Special Education Today

1 September 2010

On the Principal’s Job

Filed under: DC Public Schools, Teacher Sol's Lifestory, Teachers/ Educators — Maria Angala, NBCT @ 11:35 pm
After getting reconnected with my relatives and friends since I started Facebook last January, I found my first cousin (Kuya Lito) on FB last night, my oldest cousin on my father's side, who said that the last time he saw me was when I was a freshman in highschool, LOL. During our childhood, my cousins and I used to frequent our private beach resort back home (Sera Sol, Philippines), building sand castles, swimming, exploring the coral reefs during low tide and resting under the coconut trees on a hammock. Unfortunately, we went our separate ways and lost communication with each other after we graduated from HS, college is indeed life changing. Now after having found each other on FB we are planning on a grand reunion soon, yay!!! I guess it's true what they say, home is a place you grow up wanting to leave, and grow old wanting to get back to. This one photo our beach resort that I tagged my brothers, sisters and paternal cousins triggered a never ending thread of comments, we so missed each other. Kuya Lito is now a school principal, and I will have my share of stories too as a school administrator (that was before I left home) when we see each other. I know that a principal who serves as an instructional leader is of immense value to any school.

I have been here in DC Public Schools, in the same school, for six years now and have had five principals. The turn over of administrators is just unbelievable!! If it is best for students and teachers, I cannot say that, we need stability. Over the years I have seen that the role of the principal and the nature of school leadership are being redefined as increasing numbers of schools turn to total quality schools, teaming, restructuring, peer coaching, and other paradigm shifts. But I believe that a non-threatening, high achieving school climate is key to a successful school. While some principals are more talented leaders than others, the quality of the teacher-principal relationship greatly influences the overall school climate, which in turn affects the students' success in the classroom.

We have just started the advent of school year, and yet anyone can sense that there is something different in my school...and it's good. I have seen that the less friction and stress between the principal and teachers, the more enjoyable we all find our jobs. We need each other to succeed, and when the principal and teachers can work in harmony students are ultimately the winners. No one gains and ultimately students lose when a poisonous, adversarial relationship exists between principal and teachers.

In my school things are looking good, we are looking forward to a great school year as we welcome our enthusiastic Instructional Coach, Ms. Alethea Felton (she has more positive energy than I do!) and a wonderful Instructional Leader who will help us bring back the pride at Jefferson, Principal Patricia Pride...could her name be a sign that she is the one who is going to give us what this school needs?.

I am a very hopeful person and I am keeping the faith.

6 August 2010

Justice to Filipino Migrant Teachers

Filed under: Filipino Teachers, Teacher Sol's Lifestory, Teachers/ Educators — Maria Angala, NBCT @ 12:34 am
Dear Filipino Teachers,

Kayang kaya basta sama sama! May our colleagues in Louisiana be the model of strength, unity, and courage for those who are still voiceless...

Joint Press Release
August 5, 2010

Filipino teachers file class suit vs oppressive recruiters

Filipino migrant teachers in Louisiana today filed a class lawsuit against Universal Placement International (UPI) and its Philippine based partner, PARS International for various offenses ranging from racketeering, human trafficking, extortion and mail and wire fraud.

Hundreds of Filipino migrant teachers who are working under H1-B visa and are deployed in several school districts in Louisiana are represented in the class action lawsuit. The plaintiffs are spearheaded by the Filipino Educators Federation (FEF) of Louisiana , a group formed to organize the victims of the recruitment agencies and pursue efforts against these same agencies.

Also named as respondents in the complaint are Lourdes “Lulu” Navarro and Hothello “Jack” Navarro of UPI, Emilio Villarba of PARS International; UPI’s law firm Silverman and Associates and lawyer Robert Silverman; and the East Baton Rouge School District and three of its former and one current officers.

The lawsuit arouse from the illegal and highly exorbitant amount that were charged to the Filipino teachers. The recruitment agencies were never transparent and always seemed to come up with additional payments. When teachers attempt to complain or question the policies of the agency they were threatened to be sued or fired or deported back to the Philippines . Aside from the illegal charges, the teachers were intimidated to sign lopsided contracts.

During a press conference held to announce the filing of the suit, a press statement was read by Ingrid Jomento-Cuz, FEF President. “We never imagined that an oppressive racketeering trap was laid before us. Universal Placement International or UPI and its Philippine-based conduit, PARS International, created a non-transparent scheme that starts with earning your trust, then proceeds with a series of payment collection laced with subtle intimidation and then followed through with fraud, coercion and open extortion. We were herded onto a path, a slowly constricting path, where the moment you realize that something is not right, you were already way past the point of no return.”
“This oppressive scheme of UPI and PARS wouldn’t have been totally successful without the knowledge, tolerance and support from individuals who acted on behalf of the School System. We cannot deny the fact that they cooperated with the recruiters or failed to object to actions that they knew were highly questionable if not downright illegal.”

