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“This experience has been very informative, fun and collegial. I look forward to continuing these kinds of adventures for the rest of my career”

Fred Albion Principal Redland Elementary School

The Link Issue 9 June 2013

A Partnership Newsletter “Linking” the University of Florida and Miami-Dade County Public Schools

What’s Inside …

Principal Leadership

Institute

A Conversation with Dr. Cyd

Heyliger-Browne

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Principal Leadership Institute

May 7-8th Tampa, FL

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On May 7th and 8th the Principal Leadership Institute was held at the Tampa Marriott Waterside hotel in Tampa, Florida. At the institute participants included school administrators and district personnel from MDCPS and the Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS). On the first day, participants had the opportunity to refine their understanding of effective leadership through dialogue with a panel of HCPS district personnel, principals, and instructional coaches. The panel discussion brought insights about the Hillsborough County teacher evaluation and professional development model; which Dr. Phil Poekert referred to as “ambitious work, which enhances instruction and fosters leadership at multiple levels from the classroom to the central office.” In addition to hearing from the HCPS, participants engaged with validity and reliability expert Dr. Bob Pianta, Dean of the Curry School of Education at the University of Virginia. Dr. Pianta spoke about the importance of using clear concise language and exemplars to facilitate the dialogue between principals and teachers; as well as, the use of teacher evaluation as a catalyst for professional development. Our evening closed with the invaluable opportunity to enjoy each others’ company and strengthen relationships among the MDCPS leaders with a community building activity.

Our second day afforded us the opportunity to visit seven HCPS to see their teacher evaluation model in action. Participants loaded into vans bright and early to tour schools, speak with teachers and peer evaluators, and to engage in critical conversations about the achievements and challenges faced as the evaluation system evolved. Their candid honesty was invaluable! In conclusion, participants regrouped and developed action plans for integrating their new learning into the developing MDCPS evaluation model. Teacher evaluation is undeniably a challenging task; but, a reality facing our educational community and we feel confident that the Leadership Institute provided supports to move MDCPS in a positive direction as it seeks to implement its own model.

The 5th Annual Learning Showcase

“Very powerful process…peer evaluation when all the proper “parts” are in place”

Richelle Lumpkin Principal North Twin Lakes Elementary

“UBUNTU=I am because we are”

Tangela Goa Principal of Van E. Blanton Elementary

The Student Essay Contest

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A Conversation with Dr. Cyd Heyliger-Browne About the Leadership Institute

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Dr. Cyd Heyliger-Browne is a District Supervisor of Professional Development for Early Childhood teachers in Miami-Dade County Public Schools (MDCPS). She is life-long educator and early childhood advocate. The University of Florida was honored to have Dr. Heyliger-Browne attend the Leadership Institute in Tampa last month. We asked her to share with us her thoughts on how MDCPS leaders can integrate their new learning from the institute into the work on teacher evaluation, which is currently underway. We are thrilled to share her insights below; which affirm what we at UF already know to be true…the greatest educational resources MDCPS possess are the TEACHERS!

What did you find most intriguing about the Hillsborough County Public Schools teacher evaluation model? The School District involved the teachers upfront [in their evaluation system] giving teachers ownership, empowerment and recognition of their expertise. This approach reminded the administrators, who were in attendance, that we were all teachers once, and that it’s important to build our evaluation system with the voice of teachers from the foundation. I heard (from the presenters) that professional development is so important and that in order for teachers to meet the goals of the evaluation system, their progression must be supported. I believe targeted profession development that aligns to a clear evaluation tool is the bedrock. Evaluation shouldn’t be punitive it should provide insights into the job-embedded professional development supports we need to provide. I have seen this type of professional development from UF’s teacher fellows at the Learning Showcase and in the TLSI graduate program— administrators are changing schools for children and empowering teachers.

How do you see the information from the Leadership Institute being implemented? Professional development in the Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS) for PK—8 teachers not just Head Start might be a good place to start. We need to scale up the quality and implementation of the CLASS Tool as it’s no longer just for pre-K. We need to provide access to the CLASS other grade levels and to pilot it in some Miami Counts Schools. Even without the UF grant we will continue that work.

Teacher Evaluation can sound a bit scary. What would you want MDCPS teachers to know about our work at the Leadership Institute? The beauty of this [HCPS] teacher evaluation is that from the first step they involved teachers through the teachers’ advisory board, where teachers have a voice that counts. That is the essential component the Miami administrators should take back from this experience. The UF teachers are already in the paradigm shift and are at the forefront of this work. They are already inquiring and building relationships with their principals and are knowledgeable about being engaged in the process. There may be some pushback, but I know that teachers will see that the work we’re doing is for the children and when they see that; they will know we’re not just coming in to get you… we will be there to support you. Teachers need a voice and we want them to be active participants in the evaluation process.

If you had to sum up your experience at the institute in one word what would it be? ENLIGHTENING!

This approach reminded the administrators, who were in attendance, that we were all teachers once, and that it’s important to build our evaluation system with the voice of teachers from the foundation.

