Archive for April, 2011

Facebook Opened for Teachers at last

Friday, April 29th, 2011

New South Wales – public school teachers have been granted permission to access their facebook, Myspace, and Twitter account despite the blocking last of social media access in the previous months.

The first day of school meant an access to the primeiere social media sites for teachers-part ofthe surprising teacher appreciation ideas. How did the decision came from negative to affirmative? Well, the department of education realized that it was beneficial for teachers to have acces on social media sites. This will help them become onriented with teh latest technology which they can use in the classroom.

A spokesman reprsenting the Minister of education said that arm teachers with the online weapon against cyberbullying. Online bullying have become an international issue following the suicide of a Rutgers University student. The case is also very common with high school and college students; internet savyy or not.

However, the President of the New South Wales Teachers Fed, have cautioned teachers to put a line between professionalism and personal matters when using social media sites. He told them to be cafeful of who to befriend and who to accept friend invites because the any information online will be imprinted in the public domain.”Be careful of the use of social media, as it’s part of the 21st century technology, students and teachers must be aware of the things they do online”.

In order to implement further policies in the use of social media, the department has created rules and regulations along with the recommendation of staffs and school principals. The policy can be accessed on the governments website. Most of the guidelines encourage teachers to be honest and considerate as well as to use common sense. While the main highlight was to “create a boundary between personal use and professional use”.

“When you mix work and your lives, it can cause a lot of problems, the general public considers us – the representation of the department 24/7″ – says the department. “You must make sure that your personal online activities do not mix up with your job performance”.

Teachers have been also advised to stray away from legal and industrial issues of the community. However, they are also encouraged to speak their minds out and be human in every conversation.

Meanwhile, the ex-President of the NSW secondary principals strongly supports the opening of social media access to teachers. “I am strongly supportive for the access of teachers into social media sites as they can incorporate this on their daily lessons. Teachers will be able to teach their students on how to be behave accordingly in social media and learn more about digital citizenship.

This would be a great Teacher’s day news for every Aussie teacher then. However, they are entitled with the responsibility of drawing a line between work and personal usage.

Extraordinary Ways to Present your Gift for the Teacher Appreciation Week

Thursday, April 28th, 2011

Teacher appreciation day 2011 is weeks ahead “and sad to say some gifts are the same as last year’s celebration. There’s nothing wrong with giving the same canned gift but how about sprinkling a bit of creativity?

So, this is your first lesson with making extra-ordinary gifts for the season. Take a look at some of the suggested creative gifts you can possibly give your teacher:

  1. A ticket to the Spa: Don’t say it has been done over and over again because few students only think of this gift. Personally, your teachers appreciate if you care enough to let them know you care for their health.
  2. A window serenade: Kind of looking 80′s but don’t you know? Your teacher lived when the days where full of sweetness and romance. You can do this with the group or all by your self.
  3. Bungee jumping tour: Seriously, it’s kind of expensive but worth the adrenaline. If you’re from those elite families, try to offer this gift and you will find out the daring side of your teachers.
  4. Skydiving: Another extra ordinary gift with your adventurous teacher. This is also costly but a total jaw breaker.
  5. A Surprise Party: Kind of common but it depends on how you’re class present the surprise. Don’t forget the party poppers and some lighting effects. You can hire some entertainers for the whole surprise package.
  6. Bring their Favorite Celebrity: Make an appointment with a star stating that it will be for the teacher appreciation week celebration.
  7. A Larger than Life Trophy: It’s not some monument but a trophy stating all the good deeds of your teacher. It would definitely make them proud seeing such a large trophy.
  8. Fireworks on School: Ask permission from your principal first, if allowed, do some solicitation on the neighborhood (also, all these gifts can be done by solicitation).
  9. Clean their House: It’s some sort of personal gift, but if you don’t have any option because you can’t write teacher appreciation poems “this would put some laughter on your teachers face and who knows, they might treat you for lunch.
  10. Request all Students to Hug such Teacher: How about you organize a sort of collision with all the students in the school and give them prizes for those can hug such teacher on the way to school? It would make the teacher burst out with laughter knowing that it was your idea.
  11. Make a Special Streamer for a Special Teacher: Put it on the gates of the school but first ask permission with the principal. With their special names on, they would appreciate it more than ever.
  12. Say I love you to your Teacher: Just like our parents, saying we love them will give them a sense of belongingness. So, don’t be greedy for only three simple words “just say it.

