Featured Teacher: Brooke Beverly Conway

         1. What is your most memorable field trip experience?

We went on a field trip to Old Sturbridge Village (a living museum that represents the colonial times).  The staff were cooking a chicken over the fire getting ready to eat their meal.  One of my students tugged on my shirt, and said with all seriousness, "I know this is colonial times.  But, they have shops for all sorts of things like the cooper shop or the blacksmith shop.  Why didn't they have a grocery shop too?  Buying the little [rotissierie] chicken at Price Chopper would have been an instant meal.  Just ask my mom."

         2. What is something you have learned from your time on Teachers Pay Teachers?

What I have learned on TpT is to listen and take in the advice of seasoned sellers.  The collaborative group of educators are always so willing to share their advice and feedback.  It is important to be patient, not compare yourself to others, and do the best you can do for your classroom and your TpT store. 

         3. What book inspired you as a student?

I really loved the Babysitter's Club, and specifically the title "The Truth About Stacey."  I have Type 1 diabetes, and I was able to connect to Stacey.  I think that is why throughout high school, I was a babysitter for several families in town, always worked at summer camp in college, and then became a teacher to work with kids.

         4. What is something you would like to see in the future, for education?

I would love for all schools to have smartboards, laptops, iPads, student response systems, e-readers, etc.  I know school districts are moving in this direction, and it would be fabulous if there was professional development for families, teachers and students to evolve with the technology.

         5. What is something fun about you that teachers don't know about you?

I also work as a trivia host!  I love the randomness of questions, the challenge of coming up with a perfect song that links to a question, and how excited people are when they win!

         6. What is an achievement, in education or otherwise, that you have accomplished?

I am proud that I have had numerous teaching ideas published in the Mailbox Magazine and The Education Center resources.

         7. What was your first 'Free' item that you posted up on Teachers Pay Teachers?  What made you choose that?

I posted a French Fry Book Project.  I picked this product because it was a twist on a book project that I had not seen before.

         8. What was your first 'Paid' item that you posted up on Teachers Pay Teachers? What made you choose that?        

I honestly don't remember!

         9.  Your favorite teaching quote is...   

“I'm more interested in arousing enthusiasm in kids than in teaching the facts. The facts may change, but that enthusiasm for exploring the world will remain with them the rest of their lives.”
― Seymour Simon

I, of course, feel that having students learn the standards is essential.  However, I also feel inspiring students to love to learn is one of the most important jobs I have as a teacher.

       10. What is your 'Go To' time filler?          

 The Go To time filler that I depend on is a powerpoint math fact Around the World game.  My kiddos always could use extra practice with their math fact fluency, so if I have a few extra minutes, I will pull up an addition, subtraction or multiplication powerpoint.                                                               

 by 

Brooke Beverly Conway

Brooke’s Store

Listening Center Task Cards and Reading Response Activities

Writing Personal Narratives Powerpoint and Worksheets
Newspaper Task Cards

Featured Teacher: Mrs. T

         1. What is your most memorable field trip experience?

My most memorable was when I was teaching 4th grade and the docents at the museums didn't give me a teacher packet because they thought I was one of the students! Grr!

         2. What is something you have learned from your time on Teachers Pay Teachers?

I have learned how to do a lot of graphic design on the computer. I have learned Inkscape and Gimp. I have learned how much the sellers on TpT really care about their customers and products. I never imagined how much satisfaction I would get from selling a product!

         3. What book inspired you as a student?

When I was in college, I took a Children's Literature class. My professor had the most amazing insights into picture books that I had never thought of before. The one that really stood out for me was Where the Wild Things Are. She told us how the illustrations take up more of the page as Max goes more into his dream. I wanted to be able to share my love of reading with my students. I

         4. What is something you would like to see in the future, for education?

I wanted to see teachers valued by society. I want us to be respected as having knowledge about children and their learning. I want to see teachers making policy decisions, not bureaucrats.

         5. What is something fun about you that teachers don't know about you?

I love to cook and make a mess in my kitchen! I enjoy finding new recipes and trying them out on my poor husband!

         6. What is an achievement, in education or otherwise, that you have accomplished?

I think getting my master's in education was a big accomplishment! I also have felt greatly accomplished by my work on TpT!

         7. What was your first 'Free' item that you posted up on Teachers Pay Teachers?  What made you choose that?

I posted my bucket filling forms as my first free item, and it is still free! I thought it would encourage bucket filling which I think is a great tool for building self esteem and positive behavior in the classroom.

