MTOY

Passing the Torch on Michigan Teacher of the Year May 18, 2015 Exactly one year ago, Melody Arabo's life completely changed. Within moments at a surprise assembly, she went from being a third-grade teacher to being the Michigan Teacher of the Year. While that day was incredible and overwhelming and emotional, it couldn’t even begin to prepare her for the wonder and awe she would experience through this once-in-a-lifetime adventure. ... Topic: Community, MTOY, Travel

Ignite the Flame in Education March 17, 2015 Michigan Teacher of the Year Melody Arabo was invited to speak at the Governor’s Economic and Education Summit at the Renaissance Center in Detroit. Her speech seemed to cause quite a stir, and several people reached out and asked her to publish it. She shares it here. Topic: Community, MTOY, Teaching

Nice Kids Can Be Mean, Too February 9, 2015 Michigan Teacher of the Year Melody Arabo discusses how even the brightest, nicest kids can show bullying behavior. But with a slight change in language, children are more willing to accept their behavior and take responsibility for it. ... Topic: Community, MTOY, Teaching

Let's Get Connected November 5, 2014 Twitter was new for me last year. I opened a personal account years ago, but just didn’t see what all the buzz was about. Once my district started encouraging teachers to build their PLN’s, I reluctantly created a professional account. I was a little skeptical that it would be more of a distraction and less of a genuine resource, but I’m officially convinced otherwise. ... Topic: Community, MTOY, Teaching, Social Media

The Student Teacher Wish List October 9, 2014 I recently attended a DARTEP (Directors and Representatives of Teacher Education Programs) meeting with the Michigan Department of Education at Saginaw Valley State University. The purpose was to discuss pertinent information about teacher preparation programs across the state of Michigan. Topic: MTOY, Teaching

Melody Arabo: Michigan Teacher of the Year September 15, 2014 Melody Arabo was selected as the Michigan Teacher of the Year (MTOY) for the 2014-2015 school year. Meemic partners with the Michigan Department of Education in the MTOY program, so we were able to get in touch with Melody for an exclusive interview. Below is the full account of our exchange: ... Topic: Community, MTOY, Teaching

Fortune Cookies for (New) Teachers March 7, 2014 As another spring is upon us, even though it may not look like spring outside everywhere now, we can look forward to college graduation season soon. That means the next class of graduating educators will enter the profession and soon begin work in classrooms. ... Topic: Community, MTOY, Teaching, Education

Three Ways Teachers Are Learning From Other Teachers in 2014 January 28, 2014 As technology has evolved to the level of mobile computing and web-based apps, the popularity of educational technology has soared. Demands for workshops on apps, interactive whiteboards, and mobile devices has never been greater; however, the classic model of professional development for teachers has not been able to keep up. Topic: Community, MTOY, Teaching, Social Media

The Most Important Issue Facing Our Schools December 20, 2013 Major issues facing public education range from the policy level to classroom practice. Achievement disparities, graduation rates, poverty, standardized education reform, changes in public school funding, online education, teacher evaluations, equal access to quality schools, teacher quality and retention all impact the profession.  Improving student achievement is not possible unless we retain, support and develop quality teachers. Topic: Community, MTOY, Teaching

Overcoming the 'Ferris Bueller' Stereotype of Teaching October 20, 2013 Michigan teachers are among the finest in the nation, but the media attention given to public education recently has been far from flattering. The public does not view our teachers in a positive light. From Proposal 2’s Freedom-to-Work last fall to failing school districts and emergency managers, it sure can look to the public like teachers are not living up to public expectations. Topic: Community, MTOY, Teaching