The Literacy Cooperative’s 6th Annual Teacher Academy

In November each year The Literacy Cooperative holds our Teacher Academy. We bring together educators to learn new ideas and best practices from each other. This year, we had 20 teachers present on a range of topics from the benefits of Math Games to the concept of Looping.

Today is our 6th annual Teacher Academy!! Excited for a day of learning from fellow teachers!! #TLCTA2016 https://t.co/H5G4Oa6d7A

Today is our 6th annual Teacher Academy!! Excited for a day of learning from fellow teachers!! #TLCTA2016 pic.twitter.com/H5G4Oa6d7A

The teachers have started to arrive and are getting checked in! #TLCTA2016 https://t.co/bdCPaKDfQj

The teachers have started to arrive and are getting checked in! #TLCTA2016pic.twitter.com/bdCPaKDfQj

Room is filling up!! So great to see so many here for our Teacher Academy! #tlcta2016 https://t.co/im0wQDcOhR

Room is filling up!! So great to see so many here for our Teacher Academy! #tlcta2016 pic.twitter.com/im0wQDcOhR

Today will be a great day of Learning! #TLCTA2016 https://t.co/CvJvLkspzd

Today will be a great day of Learning! #TLCTA2016 pic.twitter.com/CvJvLkspzd
This year we had our largest attended Teacher Academy yet with over a 100 participants. It is always great to see new faces as well as returning teachers.
So great to see so many new faces today!! #tlcta2016
Laurie Atkins, our Vice President – Strategic Initiatives, also welcomed everyone to the Teacher Academy and showed a new video that summarizes the work we do as an organization.

Introducing what we do by showing our new video! #tlcta2016 https://t.co/xLtgispykL

Introducing what we do by showing our new video! #tlcta2016pic.twitter.com/xLtgispykL
The Literacy Cooperative Overview
One of the great parts of the Teacher Academy is being able to meet and network with fellow teachers from different schools and districts. We always start each Teacher Academy with a icebreaker to allow everyone some time to get to know one another.

Be like Beethoven and DECOMPOSE #TLCTA2016 https://t.co/j3Ri0b2tg5

Be like Beethoven and DECOMPOSE #TLCTA2016 pic.twitter.com/j3Ri0b2tg5

It is make-it and take-it time in Lori McElwain's session on decomposing numbers less than or equal to 10 #tlcta2016 https://t.co/4dnEZ7jd8Q

It is make-it and take-it time in Lori McElwain’s session on decomposing numbers less than or equal to 10 #tlcta2016 pic.twitter.com/4dnEZ7jd8Q
Breakout Session 2 was presented by Katie Kwiatkowski and Carrie Rump, 1st grade teachers from Berea City Schools. Their presentation was titled “Hop onto the Writing Express.” They spoke about how they use pre and post assessments to guide instruction for the writing process.

Hop on the Writing Express! #TLCTA2016 https://t.co/l3cCKSX9kG

Hop on the Writing Express! #TLCTA2016 pic.twitter.com/l3cCKSX9kG

Katie Kwiatkowski & Carrie Rump present on writing instruction in different genres. #tlcta2016 https://t.co/UhR7mFTTb7

Katie Kwiatkowski & Carrie Rump present on writing instruction in different genres. #tlcta2016 pic.twitter.com/UhR7mFTTb7
The 3rd breakout session option was “Building Fluency, Confidence and Joy in Struggling Readers,” presented by Heather Lemmerbrock, a K-2 Title 1 Reading Teacher from Warrensville Heights City School District. She spoke about different fluency techniques and provided resources for teachers to be able to use in their classrooms.

