Finding Ideas to Better Your Practice by @rlj1981

Name: Rachel Jones
Twitter name: @rlj1981
Sector: Secondary
Subject taught (if applicable): Classics and Computing
Position: Assistant Director of Studies
What is your advice about? Finding ideas to better your practice

1: Pedagoo and staff.rm have some brilliant blogs that can inspire you. There are also a place for teachers without blogs to start blogging. Give it a go.

2: Have a look on the TeachMeet wiki and attend a local event. If you feel brave you might like to present an idea that has worked in your classroom.

3: A lot of teachers use social media to share ideas. There is obviously Twitter and FaceBook, but also have a look a Pinterest and Instagram.

4: Once you find some blogs that you find useful you might like to follow them, that way you get an update when there is a new post. Saves you hunting for new things to read.

5: I have found ‘talking’ to others rather than lurking more useful on social media. Do what you feel comfortable with and what will help you most.

Being a Good Colleague by @rlj1981

Name: Rachel Jones
Twitter name: @rlj1981
Sector: Secondary
Subject taught (if applicable): Classics and Computing
Position: Assistant Director of Studies
What is your advice about? Being a good colleague

1: Teachers are oddly attached to their mugs. Don’t be the one who takes someones special mug from the staffroom. This sounds ludicrous but is very true.

2: Hurried corridor conversations are best followed up with a quick email to confirm what you/they said you need to do. This saves confusion.

3: Don’t fan the flames of discontent in the staff room. You work in a school not revolutionary France, you can’t overthrow the regime, but you can work to change it.

4: Sometimes everyone needs a boost. Rather than ignoring those who are clearly having a bad day, makes them a cup of tea. Little gestures can really help.

5: Turn up on time for lunch duties and other obligations. Folk are relying on you, don’t let them down.

Using Technology in Schools by @rlj1981

Name: Rachel Jones
Twitter name: @rlj1981
Sector: Secondary
Subject taught (if applicable): Classics and Computing
Position: Assistant Director of Studies
What is your advice about? Using Technology in schools

1: Do not assume that children know how to use technology better than you. They are probably *awesome* at using Instagram but that doesn’t mean they know how to use Google Drive.

2: Do not use technology because SLT/OFTED/Lesson Observation form says you have to. Use it because it makes a real difference to the learning in your classroom.

3: If you are using desktop machines and you get an issue before ringing IT Support:
a- try turning it on and off again (really)
b- try a different internet browser.

4: Using non-traditional or not intended for educational purposes apps or websites can get you some brilliant results. Give them a go.

5: If something isn’t working the way you intended be brave enough to stop the activity and do something else instead. Better to admit it isn’t working than waste pupil time.