While the East Baton Rouge School District was named as one of the respondents, Jomento-Cruz underscored that they have no animosity against their current employer. “We would like to make it clear that we harbor no ill will towards the Louisiana School System… The new superintendent has paid attention to our concerns and has closely monitored the problems we have encountered…Let me also use this opportunity to declare once again that we continue to have a strong commitment to our students, and will continue to serve the district for we believe that the actions by some individuals within the EBR School District do not represent the values of the institution and the people of Louisiana.”
“The exploitation of migrant workers is an ongoing and a growing problem here in the US . This lawsuit is again another arena of battle to expose these entities that are out to exploit migrant labor. PM joins the call for stronger legislation that will ensure the protection of the rights of migrant labor.”, said Ian Seruelo, US Liaison officer of the Partido ng Manggagawa (PM Labor Party)
According to the FEF statement, the objective of the legal action “is to ensure that these exploitative practices end now. We do not want this to happen to any other teachers who come here from the Philippines or anywhere else. And we can not stop these oppressive schemes unless everyone involved understand that they cannot simply look the other way when they encounter abusive practices by recruiters.”
Representing the Filipino teachers is a legal team assembled by the Southern Poverty Law Center and American Federation of Teachers (AFT). AFT and Louisiana Federation of Teachers (LFT) have been instrumental in the struggle of the Filipino teachers. In the Philippines , PM and the PSLINK labor confederation are assisting the teachers’ efforts.



7 May 2010

Happy Birthday, baby!

Filed under: Teacher Sol's Lifestory — Maria Angala, NBCT @ 10:43 pm
Knowing that I did everything to bring this perfect little girl into this world was good for me...and having her around (plus another little one) was never boring :)

My daughter, Rae, is now 12 years old, time flies fast! A high achiever, Rae has been a consistent honor student eversince she started school. Recently she came home with a certificate that says she received the High Honors Award from her Middle School for maintaining a GPA of 3.6. With the skills and the spirit of a warrior, she is anticipating to get her Red Belt in Karate very soon. She was excited when she was accepted to the Black Belt Club because she wanted to be trained to use different kinds of weapons in self defense and to compete regionally. Martial Arts has instilled in her intense discipline, responsibility and self confidence. She started playing the violin in first grade and now her proficiency with playing some Classical pieces is very impressive.

She is a creative writer. Here's a sample of her work with a "thumbs up" from her teacher... P.S. she told me to emphasize to everyone that this is just a product of her imagination and that she loves her baby brother so much.
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Memories...sad memories...bad memories
Author: Maren Rae Angala

May 17, 1865
It was very cold, my brother was sick today. Not like it was surprising or anything because my brother was always sick eversince he was born. Today, we stopped in the middle of nowhere, we were setting up the fire while Ma was making food. I made sure I watched my brother because he seemed to eat anything he saw that moves.

May 19, 1865
It was very tiring because we worked hard to try to survive by making food, hunting, looking for berries, carrying heavy wood. Then while Ma was cooking and I was busy, Ma screamed which startled us. We all ran towards the kitchen and saw my brother chewing something gooey. We pryed up his mouth and saw half a caterpillar's body. Pa identified that it was one of the most poisonous caterpillars ever.

May 25, 1865
He was very sick for a few days and today it was really worse. We layed him down on the flat bed, he was turning blue, his mouth was foaming. Pa said eating the deadly caterpillar would be fatal, no cure would help him. My brother opened up his mouth mumbling (I could read his lips), "please don't leave me alone..." His greatest fear was being alone, nobody beside him made him lonely.

May 27, 1865
I could still remember what he said a couple of days ago. Tears rolled down my cheek as I looked at the carved rock written in his name. My parents couldn't bury him in the cemetary, Pa said a lot of people would be suspicious. As we left in the carriage I felt miserable knowing that I will never see him or play with him again. But I felt relieved knowing that he will never suffer again.

June 1, 1865
My brother is now all alone...by himself...nobody to play with. His greatest fear came true and it will always be that way now, alone forever, never to see anybody, never to talk to anybody ever again. But someday he'll see a light, hear a voice. Then he'll know that the time has come for him to never be afraid ever again... -END-
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Rae is destined to be an incredible woman. Happy birthday, baby!

1 May 2010

When I was a school administrator back then…

Filed under: Teacher Sol's Lifestory, Teachers/ Educators — Maria Angala, NBCT @ 10:16 am

I call myself an accidental Special Educator, because it wasn’t my plan to be in this field. My childhood dream was to become a doctor. And I was in medicine proper, in full scholarship, when I realized I was called for another profession.

My exposure to Special Education at the Center for Developmental Intervention Foundation at the Philippine Children’s Medical Center has left me deeply encouraged to be with special children who are in need of time and affection. I realized that if a regular child yearns for attention from people, more so with special children. Unfortunately, most of them have been fed with a diet of leftovers- leftover love, leftover patience, leftover laughter, leftover stories, leftover kindness, leftover energy, leftover everything.

I did not fail myself by not fulfilling my childhood dream, I feel that I am now in a better position. As a special education teacher I don’t look after people’s physical health but the child's mental health. I don’t dissect people’s brain but I open my students' minds in wonder. I don’t cut people’s hearts, rather, I touch their hearts. With what I do now I am able to save lives in a different way...


This morning I missed my friends and wanted to see how they were doing. It's been awhile since I last logged in to my Facebook account. I was guilty of not responding to some friend requests, like Billy, who has been reminding me about it. As soon as I accepted his invitation, the chat box popped up and we started bridging the gap and reminiscing about the times when I was a school administrator (at 23 years old) and he was one of my hardworking staff. Teacher Billy Esmalde just recently finished his MA in Special Education at the University of the Philippines (my Alma Mater). He sent me his photo with the caption "the result of my hardwork and perseverance amid the adversities"...

