This is dedicated to all the teachers that stay long after school - to redecorate their classroom with the latest lessons, to write one more encouraging email home.
We’re here at the
@WhiteHouse
with First Dr. Lady Jill Biden (
@FLOTUS
) and President Joe Biden (
@POTUS
),…
This morning when I got to school, I was full of hope- excited for students to present their speeches. As I leave, I am filled with tears. Today was hard. This job is hard. Tomorrow I will show up with intention, ready to connect and restore. But for now- I am going to allow…
Over the weekend, because of the Nebraska State School Board Vice-President’s bullying- someone asked me if my family was safe.
Kirk Penner is teaching Nebraskans that is it okay to bully, harass, and spread lies about people who do not share the same opinion as you.
There…
I will not apologize for seeking to understand experiences outside of my own.
@KirkPenner
My job as a public educator is to serve, understand and support all kids.
That is what I will proudly keep doing as an educator.
Sometimes, in the middle of a seemingly normal Tuesday, your breath is taken through the click of an email.
I feel so honored to represent Nebraska at The White House. Being the 2023 Nebraska Teacher of the Year is an honor I’ll forever be humbled by.
I cannot wait to share…
Today after school I made a phone call home with no other objective than to check in on a student and to chat about how grateful I am to have their child in my classroom.
As the week comes to a close, I encourage you find a moment to end your week on a high note.
Do not…
Today is WHITE HOUSE DAY!! 😍
I'm excited to represent Nebraska and the amazing educators who work tirelessly for our students and families every day.
Today we celebrate education and the challenging and impactful work that happens every single day in our classrooms.
I am…
Yesterday I provided my quarterly report to the Nebraska State School Board.
While many things were discussed, I am excited to continue conversations about a concern I frequently hear about: cell phones in the classroom.
I would love to hear any and all effective strategies…
Yesterday was hard. Hesitantly, I went against my pacing guide, paused my learning objectives and leaned into restoration. Together my students and I engaged in a discussion- cultivating our classroom community by reevaluating our previously developed classroom values and norms.…
Restorative practices are not limited to behavior support. Yesterday, in my literature class, we engaged in a shuffle index card discussion- individually we wrote about a thematic prompt related to our reading. Shuffling the cards, we got into a circle with a new card and safely…
Per a Lincoln Journal Star editorial, State Sen. Dave Murman scheduled a July 31 hearing to study controversial subjects.
I emailed him, requesting to attend the hearing.
The editorial voiced the concern “that retired educators would be invited but no mention made of current…
Using your voice isn’t always easy.
However using your voice is necessary in order to create relationships that become the catalyst for change.
Yesterday, alongside the 2023 Kansas Teacher of the Year
@BrianSkinnerKS
, I had the opportunity to advocate for public education…
My sister-in-law, a kindergarten teacher, has been prepping her class for weeks- even my mother-in-law helps us to cut lamination or any other tasks asked of her.
The teacher who has the room next to me proudly gave me a tour of her new space yesterday. She spent time this…
Parents,
When you meet your child’s teacher in the coming weeks, be sure to hug and thank them. I guarantee if you were to drive by any school right now, you would find 10+ cars in the parking lot.
Teachers are tirelessly working off the clock to perfect every little detail so…
After being out of class and in Washington, D.C. for an entire week, I returned to our classroom to find these notes on the white board.
These kids. This job. I am so grateful. ❤️
I’ll forever be known as the 2023 Nebraska Teacher of the Year.
What an incredible journey we’ve only just begun. ❤️🥳
(also, how cute are these m&m’s!)
#nstoy
#2023TOY
I get genuinely excited to decorate my classroom each year.
Check out my first bullentin board for the 2023-2024 school year! 🥳🍎😀
#k12
#teacherlife
#teachersoftwitter
I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to represent Nebraska educators at the
@WhiteHouse
today.
Thank you
@CCSSO
,
@FLOTUS
and
@POTUS
for making this happen!
I cannot wait to tell my students all about my time in DC on Monday. 🥳🍎
As a teacher with a title I feel as though my classroom should be flawless. I feel as though I should be sharing knowledge instead of asking for it. This feeling is inaccurate and not in line with my values. After a challenging week, I asked for help. Tomorrow morning, a trusted…
"Connection is why we're here; it is what gives purpose and meaning to our lives." --
@BreneBrown
You can't effectively teach without fostering empathy, trust, and friendship.