         8. What was your first 'Paid' item that you posted up on Teachers Pay Teachers? What made you choose that?        

My first paid item was a Common Core test I created for my grade level that included all the Common Core standards that my students should have learned in 2nd grade. I wanted to see what they missed since we were implementing Common Core for the first time this year. I chose this item because I worked really hard on it and I thought others might want it too!

         9.  Your favorite teaching quote is...   

Teaching is a work of heart! This quote was on my fridge growing up because my mom is a teacher.

       10. What is your 'Go To' time filler?          

Zap! Students stand in a circle. We count by a certain number pattern, say 2's forward. Then I chose a Zap number, like 6. So they would count 2,4, Zap, 8, 10 etc. If they aren't pay attention or say the Zap number they have to sit down. My students love it!                                                                

 by 

Mrs. T

Mrs. T’s Store

Addition Practice with Singapore Methods up to the Thousands Place
Subtraction to the Hundreds Place with Singapore Methods
Bucket filling Classroom Activity Packet

Featured Teacher: Britnee

         1. What is your most memorable field trip experience?

My most memorable field trip was my first ever field trip. We went to the zoo. There were (what seemed like) 900 million kids there as soon as we walked in and I was an absolute nervous wreck the entire time! I was so glad to be back at the school, safe and sound with all my kiddos with me. Whew!

         2. What is something you have learned from your time on Teachers Pay Teachers?

Teachers Pay Teachers has taught me the value of being creative and allowing my students opportunities for engaging and meaningful lessons.

         3. What book inspired you as a student?

I just loved A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle. That book kind of rocked my world. I remember spending hours imagining Meg and her three strange friends. I was completely eaten up with the idea of tessellating. I could go on and on. That book kept me up at night.

         4. What is something you would like to see in the future, for education?

I would love to see more of a focus on student-led instruction. I believe in allowing students to make their own discoveries and manipulate content to make it fit each of them and their individual needs. As a teacher, I feel my job is not to "teach" but to "guide" students to teaching themselves and their classmates. I would love to see a shift in that direction. Also, smaller class sizes ;)

         5. What is something fun about you that teachers don't know about you?

I really love playing pranks on people. My parents always told me I was "ornery" and I suppose that ornery streak has carried through to my adult years. Even my poor students have been subjected to my pranks. I have plastic wrapped doorways, placed whoopie cushions in many a chair, and even purchased "fake vomit." Suffice it to say that April Fool's Day is a much-anticipated day in my classroom and my home :)

         6. What is an achievement, in education or otherwise, that you have accomplished?

In 2009, I became the first person on my father's side of our family tree ever to graduate from college. I was very honored to hold that title.

I received an educational award this year as well when I was nominated by a former student's parent and selected for a local radio station's Teacher of the Week feature. I was surprised in my classroom by a radio dj and was live on air as the nomination letter and prizes were read to me. I was so touched I was in tears. Unfortunately, I sounded like a total dork on the radio! But, what can you do? :)

         7. What was your first 'Free' item that you posted up on Teachers Pay Teachers?  What made you choose that?

I posted a Geometry Terms quiz as my free item. I chose the quiz because I found that while I was able to find many vocabulary quizes and lessons for reading, it was difficult to locate any vocabulary lessons for math. I had designed the quiz for my own class and many of my colleagues had asked to use it as well. I found that it was a popular resource and I was glad to share it with others on the Teachers Pay Teachers website.

         8. What was your first 'Paid' item that you posted up on Teachers Pay Teachers? What made you choose that?        

The first paid item I posted was a Garbage Inferencing activity. I chose it because it is one of my most absolute favorite things that we do all year long in my classroom and I was excited to share it with others. In the activity, students rummage through pre-made "garbage bags" that their teachers "took from her new neighbors trash can." Students then use the items in the trash bag to make inferences about what my new neighbors might be like. They love it! At the end of the year, many of them still reference that lesson as one of their very favorites.

         9.  Your favorite teaching quote is...   

"Any book that helps a child to form a habit of reading, to make reading one of his deep and continuing needs, is good for him." - Maya Angelou

       10. What is your 'Go To' time filler?          

When we need to fill time, we do quick "book commercials." Students know that their commercials have to be short and sweet - just like a real commercial. They stand up in front of the room and advertise the book they are reading. Other students write the title down in their reading journals so they can go check it out at the library if they think it sounds like a good read. It is so much fun! Students are usually chomping at the bit to share their books with each other and it really amps up their attitude toward reading in general.                                                                

 by 

Britnee

Britnee’s Store

Inference and Summary Garbage Activity

Prefixes and Suffixes Graphic Organizer Study Guide Exam and Activity

Polygon Monster Food Math Geometry Vocabulary Activity

Featured Teacher: Donna

         What is your most memorable field trip experience?

