The Finish Line

Everything about this spring has been both challenging and unprecedented, with a daunting overnight transition, to boot. Not easy. With whatever tools you've had at your command, you've sought ways of keeping your students engaged, learning, and feeling connected, often while juggling your own family needs. Your fans at Heartland AEA applaud you for your enormous efforts, grace under pressure, and the important work you do.

With the end of the school year approaching, a new challenge remains: how to close the school year at a distance, while still remaining connected. This current newsletter offers some ideas on how to accomplish that final task.

We realize that some teachers are overwhelmed by all the published resources for remote learning right now, while other teachers are looking for new ideas. Wherever you find yourself and whatever you are feeling right now is normal. We've included some resource links if you are looking for ideas, and also some ideas for how to prepare to wrap up this year and let your students know you are there for them. Use what is right for you.

While most resources here require connections with students online, there may be ways to create a similar effect offline if you have students with no internet access. Some districts allow teachers to drop off packets, or mail letters to students. Some teachers may only have connections to students through phone calls. We commend you for all the creative ways you are adapting and reaching out to your students.

Most of all, we want you to know what a wonderful job you are doing and we wish you peace and health as we head into summer.

If you need some fresh ideas of things to try online with students, or information to polish your online teaching skills, here are some resources that may help!

Strategies to Support Remote Learning Along a Continuum of Internet Access

During this 30-minute recorded discussion, participants hear from presenters who ill share strategies to consider in the development of remote learning plans that require and do not require internet access.

10 Considerations for Working with English Learners during School Closure

Not only do we need to think about the "what" we are teaching, we want to also consider the "why" and "how."

EL Online Resources by Grade Levels and Groups

Resources organized by grade level, resource types, and Teacher Sources. See bottom of each page for colored tabs that will navigate to additional pages.

View Pure

If you are sending videos to students through YouTube, see if you can filter them through View Pure first.

If you have access to printers and/or paper, consider making small posters or banners that include students' names and photos as a class collection to deliver to your students. They may appreciate photos of their teacher(s) and friends. The finished product doesn't have to be perfect. Your students will appreciate your efforts.

Photo Attribution

♥Alegría♥, (2017, September). Stand By Me. Quédate Conmigo - Ben E King ~ Subtitulada inglés/español [Video File]. Retrieved from http://www.viewpure.com/oQ1Gq3KcP8w?start=0&end=0

xAudzx i510i, (2016, August). Minions Cheering. [Video File]. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/AeXK7Qkd8fw

Email: msteacher@ourschool.org
Website: ourschool.org
Location: Our Town
Facebook: facebook.com/ourclass
Twitter: @ourschool

Post contact information that follows your school district's guidance.

If you are looking for ways to rejuvenate your teaching passion over the summer, here are some podcasts to nurture your teaching soul.

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As we begin the process of bringing the current school year to a close, remember that you are an amazing educator who is doing the best you know to do in what may be one of the biggest educational challenges of your career!

Take time this summer to refresh your mind, body, and soul.

Ease into your summer with peace and assurance that we will all be here in the fall and we will continue to work together to support and empower our students and families who receive English language supports!

February/March 2020 - Assessment and English Learners

December 2019/January 2020 - Multicultural Texts