The Greatest Gift for your Teachers

Wednesday, April 27th, 2011

Are you confused on what to give your teacher for upcoming week? Are you having problems with expensive teacher appreciation gifts? Or you don’t have much talent on writing teacher appreciation poems? Then it might have been a less enjoyable teacher appreciation week for you. Let us help you with what should give your teacher for the week.

Other students may present colorful cards and wonderful presents “but don’t worry, you won’t be buying your gift from any department store. You will be getting your gift “deep inside your self “yes, you will be offering you’re self for your teacher.

How many times have you failed your teacher by not making your assignments? How many times have you skip classes and made your teacher mad? If you can count of, we are sure you have been a good boy “but for the rest, it’s time to be one: isn’t it a wonderful presence for your mentor?

Your teacher can only pass you once in a lifetime. They are not there always to guide and lead you to ways beneficial. But their efforts won’t be wasted if you can change today. Yes, today, start changing your behavior towards them and the way you carry your self to school. Maybe your mentor understands that an -F is just a sign of family problems, or less motivated to go to school but they will always appreciate if you get a -B or higher an -A. Maybe, they will always understand if you’re coming late at school or coming off drunk at classes. But they would appreciate more if you come early and without alcohol on your system: it’s time to give them that gift.

Maybe your teacher was strict to the bone, but what else can you do? You can’t hate your teacher because they weren’t tolerant of the bad behavior. It’s time to give them the chance to let them into your mind and soul. It’s time to be the hero not the villain.

Maybe your just too eccentric and mind being controlled. Take a deep breathe and just leave the selfishness behind and get some control. You will be thanking your teachers for the next years of your life once you understood -it’s not weak to be in discipline

So, have you figured out what’s the best teacher appreciation gift this week? If you have been naughty in class; these gift idea is dedicated to you. If you have been a good boy: we congratulate you. But, we also encourage you to give cards and tokens of appreciation this week as compliments for being good to your mentors. Have a happy teacher appreciation week and may god bless our teachers, our educators, and mentors worldwide.

Appreciation ” the Essence of the May

Tuesday, April 26th, 2011

Appreciation is the greatest thing anyone can give to their peers. When we appreciate, it means that we value their efforts, existences, and all the things they do in top of this world. It’s a twelve letter word which can be expressed in different hundred ways. It is the only word that exist which is much related to the being a mentor; a word which will be celebrated this coming month of May.

As far celebration is concerned, different institutions all over the world had planned their own set of activities which they will kick off this coming teacher’s appreciation day. Schools worldwide have various activities for the upcoming appreciation week. Some have organized buffets and dinner for teachers and staffs. Many districts prepared recreational programs for the school during the week while some companies have offered discounts and privileges for teachers.

Teacher appreciation week is as jolly as Christmas and New Year. Every student will be making teacher appreciation cards, teacher appreciation gifts, and teacher appreciation poems as well. Many education sectors and teacher unions have prepared sessions and workshops for teachers on their locality. These programs are designed to raise awareness of the rights and privileges of teaches in the society.

Despite the controversial education budget issue, many teachers are still very willing to continue the fight for education. For they know that it’s the only way for the nation to recover from being economically brought down. Homes, and parents have are also obliged to give support for teachers along with the celebration. Many parents are glad to offer something back to the education system such as voluntary school beautification and general cleaning over the week. Some are planning to make culinary delicacies to be enjoyed for the rest of the day and several parents will be joining programs in school.

Teacher appreciation isn’t new and it always evolves as time goes along. With the high technology environment, anyone can great their teachers online or through social media networks. Students can now make video presentations of the teacher appreciation week and upload it youtube for documentation purposes.

How about you? Have you thought of something to offer back to your teachers this coming day of teacher celebration? If not, think about the hundred ways you can make your teacher happy and appreciated. Could it be buying them tickets on their favorite movie? Or perhaps a simple teacher appreciation week greeting on the big wall of school could put a tear of joy in your teacher’s eye?

How about performing well in school and changing the way you treat your teacher? If you have been so bad to your teacher, it is the time to make a change and give them honor for the kindness they are showing you. What if you don’t like your famous teachers? Then it’s probably the right time to start liking them and love them for who they are.

Personal Touch: a Teacher Appreciation Gift Essential

Monday, April 25th, 2011

The touch is the most powerful weapon has on this planet. If you’re worried on what to give your mother, your teacher, and your professors this teacher appreciation week, then this blog is the right place for quick and simple teacher appreciation gift ideas.