Billy:Teacher Sol, how are you? t. sol kmusta po?
Me: I'm ok, congrats! ok naman...congrats!
Billy: Thank you, Teacher Sol, for all the trainings and the skills you gave us, thank you so much. The rest of us, Melody and Fretzie, are now in the UK salamat t. sol sa mga training s mo sa amin, salamat talga, c t.melody nasa UK na at fretzie
Me: you're welcome! I'm glad to hear I made a positive impact on you!
Billy: Of course, we miss Funshine, please come back home so you can give us some more training-seminars, you inspire me Teacher Sol syempre naman miss namin FUNSHINE, uwi ka pinas mag seminar ka sa amin, idol kita t.sol
Billy: I miss your management, we still talk about you with Melody and Fretzie, we miss Funshine miss ko management mo talaga pag nag uusap nga kmi nila melody at fretzie
sayang wla na funshine
Me: Funshine will always be with us...in our hearts and minds
Billy: yes
I left a legacy in the Philippines – Funshine Preschool in Lagro QC and Funshine Special Ed Center in Fairview QC.

Funshine - “being bright while having fun”. That was our motto, which suggested a developmental philosophy of teaching students. The logo was a smiling bright sun, with eight rays. Why the sun? Why the sol? The sun is a source of energy, vibrant, powerful...it shines bright in darkness. Since I was a kid my family called me Marisol.

I miss how the parents and my students called me Teacher Sol. The title is a sign of respect, teachers are highly regarded in my country.

I started the schools with just 4 tutorial students. The students grew to more than 50 in five months, and branched out to two satellite schools in four years. My friends who are taking their MA in SPED were helping me provide the services we offered to the kids before I left the Philippines.

Since its inception summer of 1998, my schools has managed exceptional children who needed academic follow-up and advanced lessons from pre-school to high school, refreshment and review sessions for the next school year, as well as tutorial and therapy sessions for children who are exhibiting infantile autism, ADHD, language disorder, and learning disability.

A lot of entrepreneurs became instant millionaires because of this business of putting up a private school. It was lucrative but I charged a very minimal tuition fee because the parents of my students could not afford the prevailing rates for such services we offered.

I am not an entrepreneur. I am an educator.


Me: How are our students at Funshine? kamusta mga kids natin sa Funshine?
Billy: They're all grown ups now, Funshine has greatly impacted me, look at us now we are successful and having a better life malalaki na sila, malaki impact sa akin ng FUNSHINE, tingnan mo kung nasan ka po ngayon successful kna at kmi nasan na grabe...maganda na buhay namin
Me: I know...I learned a lot from you guys too...you all made me what I am today
You have been around, what is so different about Funshine? what made it stand out to you?
Billy: Discipline, high expectations, and most of all you treated us fairly and that is extraordinary for an administrator here disiplina at wlang mas mataas sa iba you treat us fair, basta t.sol mismo kaw masasabi pag andito kana sa pinas
Me: I really tried...
Billy: Yup we're now miles away apart but at least you still remember us, Sherwin, T. Car, and Lanie, you will be in our hearts oo nga ang lalayo na natin pero at least in our hearts t. sol naalala mo parin kami nila melody, sherwin. t. car and lanie
Me: of course, will never forget the bond we forged w/c made us resilient amid the storm
irreplaceable...hard to replicate
Me: T. Billy, now that you have the skills and the wisdom to make a difference to our children, I challenge you to do the same thing...
Billy: i will t.sol


I was in tears after our conversation.

27 April 2010

On my involvement with our teachers union (WTU)

Filed under: DC Public Schools, Teacher Sol's Lifestory, Teachers/ Educators, WTU — Maria Angala, NBCT @ 7:01 pm
Almost a year ago during the times when I was very restless, I wrote a reflective entry On Becoming a Teacher Leader. I shared that I spent my college years at the University of the Philippines, the premiere state university in my country, where freedom of thought and expression was exercised which provided me with a complete armory for activism. But then I heeded the advice of my mom to focus on my academic responsibilities and never to get involved in any form of political action. My professors gave me the wisdom and the skills to learn the Socratic way, and the passion to stand up for what is right became an integral part of my words, thoughts and actions.

The prospects are both exciting and frightening where I am now. Keeping body and soul together can be as formidable as any journey especially when the train where we are all in seems to be moving towards the wrong direction...are we still going to the final destination? Thanks to the guidance and encouragement of some significant leaders of our teachers union, I am not giving up hope.

There are so much things happening right now on the local and national level which lead to frustration, anger, and all that is harmful not only to the teachers but also to the children whose lives we continue to influence daily. It is always a challenge to not fall prey to victimization and to steer clear of the blame game. After going through a long and meaningful introspection, I realized that working with the people who have the same mission has taught me to fully understand my role as a teacher leader. As I said earlier, "I realized that when I empower, support, encourage and inspire the teachers to do their best for the kids, I am impacting the lives of more than just the students in my classroom."
While we do our best in the Washington Teachers Union (WTU, Local 6 of the AFT) to make decisions that are best for the kids and fair to teachers, debates and heated arguments happen on the table just like in any active policymaking body. When this happens, I remind myself to choose my reactions. As it is a fact that circumstances don't "make" the teacher; circumstances "reveal" the teacher.

I have learned so much as a member of the WTU executive board, from policymaking, keeping relationships with the staff and partners, to establishing rapport with my colleagues. I have also learned and internalized some core values in life, that it is important for us executive board members to be team players, to respect each other's views, and to collectively adopt a "can-do" attitude and to be willing to pitch in to get the union's work done. It is also required for us to look for ways to build consensus, and respect and support the majority decisions of the board. It is also imperative that we refrain from criticizing fellow board members, discussing confidential proceedings outside of board meetings or interfering in the duties of the officers. There are still many of us who have made a firm decision to keep our integrity and professionalism.

