Jitters & Things...

What Stuck? & New Curtains

Today was the first day back at school with the students. This year has been interesting. We weren't allowed in our classrooms early due to renovations throughout the building. I had decided earlier in the summer not to go in early this year and I believe it was the best decision I could have made. Our administration was generous enough to give us ample time to prepare for registration last Saturday.
There have been quite a few changes to my room. Nothing spectacular, but different enough to spice things up for me! I moved my desk, added curtains, added a word wall, and updated my filing cabinets and storage unit. Of course, there are a few other things I'd like to do, but time is not on my side at the moment. Between revamping my interactive notebooking technique, designing an advanced course, finishing my Brazil project, planning inservice presentations, and incorporating global competencies in my curriculum, I'd say I'm slightly overwhelmed....but who's not???


Today marked the first day with my new kids. It took me FOREVER to fall asleep! I'm happy I was able to sleep well because upon arriving to school my computer crashed when I was supposed to go meet my homeroom! I was tardy(ish) picking up my kids, but eventually got computer to cooperate.


While You Were Out Board & Turn In Trays

It's so amazing how different each batch of kids is from one year to the next. I'm excited to see how the year unfolds! Today's group of kids completed an anchor chart on what they thought a great teacher should be. I got some very interesting and enlightened responses. We had a great discussion about their expectations of what teachers should and should not do. From the exercise, I was able to learn that my students wanted a teacher that genuinely cares about them and helps them learn. I didn't necessarily learn anything new, it sure does make a HUGE difference actually hearing it straight from the kiddos! Tomorrow's group will clue me in on aspects of a great student! I'm looking forward to an amazing year!!!!



Obsessed with my new The Hungry Caterpillar borde

My Summer

Cheers to my future press release (or some variation of it)! Here's a glimpse into what a majority of my summer has been dedicated to. If you're reading my BRAZIL BLOG, stay tuned!

IFES Campus: Ibatiba

Teacher, Kristi Barnes, from Seneca Middle School, visited Brazil in June 2013 to take part in the Teachers for Global Classrooms Program’s (TGC) International Field Experience, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA). Ms. Barnes is part of a group of 80 teachers selected to participate a field experience in one of seven countries worldwide. 



 

The Teachers for Global Classrooms Program is an exchange and professional development opportunity for secondary school teachers sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and administered by the non-profit organization IREX. Through the program, teachers from across the United States learn how to advance their schools’ global education practices, internationalizing teaching and learning in their classrooms.

 



The Doll Dance Performance in Mimoso

During the TGC International Field Experience, Kristi Barnes had the opportunity to travel and collaborate professionally with a designated cohort of U.S. teachers.  The cohort attended seminars on the history, culture, and education of the host country and through their in-country experience participates in discussions on best teaching practices and related educational issues.  Ms. Barnes then traveled with a partner to a local school for a dedicated visit to observe or team-teach when requested in international classrooms selected by IREX, and to discuss local educational issues with students, teachers, and administrators from the host-country.

 

This international field experience follows the teachers’ completion of an online course and participation in a Global Education Symposium in Washington, DC. Through all components of the TGC Program, teachers learn with, and from, their colleagues in the U.S. and in other countries to develop international knowledge and skills. The teachers will reconvene in October 2013 in Washington, DC, to share their experiences and to discuss best practices for internationalizing U.S. schools. 

 

IREX is an international nonprofit organization providing thought leadership and innovative programs to promote positive lasting change globally.  We enable local individuals and institutions to build key elements of a vibrant society: quality education, independent media, and strong communities. To strengthen these sectors, our program activities also include conflict resolution, technology for development, gender, and youth.  Founded in 1968, IREX has an annual portfolio of over $60 million and a staff of over 500 professionals worldwide. IREX employs field-tested methods and innovative uses of technologies to develop practical and locally-driven solutions with our partners in more than 100 countries.

 

Wish Ribbons
 Nosso Senhor do Bomfim in Salvador

The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs promotes international mutual understanding through a wide range of academic, cultural, private-sector, professional and sports exchange programs. These international exchanges engage youth, students, educators, artists, athletes and emerging leaders in many fields in the United States and in more than 160 countries. Alumni of these exchanges comprise over one million people around the world, including more than 50 Nobel Laureates and more than 350 current or former heads of state and government.