One year I took a group of gifted students to a science museum. It was the perfect field trip. We were studying the topics of the day. My students took over the question and answer section. My favorite quote from the day occurred when one of my students was asked what would happen if his breath was taken away. He replied with the most natural answer, "I would die." To this day, I don't remember what the answer was suppose to be but I still see him on the stage with shock in his eyes as the presenter stated he would take my student's breath away.

         What is something you have learned from your time on Teachers Pay Teachers?

This is a great community of teachers willing to share with other teachers. I'm amazed at the willingness of other teachers to share tips, points and anything you can imagine. But I shouldn't be amazed because teachers have always been great at sharing and supporting each other.

         What book inspired you as a student?

I love "A Wrinkle in Time." I imagined I was Meg. I was a bit of a nerd and a loner. Meg inspired me to continue with my own uniqueness and talents because we've been given the talents and opportunities we have to make a difference in the world or at least one life.

         What is something you would like to see in the future, for education?

I would love to see technology become more integrated in the classroom. It would be great to see it viewed not as an add-on but as a tool as necessary as pencil and paper.

I would as love to children have more time to think, create, play and learn. It seems we rush them through to much ""stuff"" and not enough time to grow into it.

         What is something fun about you that teachers don't know about you?

I recently learned how to fly a kite. NO, it isn’t the little kite that you fly in the park. It is a GIANT woman killing kite. Imagine hanging on for dear life both feet on the ground to a parachute with winds gusting at, at least 90 miles an hour, maybe just 20. It’s a blast! You are controlling so much power, until the wind forgets to tell you it is ready to gust at 50 miles an hour or something like that. Landing flat on the ground isn’t fun, but the flight is. 

         

          What is an achievement, in education or otherwise, that you have accomplished?

I have recently retired from teaching, not because of age, but because I got married and moved. Fortunately the district I taught in offered an early retirement. But the greatest accomplishment was getting married after waiting for so many years for the right man to come along.

         Your favorite teaching quote is...   

If you can believe it, you can achieve it.

       What is your 'Go To' time filler?          

I love a good game of "Simon Says." My students think it is crazy because we play it in French. (I taught elementary classes, not French.) We would also play Geometry Simon Says or any other crazy version I could think of.

 by 

Donna

Donna’s Store

Election Day: Exploring the Elections
"At" Sight Words Dominoes

Geometry SmartBoard Activity: Shapes in Our World Triangles

The Mysterious Donor

"Will You Be My Valentine?" Look around your classroom...how many of your students need a special holiday acknowledgement?

Think back to your elementary or secondary school days when you anticipated getting chocolates in a heart-shaped box or a vase of red roses on that special holiday. Valentine's Day is supposed to be fun-filled, yet there are students who wait anxiously for invitations to dances or parties only to be disappointed. Holidays can cause anxieties and stress for some students. 
 
How can teachers help students on Valentine's Day? Become the mysterious Valentine's Day donor! It's an easy task, especially if you teach lower elementary students. Purchase special cards or treats then slip them into students' bags or desks. No need to fill out the "From" section since that is part of the mystery. 

As students get older and wiser, teachers must become craftier at hiding thier identities. Many junior high and high schools partner with local florists for special deals and deliveries. Contact the florist and explain your holiday project: "Hi, I'm ___(Name)____, a __(Grade Level/Subject Matter)____ teacher at ___(School)____. I have a group of students who may not receive holiday cards or gifts. I'd like to anonymously purchase _____ single roses with only the recipients' names listed on the cards. Please, do not disclose my name regardless of bribes offered. By the way, do you have any special promotions for educators?" The key to the holiday project's success is secrecy, so don't reveal to anyone that you are the donor. 

Your gesture of kindness will always be remembered by students, and the hunt to uncover the mysterious donor's name is fulfilling to watch.

What are your tips for Valentine's Day?  

