Summer+Preparation

Things to Do This Summer


 *  __Syllabus:__  We would like for you to create a draft syllabus for your class(es) next year. It should include an overview of your course and your philosophy, lists of possible texts (for approval), course objectives, and your classroom policies. Susan Davis has put together some general instructions about this in the “Curriculum Development" page. She is also happy to correspond with you during the summer via email if you have any questions about where to start. During the first week of training, you will spend a lot of time with Susan perfecting this document. It is very important you come prepared with at least a rough draft. It will be a huge help later on when you are able to work with Susan. (We'll talk more about book choices and book ordering once you get here.)


 *  __Ning:__  You will receive an email from Susan Davis asking you to join the Teachers Learning Network ning. A ning is basically a private online community space that allows you to interact with a select group of members. Once you join, you can participate in online discussions related to teaching at Chinquapin, which will be happening over the course of the summer. The ning is also a good way for you to get to know your new colleagues before you arrive in August!


 *  __Fellows Summer Reading:__  You should have already received two books in the mail in early June. They are //Teach Like a Champion// and //Fires in the Bathroom//. These books will count as your faculty summer reading. Read both over the summer. During the faculty retreat, which will take place during orientation, you will be asked to give a short "book talk" about either book. We will later refer to these books during fellows meetings throughout the first semester. You should have been invited to join a google doc and/or [|GoodReads] group where you can begin to share ideas and comments in response to your reading with other faculty at Chinquapin. If you did not receive an invitation to these resources, please let Susan know right away.


 *  __Picture/Bio:__  If you haven’t done so already, send Francisco Perez a short bio and picture of yourself. His email address is fperez@chinquapin.org. This info will be included in our upcoming August newsletter and posted on our school’s website.


 *  __Faculty Handbook:__  You will receive an email allowing you to view the handbook on Google Docs. Please read this handbook as carefully as possible. There is information in it that we will not go over during the Fellows training session, but you will be expected to know for your job.


 * __Technology:__ Make sure you have set up a Chinquapin email account with Francisco Perez. Then, check your email throughout the summer.


 *  __Rest:__  Please rest as much as you can this summer; soon, you will be completely immersed in the life of Chinquapin. It’s going to be a challenging year of professional and personal growth. It’s important that you be mentally prepared for this experience. Enjoy your summer and come refreshed and energized for the school year!