Be the change you want to see in this world

"Winning starts in the mind. Whatever the mind can conceive, it will achieve."
-Joaquin Nangauta Naputi

"Be the change you want to see in the world."
-Mahatma Gandhi

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Resourceful Websites for ESL Teachers

*www.everythingesl.net (articles)
*www.enchantedlearning.com (activities; membership fee required)
*www.dltk-cards.com/bingo/ (bingo games)
*www.abcteach.com (flash cards; membership fee required)
*www.colorincolorado.org (great information)
*www.readinga-z.com (leveled books and reading ideas; membership fee required)
*www.learnenglish.org.uk (songs, poems, resources)
*www.mes-english.com (printables)
*www.brainpopesl.com (animated videos, free trial membership)
During the 45th Annual TESOL Convention and Exhibit, I attended a presentation titled, "Technology Today: What Leaders Need to Know and Do" by Emily Reynolds, Boulder, Colorado

Reynolds focused on computer literacy and the various resources available to enhance instruction. She mentioned the following technology tools that I think would be useful for my fellow ESL colleagues. We have used some of these technology tools, but they're still valuable, so I have left them on the list.

*Audacity (audio recording software):
http://audacity.sourceforge.net/

*Skype (real-time voice communication):
http://www.skype.com

*Yahoo Messenger (with voice in PC version):
http://www.yahoo.com

*HorizonLive/Wimba: http://www.horizonwimba.com/

*Resources for Blogs and Wikis:
http://www.edvista.com/claire/callcourse/blogs&wikis.html

*Webcasts: http://www.learningtimes.com/
*Podcasting: http://www.podcast.net/

*Resources for Podcasting:
http://www.edvista.com/claire/callcourse/podcasts.html

*Resources for PowerPoint:
http://www.edvista.com/claire/callcourse/ppt.html

*Making a Web Page:
http://www.edvista.com/claire/callcourse/webpage.html

*KompoZer (open-source HTML Editor for Macintosh, Windows, and Linux): http://kompozer.net/

*Elluminate – real-time virtual classroom environment:
http://www.elluminate.com/

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

The 45th Annual TESOL Convention and Exhibit was held March 17-19, 2011 in New Orleans, Louisiana. It was packed with ESL resources and knowledge that we will share with our fellow colleagues and students. This year's theme was Examining the "E" in TESOL. Enjoy the following snapshots taken during our convention trip!







































Saturday, March 12, 2011


    

On Tuesday, March 15th, we are asking you, your friends, your family, your neighbors, the milk man, and anyone else you can think of to make a call toSave Service in America! Help us get the attention of the entire Senate by overwhelming their offices with phone calls asking them to support AmeriCorps and keep national service alive in America!
Congress has passed a short-term spending bill that will avert a federal government shutdown for two weeks. Before March 18th, Congress must reach a compromise on the FY11 budget. As you know, the House already voted to eliminate AmeriCorps when they passed H.R. 1. This week, the Senate weighed in: the vote on H.R. 1 and on the Democratic alternative failed.
Now, serious negotiations will follow, as the House and Senate try to make the tough decisions and find common ground. The question is: will the FY11 budget agreement fund AmeriCorps and Corporation for National and Community Service?
That is why, on March 15th, we are going to flood their offices with calls telling them to support AmeriCorps and service. The best part is, you don't even have to take off from work for this! You can locate your Senators here and find the phone number to their office. When you call, simply tell them you support AmeriCorps, what it does for the country, and that Congress should keep it funded in the next year.Your voice matters!
You can also continue to help support service by submitting your personal testimonials of serviceWe're preparing a collection of these to give to the Senate. Our best stories will show how national service has shaped and changed the U.S. for the better for the last 45 years and cutting it now would be a terrible mistake. For those who have already contributed stories, thank you! For those who haven't, now is your chance to share!
That's all for now, but keep following us onFacebookandTwitterfor updates. Keep on the great work and don't forget to call your Senator on March 15th and tell them to Save Service!
Serve On!

The AmeriCorps Alums Team


Support the fight to keep AmeriCorps going strong.