Fluency: Introduce Fluency through morning message, big books and punctuation! #tlcta2016 https://t.co/yMH1134HaT

Fluency: Introduce Fluency through morning message, big books and punctuation! #tlcta2016 pic.twitter.com/yMH1134HaT

Heather Lemmerbrock explaining how to use morning messages in her session on building fluency. #tlcta2016 https://t.co/9xtR7JrUH6

Heather Lemmerbrock explaining how to use morning messages in her session on building fluency. #tlcta2016 pic.twitter.com/9xtR7JrUH6
Another breakout out option during Session 1 was “A Toy Story: How STEM Can Help Show that Opposites Attract -Like Woody & Buzz!” This session was presented by John Bottar & Mario Valente, K-3 Teachers from South Euclid-Lyndhurst School District. The session explained how to show students the engineering and science process involved in designing a toy, based on principle of magnetism.
  1. John Bottar & Mario Valente introducing the lesson system they use in their STEM session. #tlcta2016 https://t.co/4LGJDMWYYm
John Bottar & Mario Valente introducing the lesson system they use in their STEM session. #tlcta2016 pic.twitter.com/4LGJDMWYYm

Learning new STEM project ideas #TLCTA2016 @literacycoop https://t.co/hbEbOrHVL0

Learning new STEM project ideas #TLCTA2016 @literacycooppic.twitter.com/hbEbOrHVL0

Attending a STEM workshop at @literacycoop today. Enjoying a hands on session with magnets #learningisfun #realworldconnections #tlcta2016 🚗 https://t.co/7CIrGP4fAw

Attending a STEM workshop at @literacycoop today. Enjoying a hands on session with magnets #learningisfun #realworldconnections #tlcta2016 🚗 pic.twitter.com/7CIrGP4fAw
The last breakout session for Session 1 was presented by Laurie Switzer, WVIZ/PBS Ideastream Professional Learning Coordinator, PreK-16 Outreach & Special Projects. Her session was titled “Book Flix and Early World of Learning: INFOhio Resources to Support Early Literacy.” It was a hands-on session that introduced the educators to free digital resources that could be integrated into instruction in the classroom or accessed in a child’s home.

INFOhio resources with Laurie Switzer from WVIZ/ideastream #TLCTA2016 https://t.co/v5TAXwCrnC

INFOhio resources with Laurie Switzer from WVIZ/ideastream #TLCTA2016pic.twitter.com/v5TAXwCrnC

Laurie Switzer from Ideastream showing how to help close the readiness gap in urban education using the power of public media #tlcta2016 📺💻📚 https://t.co/K53DALNLAK

Laurie Switzer from Ideastream showing how to help close the readiness gap in urban education using the power of public media #tlcta2016 📺💻📚 pic.twitter.com/K53DALNLAK
For Session 2 Shannon Maher, a 3rd Grade Teacher from Garfield Heights City Schools presented on “Implementing the Daily 5 Math and How it Provides Opportunities for Student Engagement & Teacher Effectiveness.” Teachers were taught how to transform learning centers into engaging, effective math instruction with built-in interventions and enrichments for all students.

Session 2... I'm very excited for this one! #tlcta2016 https://t.co/ExU5SzghhP

Session 2… I’m very excited for this one! #tlcta2016pic.twitter.com/ExU5SzghhP

This will be made ASAP #TLCTA2016 https://t.co/l91yjgzWh6

This will be made ASAP #TLCTA2016 pic.twitter.com/l91yjgzWh6

Shannon Maher showing worksheets during her Implementing Daily 5 Math session #TLCTA2016 https://t.co/D1BpUqSQuu

Shannon Maher showing worksheets during her Implementing Daily 5 Math session #TLCTA2016 pic.twitter.com/D1BpUqSQuu

All great PDs have teachers leave with materials to implement immediately in your classroom!#tlcta2016 https://t.co/P8WpXa61VW

All great PDs have teachers leave with materials to implement immediately in your classroom!#tlcta2016 pic.twitter.com/P8WpXa61VW
The second breakout option in Session 2 was “Foldables-Using Paper to Enhance Learning” presented by Cristina Lukanc, a 2nd grade teacher with the Cleveland Metropolitan School District. She taught teachers how to make foldables as a way for students to learn and keep information organized.

Cristina Lukanc leading an activity during her foldables-using paper to enhance learning session #tlcta2016 https://t.co/ASgukwwtnN

Cristina Lukanc leading an activity during her foldables-using paper to enhance learning session #tlcta2016 pic.twitter.com/ASgukwwtnN
For the third breakout session option Rebecca Kidwell & Kelly Grist, 1st and 2nd grade teachers from South Euclid-Lyndhurst School District, gave their presentation “Stay in the Loop!” Their session focused on the concept of looping and how it has helped their teaching and student learning as well as teacher/parent/student relationships.