I believe that it is unfair to lay all the blame of the current state of education at the feet of the teachers unions. Our union representatives exist to uphold the due process rights of full dues paying members like me, just as a defense attorney would protect the accused. While many people (mostly are not educators) attack the teachers unions, I strongly profess that I have become a better teacher and a stronger leader because of my teachers union, the WTU. Times have changed (a lot) and I believe that public education has evolved since then. It is very timely that we have a new (and very controversial) tentative agreement that is in the process of being ratified. I saw that some of the current practices and norms in 21st century teaching and learning are embodied in the tentative agreement. When giving our thumbs up (or down) for this tentative agreement, I hope we can think about how we should change our traditional practices to better reflect the tasks assigned to our schools, teachers and students today.
Keep the fire burning!
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Maria Angala, NBCT (Exceptional Needs Specialist)

WTU Vice President of Special Education
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22 April 2010

NBCTs among 5 selected for teaching hall of fame

Filed under: DC Public Schools, Filipino Teachers, Special Education, Teacher Sol's Lifestory, Teachers/ Educators, WTU — Maria Angala @ 8:17 pm
This is my 6th year here in the US, my 6th year of teaching in DCPS. In my early years here, I was inspired and motivated by some of the most outstanding veteran teachers in my school at Jefferson MS to be the exceptional teacher that I can be. Teachers like my colleague, Dr. Alesia Slocoumb-Bradford whom I currently work with in a co-teaching environment, inspired me to become an accomplished teacher.

Dr. Alesia Slocumb-Bradford, is our seventh-grade pre-algebra teacher at Jefferson Middle School. She is a teacher for 23 years; she believes the most productive relationship between teachers and students is one where there is respect, communication, comfort and a shared sense of understanding of goals for students and teachers. For me, she is a master educator in the truest sense of the word: an excellent mentor, she plays the role of teacher, friend, guide, coach, and role model to us teachers in my school. Her teaching style shows precision - no random cuts, no random comments, she is very consistent with the routines and procedures from the beginning until the end of our class. With all of us Jefferson family, teachers and staff gathered at the "Classroom of the Future", Dr. Slocoumb was honored yesterday into the National Teachers Hall of Fame. I hugged her and whispered softly "You inspire me".

The honorees are Linda Evanchyk of Florida, Erlene Nelson of Pennsylvania, Warren Phillips of Massachusetts, Darrell Woods of Ohio and Alesia Slocumb-Bradford of Washington, D.C. "There are 12,000 teachers in the district of Philadelphia," said Nelson, a retired teacher and NBCT. "If every teacher dedicated themselves to save a child each year, we would save more than 12,000 students, and what an impact it would have on society." Philadelphia Daily News

Four out of the five teachers selected this year for induction into the National Teachers Hall of Fame are National Board Certified Teachers.

Right after her reception, I drove to another event for the 2009 National Board Certified Teachers hosted by the WTU and Central Office; I was one of the seven NBCT honorees.

As I was listening to the remarks of my colleague, I remember my grandmother who is a daughter of a World War II Lt. Colonel and one of the strongest leaders in the medical field back home in the Philippines. She told me, "Maria, always fight for your dreams, and remember if your dreams are big enough the problems don't really matter". There is a noble reason why I did not become a doctor like her, or the first lady cadet at the Philippine Military Academy, or an enterpreneur...it is my destiny to become an educator.

20 April 2010

Teacher Sol is listed as a top 50 special education blog

Filed under: Special Education, Teacher Sol's Lifestory, Technology in Education — Maria Angala @ 1:14 pm
I tried to avoid for my blog to become a venue for me to vent some political issues in education happening in our school district, although I will be posting more about my own experiences and reflections here related to education reform. My goal for having this blog is to share my resources with the teachers, parents, students, and other professionals in this field in my school district, across the country and around the globe. For six years, I have been getting emails and feedback from teachers around and outside the country thanking me for the vast resources, teaching tips and ideas, news articles, etc... my blog has served its purpose.
This morning, I received an email that "Teacher Sol is listed as a top 50 special education blog":

Hello Maria

I’m just writing this to let you know about a new featured post we just made over here at TeachTechTopia entitled, “Top 50 Special Education Blogs.” I felt that both you and your readers at Teacher Sol might find it to be an interesting article. Please do let me know if you have any feedback --


Warm Regards,

Emily Johnston
TeachTechTopia


Thank you, Emily. I am honored for my blog to be included in the Top 50 SPED Blogs. I hope your readers find my blog helpful.

14 February 2010

My movie, my song…

Filed under: Teacher Sol's Lifestory, Visual Impairment, video clip — Maria Angala @ 10:58 am
HAPPY VALENTINES DAY, everyone!

The other day, I was watching my favorite movie of all time (since I was a little girl), "Ice Castles", but this was the 2010 version. The movie is about a young girl (Alexis) who dreams of becoming a champion figure skater. While practicing, Alexis suffers a terrible accident that takes her sight and threatens to destroy her dreams. In the midst of feeling sorry for herself she falls in love with a handsome young man named Nick who (with help from her family) helps her to realize that she can still fulfill her dreams. The movie tells about dreams, passion, love, inspiration, persistence, failure, and success...
The theme song, "Looking Through the Eyes of Love", has been my favorite classic song for as long as I can remember. Sit back and watch the trailer (Ice Castles 2010) and the themesong (Ice Castles 1978)...