Any gift can be very pleasing but there is one gift that every human being longs for “that is the personal touch. Imagine a world that have gone cold and artificial, and a world with warm and soft embrace of human connections. Which world should one prefer?

Personal touch is something very powerful. In every teacher appreciation gift you will give to your mentor “put something which reminds of hard work and customization. Buying something on the bookstore without even customizing its features will definitely look boring and impassionate. A simple card which has been poured with hard work and personal touch could be priceless compared to the expensive bookstore thank you card.

Teachers are sensitive creations and they do mind if you pour out your personality on the gift that you will offer them during that celebration. Try buying a card on the bookstore and manually writing the message of gratitude. Your teacher might even smile on your dedicated letter and less care about the writing legibility. What’s more important to them is the message and how it’s delivered rather than the expensiveness of your gift.

Some children might even make their thank you cards on a piece of coupon bond and put all their creativity in the paper. It might look less presentable to the canned thank you card on the bookstore but teachers will often appreciate the effort of making such card. If you have been into a series of giving teachers canned materials on the shelf, this time you should try to make your own gift.

  1. Prepare your art materials (scissors, color papers, paste, pencils, etc): Recycling might be very good, it’s only a perfect gift but also a great help for Mother Nature. You might also think of using high quality products for more laudable results.
  2. Cut out patterns: Patterns in the coloring book, magazine, and readers digest are good source for scrap book “thank you cards. Be sure to use colorful and presentable images and avoid those with profane and vulgar descriptions.
  3. You May use Leaves, Barks, and Fibers from plants: Creativity is not limited, therefore everything which you think represents art and delivers the message your trying to convey must be incorporated with your personalized gifts. Whatever the concept is: greetings cards, gift wrappers, bulletins, etc.
  4. Write a Good Message inside: The literal message should be very personalized that it would somehow break down the walls of so much formality but do not go beyond profanity. You may use your own language when writing the message, whatever teacher appreciation gifts you have brought in mind.

Teachers: Modern Heroes of Japan

Tuesday, April 19th, 2011

Japan have been recently hit by a tsunami and devastated all the school facilities in the region. Now, as part of moving on with life’s tragedy, Japan is going towards a new challenge of rebuilding their education “once desolated by a 9.0 magnitude earthquake accompanied by a tsunami on March 11, 2011.

Children, who should be gone to school last April 8, had their longest vacation in the history of Japan’s education. Many have been left to linger on shared classroom facilities as they leave their town homeless.

The challenge for the nation is to; reopen the education system with destroyed facilities and mainly occupied by wandering citizens. Instead of teachers giving instruction in classrooms, many of them served as caretakers of families and children sheltering under school facilities.

It’s a big challenge for teachers, before they used to counsel students regarding emotional and behavioral issues and actively interact with families, now, they are volunteering “while leaving their past responsibilities “which is a crucial role to recovery, and its no easy job, says Miyoko Ozawa ” director of the Sakura Education Research Center in Chiba.

A report on Christian Monitor tells that as of April 11, there have been a death count of 2,669 while 15,166 where homeless in Ishinomaki. The Ministry of Education made an estimation of more than 13,000 deaths, 207 elementary and middle school students did not make it. Locals agree that if teachers did not participated in rescue missions and evacuations, many children would have died.

-Isn’t it a heroic deed for our Japanese teachers? As part of the national teacher appreciation week celebration, we want to express gratitude at the same time give credit to teachers in Japan who have never given up despite the gravity of the situation in Japan.

Teachers in Japan help give blankets to families and children who are freezing under the cold condition. As the national emergency response arrived, many were transferred to their relatives or friends while others stayed at the current location. The sad fact is that many of these teachers are considered also homeless. But they don’t consider such scenario as a hindrance to help children under stress and trauma.

The Board of Education held three training sessions for educators in child psychology. The step will help students cope with stress and trauma caused by the catastrophe. Other organizations also came such as Save the Children, UNICEF, and World Vision.
Teachers said to make sure that the first day of classes gives children new hopes life and leave the unbearable past behind ” which is some of the great teacher appreciation ideas “generated by these generous teachers.

-A school basic role is to lift kids and energize them; we want to see that smile on their faces again “because when the children smile, the whole community smiles too ” Fumiaki Sato, Okaido Elementary School principal.