Rebecca Kidwell & Kelly Grist present on the concept and benefits of looping #TLCTA2016 https://t.co/NvHYqrmbNz

Rebecca Kidwell & Kelly Grist present on the concept and benefits of looping #TLCTA2016 pic.twitter.com/NvHYqrmbNz
Michelle Reese, a 1st grade teacher from East Cleveland School District gave her presentation titled “It Takes a Village.” She explained ways to involve the community to provide authentic learning experiences.

Michelle Reese presents on how to involve the community in student success #TLCTA2016 https://t.co/ke6Ppipdrt

Michelle Reese presents on how to involve the community in student success #TLCTA2016 pic.twitter.com/ke6Ppipdrt

 

Michelle Reese 2nd session presentation on how it takes a community to teach a child. #TLCTA2016
The last session option was another presentation by Laurie Switzer entitled “PBS Learning Media and Ready to Learn.” It provided the teachers with free access to early literacy digital media assets that could be integrated into classroom instruction.

Laurie Switzerr explaining sites that are INFOHio Resources to support Early Literacy #tlcta2016 https://t.co/Ff1OJa6kZw

Laurie Switzerr explaining sites that are INFOHio Resources to support Early Literacy #tlcta2016 pic.twitter.com/Ff1OJa6kZw
At the midpoint, attendees were provided a delicious lunch and time to regroup and reconnect after the first two sessions of the day.

Thanks for the delicious lunch @literacycoop! #tlcta2016 🍗🍅🍪 https://t.co/zmzP0wNyzD

Thanks for the delicious lunch @literacycoop! #tlcta2016 🍗🍅🍪 pic.twitter.com/zmzP0wNyzD
Session 3 had four breakout options. The first option was led by Michele Badowski, a 1st grade teacher from Parma City Schools. Her presentation was called “Lifesaver Daily Writing- ALL Kids can Achieve!” She presented on how to develop daily writing that would not only meet the Common Core, but also improve student confidence as well.

Refreshed from a delicious lunch and now time for a much needed session... Lifesaver Writing! #tlcta2016 https://t.co/5oRbstJggO

Refreshed from a delicious lunch and now time for a much needed session… Lifesaver Writing! #tlcta2016 pic.twitter.com/5oRbstJggO

The key for writing is to differentiate through student conferences. #TLCTA2016 https://t.co/k3T3tpJGzP

The key for writing is to differentiate through student conferences. #TLCTA2016 pic.twitter.com/k3T3tpJGzP

Michele Badowski sharing examples during her presentation on developing daily writing #TLCTA2016 https://t.co/ECNXSG0Oxj

Michele Badowski sharing examples during her presentation on developing daily writing #TLCTA2016 pic.twitter.com/ECNXSG0Oxj
The second breakout option was “Having It All-How to Integrate Content Areas Across the Curriculum” presented by Mary Vaughn & Colleen Petruzzi, 2nd and 3rd grade looping teachers from Fairview Park City Schools. Those who attended this session were presented with an example of an integrated social studies, reading, writing and math unit.

Mary Vaughn & Colleen Petruzzi presenting on how to integrate content areas across curriculum #tlcta2016 https://t.co/4kRV4gSA9j

Mary Vaughn & Colleen Petruzzi presenting on how to integrate content areas across curriculum #tlcta2016 pic.twitter.com/4kRV4gSA9j
Carla Mandato & Tami Arthur, Kindergarten and 1st grade teachers from Berea City School District presented on “Diggin Classroom Dojo.” They spoke about Classroom Dojo, an online behavior management system that encourages positive student behaviors and provides a means for teachers and parents to communicate frequently.