TRAILER (Ice Castles 2010)



SONG (Ice Castles 1978)

18 January 2010

To the Filipino Teachers

Filed under: Filipino Teachers, Teacher Sol's Lifestory, Teachers/ Educators — Maria Angala @ 11:46 pm
Dear colleagues,
It is Martin Luther King, Jr's birthday today here in the US, and as I was reading once more his immortal speech "I Have A Dream", a movie of the same slavery, bondage, injustice and oppression that our Filipino ancestors endured was playing in my mind. I guess I am presently too preoccupied with so many trivial things happening around me that I have buried our history into my subconscious. As if reminding me, a voice of our own heroic leader back home in the Philippines resonated in my head...

...At the vanguard of progress in this part of the world I stand - a forlorn figure in the eyes of some, but not one defeated and lost...

...Out of the lush green of these seven thousand isles, out of the songs of the farmers at sunrise when they go to labor in the fields, out of the limitless patience of teachers in the classrooms, I shall make the pattern of my pledge:

I am a Filipino born of freedom and I shall not rest until freedom shall have been added unto my inheritance - for myself and my children's children - forever. - Carlos P. Romulo


It is no coincidence that CNN's 2009 Hero of the Year is a Filipino Teacher. Indeed it runs through our veins...heroism, valor and persistence is the insignia of our race.



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Are you a Filipino Teacher? Here's an invitation...

4 January 2010

Fulbright Program

Filed under: Teacher Sol's Lifestory, Teachers/ Educators, education funding and grants — Maria Angala @ 8:12 pm
Before our winter break, my principal emailed me the information for the Fulbright Scholarship Program of the US Department of State; attached was an application and a message that said:
" I would like to recommend you for this program"...

My reply was, "Am I qualified?"...there is only one way to know. Should I apply? There's nothing to lose if I do!
What is this program?
The Fulbright Program is sponsored by the the United States Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA).

Approximately 294,000 "Fulbrighters," 111,000 from the United States and 183,000 from other countries, have participated in the Program since its inception over sixty years ago. The Fulbright Program awards approximately 7,500 new grants annually.

Currently, the Fulbright Program operates in over 155 countries worldwide.
What Do Fulbrighters Do?

Fulbrighters are more than students, scholars and teachers. They are valuable contributors to the exchange of knowledge, skills, ideas and mutual understanding. Learn More

Why Is the Fulbright Program Unique?

The Fulbright Program is based on binational partnerships and open, merit-based competition. Fulbrighters are offered unique opportunities for enrichment and leadership development as well as access to facilities and a vast community of alumni. Learn More

3 January 2010

Don’t just give up…

Filed under: DC Public Schools, Teacher Sol's Lifestory, Teachers/ Educators, WTU — Maria Angala @ 3:07 am
There is no one GIANT step that does it. It's a lot of LITTLE steps. --Peter A. Cohen

I enjoyed watching a comedy tonight with my family while reading a book; multi-tasking is a skill that I acquired as a teacher :)

I checked my celfone for the last time before going to bed at 2:00am...email, Twitter, Facebook, RSS feeds...ok, but wait... a blog comment that will keep me awake if I don't respond to it ASAP. So here I am now, writing an entry about it that brings me back to where I was six years ago when I was a newbie in DCPS. What has changed since then? Nothing I guess...***first year teachers are still struggling during the stage called "the survival" or "the initiation" stage. It's the same thing that happened even to the most effective veteran teachers. It's what's going to test their commitment and dedication, and shape them to become highly skilled and competent!

Read on the latest comment on my last entry here...

Anonymous said...

I am a new teacher at DCPS and without a mentor and coach and to be honest feel like giving up, I just don't know how to keep on going. Last year I worked all the time and went to college, it got to a point where I would stay up all night trying to make sense of what I was teaching but to no avail as I scored badly on IMPACT. I feel like I could be a good teacher, but as a new teacher in the program I feel so unsupported and lost, it seems like DCPS is there to tear new teachers down not support them. Your blog is so positive, what advice do you have ? How can I keep going when I feel like giving up? Incidentally, I am also a foreigner and the whole school system is still a mystery to me and I find that things are not explained because everyone takes it for granted that you should know the system already, the American way. I know I can do better but feel demoralized.

7:51 PM

Maria Angala said...

I perfectly understand how you feel, I was in your exact predicament not too long ago...You are a great teacher and you are making a big difference to your students, please do not let anybody tell you otherwise.

Please email me: solangala@yahoo.com ...we need to sit down and talk, I am willing to support you and be your mentor every step of the way... tough times never last but tough people do!

Stay positive!


-MARIA-
*** OK, I had to clarify this part, I apologize if I did not make myself clear the first time.

1 January 2010

Looking back…moving forward in 2010

Filed under: Teacher Sol's Lifestory — Maria Angala @ 7:38 pm
It's time to reflect...did I do well with my last year's resolutions? Yes I did, because I made sure that my goals were attainable :D Thumbs up for that! I will carry on and will not change anything in the list but I will add a major goal for this year.
Since I got reconnected with my family, best friends, sorority sisters, childhood friends and classmates back home through Facebook (yes, I just started FB two weeks ago, surprised?!), I've been painfully longing to go back home to the Philippines and visit the places where I grew up. I want to see the people who has shaped me to be the person that I am today, who has given me the moral foundation that I need to survive life's challenges and has instilled to me the values and principles that I live up to now.
I want to go back to the place that used to be my playground - the family's beach resort. I miss the crashing cymbals, and sacred lull of the sea at dawn of my family's "paraiso". I loved having my head in the clouds when I was a little girl, and liked playing along the shore when the tide was low. I got these photos from my brother's Facebook page. Now you understand why this is one of the reasons why coming home is going to be on top of my priority list this year. It's been six years and it's about time for my kids to know their roots, and to pay respect to our relatives who left before us.
The rest of my goals stay the same as last year's but with more desire and stronger conviction to achieve and succeed. Right now, I feel the need for speed...2010 is my year!
Here are the things that are effectively working every year that I will continue to do:

