2022-23 Events
TRIVIA Returns
In Person 6/16!
Join us at Roundhead Brewery for the return of in person Trivia with the Telescope Network, June 16th from 5:00-7:00pm. Game starts at 5:30pm.
Telescope Trivia Night (3).pdf
5/18
Aspire & Inspire Educator Symposium
Celebrate this school year with BPS’s Office of Educator Development and Leadership (OEDL) on May 18th from 4:30-7:30 at the Lilla G. Frederick by honoring the work of educators who are leaders both in and outside of the classroom. There will be a variety of ways for attendees to engage-- join a presentation, talk to a teacher leader 1-on-1, and explore the OEDL programs! Food and beverages will be served.
5/12
EL in Action Learning Site on 5/12: The Telescope Network and educators from the Conley Elementary are hosting a Learning Site that starts on 5/11, from 5:00 to 6:00pm on Zoom. The Learning Site includes virtual sessions as well as a ½ day peer observation all focused on the question, ““How do we make sense of Grade 6 Expeditionary Learning to support student success?” Peer observation will be hosted by Nia Reid- Patterson, Gr 6 teacher at Conley Elementary on May 12 from 10:00 am to 2:15 pm. Spaces are limited.
5/5
Cultivating Excellence Learning Site
Cultivating Excellence with Warmth Learning Site 5/5: In the post pandemic environment of accountability, classroom culture is often a casualty as educators try to combat the impact of learning loss. This learning site is targeted for educators committed to maintaining high expectations, and students' achievement without sacrificing a culture of belonging. This Learning Site will address the question, "How do we leverage culturally responsive routines and structures to support high expectations and engagement for all learners?” This site will demonstrate, within the context of an 8th grade Civics classroom, one teacher's approach to addressing the tension of caring for students with significant learning gaps and providing rigorous instruction. After the observation educators have a chance to debrief with the host teacher, and collaborate on potential takeaways. Best of all educators will earn 1 ALC while developing and implementing new ideas with the support of follow up coaching sessions.
5/3
Edcamp for Alternative Education
Alternative Education Edcamp 5/3: Teaching in an Alternative Education setting is full of unique delights and unique challenges. Let’s join together for an Edcamp to discuss the question “What are the needs of Alt Education post-pandemic and how must we respond as educators?”. On Wednesday, May 3rd the BPS/BTU Telescope Network is hosting a Virtual Edcamp on Zoom from 5:00 to 7:00pm. Teachers, Paras, and other educators in Alternative Education settings can share your questions and challenges, connect with colleagues from across Boston, and discuss solutions. Participants will earn 2 PD hours. Register and help spread the word!!
Starts 4/28
Expeditionary Learning Planning Cohort (Grade 3 - 6) Starts 4/28 : This Planning Cohort will address the question, "“How do we implement the EL curriculum in an efficient and effective way to meet the needs of our students?" A Planning Cohort is a space for educators to collaboratively plan with the support of a teacher expert. During the Planning Cohort you will have time to unpack the Expeditionary Learning curriculum to develop a thoughtful unit plan, pool resources with other teachers in a similar context, and receive feedback from peers and coaches. Earn 1 ALC for work you are already doing!
4/27
Positive Math Identity Learning Site
Positive Math Identity Learning Site: If you or an educator you know is working toward improving students' confidence and engagement in math, this is an opportunity to join other educators for a ½ day in a live classroom around a common area of practice. This learning site on 4/27/23 places the question of “How do we support students in seeing themselves and each other as powerful mathematical thinkers?” Led by Tamika Fluker (Mather Elementary), the site will demonstrate one teacher's approach to answering this question while thinking through how to provide opportunities for students to collaboratively problem solve. After the observation educators have a chance to think through and debrief with the host teacher around the hows and whys of their teaching practice with potential for follow up coaching sessions for an ALC/PDPs.
Starts 4/26
StudySync Planning Cohort (Grade 6 - 8) Starts 4/26 : This Planning Cohort will address the question, “How do we implement the StudySync curriculum in efficient, effective, and culturally responsive ways to meet the needs of our scholars?" A Planning Cohort is a space for educators to collaboratively plan with the support of a teacher leader. During the Planning Cohort you will have time to unpack a StudySync Unit curriculum. Educators will collectively develop a thoughtful unit plan, pool resources with other teachers in a similar context, and receive feedback from peers and coaches. Get a jump on next year while earning 1 ALC for work you are already doing!
