Teacher Time Mastery for Secondary ELA Teachers

Becky Zerr
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Education
  • Updated Weekly

This podcast is created especially for secondary-level English Language Arts teachers who are looking for ways to up their teaching game while simultaneously reclaiming their free time.

  1. 09/18/2023

    Ep 16: Streamline Your Essay Grading with Writing Improvement Tools for Students

    Podcast Show Notes: Streamline Your Essay Grading with Writing Improvement Tools for Students Introduction 00:00 - 01:22 - Welcome to today's episode where we explore how technology can streamline the essay grading process and enhance student writing skills. - As educators, we aim to develop not only knowledge but also effective writing skills, a crucial aspect of critical thinking and self-expression. Section 1: Feedback Fruits - Automated Feedback Revolution 01:23 - 07:35 - Feedback Fruits is a powerful tool that automates the feedback process for students' writing. - It goes beyond grammar checks, using AI algorithms to identify complex writing issues and provide detailed insights. - Teachers can monitor students' interaction with the automated feedback using engagement analytics. - Encourage students to actively engage with Feedback Fruits to improve their writing before grades are finalized. Website: Feedback Fruits Section 2: PaperRater - Your Writing Ally 07:36 - 14:45 - PaperRater serves as a trusty sidekick for improving writing. - It checks grammar, spelling, and writing style, helping students catch errors and enhance clarity. - PaperRater also includes a plagiarism checker to promote academic integrity. - It offers vocabulary suggestions, encouraging students to expand their word choices. - Students can get a ballpark grade by entering their grade level and writing genre. Website: PaperRater Section 3: Hemingway Editor - The Clarity Crusader 14:46 - 21:02 - Hemingway Editor focuses on simplicity and clarity in writing. - It highlights complex sentences and encourages students to simplify their writing. - The tool identifies passive voice constructions and promotes the use of active voice. - Hemingway Editor provides readability scores to help students gauge readability. - It's an essential tool for refining writing style before the final draft. Website: Hemingway Editor Section 4: AcaWriter - Elevating Academic Excellence 21:03 - 28:11 - AcaWriter is designed for academic writing, assisting students in constructing strong arguments and citing evidence. - It serves as a GPS for academic writing, ensuring students navigate the scholarly landscape effectively. - For teachers, AcaWriter helps ensure logical essay structures and solid evidence in students' work. - It's perfect for advanced students and those on the college path, honing research and rhetorical skills. Website: AcaWriter Conclusion 28:12 - 31:00 - These four tech tools—Feedback Fruits, PaperRater, Hemingway Editor, and AcaWriter—transform education. - They empower students to become better writers, while also streamlining grading for teachers. - Embrace technology to elevate student writing and foster a community of learners. - As educators, our role is to guide students in the beneficial use of technological tools, preparing them for the future. Thank you for joining us in this episode, and we hope these tools revolutionize your approach to essay grading and student writing improvement. Stay tuned for more insights in our future episodes!

  2. 09/11/2023

    Ep 15: The Power of Teacher Support: Thriving Together in Education

    Summary of Podcast Transcript: "The Power of Teacher Support: Thriving Together in Education" Introduction 00:00:00 - 00:01:17 Becky Zerr introduces the importance of teacher support groups, emphasizing that teaching is more than a job; it's a calling that unites educators. She highlights the significance of the educator community in facing the unique challenges of the profession. The Magic of Shared Resources 00:01:17 - 00:02:09 Becky discusses the value of shared resources within the teacher community, describing it as a treasure trove of ideas and materials. She emphasizes the collective wisdom of teachers who share their passion for education, encouraging collaboration to avoid reinventing the wheel. A Supportive Shoulder to Lean On 00:02:09 - 00:04:29 The emotional challenges of teaching are acknowledged, and the importance of having a support system is stressed. Becky talks about the need for a safe space within the teacher community to vent, seek advice, and offer support to each other. The immeasurable power of emotional support is highlighted. The Collaborative Spirit 00:04:29 - 00:06:29 Becky discusses the role of collaboration in innovation within the teacher community. She envisions brainstorming sessions where ideas flow freely, sparking excitement and creativity. Collaboration is described as vital for vibrant teaching practices and engaged students. Professional Development 00:06:29 - 00:08:38 The importance of continuous professional development is emphasized, with suggestions for organizing workshops, seminars, and webinars within teacher communities. The focus is on deepening knowledge and staying updated with educational trends. Advocacy 00:08:38 - 00:10:41 Becky shares her personal advocacy experiences and the importance of teachers uniting to champion education and influence policies. She highlights the impact of advocacy efforts and equips educators with the tools to become effective advocates. Celebrating Successes 00:10:41 - 00:11:42 The need to celebrate both small and big successes in education is emphasized. Becky reminds educators of their incredible impact on students' lives and encourages sharing success stories within the teacher community. Joining Teacher Support Communities 00:11:42 - 13:56 Educators are invited to explore various teacher support communities, including Facebook groups and specialized memberships like Vocab Vigor. An upcoming Digital Escape Rooms workshop is promoted as an opportunity for collaboration and professional growth. Becky concludes by urging educators to thrive together in the world of education. Closing Remarks 00:12:11 - 13:56 Becky encourages educators to connect with her and join the teacher support community, offering access to resources and ongoing memberships. She also promotes the Digital Escape Rooms workshop, emphasizing the benefits of sharing ideas and creating engaging learning experiences. The episode concludes with a call to shape the future of education together.