- Make MORE and MORE things happen, I am happy with what I have accomplished this past year but I am not yet satisfied. There are many things that still have to be done, and I will make them happen this coming year. I have this compelling and obsessive behavior to always produce more results in everything that I do.
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- Persist EVEN MORE, press harder and FASTER! Even when my mind and body signal perfectly good reasons for giving up, I go on. I am very independent and self-reliant, and I have the resources that I need because I make the best from what I am given. .

- STAY ToughER. People who are close to me know that I am very tough inside. I need to be tough to be able to do the big things in life like taking risks, admitting mistakes; and to do the little things like biting my tongue, waiting my turn, and putting up with some people. I realized that I have to temper toughness with kindness; I realized that many times it is be tough to be kind. I have learned that good leadership is about good relationships. I can make more things happen and can produce more results when I have a good relationship with everyone.

To all those who helped me make things happen in 2009, rest assured that I am with you and together we will make MORE things happen in 2010. Let's keep going...
P.S. Will I still have time to write the next chapter of my book? Not sure, we'll see...

19 December 2009

2009 class of NBCTs advances nation’s school-quality reform movement

Filed under: National Board Certification, Professional Development Trainings, Teacher Sol's Lifestory, Teachers/ Educators — Maria Angala @ 1:21 pm
NBPTS continues its progress in advancing the National Board Certification education-reform movement with today's announcement of nearly 8,900 new National Board Certified Teachers. The announcement brings the total number of accomplished teachers and school counselors certified by NBPTS to more than 82,000. An "extraordinary group" is how Secretary of Education Arne Duncan referred to this year's class of National Board Certified Teachers in a September interview with NBPTS. Read more.
“What if every child had a chance to be taught by a National Board Certified Teacher? I think the difference it would make in students’ lives would be extraordinary,” said Secretary Arne Duncan. “As we move forward on this turnaround agenda nationally, I would love for National Board Certified Teachers to be at the forefront of that movement.” Copy that :)
I'm proud to belong to the Class of 2009 NBCTs!

15 December 2009

Letter from the Chancellor on IMPACT

Filed under: Special Education, Teacher Sol's Lifestory, Teachers/ Educators — Maria Angala @ 5:31 pm
My principal handed to me yesterday a letter from Chancellor Rhee while I was on hall duty during dismissal:
To Ms. Maria Angala,
I want to take this opportunity to thank you for the excellent work that you are doing on behalf of our students. Based on first round IMPACT ratings from the master educators and your school leader, I know how talented and dedicated you are. Your efforts are the key to our students' success.
I know that teaching is extremely challenging and that you give 100 percent every day in order to ensure that all of your children succeed. I am happy to give you this $100 gift card as a small expression of my gratitude for your efforts to close the achievement gap and increase student learning. With the diligence of excellent educators like you, I am confident that we can develop a school system in which all children achieve at high levels.
Best wishes for a wonderful holiday season and a relaxing winter break.
Sincerely,
(signed)
Michelle Rhee
Chancellor
Thank you Chancellor Rhee for the acknowledgement of the efforts that I do for my students. The Office Depot gift card will buy my students more supplies that we need for our project based learning in class. Happy holidays to you too!

11 November 2009

Comments on my class blog

Filed under: Teacher Sol's Lifestory, Teachers/ Educators — Maria Angala @ 11:19 pm
Been busy lately with so much stuff that I seldom check and update my class blog. I was surprised to get a stream of comments lately acknowledging the resources that I have on the blog for the students and parents. Read on...

- Hello Ms. Angala, After viewing the blog you have created I am really impressed. Everything that you have set up for not only your students but their parents is truly amazing. I think this is a great way for communication, and I love that the parents can just look on here to see what is going on. I can tell that you really care about your students, and I can tell that the students seem to enjoy how you teach them. Those math raps were very creative and fun. Good luck wtih the rest of your teaching and keep up the good work with this blog. -Becky C.

- Wow, I am so impressed not only by all the work I am sure went into this on your part but also the students hardwork and dedication. The blog is incredibly organized and it shares the students perspective of learning. I just wanna say thank you for putting out this blog and keep up the great work! It is great to see a teacher who is so dedicated and students who are excited about learning. I am sure also that this makes learning fun for the students as well. Have a great rest of the year! -Sarah L.

- Hello---I love the idea of having lesson plans, students activities, etc on a blog for all to see. I have to say this is really impressive. It is nice to see a teacher who cares about her students and really shows it by writing in your blog. I do not know if the school you work at requires all teachers to have blogs, but if you are required, that is great because it seems like a great idea! I love the creativity of your students with the math raps and also how motivated they are to do well. Keep up the good work and good luck to your students on whatever test is coming up!~Erika H.

-- Hello Ms. Angala, I am a student of Professor Post and Trinity Christian College. Just from browsing through your site I really love what you have created! You really have gone above and beyond your call of duty! You seem to be VERY dedicated to your students and that is amazing! If I could encourage your students just by saying, take advantage of all that Ms. Angala is providing for you! You wont always have a teacher who cares so much about the success of the students! She isn't trying to just give you more homework, but what she is having you do will really benefit you in the future! You seem to have been really blessed with an amazing teacher! Good luck on the tests in the spring! - Becky N.

