Trying to stay true to form after the TMC conference that I had the opportunity to attend, I want to highlight some great teachers that I follow on Twitter who have great ideas, things to share, or are doing incredible work that inspires me. This is partly because of a conversation that Dan Meyer and I were having, but also because it's only right to spread the word about teachers doing great work. Karl Lindgren-Streicher also wrote about how it's important to lift up others in our profession.
This week, it's an easy choice. Jessie Hester is a teacher that I found because of Matt Vaudrey. My students had just completed a "Choose Your Own Assessment" for triangle congruences and one student decided that she wanted to draw a dreamcatcher. A dreamcatcher? Yes, a dreamcatcher. I was blown away. Then, because the Internet is a powerful place, Vaudrey stumbled onto a Desmos design that one of Mrs. Hester's students created.
This week, it's an easy choice. Jessie Hester is a teacher that I found because of Matt Vaudrey. My students had just completed a "Choose Your Own Assessment" for triangle congruences and one student decided that she wanted to draw a dreamcatcher. A dreamcatcher? Yes, a dreamcatcher. I was blown away. Then, because the Internet is a powerful place, Vaudrey stumbled onto a Desmos design that one of Mrs. Hester's students created.
Yes, a dreamcatcher.
@Desmos projects are starting to roll in - so excited!! @gowjhswildcats #mtbos #edtech One example so far... #awesome pic.twitter.com/5M7BakQgSq
— Jessie Hester (@MrsHestersMath) May 23, 2014 The fact that her kids make dreamcatchers doesn't mean that I have a ton of respect for the work that Jessie does on a regular basis. No, it's more about the conversations that I was able to have with her in Oklahoma. Mrs. Hester is great about putting kids first and the opportunities that she presents them with. How can I get my kids to make dreamcatchers like this? On the spot, I can't. She has clearly set up an incredible class structure and culture that invites creativity and unique perspective like this. I walked away from Twitter Math Camp with even more respect for her and how she approaches teaching.
Professionally, she's making some pretty amazing things. Now I'm not going to pretend to say that I've downloaded her chevron patterned lesson planning book, but it's awesome that she's willing to give it (and other ideas that she's pounced on) away for free. If you're interested in how to set up interactive notebooks, get in touch with Jessie. If you're interested in creating unique lesson planning guides, get in touch with Jessie. If you're interested in creating math stations, get in touch with Jessie. If you're interested in being a better teacher, get in touch with Jessie.
My goal, in one way or another, is to learn how to be better at what I do from Mrs. Hester. Hopefully you'll join me.
Happy Dreamcatcher Fishing
Professionally, she's making some pretty amazing things. Now I'm not going to pretend to say that I've downloaded her chevron patterned lesson planning book, but it's awesome that she's willing to give it (and other ideas that she's pounced on) away for free. If you're interested in how to set up interactive notebooks, get in touch with Jessie. If you're interested in creating unique lesson planning guides, get in touch with Jessie. If you're interested in creating math stations, get in touch with Jessie. If you're interested in being a better teacher, get in touch with Jessie.
My goal, in one way or another, is to learn how to be better at what I do from Mrs. Hester. Hopefully you'll join me.
Happy Dreamcatcher Fishing
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