Friday, March 11, 2011

The School of Education (SOE) at the University of Guam is scheduled for a Fall 2011 accreditation review by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) as part of the ongoing accreditation review process. SOE was granted full accreditation status by NCATE in 2007 with the next visit scheduled for Dec. 4 -6, 2011. SOE started planning for the visit in Fall, 2009 and will be one of the colleges and universities across the U.S. that will pilot NCATE’s Continuous Improvement plan. The process has already begun with the submission of program reports to the Specialized Professional Associations (SPAs). Two SOE programs have received National Recognition : BA degree programs in Elementary Education and in Physical Education.

NCATE’s performance-based system of accreditation requires college and university teacher education units, to provide evidence in meeting six(6) standards of performance in the area of curriculum, assessment, field experiences, diversity, faculty qualifications, and governance. NCATE accredited program affirm that 1) teacher candidates can effectively teach subject matter resulting in student learning and 2) teacher candidates can connect theory and practice in order to be effective in the P-12 classroom.

A professional education unit accredited by NCATE is expected to be committed to the continuous processes of assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation that characterize discovery, problem-solving, curriculum development, program development, inquiry, and research.

Both NCATE and UOG recognize graduates, parents, schools, and community organizations have valuable perspectives on the quality of the programs that prepare teachers, administrators and counselors. The School of Education invites interested parties to submit written testimony on UOG’s School of Education to:

Board of Examiners
NCATE
2010 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Suite 500
Washington, DC 20036-1023

Or by email to: callforcomments@ncate.org

Comments must address substantive matters related to the quality of professional education programs offered, and should specify the respondent’s relationship, if any, to the institution (i.e., graduate, present or former faculty member, employer of graduates). Copies of all correspondence received will be sent to the university for comment prior to the review. No anonymous testimony will be considered. Letters of comment should be received no later than April 30, 2011.

Saturday, March 05, 2011

For information on the 30th Annual International PIBBA Conference, please read the details below.



Source: Marianas Visitors Authority



30th Annual International
PIBBA Conference


ECONOMIC CHALLENGES FOR THE PACIFIC ISLANDS:

FUETSAN I LINGGUAHI YAN KUTTURA
(ECONOMIC POTENTIALS OF LANGUAGES AND CULTURES)


Tuesday-Thursday, June 21-23, 2011
TINIAN


Sponsored by:
Pacific Islands Bilingual Bicultural Association (PIBBA) International and CNMI Chapter


The PIBBA Conference is an annual event in which Western Pacific educators are provided with opportunities for professional growth and cultural enrichment. This year's conference offers a wonderful selection of traditional, innovative, and practical workshops, presented by creative and imaginative educators and cultural leaders from the Pacific islands.


PIBBA Conference Chairs:


Frances Sablan, Secretary, PIBBA International

Diana Hocog Borja, PIBBA CNMI Chapter


For information, e-mail Frances at francessablan@gmail.com, Diana at dhborja@yahoo.com, or Florine at gadao0ne@yahoo.com
.
..
Download Registration Form
.
Downlaod Presentation Form
.
Download Exhibit Form
.
Download Indigenous Teacher of the Year Packet
.
Download Pioneer of the Year Packet
.
Hotel Accommodations
.
.


Click on the image above to view the PIBBA Conference
invitation letter from the Mayor of Tinian and Aguiguan

We are pleased to announce that PIBBA Conference participants will be given a special discount of 10% off the lowest fares. However, travel period for this offer is June 14-July 2, 2011. When making the reservation, simply mention the reservation code *GC1110*. Click here to view details of the special Continental Airlines discount.


SNAPSHOTS FROM THE 29TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL PIBBA CONFERENCE HELD IN THE REPUBLIC OF THE MARSHALL ISLANDS


PIBBA Officers and Members get ready for the PIBBA International Meeting on June 25, 2010. L-R: Rosa Salas Palomo, PIBBA International President; Kanchi Hosia, Assistant Secretary for RMI Elementary Education; Cheta Anien, PIBBA President-Elect, and Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, PIBBA Webmaster.
PIBBA Officers and Members for 2010-2011 will steer the next PIBBA Conference in Palau under the leadership of Senator Kathy Kesolei.
.

