of students from a Special Education perspective. The event was found to be motivating due largely in part to the focus and excitement throughout the educators in the audience. There was a eagerness to learn present, not because anyone was mandated to participate, but because there was a sincere interest in trying to incorporate graphic text and the concepts being presented. Although there was a great deal of work required to coordinate the day, it was well worth the effort considering the positive feedback we have received since May 9. In addition, the collaborative work sessions we held throughout the past year have been incredibly productive. I feel that from the onset of this TLLP our energy has been building continually with the new resources we have uncovered and the materials we were able to obtain. In turn, this energy was reciprocated by the teachers engaged in our workshop and has resulted in a true effort to implement graphic text, iPad applications, and various teaching models (SAMR as an example). In all, comparing this TLLP to my previous experience in working in a TLLP, I found it to be much more engaging based upon the concept and material. Also this TLLP is beneficial to any English teacher across any level of learning. Lastly, the resources we were able to acquire can be easily integrated in the classroom and highly relevant to students in today's learning environment. J. Castagna