4/26
Dual Language Inclusion Learning Site
Dual Language Inclusion Learning Site: The Telescope Network is hosting a Learning Site on (TBA) at Hernández K-8, from 9:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. The Learning Site includes a ½ day peer observation as well as 4 1-hour follow-up sessions all focused on the question, “How do we collaborate to support inclusion in a dual language setting?” The hosts educators for this session will be Julia Nucci, Sandy Lopez, and Maddie Smith (Hernández K-8, Grade 3 Team). Spaces are limited.
4/25
Small Groups in SLIFE Learning Site
Small Groups in SLIFE Learning Site: This learning site on April 25, 2023 addresses the question "How do we build students’ foundational skills in a SLIFE classroom while promoting their readiness to access grade-level content?" Hosted by Emily Dixon and Ariana Sicairos-McCarthy (Frederick Pilot Middle School), the site will demonstrate these co-teachers’ approach to answering this question by structuring and differentiating small group learning groups and creating a joyful and culturally responsive classroom environment. After the observation educators will debrief with the host teachers around the hows and whys of their teaching practice, and then engage in virtual follow-up coaching sessions for an ALC/PDPs. Hosted by the Telescope Network.
4/11
Student Centered AP Classrooms
Student-centered AP Classrooms Learning Site: If you or a fellow educator is tired of choosing between engagement and student choice or covering AP content you are not alone. This learning site on 4/11/23 is a ½ day opportunity to explore one of the fundamental tensions of teaching Advanced Placement curriculum. This site will demonstrate one teacher's innovative approach to the big question, “How do we create student centered classrooms while meeting the content and pacing demands of AP curriculum?” This site will demonstrate, within the context of an AP calculus classroom, culturally competent ways to center students yet achieve a mastery of content in time for the AP exam. After the observation educators have a chance to debrief with the host teacher, and collaborate on potential takeaways. Best of all educators will earn 1 ALC while developing and implementing new ideas with the support of follow up coaching sessions.
4/4
Multilingual Independent Learners Learning Site
Multilingual Independent Learners Learning Site: This learning site on April 4, 2023 addresses the question "How do we support multilingual students to be independent learners through productive struggle and collaboration?" Hosted by Sarah Benat (Brighton High School), the site will demonstrate one teacher's approach to answering this question while thinking through providing access points for students and building in opportunities for academic conversation. After the observation educators will debrief with the host teacher around the hows and whys of their teaching practice, and then engage in virtual follow-up coaching sessions for an ALC/PDPs. Hosted by the Telescope Network.
3/31
Middle School Science Learning Site
Middle School Science Learning Site: This learning site on March 31, 2023 addresses the question "How do we develop conceptual understanding in a student-centered science classroom?" Hosted by Michelle Carroll (6th grade science teacher @O’Donnell Elementary), the site will demonstrate one teacher's approach to answering this question while thinking through engaging students in science practices like modeling while ensuring that all students come to a shared understanding of key ideas. After the observation educators will debrief with the host teacher around the hows and whys of their teaching practice, and then engage in virtual follow-up coaching sessions for an ALC/PDPs.
3/30 and 4/3
Tiered Literacy Instruction in Grade 1 Learning Sites
Gr 1 Tiered Literacy Instruction Learning Site 3/30 and 4/3: Join the Telescope Network for a Learning Site hosted by educators at Curtis Guild Elementary and Haynes EEC that addresses the question “How do we align tiered instruction to strengthen the foundational literacy skills of our students?” After the observation educators have a chance to think through and debrief with the host teachers around the hows and whys of their teaching practice and participate in follow up coaching sessions for an ALC/PDPs.
Spaces are limited.
3/25
New Teacher Retreat
Saturday, March 25th 9:30 - 12:30: Come join us to rediscover and restore what motivated you to become an educator, and leave renewed and committed to teaching.