Four strategies for increasing connection in your classroom.
@SXSWEDU
👇
Friendly Friday reminder to have the last thing you do- right before leaving school today, is to make a positive phone call home. End your week on a good note, then head home and take care of yourself. ❤️
When I reflect on why I became an educator, I am consistently reminded of my younger brother. The kid that took an extra year to graduate. The kid who struggle academically and never really fit in socially.
My brother, and a few outstanding teachers, are without a doubt why I’ve…
I enjoyed hearing the powerful story that 2022 Nebraska Teacher of the Year
@LanguagePerez
shared during the morning keynote.
It was a great day of learning!
@NebraskaFreedom
I attended the SXSW EDU conference using my personal time and money. I purchased that book for my own children. The narrative you’re spreading is inaccurate and harmful. You have an amazing platform, yet you’re choosing to use it to spread lies and hatred.
Teachers of the world -
While you feel the weight of the world sometimes, remind yourself that you are strong enough. That you’re bearing it. You’re lifting yourself and others, up.
You’re still here, carrying your responsibilities, carrying that weight.
And as long as…
I cried walking into school today. I cried again picking up my children.Two teachers didn’t get the chance to close their classrooms, to celebrate successfully making it through what most call the hardest school year of their career. My heart aches.
Last night I quite literally took my seat at the table in attending the Nebraska State Education Association’s (NSEA) Legislative dinner. I spoke with Nebraska Senators and sat close by the NE State School Board president. My words were imperfect and my delivery felt messy- yet,…
As the Australian Minister for Education said, “teachers are key makers, they make every profession possible.”
Being in a room with educational leaders from around the world was inspiring.
Today, the 2023 Teacher of the Year cohort had the opportunity to attend and engage…
One good thing. ❤️
Please support a fellow Nebraska teacher and send a post card to the address below.
Let’s show these kids the power of global connection. 🥳🌎🍎
#ntoy23
#teachersoftwitter
I am in route to Louisville, Kentucky to attend the National Network of State Teachers of the Year Leadership conference.
I am so excited to learn from past and present Teachers of the Year!
Send me all of your Louisville must sees! 🥳
A big thank-you to The White House (
@WhiteHouse
), First Lady Dr. Jill Biden (
@FLOTUS
), President Joe Biden (
@JoeBiden
), and U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona (
@SecCardona
).
The gifts that arrived in the mail today are amazing. 🫶
I am forever grateful to be the 2023…
Hello from Huntsville! 👋
Last night the 2023 Teachers of the Year cohort kicked off our week at Space Camp by celebrating each of our states with costumes and a parade.
I chose to tell the history of Kool-Aid, one of my favorite childhood drinks. 🥳
@ccsso
#nstoy23
Inspired by
@RebeckaMozdeh
, I added a “One Good Thing” portion to my white board this year.
I am excited to celebrate the joy, both big and small, with my students.
Today’s one good thing is brought to you by the tiny friends my daughter goes to pre-k with. “Rory’s mom, we…
I will never get over the incredible connections I have had the opportunity to make this year.
Yesterday, I got to meet, eat lunch with and even dance the Macarena next to, our 1988 Nebraska Teacher of the Year, Barbara Jo Hopkins!
Barbara welcomed me with a smile and…
I am honored to be part of the 2023 Teacher of the Year cohort!
I am humbled to get to learn from these five 2023 National Teacher of the Year finalists! 🥳
In January,
@CCSSO
announced Harlee Harvey (AK), Carolyn Kielma (CT), Jermar Rountree (DC), Kimberly Radostits (IL) and Rebecka Peterson (OK) as finalists for the 2023 National Teacher of the Year .
#NTOY23
Some of my greatest reflection and learning while in graduate school originated from guest speakers who authentically shared their stories in education.
This evening I was honored to have the opportunity to pay it forward and share my experiences in education with current Doane…
From my op-ed piece today in the Journal Star:
"... I encourage educators and parents alike, to enter with an open heart — to commit to conversation and connection, one centered around the very people we care about and who deserve it the most: our children."
As a new to English 9 teacher and a person who has never really gotten into Geeek mythology, I was not looking forward to teaching “The Odyssey”.
