October 25, 2012

Things That Make Me Smile

When I first began teaching, my late father and CPS veteran gave me the best advice:  To be a success in the field of education you must,
1.  Have knowledge of your subject matter
2.  Patience
2.  A sense of humor

Well, the third is what I hang onto the most because it make my day go by faster and keeps me motivated.

Here are some things that make me smile everyday.  (please note:  some of the pictures are from Homecoming Spirit Week at Phillips)   Click on the picture to take a closer look.

Enjoy!

1.  My students willingness to share fashion, fun with school events and to be themselves.




 2.    My students smile/happiness when they realize they can check out books that are on the displays in the Library Media Center.



 3.    My students love of reading....priceless!

Receipt for books checked out
The student on the right is an avid reader of e-books

4.  Book donations and my growing Street Literature collection....I'm so thankful for them!!!

The most recent donation is from author, Wahida Clark


5.  My students following directions during lunchtime.


LMC Entry Sign-in-sheets
iPad Sign-in-sheets
You want to use a iPad, give up your i.d.
Thank you for removing the finger prints off of your device.

6.    My student's ability to hold strong onto their Republican beliefs....and discuss the issues in the 2012 election intelligently.


7.  Girls reading Anime/Manga!
 


8.   Students asking for recommended reads.


9.   Students discussing books!


Ms Tillman's Reading Class from WPAHS Video Page on Vimeo.


10.     Finally, a cool pic of my LMC.  Thank you Mr. Rose! 

October 24, 2012

My Entrepreneurship Spirit

I will be a panelist at the upcoming Jump$tart Coalition National Educator’s Annual Conference on Sunday, November 4th at 9:00 a.m. The panel discussion, “Teacher’s As Entrepreneurs” will investigate how successful teachers have incorporated personal experience into teaching personal finance.  I will be sharing my personal story about students, blogging and entrepreneurship.  This panel discussion will be moderated by Susan Beacham, founder and CEO of Money Savvy Generation.  Wish me luck!

The Jump$tart Coalition is devoted specifically to Pre-K-12 classroom teachers to assist them in advancing curriculum that focuses on personal finance.  Throughout the conference, educators will have an opportunity to see, learn about, and try educational resources that can be integrated immediately into current lesson plans.  Educators will also attend informative workshops under three different strands—advocacy, curriculum/content, and personal development; to meet with leaders from finance and education; and to network with colleagues from across the country.

Now you are probably wondering how did I get involved with Financial Literacy.  About five years ago, I met Susan Beacham through a ten minute phone call to my office.   During this conversation, she spoke with passion about the importance of financial literacy for kids, and her SAVE-SPEND-DONATE-INVEST Money Savvy Pig. You can say the rest is history.  Since then, Chicago Public School Librarians have been at the forefront implementing and driving this program that have educated thousands of students about finance.  This program provides a ton of materials that can be used with students K-12th grade on their website, Money Savvy Generation.  So educators start planning now for Financial Literacy Month in April and order your materials today.

October 9, 2012

Relating to Tyrell

Yesterday was extremely hectic:  1st day of Homecoming Week at Phillips.  While enjoying 'pajama day,' a freshman reading class visited the Library Media Center and discussed Coe Booth's "Tyrell."  The discussion was lively and justified the need to providing books for teens that they can relate to.

Enjoy!


Ms Tillman's Reading Class from WPAHS Video Page on Vimeo.

October 2, 2012

My Co-Workers


I appreciate the generosity of my co-workers.  The Phillips Refocus Room Manager, Mr. Brown attended a festival over the weekend with his family.  During this festival, he won a hardback copies of "The Hunger Games Trilogy," and donated them to the Library Media Center. 

Thank you Mr. Brown!!!

The Hunger Games Trilogy on display.
These books were checked out during the first lunch period.