2023 Paraeducator Book Study - What I Wish My Teacher Knew: How One Question Can Change Everything for Our Kids

June 7 - 28, 2023

Special Education

Notice

Hello all! I am looking forward to meeting and spending time with you for our book study in a few short weeks!  I wanted to provide you with some general information so that you can begin to  prepare.  Our sessions will be relaxed and low stress!  Come prepared to share your ideas (aloud or in writing) with the group. 

Session 1: June 7, 2023 (9:00-10:00 am)

Zoom link to join the session: https://paiu.zoom.us/j/92824992043

  • Introductions and expectations
  • Discussion questions/things to think about will be assigned for each assigned reading
  • A little bit about the "What I wish my teacher knew" Movement
  • Discussion of assigned chapters

Session 2: June 14, 2023 (9:00-10:00 am)

Zoom link to join the session: https://paiu.zoom.us/j/92907242355

  • Discussion of assigned chapters

Session 3: June 21, 2023 (9:00-10:00 am)

Zoom link to join the session: https://paiu.zoom.us/j/93730274708

  • Discussion of assigned chapters

Session 4: June 28, 2023 (9:00-10:00 am)

Zoom link to join the session: https://paiu.zoom.us/j/96717270821

  • Discussion of assigned chapters

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

Reading assignments:

June 7 – Chapters to read: 

  • Introduction
  • 1. Welcomes and Farewells: Building Community Even in Transition

June 14 - Chapters to read:

  • 2. Students and Poverty: Building on Resources and Breaking Down Barriers
  • 3. All Families Count: Including Families in All Their Forms

June 21 - Chapters to read:

  • 4. We Will Get Through This Together: Supporting Students Through Grief and Loss
  • 5. When Students are in Danger: Supporting Students in the Trauma-Informed Classroom

June 28th Chapters to read:

  • 6. Value-Driven Classrooms: A School Culture that Develops Character
  • 7. You Got This! Building a Classroom Culture of Self Efficacy
  • 8. “I Can’t Wait to Learn More”: Classrooms Where Student Engagement Thrives

Please reach out if you have any questions!

Thanks!

Staci

syoung@tiu11.org

814-542-2501x1126

 

 

May 2023

What I Wish My Teacher Knew: How One Question Can Change Everything for Our Kids 
Author: Kyle Schwartz 
Facilitated by: Staci Young 
Limited to 20 participants 

“One day, third-grade teacher Kyle Schwartz asked her students to fill-in-the-blank in this sentence: “I wish my teacher knew _____.” The results astounded her. Some answers were humorous, others were heartbreaking-all were profoundly moving and enlightening. The results opened her eyes to the need for educators to understand the unique realities their students face in order to create an open, safe and supportive place in the classroom. When Schwartz shared her experience online, teachers around the globe began sharing their own contributions to #IWishMyTeacherKnew.  

Kyle’s book tells the story of the #IWishMyTeacherKnew movement, with dozens of students’ handwritten emotional and insightful responses throughout. It provides a look at systemic problems that affect students nationwide, like poverty and mobility, alongside issues that affect millions of individual students, such as trauma and the challenge of developing meaningful classroom relationships. Kyle shares real stories from students, teachers, and family members that shed light on how we can all help students tackle challenges and grow as individuals. She shares strategies that can work in classrooms across America.” 

Join me to discuss how you, as an educational professional, can implement strategies to engage ALL students and show them that you care about them and they matter everyday! 

Format: Zoom Meetings (Note: Link will be shared once you have registered) 

Book Study Meeting Dates: 
• Wednesday, June 7, 2023 9:00-10:00 am 
• Wednesday, June 14, 2023 9:00-10:00 am 
• Wednesday, June 21, 2023 9:00-10:00 am 
• Wednesday, June 28, 2023 9:00-10:00 am           
 

How It Works:  
• Check out the book from the library or purchase it. 
• Check your email for the ZOOM link and Syllabus (one week prior to the meeting) 
• Join ZOOM using the link provided 
• Read the book as assigned prior to ZOOM meetings 
• Get ready to share your thoughts and ideas as we journey through the book together in a flexible Zoom (or Google doc format) 
• If you are not present for a ZOOM meeting, you will be required to provide a written summary of the chapters covered in order to receive your hours 
• A certificate with your 15 credit hours will be issued upon completion of the book study 

**15 professional development hours will be awarded for participation in the book study series. A certificate of completion will be provided. 

NOTE: The hours will be awarded for the 2022/2023 school year OR the 2023/2024 school year. 



 

Register

Registration closed on 2023-06-07

Available Credit or Activity Hours

Act 48 Activity Hours
15.0 Hours
Academic Content Studies Special Education
Free
General Activity Hours (non-PDE)
15.0 Hours
Free

Sessions

Wednesday, June 7
9 - 10am
Zoom 1
Wednesday, June 14
9 - 10am
Zoom 2
Wednesday, June 21
9 - 10am
Zoom 3
Wednesday, June 28
9 - 10am
Zoom 4