Rescheduled for
3/21 + 3/23
Productive Struggle in Math Learning Site:
Back by Popular DEMAND! This learning site on 3/7/23 places the question of "How do we support students to be math problem solvers while engaging in productive struggle and collaboration?" within the context of diverse learners. Led by Natalia Piazzarolo Meira (Brighton High School) , the site will demonstrate one teacher's approach to answering this question while thinking through providing access points for students and building in opportunities for math conversation. After the observation educators have a chance to think through and debrief with the host teacher around the hows and whys of their teaching practice with potential for follow up coaching sessions for an ALC/PDPs.
3/22
Inclusive Practices Connect & Share
Connect and Share Series: Inclusive Practices How can we support all students to succeed in every classroom? Join us on Zoom on two Wednesdays in March to hear from colleagues about inclusive practices they are using at their schools.
Wednesday, March 22: 4:30-6:00pm, Inclusive Practices in Elementary Grades
Wednesday, March 22: (Date Change) 4:30-6:00pm ,Inclusive Practices in Secondary Grades
3/21
Teaming For Tiered Instruction Learning Site
Teaming for Tiered Instruction Learning Site 3/21: Join the Telescope Network for a Learning Site hosted by Matt Ennis and Jayme Drzewinski at Ellison Parks that addresses the question “How can we collaborate to embed foundational reading instruction in grade level content to support multilingual learners and struggling readers?” After the observation educators have a chance to think through and debrief with the host teachers around the hows and whys of their teaching practice and participate in follow up coaching sessions for an ALC/PDPs.
Spaces are limited.
3/15
Open Up/ MVP Math Planning Cohort
Open Up/MVP Math Planning Cohort. Starts 3/15: This Planning Cohort will address the question, "How do we implement a new math curriculum and build effective planning routines without feeling overwhelmed?" A Planning Cohort is a space for educators to collaboratively plan with the support of a teacher expert. During the Planning Cohort you will have time to unpack the Open Up/MVP math curriculum to develop a thoughtful unit plan, pool resources with other teachers in a similar context, and receive feedback from peers and coaches. Earn 1 ALC for work you are already doing!
3/14
This learning site on 3/14/23 places the question of "“How do we support students to synthesize their thinking through mathematical discourse?". Led by Fran Ahearn (Philbrick Elementary), the site will demonstrate one teacher's approach to answering this question while thinking through how to provide opportunities for math conversations to build student agency. After the observation educators have a chance to think through and debrief with the host teacher around the hows and whys of their teaching practice with potential for follow up coaching sessions for an ALC/PDPs.
Next Trivia Date: 5/9
Join on the 2nd Tuesday of the month from 8:00 to 9:15 p.m. for a virtual team trivia game. Join on your own or bring a team. Join us for some fun collaboration and light competition. A former participant said, “It's so much fun! It’s great being able to socialize with friends, and having something to look forward to in the middle of the week!”
Telescope Trivia! Join us on zoom for the return of Trivia Tuesdays with the Telescope Network, 8:00-9:15 (Flyer | RSVP)
2/15
For AP Educators “Delivering AP Curriculum: Motivating and Engaging All Learners”. Join us on Zoom on February 15 from 4:30-6:00 pm where we will feature educators sharing elements of their practice that address the essential question: “How do we motivate and engage all learners participating in AP or other rigorous curriculum?”
2/9
Join on 2/9 for an open-mic storytelling session--bring a story to share or come to listen to stories from your BPS colleagues. Our theme: OOPS! Prepare a five-minute story about a time when things didn’t go as planned. (6:00 to 8:00 p.m. @ Dudley Cafe).
and/or
Join on 2/1 for a PD workshop on "How to Tell a Good Story" (4:30 to 6:00 p.m. on Zoom)
Reschedule for 2/7
How do we embed literacy development in K1 classrooms? Join us for a Learning Site facilitated by K1 educators at Ellison Parks & Mildred Avenue K-8 that will address this question. It's a half day professional learning experience where you can join together with colleagues, develop working theories towards a shared question, and see effective practices in action. There is also peer collaborative coaching post-learning site for an ALC credit or PDPs. In-person learning site on 1/27 or 2/3.