Teacher Appreciation Worldwide

Monday, April 18th, 2011

In honor of the hardworking mentors and educators of the nation, different schools have made their own version of celebrating the teacher’s day and teacher appreciation week. Every school has something to offer and give back to the continuing effort of their teachers and honoring the part that these teachers have played in shaping the future of the nation.

Celebration in England

Carlisle Mayor Ray Glover has proclaimed May 2-6 as the Teacher Appreciation Week during its school board meeting last Monday. In order to show appreciation for the educators of the school districts “several school renovation and infrastructural programs have been approved and on-going. This is done with the effort of giving teachers the best teaching environment.

Superintendent Floyd Marshall ordered to start the building of additional infrastructure as well as the bidding of the science and elementary bathroom remodels. In order to gain much support, Marshall has negotiated with the alumni association on helping the school to sell out brick pavers. The bricks have been utilized in building of the high school gym “this time, more bricks are needed to complete a structure.

The additional bricks will be used for freestanding wall and platform for a bench, pavilion, and landscaping. The school district has also organized to conduct a tree planting session for schools and municipalities for the celebration. The school board has also extended the contracts of elementary and high school certified personnel as presented.

Teacher Appreciation in California

Students from area schools who are inspired to honor their mentors are all invited in a teacher appreciation week celebration “luncheon “hosted by the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahais of San Clemente. The annual celebration will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the Bahai Center, 3316 Avenida Del Presidente, and San Clemente.

The teacher appreciation event entitled -The Role of Teachers in Community Building As highlight of the program, Teresa Langness, Full Circle Learning founder will be having a discussion regarding the model used in schools in 14 countries “wherein “the curriculum includes character, peacemaking, service and academics

In your Community and In Your School

Personally, students can give honor to their teachers in their own simple ways. Teacher appreciation poems, gifts, and cards are the simplest way of showing appreciation. They may look simple and very basic but they have the lasting effect, happiness, and inspiration to every teacher. Have you prepared for the upcoming teacher appreciation week? Does your school have one? If not, why not volunteer and encourage your school principal to celebrate the event with the rest of the nation?

If you have ideas, and concepts for the upcoming teacher celebration, don’t hesitate to comment on our blog. We would be glad to hear anything from you and your stories of how you honor your beloved mentors.

Highlights of the Teacher Appreciation Week

Friday, April 15th, 2011

May 3, 2011 ” the day when teaches in the United States will make a difference. The National Education Association “the largest professional organization and largest labor union in the US have outlined all the major and minor activities for the teacher appreciation day.

NEA’s Teacher Thank-You Project

The event was unveiled by NEA President Dennis Van Roekel and U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. The -Teacher Thank-You Project is collection of all creatively made thank you cards “displayed on an 8 feet tall and 75 feet wide, larger-than-life mural. All the thank you cards made by notable people in the society and students from different schools will be gathered together to give honor for all mentors worldwide.

Nominate a Classroom Superhero!

Mentors may not have wings and strong muscles like superman but they will become modern heroes with the support of the community. NEA’s Classroom Superheroes will allow students, parents, and community members to the appreciation and support our educators deserve.

Celebrities Name Most Memorable Teachers

In every celebrity there is and educator. In this activity, famous individuals will get to name the teachers who they can’t forget and have shaped them in the present reality.

Teachers Talk

NEA members will be having a discussion on what inspired them to be leading the role of mentors. The project -Teacher Talk is initiated by Teachers Count and an NPR Connecticut affiliate.

Meanwhile, the Museum Washington regarded as the most interactive museum existed also celebrates teacher appreciation week by opening its doors “free “for local school groups all year long. The free access is made possible by WTOP and The Washington Post. The applicants must be a current teacher, principal, librarian, school district level staff, school counselor, staff, or professor. Retired teachers are not included.

Valid identification cards and forms includes: School identification, pay stub, insurance card, union card, letter of intent to home school, issued by a government agency or school district, or letter from the principal on school letterhead.
Other schools will also be celebrating teacher’s day in various ways, such as giving of teacher appreciation gifts, teacher poems, teacher jokes, and thank-you cards. There are also volunteer activities in the Broomfield and HES teachers lounges. There will be an array of food which teachers and staff can enjoy.

Aside from delicious delicacies over the week, there will also be a voluntary cleaning of schools. A lot of fun and picnics will be happening for the week. It will be the most relaxing week for all mentors in the district. For all mentors of the system, we would like to great you a happy teacher’s day and inspiring teacher appreciation week celebration. May you all continue the good work and shaping of the nation’s future through developing our children of today!

