Laura Weakland
Partnerships
Partnerships
The teacher fosters relationships with school colleagues, parents, and agencies in the larger community to support students’ learning and well-being.
Artifact: Hats for
Date: January 2010
Rationale: It is part of my philosophy as a teacher to support students in service learning projects that connect their learning to helping others in the community. Accordingly, I spearheaded a “Hats for Haiti” event for 5th graders to help students raise money for the impoverished nation of
File: Hats for Haiti Summary
Date: Ongoing
Rationale: In the summer of 2008, I sought out a website host for teacher and PTO websites. I found a tool called “TeacherWeb” that supports schools in the creation and hosting of websites. I created and maintained the PTO website for Hardy Elementary for 2 years. During this time, and subsequent to leaving Hardy as a parent volunteer, I trained other teachers on the use of the product. In the spring of 2009, I conducted a teacher training for the staff at Hardy Elementary at their weekly staff meeting. It is my belief that as teachers we need to support and share technology and instructional best practices with our colleagues as we learn it.
File: Thank-you Note
Artifact: MCTM Presentation
Dates: 8/07
Rationale: Dr. Carla Tayeh, EMU professor of Mathematics, recommended that I submit a proposal to present at the annual MCTM conference in the summer of 2007. Accordingly, I wrote a proposal and was accepted to present on my after school program - "Math Around the World!" It was a GREAT honor for me and an awesome experience! I am including this in my portfolio because I believe it demonstrates my commitment to foster relationships with my colleagues in the greater community. Click here to read more.
Artifact: School-wide Assemblies, Family Fun Nights, and Family Workshops
Dates: 10/06 – 11/08
Rationale: It is my belief that education extends beyond the classroom and I am dedicated as an educator to provide my students and their families with extended learning opportunities beyond the classroom and service learning projects to help the community. During a time period between 10/06 and 11/08, I initiated, organized and ran the following school-wide events, family fun nights, and family workshops:
o Nature’s Kennel – assembly by an Iditarod sled team on teamwork. Click here to see a pictures of students participating in the assembly.
o Leader Dogs for the Blind - assembly and fundraiser. Click here to see a picture from the presentation.
o Family Math Night – family fun night hosted by Learning Gizmos. Click here to read more.
o Family Outreach Writing Workshops (EMWP) – parent and family workshops. Click here to see a picture from the workshop.