2/2
Virtual Edcamp for Middle Grades Educators
Middle Grades Edcamp 2/2: Teaching grades 6-8 is full of unique delights and unique challenges. So many of us are doing our best to make it work, but we are stronger when we collaborate. Let’s join together for an Edcamp to talk about how to support middle grades students and their educators. On Thursday, February 2 the BPS/BTU Telescope Network is hosting a virtual Edcamp on Zoom from 4:00 to 6:00pm. Teachers, paras, and other middle grades educators can share your questions and challenges, connect with colleagues from across Boston, and discuss solutions. Participants will earn 2 PD hours. Register and help spread the word!
Next Trivia Date: 3/14
Join on the 2nd Tuesday of the month from 8:00 to 9:15 p.m. for a virtual team trivia game. Join on your own or bring a team. Join us for some fun collaboration and light competition. A former participant said, “It's so much fun! It’s great being able to socialize with friends, and having something to look forward to in the middle of the week!”
Telescope Trivia! Join us on zoom for the return of Trivia Tuesdays with the Telescope Network, January 10th from 8:00-9:15 (Flyer | RSVP)
Connect & Share For School Based Librarians
Library Services Connect & Share Session on “Cultivating Community: School Libraries Central to School Culture”: Join us on Zoom on December 14 from 3:00- 4:30 p.m. to hear from colleagues about what’s working in their libraries and in their schools.
December 9th: Drop-In @ Blarney Stone
Drop in to share some FREE appetizers and connect with your BPS colleagues. 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Co-hosted with New Teacher Development Team.
Location: blarneystoneboston.com
12/8
Productive Struggle in Math Learning Site:
If you or an educator you know is working toward improving students' stamina to productively struggle and problem solve in math, this is an opportunity to join other educators for a ½ day in a live classroom around a common area of practice. This learning site on 12/8/22 places the question of "How do we support students to be math problem solvers while engaging in productive struggle and collaboration?" within the context of diverse learners. The site will demonstrate one teacher's approach to answering this question while thinking through providing access points for students and building in opportunities for math conversation. After the observation educators have a chance to think through and debrief with the host teacher around the hows and whys of their teaching practice with potential for follow up coaching sessions for an ALC/PDPs.
Connect & Share Panel Discussions are a chance for colleagues to come together and share ideas about what's working in their classrooms and in their schools. All topics came from the Telescope Network's June Needs Assessment Survey asking educators what they needed to feel successful in this upcoming school year.
Fall 2022 Topics
November 2, 2022 topic "Effective Teaming"
November 16, 2022 topic "Balancing Social and Emotional Learning & Content"
December 7, topic "Equitable Literacy in Math and Science"
RSVP here or on TeachPoint (search for "Telescope Network").
ALSO: Recommend a colleague to present at an upcoming session here
11/8
Secondary Literacy Learning Site
This learning site on 11/8/22 places the question of "How do we promote critical thinking and productive struggle with text?" within the context of diverse learners. The site will demonstrate one teacher's approach to answering this question while facing the challenges presented by below grade level reading skills, ELLs, IEPs and decreased stamina as a result of the pandemic. After the observation educators have a chance to think through and debrief with the host teacher around the hows and whys of their teaching practice with potential for follow up coaching sessions for an ALC/PDPs.
11/4 or 11/10
Equitable Literacy Learning Site: How can we support all learners to engage with complex texts? Join us for a Learning Site facilitated by upper elementary educators at the Henry Grew School that will address this question. It's a half day professional learning experience where you can join together with colleagues, develop working theories towards a shared question, and see effective practices in action. There is also the opportunity for peer collaborative coaching post-learning site for an ALC credit or PDPs.
STARTS 10/27
Secondary SLIFE Learning Cohort:
Join with a group of BPS colleagues for 6 virtual sessions to learn together as a team. Address a common challenge, observe effective practices in an actual classroom setting, develop ideas to bring back to your own setting, and get support as you try out new ideas. This ALC course will be facilitated by veteran SLIFE educators and will address the question“How do we build students’ foundational skills in a SLIFE classroom while promoting their readiness to access grade-level content?”
(October 11, 2021) Our theme is "Student Voice and Agency." How does fostering student voice and discourse connect to equitable literacy practices and create empowering learning spaces? How are we amplifying student voice and agency in our classrooms and schools to increase engagement and build community?