Thanks to those who left these messages. I try to do whatever it takes for my students to learn the learning standards that they need for the next level. These resources that I have in our class blog will help them review lessons and do homework and be ready for our class everyday. I appreciate all the kind words and I am sure my students will be thrilled to hear your messages. Please keep in touch and all the best!

27 October 2009

American Teacher

Filed under: Teacher Sol's Lifestory, Teachers/ Educators, Technology in Education — Maria Angala @ 1:25 am


American Teacher Mag

I was the cover for AFT American Teacher Magazine last month's (September) issue. A friend of mine found this pdf copy . Thanks to the AFT for tirelessly advocating for us educators!

Scholastic Best Special-Ed Blog

Digital Anthology The lowdown: Award-winning special-education teacher Maria Angala posts daily lessons and classroom videos.
Why We Love It:: There’s no hard-core pedagogy here—other than that determination can make all successful—but we get to see the kids’ creativity at work. And if you want something more theory-based, Angala keeps another blog at teachersol.blogspot.com.
Why She Loves Blogging: Says Angala, “Our social workers read the blog to understand my students’ inner feelings.”

30 May 2009

2009 Outstanding Special Education Teacher Award

Filed under: DC Public Schools, Special Education, Teacher Sol's Lifestory, Teachers/ Educators — ms.angala @ 10:34 am
One of my favorite students and the most challenging one did the unimaginable in my classroom after I left the school the other day. It just made my entire day yesterday one of the worst in my life! Since the moment I entered my classroom first thing in the morning, I couldn't focus anymore, just the thought made me want to throw up, I couldn't eat, my energy was drained and was having a migraine all day long! I am not going to tell what happened. I just reminded myself that my love for my students is unconditional, and I love my job because I am directly and positively impacting their lives. This is just one of those days that made me want to cry...

Before I left the school building in the afternoon, my principal told me : "I have something for you, see me before you leave". I said "A gift? Our birthday is coming up!", I was kidding her because we have the same birthday!

So I went to her office before signing out. She gave me a folder and she said, "Congratulations for being the recipient of a national award!" Surprised, I opened the folder and saw an award certificate from the National Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET) which reads:


Be it known that Maria Lourdes C. Angala is the recipient of the Outstanding Special Education Teacher Award.

This certificate is hereby conferred to Maria Lourdes C. Angala to honor and recognize the dedication, loyalty, perseverance, and enthusiasm given to the exceptional students at the Jefferson Middle School. Presented by The National Association of Special Education Teachers 2008-2009.

There was a letter to my principal letting her know of the award bestowed upon me, and also a copy of the 3-page nomination essay submitted by one of my colleagues who believes in me. This job indeed is the most challenging but for me the most rewarding. What keeps me going? You!

8 August 2008

Collaborative Teaching in Inclusion Settings

Filed under: DC Public Schools, Special Education, Teacher Sol's Lifestory, Teachers/ Educators — Shane @ 9:20 am
This was my classroom last year, Room 100.
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I am going to miss my classroom last year; my students enjoyed the privacy and there were no distractions due to hallway traffic because we were at the end of the corridor. The classroom was spacious enough for the eight computers that my students used. We had so much fun and good times in this classroom last year.
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I have spoken with my new principal yesterday about my room and class assignment. I was transferred from Room 100 to Room 118. I am excited with all the changes that is happening now. This will be the first time that we will be implementing inclusion in my school. I will be collaborating with the 6th grade regular education teachers to help my students become successful academically. Although the inclusion philosophy is not new to me, I have never tried this. I have always been a resource class teacher and once a self-contained class teacher. The custodian told me that he will be putting 30 chairs in my classroom. Honestly, I still do not know yet what inclusion model are we going to adapt in my school, but I trust my instructional supervisor (principal) on this. We have always failed our students in the past, and I believe my principal will help us move to the right direction. Every school year is an exciting new beginning. There's always something new to learn every day with my students in the classroom. That's why I have always enjoyed this profession.
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I was searching the internet on something about "middle school special ed inclusion" and I stumbled across the blog of "A Cohort 14 NYC Teaching Fellow". He related in one of his posts:
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This week I had a revelation. In order for me to be a successful teacher (and to feel good about my work), I have to be more involved in the design of the courses that I am co-teaching.Easier said than done.
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What it means, is that I must be a much more active participant in the construction of lesson plans and in the delivery of instruction. It is not enough to simply assist the teacher, or to work individually with the special ed students to make lessons more accessible. I must assert myself as a ‘strategy specialist’ (whatever that means) for the course, not just a disciplinarian in the class.
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The problem is time. Planning time. How is it at all possible to successfully plan three different course with three different teachers with limited co-planning time? I am trying to reach for the ideal, but the reality is hitting me in the face. I’m also dealing with working with teachers who are insensitive to the needs of Special Ed students. It’s not like they (the gen ed teachers) chose this field- so on many levels, I cannot blame them. However, I cannot bear witness, or co-sign on inappropriate teaching to students with special needs.
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So it appears like I need to somehow slip in some sensitivity training into my fellow colleagues.
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So yea, this is my revelation, but also my dilemma.
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And it will be mine too very soon. But I believe that we will get the proper training, support and resources on inclusion best practices in my school.