No Friend Request for Teachers in Facebook “Okay?

Thursday, April 14th, 2011

Ontario, Canada ” the regulatory board for all public teachers in Ontario, Canada had prohibited its 23,000 members from accepting friend requests of students. Other states in Canada hearing the civil and criminal implications can only answer four words ” -just don’t do it

That’s right; the regulatory board has forbidden the usage of Facebook with personal intentions. Perhaps, it’s sad to hear that some students won’t be able to great a happy teacher appreciation week on world’s famous social media network.

Facebook had faced many issues regarding cyber privacy and petty cyber sex assaults. As the social media network opens to the world, its fame is also accompanied by some degrading issues. Now, Ontario public school regulators may have been alarmed by these issues or ” they simply want to put a borderline between professionalism and personal matters of teachers.

The regulatory board has included an eight page copy of the -Professional Advisory on the Use of Electronic Communication and Social Media “outlining the appropriate conduct for electronic messages, the complete explanations of criminal and civil law implications, and the ordinance that teachers should only be communicating electronically with students at the appropriate time of the day and through established education platforms.

Furthermore, usage of Facebook is not banned in the classroom and facebook pages or groups established for class purposes are allowed as well as the other social media networks. The only thing that teachers should avoid is too accept friend requests from students because when a teachers is befriended by a student in an online environment, the line between the professional and personal issue is crossed ” which may lead to forbidden informal conversations.

Teachers who will be found to engage in informal electronic conversations or post inflammatory comments on any social media sites can be fired or face prosecution. The code also states that teachers who are on duty are governed by the certain standards of conduct. Therefore, teachers must avoid all the mentioned prohibitions ” especially when they are officially on class session.

The code of standard is seen to extreme by many experts. If ever the United States agrees to adopt such teaching code of conduct, snapping a photo of some student and making witty comments online will definitely conclude to a lawsuit.

Experts say that the chaos that will be caused by such code will definitely outweigh the benefits of teachers accepting friend requests on Facebook. There a lot of possibilities and everybody can’t just pretend that social media and internet did not exist. As far as the code goes, it’s better to follow than to face charges. So students, you can send your teacher appreciation gift ideas and your facebook message on the right time of the day.

Why Do You Love to Teach?

Wednesday, April 13th, 2011

There are a million reasons why people like to be a teacher. The decision might be influenced by primary factors such as childhood aspiration, family bloodline, or some life-turning events in life.

Regardless of the reason behind every aspirant turned into extraordinary teacher “there is only one thing that for certain. They all deserve to be appreciated for all their hard work and dedication. Let’s see what teachers have posted on the web regarding their very reasons why they love to teach.

-I am new to education and I have been lucky to be a substitute teacher in one elementary school after a while of bouncing from school to school. I am creative with teaching, and I love talking to my students. I like sharing experiences with them and encouraging them to accomplish anything they want in life ¦ ” a comment from the apple.monster.com

-We ask a lot of teachers on why they love teaching, and here’s what they could say. Students are the number one reason why they love teaching ” they said to be energized when students learn a new concept or come up with an innovative idea. ” experience.com

-50 reasons to love your job as teacher, number eight says, I love the instant feedback I get from my students regarding my own performance ” even though they don’t realize they re actually doing it. “So you want to teach website.

-You can move around. Unlike other professions teaching allows a teacher to choose a lot of public schools and private schools as well “anonymous

These are just few of the millions of testimonials online made by out teachers. Perhaps teaching is the noblest occupation ever existed. Here are some insights on why should you love teaching:

  • You will be touching lives ” teaching is about helping lives and lifting lost souls.
  • Creative work ” stimulating the minds of children needs innovative concepts and a wide range of creativity.
  • The bonding with faculty ” faculty members are like brothers and sisters. Go to lunch together and certainly share the same place.
  • Variety ” teachers are tried into different subjects and new faces of students which makes every school year very exiting.
  • Student’s appreciation ” many students are very close with their teachers which creates a child-parent relationship. During teacher’s day, students great their teacher and thank them for showing them good lessons everyday.

Despite the heavy issues concerning our teachers nowadays, it is not a hinder for aspirants and proven teachers to not continue their mission. The national teacher appreciation week 2011 will be the witness for the reborn of many teachers ” giving them more inspiration and courage to face of yesterday, today, and tomorrow. And for the rest of the mentors in the education system “God bless us all.