Making Learning Personal
Summer 2023
2023-24 Vanguard Speaker Series
We are excited to continue the 2023-2024 Vanguard Speaker Series with Dr. Catlin Tucker and Dr. Sarah Sirgo. Dr. Tucker will be speaking on Nov. 7th and Dr. Sirgo will be presenting on April 16th. Both keynotes will be held in the Auditorium at Frederick High School. Registration is open now! Links to register and more information can be found on the Vanguard website - https://sites.google.com/fcps.org/vanguard/Professional-Learning/speaker-series.
Editor's Note
I also hope that in this time of summer, percolating between reflection and rejuvenation, you afford yourself some time to look back, as well as some time to look forward. The Innovative Learning Team crafted articles for you that do just that; reflect on elements of last school year, and look forward to the next. Check out Laura's article on the book study for Spark: How to Lead Yourself and Others to Greater Success that she did with Sarah. Sarah captured great moments from Cohort 7's Summer Academy in a video. Kent Wetzel contributed another forward-thinking article from the Department of Organizational Development with an MBE lens on using podcasts and video in instruction. Plenty of information to read, watch, listen to and think about.
Find a moment in between raindrops to pull up a lounge chair to take in this issue, celebrate how you've grown, cherish the relationships that have been built, think a little about the glimmer of next school year and don't forget to stop and smell the roses along the way.
Heather Rose
Innovative Learning Team
MLP Editor
Part VI - Using Podcasts and Video in the Classroom
Kent Wetzel, Organizational Development
For some time the field of education has struggled to overcome the myth of learning styles, the idea that people learn in different ways.This generally hones in on the belief that students are either auditory, kinesthetic, or visual learners and that by tailoring instruction to meet the needs of these differences we can help students learn better. Despite the fact that many believe this and spend a tremendous amount of time trying to tailor instruction in this way, there is no credible evidence to support that it benefits learners (Aslaken & Loras, 2020).
Congratulations Cohort 4!
Liz Matheny, Secondary English Language Arts Curriculum Specialist
@lizmathenyfcps
Teachers and leaders filled the Whittaker Commons at Hood College on May 30th to celebrate the end of their Vanguard journey. Tyler Hanson (social studies, THS) and Courtney Flower (5th grade, WAVES) were asked to share their experiences as members of Cohort 4. Click here to read some highlights from their speeches!
Cohort 7 Summer Academy
Sarah Welker, Innovative Learning Team
School is out, which means it's time for another Vanguard Summer Academy. Over two days in mid-June, Eric, Amy, and a 13-person mentor team made up of current and alumni Vanguards officially welcomed Cohort 7 to the Vanguard family. There was a lot of learning and fun, and it was clear to everyone there that the future is looking bright! 😎 Check out some highlights in the video!
Cohort 6 Spark Book Study in Review
Laura Shearer, Innovative Learning Team
The rising Lead Year (Cohort 5) Vanguards were invited to join in on a book study for the new Vanguard Lead Year book Spark: How to Lead Yourself and Others to Greater Success by Angie Morgan, Courtney Lynch and Sean Lynch. 19 Vanguards joined in on this four week book study, where we collectively discussed and reflected on the characteristics of a “spark” type of leader. So what’s a spark? Here’s what the authors share on page 1:
Sparks aren’t defined by the place they hold on an organizational chart; in fact, they exist throughout organizations. They’re defined by their actions, commitment, and will, not by job titles. They’re the ones who say, “I’ll lead this,” “I’ll take responsibility,” or, “This is tough, but we’ll get it done.” And then they follow through.
#FCPSVanguard
Upcoming Dates and Reminders
Sept. 12, 4:30-6:30 - Vanguard Forum Teach and Coach Years
Sept. 20, 4:30-6:30 - Vanguard Forum Lead Year
Nov. 7, 8:00-3:00 - Teach Year Workshop with Catlin Tucker
Nov. 7, 4:30-6:00 - Vanguard Speaker Series: Dr. Catlin Tucker at FHS
Nov. 8, 8:00-3:00 - Coach Year Workshop with Catlin Tucker
Vanguard Teacher Program
Email: eric.haines@fcps.org
Website: vanguard.fcps.org
Phone: 301-644-5182
Twitter: @EHaines24