5 August 2008

Reminiscing…

Filed under: Filipino Teachers, Teacher Sol's Lifestory, Teachers/ Educators — Shane @ 10:24 am
I was holding back myself for the past two days from reading this Sunday's The Washington Post's Education Review which tells about us...the Filipino teachers. Less than five years ago in October 2003, I was in the exact situation as my co-Filipino teacher, Mabel Ventura. I have read this over and over, there is a film documentary by Ramona Diaz already, Baltimore Sun's documentary of Aileen Mercado (my friend), and I have already almost finished writing my book of my own adventures as a Filipina teacher in an inner city public school here in Washington DC.

I couldn't help myself, tears were rolling down my cheeks again this morning as I finished reading The WaPo magazine...and I remember my first year...

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This was my classroom last year.

The road to success is rough; you have to pave it yourself.

- Arnold Glasow -


My first year of teaching has been a difficult initiation for me, most especially because I was teaching Junior High school Special Education in an inner city school here in Washington DC. Aside from their diagnosis of having learning disability, oppositional, defiant and conduct disorder, they were going through adolescence identity crisis, and they were having personal challenges with their home environment.

Back home, in a third world country, I often dreamed of using a better technology to aide me in teaching my special needs students. I was excited when I got here and saw two working computers in my classroom, which was already good for me, but not good enough if I was going to use them as assistive technology tools for my students.

Everyday, I was in constant search for ways on how to establish rapport with my challenging students, to get them to cooperate with me, and to engage them with using technology to accommodate their special learning needs. I was in the "trial and error" stage but I was determined to do what it takes to maximize their hidden potentials.

One day, I was sitting at my computer desk after class while waiting for one of my students. I gave her extended time to finish her classwork.


After a few minutes, she gave me her worksheet. She stood there reading aloud my friend’s email to me.
She couldn’t understand Tagalog.

I translated it for her. "Prices of food and other stuff are just not affordable anymore down here..."
She asked me if she could open her email from my computer.
I let her.
I asked her for her email address.
Then, I wrote her a hello message that night.

The next morning she opened her email from my desk. She announced to the class,
“Hey! Miss Angala wrote me an email!”

It was the first time that she got a personal message from a teacher.
From then on, I get emails from my students, from hello’s, to get well soon’s, to a weekend story, to goodbye’s. Some of them wrote me goodbye poems days before the end of the school year. One of their parents wrote me a thank you letter through email.

Even my husband who reads my email inbox from time to time was surprised.
He said, “I thought your students were mean to you?”
I said, “They were, but not anymore”.




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That was almost five years ago. I am better equipped now, and I keep learning many new things for my professional development. We'll be back to school in less than a couple of weeks from now. It will always be challenging as it was when I was a first year teacher. Sometimes it gets worse. But I am better prepared now and have effective strategies for instruction and classroom management. More importantly, I make sure that I stay focused on the goal: Success...for my students and myself!

30 July 2008

Summer School Is Over!…what was it like?

Filed under: DC Public Schools, Teacher Sol's Lifestory — Shane @ 9:45 am
Summer school went by so fast. I was expecting 20 students in my class but only 4-6 students were consistently showing up. My summer scholars '08 all worked very hard, and I had fun with them too. I enjoyed working with my two sweet ESL students and with our very helpful ESL inclusion teacher. We shared a lot of stories, strategies, and learned a lot from each other. But unexpected things happen during unexpected times. But like a girl scout, I was always ready...

Most of my students already submitted their research paper project, did the oral report, and took the finals last Monday. So I was thinking yesterday of just going with them to the computer lab after playing a jeopardy game as a fun way of assessing what they learned this summer. But, lo and behold! When I entered the classroom, the DCPS summer school monitor was waiting for me and for my class to start. He asked me if it was OK to see the students do their oral report again. I was so nervous as he took out the rating sheet for teacher performance. This was a BIG surprise two days before the end of summer school. Would I still be allowed to teach summer school again next year?

While my students were doing their daily autobiographical writing (with soft classical music in the background), I pulled out the grading sheets of my students which I printed from my online gradebook and gave them to the DCPS summer school monitor. I handed him the notebook of one of my students so he'll be able to see if we had followed the pacing guide that DCPS gave for this summer, and what extra work I gave them as a learning supplement. Their notebooks also showed their quizzes, and that I had been checking their work and I was giving them feedback about how they could improve their work more.

So my students shared their excellent writings. And then two of them volunteered to do their oral presentation again based from the novel that we read in class (El Bronx Remembered). They were so confident while presenting with the powerpoint that they did themselves in class. I was so proud of them!

Afterwards, the monitor thanked me and left. Whew! Did I make it? My principal came in just few minutes before I dismissed my class. He gave me a photocopy of the teacher performance rating sheet from the DCPS summer school monitor. YES! I got excellent ratings! The monitor said before he left that I was one of the best teachers in DCPS he has seen so far.

It's true what they said. You'll see rainbow after the rain. I had been so much in pain and going through difficult times in my workplace in the past. But I had managed to stay focused, persisted and persevered, maintained positivity and stayed strong. It feels so good to be appreciated for all your hardwork.

My sincere gratitude also to my summer school principal for all the support and the motivation. He is one humble leader, who is very supportive of his staff and truly works for the best interest of the students. In my five years of teaching in DCPS, I have never worked under an instructional supervisor like him. He was relentless in doing his rounds to the teachers, personally checking on us and our students, sometimes it made me jump when he suddenly showed up on my door. He earned my utmost respect for that!
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My family is going on a camping with our friends this weekend...can't wait for that!
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Summer Scholars '08 Class Blog
Sample Walk Through Observation E-Form

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