Dr. Cyd Heyliger-Browne

Issue 9 June 2013

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The 5th Annual Learning Showcase May 18th Miami, FL

On Saturday May 30th, more than 900 educators attended the 5th annual Miami-Dade County Learning Showcase, which took place at Miami Jackson Senior High. Participants included pre-service teachers, teachers, assistant principals, principals, and district personnel. The event served as the culminating experience for the teachers who participated in the UF Teacher Fellows program. The UF Teacher Fellows program is a year-long opportunity for teachers to explore a wondering they have and engage in the inquiry cycle. As the last step in the inquiry cycle, these professionals shared the results of their year-long research project and the best practices that they researched.

For the fourth year, the crowd was welcomed and inspired by Miami-Dade County Public Schools Superintendent Alberto Carvalho who expressed his appreciation for teachers who took ownership over their own professional development. Following the Superintendent’s motivational words, Alexander Lopes, Florida National Teacher of the Year Finalist, provided a moving message to the participants.

Attendees choose from 276 presentations during the four work sessions, which were offered throughout the day. Each presentation included lessons learned by teachers and offered presenters the opportunity to share their wisdom with their district peers. Presentations varied in topic and grade levels. Topics included: student engagement, literacy, leadership, exceptional students education, early childhood, and stem (science, technology, art & math).

Several administrators also presented their work at the Showcase. Seven distinguished Assistant Principals Fellows presented “The Power of Appreciative Leadership” and shared the big take-aways they had after engaging in a year-long book study around this topic. A number of Principal Fellows also presented and shared their best practices in leadership to an eager audience. Administrators truly modeled what it is to be the “head learner” at their schools.

Valerie Mendez-Fariñas

Issue 9 June 2013

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The 5th Annual Learning Showcase continued During the closing ceremony, the winners of the student essay contest were recognized. All of the Teacher Fellows from our 47 UF partner schools were invited to submit essays from their students. The top three essays were chosen for the primary and the intermediate grades. All six winners attended the event in order to receive their certificates and prize money. The audience was fortunate to hear the primary and intermediate first place winners read their essays aloud. Tears were shed by a few and smiles were evident across the room! Hearing from the major stakeholders of our UF partnership work reignited the participants’ passion to dedicate their lives to the children.

The day ended with door prizes, which included an iPad mini and other phenomenal teaching resources, which were donated by our generous vendors.

All in all, much was gained by each person who attended the Showcase. UF is fortunate to work with such fantastic sponsors who helped make the event a success. Read Conmigo provided breakfast for the event, Jackson SHS staff welcomed our teachers and helped us prepare for the event, and The Children’s Movement helped sponsor the essay contest. We are also grateful to the district administrators, principals, and assistant principals who modeled an inquiry stance and showed their support by attending and supporting their staff. We are equally thankful to the Teacher Fellow Facilitators who led their peers and embodied the ‘Teacher Leader’ attributes that the UF program promotes. Above all, we extend our gratitude to the teacher fellows who have dedicated a full year to following their passions and sharing their wisdom.

In the words of the teachers…

"I feel that although every presentation I sat in on was amazing, the frosting to that treat was the outside networking with fellow educators and exchanging of opinions regarding various topics." - Hilda Montes, Joe Hall Elementary

"I really enjoyed listening to other strategies and techniques that other teachers are using and getting results. This experience game me some insights on how I can teach my students." Loody Baucicaut-Hercule, Benjamin Franklin K-8 Center

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The Student Essay Contest The Link

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Primary  Category  

PLACE STUDENT NAME SCHOOL TEACHER FELLOW PRIZE

1st Bianca Petit Miami Shores Elementary Ms. Lorna Reggler $100

2nd John Bellamy Golden Glades Elementary Ms. Lira Quinones $75

3rd Angeline Vargas Amelia Earhart Elementary Ms. Lizeida Fabelo $50

Intermediate  Category  

PLACE STUDENT NAME SCHOOL TEACHER FELLOW PRIZE

1st Fabian Valladares Amelia Earhart Elementary Ms. Annette Calzadilla $100

2nd Tammy Antonio Greynolds Park Elementary Ms. Judy Rogoff $75

3rd Kierra Jeanville David Lawrence K-8 Center Ms. Zuniga & Ms. Reynoso $50

“Besides teaching in so many different ways, she also finds the time to have private conferences with us. Everytime we take a very important test, we write the score in our journal and the she encourages us to set a new and higher goal. Then, she finds the time to “chat” with each of us to go over these results and talk about what we could do to improve our score. I anxiously await for that moment that I can talk with her privately. As you can see, Mrs. Calzadilla is the best teacher for me because she has really made a difference in my life during my third grade year.”

Bianca Petit

Fabian Valladares

Issue 9 June 2013

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Want to be featured

in the next issue? We hope you enjoyed our newsletter and that you’ll keep it in mind as you accomplish tasks and meet your goals through out the year! We’re always looking to spotlight what’s going on in the Miami Dade schools to share stories of success!

If you’re interested in sharing a story, photos or have a topic you’d be interested in reading about please contact Darbi Shannon our UF Graduate Assistant at shannon.darbi@ufl.edu.

2013 Principal Leadership Institute

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Thank you all for making 2012-2013 a fantastic school year! We look forward to seeing 5 representatives from each of our partner

schools at The Summer Leadership Institute on July 22-24th!

5th Annual Learning Showcase