ConnectedCatholic School Educator

Sister Geralyn SchmidtT.e.c.h’d Out Conference - 2014

EducationEducation in its general sense is a form of learning in which the knowledge, skills, and habits of a group of people are transferred from one generation to the next through teaching, training, or research. Education frequently takes place under theguidance of others.

Image: Taken from Clipart

Educator• Respect students• Creates community and belonging within the classroom• Warm, accessible, enthusiastic and caring• High expectations for all students• Personal love of learning• Skilled leader• Can “shift-gears”• Collaborates with colleagues• Professional in all areas

Image: Taken from ClipartQuote from Maria Orlando, EdD

Catholic Educator?

• Humble• Patient• Kind and show respect• Enthusiasm for Subject Matter• SHOW not tell• Learn from Students• Positive, smile• Engage students• High Expectations• Warm Environment and

allow their students to make mistakes

Image: Use with permission from Emily AlbertQuote from Theresa Thomas

How is being a teacher in a CATHOLIC School different?

• Does not pit truth and love against each other

• Instruct students in the art of prayer• Grandeur and incarnational nature of the

Catholic faith• Devotion to Mary and the Saints• Love students in Christ-like manner; pray for

them – teach conversion of life

How is being a teacher in a CATHOLIC School different?

• Trinitarian in catechesis• TO FORM SAINTS WE MUST BECOME SAINTS!

Image: Copyright Public Domain. Original painted by Fra Angelico in 15th century

Catholic School Culture

• Rooted in worship• Adherence to Christ• JOY• Religious Instruction• Vision in all areas of

instruction

Image: Copyright by Creative Commons by Chris Weehttp://www.flickr.com/photos/cfwee/214399817/

Voices from Catholic Educators

• “I like to teach in a Catholic School because I can pray with my students, share my faith, and teach about Jesus and what he would do in certain situations. I love the family orientated atmosphere.”

Kindergarten Teacher

Image: Clipart

Voices from Catholic Educators

• “I teach in a Catholic School because it is where I feel most fulfilled. Even on the days when I feel like I can barely keep my head above water, I have my students beside me, growing in Faith with me, and it is so encouraging. I have enjoyed many different students and a few different schools in my career, and I can honestly say that teaching in a Catholic school is where I am

meant to be.”Grade 3 Teacher Image: Clipart

Voices from Catholic Educators

• “I like teaching in a Catholic school because I can make Christ the center of all that we do. Students are encouraged to develop and use their God given talents to serve others.”

Grade 4 Teacher

Image: Clipart

Questions?

• Who assists you in your learning?• Who do you learn from on a regular basis?• What kinds of professional development

have you been involved?• Who do you turn for

professional development?• Who do you turn for

religious formation?

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Professional Learning Communities

Image: Copyright held by Creative Commons by Kevin Gill found on:http://www.flickr.com/photos/kevinmgill/6181049228/sizes/m/in/photostream/

• About continuous improvement , shared leadership and school reform

• Colleagues offer feedback, members share a vision

• Empower risk taking• Individual learning

Communities and Networks

• Community– A group of people having common interests

• Network– An extended group of people with similar

interests or concerns who interact with each other in informal contact for mutual assistance or support

The Three Prongs of Connected Learning Communities

1. Personal Learning Communities– Method– Purpose– Structure– Focus

The Three Prongs of Connected Learning Communities

2. Personal Learning Networks– Method– Purpose– Structure– Focus

The Three Prongs of Connected Learning Communities

3. Communities of Practice– Method– Purpose– Structure– Focus

Use of PLN’s and PLC’s

• What are they?• MINDSET – step toward digital literacy

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Assumptions

• Creates a “connected” educator– Co-learner, co-creator, co-leader– Self directed, open minded– Transparent in thinking– Dedicated to ongoing

development– Commits to deep

reflection

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Assumptions - 2

• Creates a “connected” educator– Engages in inquiry– Values and engages in a culture of collegiality– Shares and contributes– Good listener– Engages in discussions

even if those are difficult

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Building your Network

• Takes time, commitment andcommunication

• “lurker”• Re-evaluating work habits• Self-promotion• Contribute

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Catholic School Teacher as Evangelist

• Humility

• Charity/Hospitality

• Trust in God

Sites

• Catholic Tech Talk – catholictechtalk.com• CatholicMom.com• FaithAndFamilyLive.com• CatholicMediaAwards.com• OpenSourceCatholic.com• Twitter #catholic, #cathmedia, #cathedchat

Resources• Characteristics of an educator taken from Maria Orlando, EdD --

http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/philosophy-of-teaching/nine-characteristics-of-a-great-teacher/

• Characteristics of a Catholic educator from Theresa Thomas http://www.integratedcatholiclife.org/2011/10/thomas-ten-traits-of-a-great-teacher/

• Characteristics of a good catechist – Part of presentation called: Top ten list for Outstanding Catechesis by James Gontis

• Teacher quotes: http://www.catholicglobe.org/no%20byline%20local%20news%201.24.13h.html

• Three Prongs of Connected Learning: Nussbaum-Beach, Sheryl, and Lani Ritter Hall. The Connected Educator: Learning and Leading in the Digital Age. Bloomington: Solution Tree, 2012.

• Catholic Culture: http://www.schooloffaith.com/teachers/