  3. 09/04/2023

    Ep 14: Unlock Learning & Forget Grading with Digital Escape Rooms for English Language Arts

    Welcome to the Teacher Time Mastery Podcast! In this episode, we're delving into the world of digital escape rooms for English Language Arts. Join us as we explore the incredible benefits of using these immersive adventures in the classroom. 📚🔐 Show Notes: Discover why digital escape rooms are a game-changer for modern ELA instruction. Learn step-by-step how to craft your own engaging escape room tailored to your curriculum. Unveil the power of integrating ELA concepts seamlessly into puzzles and challenges. Get insights into how to leverage digital tools for an enhanced experience. Special feature: Introducing New Horizons Academy's Digital Escape Room Library. Join us in a hands-on guided workshop journey at the end of September 2023 focused on how you can create your own digital escape rooms using my tried-and-true system. Click the link here to find out more: http://www.wixevents.com/viewEvent/v2/07648041-00cc-4197-ab45-0a64930520d7/ccbbe9f4-9201-488c-a347-6a163618cc46

  4. 08/28/2023

    Ep 13: Elevate Your Classroom: The Power of Brain Breaks and a Breath of Fresh Air!

    Sources: Morton, Sheryl F., "Engagement Through Brain Breaks in the Secondary Classroom" (2016).M.S.Ed. in Educational Leadership Research Projects. 39. https://scholarworks.umf.maine.edu/ed_leadership_projects/39 Check out Vocab Vigor here: http://www.newhorizonsacademyllc.com/vocab-vigor

  5. 08/21/2023

    Ep 12: Exploring Interactive Lesson Platforms: Lumio by SMART vs. Nearpod

    Episode Links: Lumio by SMART - http://lum.io Nearpod: http://www.Nearpod.com Mote: http://www.mote.com

  6. 08/15/2023

    Ep 11: Quit Wasting Time -- Use Data Merging in Your ELA Classroom

    **Podcast Show Notes: Streamline Your Teaching with Portant - A Teacher's Perspective** Portant's Website: https://app.portant.co/signup **Introduction:** - Welcome back to another episode of our after-school teacher chat! Today, we're exploring an incredible web-based app that's a game-changer for educators. Get comfy, grab your favorite after-school drink, and let's dive into how Portant can revolutionize your teaching experience. **Highlights:** 1. **Meet Portant - Your Document Workflow Solution** - Introducing Portant, a website that automates document creation, saving time and minimizing errors. - Tailored for educators, Portant streamlines teaching processes and boosts classroom engagement. 2. **Personal Experience with Portant** - Our host, an ELA teacher and owner of New Horizons Academy, shares how Portant has transformed her teaching. - Portant simplifies SAT and ACT vocabulary lesson creation using Google Slides and Docs templates. - Single data entry in a Google Form or Sheet populates various templates, creating study guides, quizzes, and more. 3. **Efficient Communication with Parents and Administrators** - Portant enhances communication with parents and administrators. - Create beautifully designed letters using templates and Google Forms for progress reports, invitations, and incident reports. - Customized templates notify relevant parties and maintain documentation effortlessly. 4. **Comparison with Autocrat and Future Prospects** - Compared to tools like Autocrat, Portant offers user-friendly features and consistent image importing. - Upcoming features, like Google Sheets output, make Portant even more appealing. 5. **Creative Classroom Applications** - Beyond administrative tasks, Portant has versatile classroom applications. - Send e-signature classroom contracts, create student "about me" printouts, and establish a digital reading wall for book reviews. - Simplify field trip permission slips and design quiz templates paired with Google Forms. 6. **Embracing Technology for Efficient Teaching** - In today's education landscape, technology integration is vital. - Portant saves time and mental energy, allowing teachers to focus on essential aspects of teaching. - Explore Portant's free version and tap into its active support resources. 7. **Pro Version and Customization** - The Pro Version offers professional documents, higher creation limits, email tracking, and branding removal. - Customize templates to align with your teaching style and requirements. 8. **Engage and Share: Your Experience Matters!** - The host encourages listeners to try Portant and share their teaching tech experiences. - Have you discovered other data merging hacks? Join the conversation and stay connected. 9. **Closing Thoughts and Future Content** - As we conclude, it's evident that Portant can transform teaching experiences. - Embrace technology's potential and leverage tools like Portant for an efficient teaching journey. **Conclusion:** - Thanks for joining our teacher-to-teacher chat. Explore Portant's features at https://app.portant.co/signup and elevate your teaching efficiency. Stay tuned for more insightful content to enhance your teaching journey. Until next time, happy teaching!

  7. 08/07/2023

    Ep 10: Inventive Ways to Save Grading Time with ZipGrade in an ELA Room

    P.S. I would love to know what you think about ZipGrade, so don’t forget to follow me on my socials. 😉 Instagram: instagram.com/newhorizonsacademyllc Facebook: facebook.com/newhorizonsacademyllc P.P.S. I've included ZipGrade sheets and keys for all of the quizzes in Vocab Vigor, with four different quiz versions to boot. Check them out below! http://www.newhorizonsacademyllc.com/vocab-vigor

  8. 07/31/2023

    Ep 9: Combating Burnout: An Actionable Guide for Secondary ELA Teachers

    Get your FREE copy of "Combating Burnout: An Actionable Guide for Secondary ELA Teachers" here: https://www.newhorizonsacademyllc.com/product-page/combating-burnout-an-actionable-guide-for-secondary-ela-teachers-ebook

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This podcast is created especially for secondary-level English Language Arts teachers who are looking for ways to up their teaching game while simultaneously reclaiming their free time.

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