As we embark on a new school year, we are excited to share our goals for the upcoming months: increasing student discourse in the classroom and enhancing feedback processes.
Our aim is to create a vibrant learning environment where students actively engage in meaningful discussions, share diverse perspectives, and develop critical thinking skills. We believe that fostering student discourse is key to cultivating a deeper understanding of social studies concepts. We want to provide opportunities for students to voice their thoughts, question assumptions, and construct knowledge together by implementing strategies such as Socratic seminars, small-group discussions, and inquiry-based learning activities.
In addition to elevating student discourse, we are also committed to refining our feedback practices. Effective feedback is a powerful tool for growth and development. Our goal is to provide timely, specific, and actionable feedback that helps students understand their strengths and areas for improvement, ultimately guiding them towards greater achievement. This year, we will be exploring various feedback methods, including rubrics, peer feedback, and self-assessment tools, to ensure that students receive personalized guidance that empowers them to take ownership of their learning journey.
By focusing on increasing student discourse and enhancing feedback processes, we aim to create a dynamic and supportive learning environment that nurtures students' curiosity, critical thinking skills, and global awareness. Stay tuned for upcoming professional development opportunities and resources that will provide practical strategies and tools to support these goals.
Here's to a year filled with lively discussions and meaningful feedback!
Andrea Hutchinson, Social Studies Coordinator
Jessie Jones, Middle School Instructional Coach
Hi, I'm Jessica Jones! I've been involved in the field of education for 12 years, and every single one of them has been right here in Prosper ISD. This year marks an exciting milestone for me as I step into the role of instructional coach, where I have the privilege of supporting and empowering the exceptional teachers on our middle school campuses.
On a personal note, my world is brightened by the presence of my amazing husband, Nick, a beautiful 9-year-old daughter named Emerson, who lights up our lives, and let's not forget our beloved furry family member, Molly.
When I'm not immersed in the world of education, you'll find me on a soccer field, cheering on Emerson with her FC Dallas team. I'm also an avid reader, specifically reading Harry Potter!
I am genuinely excited about the opportunities and possibilities that lie ahead this year, and I can't wait to embark on this journey with our incredible teaching community. Together, we will continue to create an environment of excellence, growth, and success for our students.
Mandy Neece, High School Instructional Coach
Just wanted to quickly introduce myself - I'm Mandy Neece and entering my 16th year in education and my second year as the high school instructional coach.
In case you're curious to learn more about me… my husband is an assistant principal at Reynolds, and we have two adorable troublemakers, Olivia (6) and Owen (4). They definitely keep me on my toes, but I wouldn't have it any other way! When I'm not busy being a mom, you can often find me with my nose buried in a good book. I'm a total bookworm and always on the lookout for recommendations. Oh, and I have a little bit of a Diet Coke addiction too, I must confess!
But let's get down to business - my true passion lies in helping teachers. I love working with educators to discover new instructional strategies that perfectly align with their teaching styles. It's all about making our courses relevant, challenging, and above all, fun!
I can't wait to collaborate with all of you and learn from your expertise. Here's to an amazing school year together!
Contact Information
Email: amneece@prosper-isd.net
Google Chat is the best way to reach me during the school day :)
Bullock Musuem
Great Resource for Texas History! You can use these online curriculum resources anytime in your classroom.
- Campfire Stories: Interact with Texans gathered around a campfire to share their stories. Students will discover how people shape Texas's past and future.
- Texas History Timeline: Let your students travel through the past in a sweeping journey through Texas history.
World 101: From the Council of Foreign Relations.
High-quality, standards-aligned classroom resources, lesson plans, teaching inspiration, and professional development opportunities—all inspired by our mission that Global Civics is essential for twenty-first century citizenship. Great for World Cultures, World Geography, Modern World History, Ethnic Studies, and Government.
Click here to access.
Teaching Six Big Ideas in the Constitution
This lesson engages students in a study of the Constitution to learn the significance of “Six Big Ideas” contained in it. Students analyze the text of the Constitution in a variety of ways, examine primary sources to identify their relationship to its central ideas, and debate the core constitutional principles as they relate to today’s political issues. Great for 8th and 10th grade US History, World History and Government.
Click here to access.
Spent
This web-based game postulates that a player has lost a job and has only $1,000 left. To make matters worse, the bank has also foreclosed on the player’s house. Your student’s challenge? To make the money last through the month. Students start by selecting one of several jobs and then evaluating net pay versus ongoing expenses.
The game covers the selection of health insurance, an apartment, travel expenses, a sick pet, and more. Each time a student makes a decision, the program explains the consequences of that choice. The game ends when the player runs out of money. Along the way, students learn just as much about empathy and social awareness as they do about the proper spending of limited funds. This program is geared toward middle school and high school. Great for an Economic and PFL class.
Click here to access.