Yet, in the most unexpected way, and with the support of resources and encouragement from other educators, my students and I wore…
This year is hard. Connecting with students, being playful with games while leading with laughter and joy is what sets my soul on fire. Do more of what makes you feel alive in your classroom.
#educhat
#edutwitter
#education
I attended
@SXSWEDU2022
using personal time and money to share strategies that build classroom connection. I attended sessions that provided personal growth in experiences different than my own. I proudly teach students from all backgrounds. It is a privilege to support them.
NSEA members gathered for the 163rd Delegate Assembly. On Friday night, attendees heard from the 2023 Neb. Teacher of the Year
@ReneeJonesTeach
; heard an Annual Report from Exec. Dir. Trish Guinan and President
@Jenni1962
; and remarks from
@DuffMartin1
@NEAToday
Exec. Comm.
My freshman students and I played Hot Potato. Each student was out of their seat and participating in the silliness of throwing around the soft spud. Building connection doesn't have to be hard, it just needs to be intentional.
#k12
#teacher
#leadwithconnection
#edchat
Rebecka was the first other state 2023 teacher of the year that I met during our orientation in February. A delayed flight caused me to walk in late to our opening dinner. As I casually walked into a room full of strangers, I was welcomed at a table and sat next to Rebecka. Her…
We are thrilled to announce Scott Phillips from Aurora Middle School as the 2024 Nebraska Teacher of the Year. We surprised Scott in a presentation in his classroom. Scott is a 7th grade math teacher who finds ways to make math fun and relevant to his students.
Collaborative conversations don’t have to be elaborate to be effective.
Look for the good, be intentional, and pause for the moments that give you joy.
There is good in every day.
Day two of our semester means I am headed on our first AVID field trip of the new year. 🥳
I am often reflecting and putting plans in motion to show my kids: biological and students, an opportunity that they maybe haven’t yet thought about or been exposed to.
Over the weekend,…
So grateful to share my value of connection with fellow Nebraskans and educators across the country.
Thank you,
#ISS2023
for the day of learning, reflection and relationship building!
What an incredible day of learning, advocating and reflecting.
Thank you,
@SmithsonianEdu
for welcoming the 2023 Teachers of the Year to spend a day learning alongside you. 😀
This morning at the Nebraska State School Board meeting, I challenged our board members.
I invite you in on my challenge too.
Let’s intentionally talk about the good. So often we focus only on the deficiencies and opportunities for improvement within our school systems. Yes,…
Good morning from the NE State Board of Education meeting! Some items today include reviewing bylaw changes & discussing this year's accountability process for schools.
@ReneeJonesTeach
will also give her final report as NE Teacher of the Year.
Follow this 🧵 for updates:
I am grateful for the opportunity to spend the last two days both learning about the work that is being developed, and the systems already in place to support the education field in Nebraska.
It is a great day to be a Nebraska educator. 😄
Closing the Summit 2.0 with an outstanding panel of teachers, administrators, and pre-service teachers. This group of people and professionals are shining stars ensure a bright future for Nebraska education!
@PaulTimmLDNE
@ReneeJonesTeach
@moore_time
I’m speaking at the Innovative School Summit this Saturday, the 8th, at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.
Notable speakers include Geoffrey Canada, founder of the Harlem Children’s Zone (
@hczorg
), Kim Bearden (
@kimbearden
) Co-Founder of the Ron Clark Academy (
@ronclarkacademy
…
My best teaching moments happen when I am authentically being myself and having fun!
Today marked the start of quarter four for us at Lincoln High. Let’s do this!! 🥳 🔗❤️
My heart is filled with so much joy as I reflect on the time I spent sharing stories and connection strategies with future educators in Nebraska.
There is so much dedication and excitement in this room- today was a great day!
I am honored to serve as the 2023 Nebraska Teacher of the Year and I’m excited to welcome
@phillipshuskies
to the
#NTOY
family. Join me as I follow his journey as the 2024 Nebraska Teacher of the Year.
#NTOY23
#NTOY24
@CCSSO
I am honored to represent
#Nebraska
as the 2024 Nebraska Teacher of the Year! Appreciate the support from my family, friends, and
@CCSSO
I look forward to learning and growing with my 2024 State Teachers of the Year colleagues over the next year, and beyond!