Carla Mandato & Tami Arthur explains how to use Classroom Dojo to create a classroom community #tlcta2016 https://t.co/DUeSoII2eT

Carla Mandato & Tami Arthur explains how to use Classroom Dojo to create a classroom community #tlcta2016 pic.twitter.com/DUeSoII2eT

Can't wait to start using Class Dojo! Great idea sharing @literacycoop #TLCTA2016 #schoolhomeconnection https://t.co/BDpW4SPOOo

Can’t wait to start using Class Dojo! Great idea sharing @literacycoop#TLCTA2016 #schoolhomeconnection pic.twitter.com/BDpW4SPOOo
The last breakout session offered for Session 3 was “Math Games Galore!” This presentation was given by Michelle Ita and Melissa Toppings, 1st grade teachers from Maple Heights School District. They gave examples of math games that help students build number sense and place value knowledge in the primary grades.

Michelle Ita & Melissa Toppings showing some great math games to use in the classroom. #TLCTA2016 https://t.co/wib9FzfN20

Michelle Ita & Melissa Toppings showing some great math games to use in the classroom. #TLCTA2016 pic.twitter.com/wib9FzfN20
One of the options for the final breakout session was “iTech University,” presented by Nicole Crum and Katie Kellner, Kindergarten teachers from Fairview Park City Schools District. They gave examples of some fun, kid-friendly apps that are easily implemented in the classroom.

Nicole Crum & Katie Kellner presenting on integrating technology into the classroom. #TLCTA2016 https://t.co/Z90DyFULmp

Nicole Crum & Katie Kellner presenting on integrating technology into the classroom. #TLCTA2016 pic.twitter.com/Z90DyFULmp
Laura DiRienzo & Maryanne Ratka, 3rd and 1st grade teachers from Garfield Heights City Schools, gave their presentation titled “An Exploration of Comprehension Connections-Bridges to Strategic Reading.” The presentation explored the highly effective and popular book Comprehension Connections by Tanny McGregor.

Last session of the day... #TLCTA2016 https://t.co/igS1BukJQc

Last session of the day… #TLCTA2016 pic.twitter.com/igS1BukJQc

Laura DiRienzo & Maryanne Ratka presenting on the strategies from the book Comprehension Connections by Tanny McGregor. #TLCTA2016 https://t.co/SoGDg36WYT

Laura DiRienzo & Maryanne Ratka presenting on the strategies from the book Comprehension Connections by Tanny McGregor. #TLCTA2016pic.twitter.com/SoGDg36WYT
Another breakout session option in Session 4 was” Dare to do Developmental Spelling!” presented by Kovi & Penny Humphrey, K-2 Literacy Coach & 1st grade teacher from Euclid City Schools. Their session walked teachers through assessing student’s developmental spelling levels and implementing word study.

Shanna Kovi & Penny Humphrey present on developmental spelling. #TLCTA2016 https://t.co/KkvmW1gBKx

Shanna Kovi & Penny Humphrey present on developmental spelling. #TLCTA2016 pic.twitter.com/KkvmW1gBKx
The last breakout session option of the day was another session presented by Michelle Ita & Melissa Toppings, titled “Math Routines.” They took teachers through daily routines that could help students build number sense and place value knowledge in the primary grades.

Michelle Ita & Melissa Toppings presenting on math routines #tlcta2016 https://t.co/H61zDvU2Ao

Michelle Ita & Melissa Toppings presenting on math routines #tlcta2016pic.twitter.com/H61zDvU2Ao
The Teacher Academy is always a great day of learning from fellow teachers. It would not be as successful or as informative without all the fantastic presenters who share their time and experience with their fellow teachers.

Thank you presenters for a wonderful day of learning! #tlcta2016 https://t.co/bXqGVxG4dn

Thank you presenters for a wonderful day of learning! #tlcta2016pic.twitter.com/bXqGVxG4dn
The Teacher Academy would not have gone as smoothly as it did without the fantastic support from the Educational Service Center of Cuyahoga County staff especially Donna and Gail. We would like to extend a big thank you for their assistance each year!
The Literacy Cooperative staff (pictured below left to right, Christine Lee, our Consultant for Professional Development Training who is head of the Teacher Academy, Brittney Rzucidlo, our Social Media Associate, Lynn Foran, our Reach Out and Read Coordinator and Elaine Yeip, our Program Assistant ) would like to extend a big thank you to all those who attended and presented for our 6th annual Teacher academy and we look forward to next year!