Work Smarter, Not Harder: Innovative Ideas to Connect and Retain Students Outside of the Classroom Dr. Maria Benzon, Ruth Kravetz, & Tania Graciano Developing future teachers does not just happen in classrooms and schools. As your program gets larger, student needs become more varied, and thus "working smarter and not just harder" is imperative. Participants will discuss ways to retain students through student support and strengthening their connection to the teaching profession. Learn more about the effective use of social media, conference attendance/presentations and opportunities for professional development, community service, and networking. UTeach Institute Conference May 21, 2014

Agenda Identify Needs and Problems Background on teachHOUSTON Discuss Strategies/Initiatives  Professional Tasks Log  Conference Attendance and Presentations  Face-to-Face Networking  Celebrations  Social Media Networking

What are your concerns regarding student involvement and retention?

The teachHOUSTON Program Began Fall 2007 Staff: 6 Master Teachers Focus:  Course implementation and development  Programmatic Duties  Advising of students  Mentoring students The teachHOUSTON Student Society Began Fall 2009 Officers: Ranges from 5-8 Focus:  Professional development  Volunteer opportunities  Study groups  Social/networking events

teach HOUSTON Student Society Total Members

teachHOUSTON Student Society Fall 2013-Spring 2014 Event Summary Total Members: 64 Students Total Active Members: 43 Students

Professional Task Log In tH Classrooms Get students involved in the student organization Professional Development & Community Service Structure: Points for Class & Points for tHSS Signatures: Presenter or tHSS Officer Within tHSS Encourage students to become more involved in their community Point System:  5 points to be an active member  8 points to run for office or co-present workshops

Professional Task Log Professional Development Digital Footprint Digital Storage Writing Lesson Plans Resume Building Classroom Management Research Methods Excel Enhancing PowerPoint Presentation Creating a Prezi Visual ActivBoard in the Classroom 5E Workshop Community Service Partner Schools  College & Career Night  Math/Science Night  Science Fair Community  Children’s Museum  Houston Science and Engineering Fair  Technology Conferences Step 2 Practice Teaches

News and Updates

Professional Task Log Professional Development Digital Footprint Digital Storage Writing Lesson Plans Resume Building Classroom Management Community Service How could this PTL be modified and implemented to work at your campus?

Professional Task Log How could the PTL be modified and implemented to work at your campus?

Present at Conferences and Workshops ConferencesWorkshopsDIY Statewide or regional teacher conferences Local associationsCreate an in-house conference (full- or half-day) for pre- and in-service teachers CAMT, CAST NCTM, NSTA Partner with ISDs Partner with regional service centers T3 (Teachers Teaching with Technology) T4 (Techie Teachers of Today and Tomorrow) Share creative student-made lesson plans Share innovative instructional strategies Focus: technology, equity Income-generating Able to meet lots of program needs

Conference Attendance and Presentations What would an in-house conference look like at your institution?

Face-to-Face Networking Our Program Student Workers Dress for Success Volleyball/Basketball Games (Math vs. Sci, Alumni vs. Students, Instructors vs. Other) Big Brother – Big Sister (new) Our Society Welcome Back Bash Game Night Dining Out/ Pot Luck Study Hall Finals Mania End of the Semester Banquet

Face-to-Face Networking How have you created networks among students at your campus?

Celebrations tH Program Purchase a nice camera End of Class Pictures End of Year Celebration  Semester Overview  Student Awards  Graduate Acknowledgement End of Class Pot Lucks with Class Pictures tHSS Officer Elections End of the Semester Banquet  Semester Overview  Most Active Member Award  Raffle Prizes  Graduate Acknowledgement

Celebrations How do you currently celebrate students’ successes? What more could you do to celebrate student successes?

Social Media tH Program tHSS

Social Media Networking Facebook  Like  Groups: Induction  Events  Pictures Twitter  Retweet  Follow  Pictures Instagram  Pictures LinkedIn Pintrest  “Pinning” Inspiration  Lesson Plans  Classroom Management Remind 101 Zite

Social Media Networking What social media sites can you improve the use of? What social media sites do you want to begin to use? Who will manage those sites?

Q&A Please complete the evaluation.