Related Teacher Pay Teacher Products:

Valentine's Day Reward Coupons  FREE
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Happy Valentine Day Note From Teacher  $1.00
ESL Daily Lesson Chart  $1.00
Valentine's Day Coloring Sheets  $1.00
Valentines Similies   $1.00
Valentine's Day Bookmarks (8)  $1.00
Valentine's Day Hearts Art Grid  $1.50
Valentine's Day Mad Libs  $1.50 
Rapunzel Fairy Tale Lesson  $2.00
Wacky Wayne's Valentine's Day I-Spy  $2.00 
Valentine Fun Booklet  $2.00
Weather Wordles Vocabulary Concepts  $2.50
Bee Mine V-Day Graphing Ordered Pairs  $2.75
Tic-Tac-Toe Holiday Journal Prompts  $2.75
Valentine's Day Activities: Critical Thinking  $3.00
Spring Themed Stationary  $4.50
Valentine's Day Coordinate Graphing  $4.75
Plant Unit  $5.00
Printable Valentine's Gifts  $5.00
Sight Word Mini-Books  $8.00
 

 

Featured Teacher: Martha (Primary Paradise)

         1. What is your most memorable field trip experience?

I really enjoyed going to see the Statue of Liberty in 5th grade. I've always been a big history person, and it was amazing to think about that giant green woman welcoming you to a new world full of opportunity.

         2. What is something you have learned from your time on Teachers Pay Teachers?

I have learned that there are SO many creative teachers out there! I am in awe of some of the fabulous resources, both paid and free, on the site.

         3. What book inspired you as a student?

I absolutely loved reading as a kid, but my favorite for many years was Harriet the Spy. It was the first chapter book I ever read, and I thought the idea of spying on people was very cool. I definitely could be found hiding in closets and under couches "taking notes" about my sisters and parents.

         4. What is something you would like to see in the future, for education?

I would really like teachers to have more say in educational policies. I recently saw a post on Pinterest that poked fun at the fact that politicians who don't have any classroom experience are in control. That needs to change.

         5. What is something fun about you that teachers don't know about you?

I did theater from age 3 until I began college, and it is my passion (besides teaching of course). I would definitely love to get back into, but I don't have the time right now.

         6. What is an achievement, in education or otherwise, that you have accomplished?

I graduated with my undergraduate degree and masters degree in 4 years total. I'm very proud of that.

         7. What was your first 'Free' item that you posted up on Teachers Pay Teachers?  What made you choose that?

I actually had to go back and look. The first Free item that I posted that I'm not embarrassed about is my Counting Coins- Hair Method freebie. I posted some before that, but that was before I had a clue what I was doing.

         8. What was your first 'Paid' item that you posted up on Teachers Pay Teachers? What made you choose that?        

My 5 Senses Posters. When I joined TpT, I had over 100 files on my computer of materials I had created for my own classroom, the good the bad, and the ugly. I just started uploading it all bit by bit over a week. I later went back and tweaked and refined almost everything.

         9.  Your favorite teaching quote is...   

It's okay to not know, but it's not okay to not try.

       10. What is your 'Go To' time filler?          

Singing! I love to sing and, since I teach First Grade, we have a song for everything. If I have a little extra time, we'll practice concepts by singing and dancing to our favorite songs.

 by 

Primary Paradise (Martha)

Primary Paradise Storefront

Spectacular Story Elements Bundle Pack

Wacky Words Parts of Speech Practice for Fall

Primary Visual Writing Rubric

Spotlight on Equality

"I have a dream...One day this nation will rise up, live out the true meaning of its creed...that all men are created equal" (Martin Luther King, Jr,I Have a Dream speech, public domain).

Ask students what "equality" means, and their definitions are as different as their personalities. To better understand how students arrive at meanings of words, pass out large sheets of butcher paper to pairs or small groups of students. Ask students to map "equality". Have groups choose either connotation (associated) or denotation (dictionary) meanings:
(Photo credits: 

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, NYWT&S Collection, reproduction number, e.g., LC-USZ62-122982)

  

For further studies of equality and Martin Luther King, Jr., try some fun educational videos, such as:



Help students remember the lessons of equality and Dr. King through song:




Other lesson plans include journal/writing prompts, such as those found in Martin Luther King, Jr.: 20 Critical Thinking Journal/Writing Prompts: 
 

 
By using engaging activities, such as debates, podcasts, readings, poetry, projects, songs, videos, and writings, students discuss, interact, and learn about equality and Martin Luther King, Jr.

Share your lessons on civil rights, equality, and MLK with other by posting in the Comments section.

Teachers Pay Teachers Related Products:

Martin Luther King, Jr. Word Puzzles  FREE! 
Bowling Ball Basics  FREE!
ESL Daily Lesson Chart  $1.00
Cause and Effect Practice: MLK  $1.50
MLK Junior Coordinate Graphing/Ordered Pairs $2.75
Non-Fiction Text Features "About Me" Booklet $2.95
ELL/ESL/ELD 5 Days of Grammar Lessons  $3.50
Spring Themed Stationary $4.50
Figurative Language: 30 Worksheets & Answer Keys  $6.00
Making Words Through the Seasons  $7.95
People Make a Difference (Ruby Bridges)  $8.00