PIBBA participants from Guam, CNMI, and Pohnpei are ready to attend the Opening Ceremony of the 29th Annual International PIBBA Conference at the RMI International Conference Center on June 22, 2010. Pictured front row L-R: Shelten G. Neth, PIBBA Immediate Past-President; Frances Sablan, PIBBA Secretary; Julia Shore, GDOE Chamoro Teacher; Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, PIBBA Webmaster and GDOE ESL Coordinator/Teacher; and Jacqueline Hazen, IREI. Back row: Nelsin Iriarte, PDOE Language Arts Specialist; Koshy Reuney, GDOE ESL Coordinator; Dr. Arlene S. Diaz, GDOE, SPC-ESL; and Marie Salas, GDOE ESL Coordinator.


.

The Palau Delegation actively participates in the 29th Annual International PIBBA Conference. Pictured front row left to right: Dario Harris, Julita Debngek, Elin Rebluud, Senator Kathy Kesolei, Vivian Schmull, and Jerome Megreos. Second Row L-R: Tem N. Meriang, Kerungil Tellei, and Johnson Joshua. Third Row L-R: Selina Ramon, and Lucia Tabelual.

.


PIBBA recipients for the Teacher of the Year and Pioneer of the Year were awarded on June 24, 2010. Pictured L-R: Frances Sablan, PIBBA International Secretary; Rosa Salas Palomo, PIBBA International President; Antonia Salas, Guam Teacher of the Year; Cheta Anien, PIBBA International President-Elect; Marlyn Ernist, Chuuk Teacher of the Year; Zander Refilong, Guam Pioneer of the Year; Saped Santos, Pohnpei Pioneer of the Year; Alfred Capelle, Republic of the Marshall Islands Pioneer of the Year; and Shelten Neth, PIBBA International Immediate Past President. Not pictured are Ema Melander, Kosrae Teacher of the Year and Standon Andrew, Kosrae Pioneer of the Year.ed with the prestigious PIBBA Teacher of the Year and Pioneer of the Year awards. We encourage fellow educators in the community!
.
A

PIBBA participants show off the coconut-weaving artifacts they made, as part of the presentation titled, Using Coconut Weaving in Guam Classrooms to Improve the Language Arts and Mathematics Skills of Local Students presented by Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera and Kos Reuney, ESL Coordinators from the Guam Department of Education.

.

PIBBA presenters prepare themselves for their scheduled presentations. Pictured L-R: Dr. Greg Tainatongo, Retired GDOE Administrator & Teacher; Kos Reuney, GDOE ESL Coordinator; Dr. Sharon Nelson-Barber, PREL Chief Excecutive Officer; Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, PIBBA Webmaster & GDOE ESL Coordinator/Teacher; and Julia Shore, GDOE Chamorro Teacher.
.
.
.
.
.

The Majuro Atoll Local Government Choir perform during the PIBBA Conference Opening Ceremony held June 22, 2010 at the RMI International Convention Center.


. .


Marshall Islands Choir and Special Education Students perform during the PIBBA Conference Opening Ceremony held June 22, 2010 at the RMI International Convention Center. . The students were instrumental in providing cultural entertainment that provided much insight on their culture and and of which allowed us to gain more appreciation of cultural diversity.. .


Pohnpei presenters pose during their Values Behind Proverbs workshop. Pictured L-R: Maria Donre, Social Studies Specialist; Nelsin Iriarte, Language Arts Specialist; and Rickson Higgins, Library, Museum, and Archives Curator.


.
.

Jaqueline Hazen from the Island Research and Education Initiative (IREI) introduced several sets of bilingual books developed in collaboration with local educators and linguists in the four states of FSM. Pictured L-R: Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, PIBBA Webmaster & GDOE ESL Coordinator/Teacher; Nelsin Iriarte, PDOE Language Arts Specialist; Hazen; and Kos Reuney, GDOE ESL Coordinator.
.
.
.
Iolani Meleijon from Leipajid Handicraft Shop was one of many vendors who sold various indigenous arts and crafts from the Republic of the Marshall Islands.

Thursday, March 03, 2011

Click on the image above to get additional details of the Astronomy Club events.