#NTOY24
As we reflect on the school year, it is important that we are mindful and intentional with our next steps.
Teachers, we see you. We are you. ❤️
I am so grateful to learn alongside these incredible humans.
#NTOY23
Creating classroom lessons is a beautifully creative process.
The last few weeks I’ve found myself lost in thought, on several occasions, about a unit I am planning for my high school seniors.
@StoryCorps
has inspired me to take a deep dive into interviewing and listening…
How are you integrating AI into your classrooms?
Yesterday, I had a light bulb moment during a community presentation.
Instead of working so hard to figure out if a student is using AI in their work— how can I instead, work with this technology to enhance learning and meet the…
Our youngest son wrote this note to his teacher.
I am so grateful for the wonderful educators who have made such an impact on our children.
Baerett, you are correct, she would make an incredible Teacher of the Year. ❤️🥳
We're thrilled to feature Renee Jones, 22-23 Nebraska Teacher of the Year, discussing the transformative power of connection before curriculum for teachers, coaches, and parents!
@ReneeJonesTeach
I wore a Goofy hat in class today- for no other reason than to make a few kids smile. Don’t forget to have fun with your students.
#k12
#teacher
#education
#edutwitter
I had the great pleasure of spending part of my day at North Platte Senior High School.
It is a humbling experience to be welcomed into schools across Nebraska.
I got to shake hands with several dedicated school personnel and thank these educators for supporting the students…
The 2023 State Teachers of the Year are excited about the future of education. Hear what they are looking forward to in this video .
#TeacherAppreciationWeek
#NTOY23
Boarded a bus with local educators early in the morning to spend a day with teachers across Nebraska.
Nothing fills my teaching bucket like spending time with people who get it.
Thank you,
@nsea_org
and
@gerrybrooks014
, for a great day of learning and laughter.
When drawing isn’t your strength, yet you’re trying to help out your visual learners. 🍎🤷♀️
Any guesses on what book of “The Odyssey” my students and I read today?
Your greatest professional development session is most likely found down the hall from your classroom.
The greatest influencers on my practice has come from other educators. Tomorrow I’ll be observing an AVID classroom for the first time. I am so excited to see another…
I wish teachers could see each other teach more often. They would be amazed by each other. What our teachers do every day is incredible, every day I stand in awe of the work they do.
Over the weekend a steady stream of beautiful tears continuously trickled down my cheeks.
I am having a difficult time finding words adequate enough to convey my learning, gratitude and the ah-ha moments I experienced this weekend.
Instead of rushing it, whatever it may be, I…
Beyond proud to celebrate my colleagues tomorrow! Catch the 2023 National Teacher of the Year announcement live on
@CBSMornings
TOMORROW 4/19, to find out who will be named
#NTOY23
!
@CCSSO
Making positive phone calls home on Friday afternoon, is by far the best way to end my week. It brings me such joy to hear the pride in a parents voice as they hear great things about their child. Be intentional with how you end your week.
#edutwitter
#teacher
#K12
When we confront our hardest days in the classroom and collectively work through the issues, we model for our students that hard moments don’t have to become hard semesters.
We embrace our restorative circle for this purpose - it gives everyone the safety to surface their…
New Reel ⬇️
As a person who historically doesn’t do great with spontaneous anything, I jumped at the chance to plan this trip.
Last weekend I got an email inviting the Teachers of the Year to a Back to School celebration at the White House. I was thrilled, not only for the…
That application you don’t think you’re qualified for, could be the very opportunity that changes your life.
Go. For. It. 👏👏
Day one of the NEA Global Fellowship fall conference was increidble. I love sharing space with educators that inspire and challenge me.
#neafglobal
…
Walking down the hall today, a student from two years ago stopped in his tracks when he saw me.
He stopped to tell me about the personal reading book he was currently enjoying.
As a reluctant reader, who didn’t see himself as a scholar, it was the first time I saw his eyes…
The connection you make with a student who isn’t passing today, might not get them over the hump this semester, but may be the very reason they show up and ultimately graduate later. Connection makes a difference.
#k12
#education
Every Friday I end my day with two positive phone calls home. Creating the system keeps me accountable. The act of calling gives me gratitude and allows me to remember my why- even at the end of the hardest weeks.
#education
#k12