Collaboration and the Community

Common Core initiatives have shifted the focus of districts across the country from how we teach to how we assess what we teach.  Now, more than ever, collaboration is critical.  Administrators are tasked with the problem of providing funding, meeting regulations, sustaining accreditation, and countering attacks from all directions.  Their jobs are difficult.

Teachers are equally challenged.  They are expected to demonstrate student progress, maintain classroom environments that are supportive of diverse needs, teach more content in less time, and answer the demands of desperate parents, and administrators.

In the firestorm surrounding all this, students and families have to survive.  I believe it is more important than ever to uplift collaboration that involves all stakeholders in the education of our children.  If we as a professional learning community work together to educate the next generation, our labor is less intensive and much more beneficial.

One way Professional Education Resources can help our communities grow stronger is to share the collaborative efforts of those in the community with other educators.  Contract Professional Education Resources to complete a Collaboration Event Archive and we will do all the work.  Coverage includes professionally written articles for local media providers, photography by appointment if requested, digital content on drive or cloud to be distributed by you, and professional documentation to archive, celebrate, and analyze the outcome of the collaboration project.

 Please call or email to contact Professional Education Resources when you are collaborating on a learning initiative.  Together we can keep the team in the process and make education the priority of your community.

Understanding what others say

In education, as in most dynamic careers, talk moves fast, and conversations between workers can be numerous.  One third of your waking activities in any given day is occupied in conversation according to an article in Entrepreneur.  “There are only three ways to spend time: thoughts, conversations and actions. Regardless of the type of business you own, your work will be composed of those three items.” (Mathews, Debolt & Percival, 2011)

            Since one third of our waking activity is spent in conversation, the amount of conversations we have causes us to often say more than we think.  Students can translate the things an instructor says at any given time by paying attention to five specific elements in any conversation.

Social Metrics can indicate the effect and success of a message in the virtual cloud, but determining your importance, meaning and success in real time requires some basic instincts. (Lopez, 2014)

Fortunately, there is a good way to understand what others really are saying. 

1.    Listen to the parts of the message.  When writing sentences the subject and the predicate are the basic parts.  Though conversation doesn’t exactly stick to the rules of written grammar, the subject and the verb are still critical to any message.  If you know who, or what, then you already know the meat of the message. (Kline & Air University, (U.S.), 1996)

2.    Pay close attention to modifiers.  The adjectives, adverbs and phrases people attach to the predicate often carry more weight than the actual action to which they are referring. “Since we won’t be testing until Tuesday next week, we will be reviewing this on Friday.”    The review isn’t nearly as important to the speaker as why it is being delivered early, and the pending test on Tuesday.  Words like since, as a result of, and according to often indicate a change is on the horizon. As with everything else, be prepared to be flexible.

3.    Listen for specific details.  If details such as time, date, or person are missing, then the message should be considered incomplete.  Think about the last passing conversation you had.  A message like, “I will text you,” or “let me get back to you” has an indefinite time frame attached to it.  If you want specifics, you often must request them.  “What time should stop by your office?” would be more definite than responding with “Great; talk to you later.”  

4.    The words a person uses often indicate a lot about their task at hand.  Someone already burdened with a difficult task or even too many small tasks may be apt to give short quick replies to complex questions or inquiries. “Yes, no, and I don’t know,” are safest when overtaxed.  Hearing these short answers may indicate that your request is hitting at a bad time or in the wrong context.  If you do need clarification, reschedule your request. (Patterson, Covey & Fields, 2003)

5.    Tone may also alter a message.  In working with new people look for rate of conversation, pitch, and volume.  These attributes often indicate the working status of the person you are talking to.  A slow casual rhythm is the best context to hold a conversation, but with another 28,799 seconds of conversation to attend to, there is no guarantee your conversation will rank very high. 

References

Kline, J. A., & Air University (U.S.). (1996). Listening effectively. Maxwell Air Force Base, AL: Air

University Press.

Lopez, J. (2014, February 13). Social Engagement Metrics That Matter - Measuring, Tracking, and Reporting FTW - Moz. Retrieved from http://moz.com/blog/social-engagement-metrics-that-matter

Mathews, J., Debolt, D., & Percival, D. (2011, May 2). 10 Time Management Tips That Work | Entrepreneur.com. Retrieved September 1, 2014, from http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/219553

Patterson, K., Covey, S. R., & Fields, A. (2003). Crucial conversations: Tools for talking when stakes are high. New York: McGraw-Hill Audio.

What is Professional Education Resources?

Professional Education Resources

Professional Education Resources is a professional portfolio of educational, planning, publishing and organizational services.

The concept for professional education resources comes from the growing trend of school districts to outsource professional services, and the growing trend to brand personal skills and services.  During my career as a teacher I met several educational consultants who provided several services that served districts, administrators, and teachers.  These services were presented to me in the form of district wide professional development meetings and classes.  In my opinion, this is one of the most impersonal formats for providing professional services.

Just as students today need individualized and differentiated instruction, educators need in depth professional development support options.  My services are not meant to replace district paid professional development.  I hope to serve individual instructors on the basis of their own professional goals, and give them the opportunity to control personal progress and achievement.  With this approach, I will be serving professionals not districts.  Therefore services will be paid for by individual educators.  One of the reasons this path has not been taken outside of the college and university umbrella is because teachers don't have the capital to invest in training not sanctioned by the district.  

Universities are going to be reluctant to support these services because they may infringe on professional development programs in their own curriculum or conflict with partnerships with school districts and education programs.  With the rise of online education opportunities, the competition for students is more fierce than ever.  I believe this will present another complication in the success of Professional Education Resources.

The advantage of autonomy however comes with the ability to customize services, reach a niche market, without the control of expensive companies, or narrow political agendas.  Personalized services empower the client and allow the provider to expand services beyond the limited windows of time, money or space.  With each successful exchange, both client and provider are likely to continue the relationship and grow a professional network autonomously.  This dynamic is essential to professionalizing the role of educator.  

The same empowerment will be provided for students, parents, and small groups served by Professional Education Resources in turn returning the responsibility of education to the community instead of the school systems which act more like a company.  

Resume- Matthew Gene McCann

Experienced education professional proficient in a variety of communications seeks employment with a conscientious and dynamic company committed to excellence, service, and community.

Skills

PBIS and Character Education Planning, Instruction, Organization, Mentoring, and Program Management

Data Driven Instruction Design and Assessment

Missouri GLE and Common Core Instruction and Curriculum Design

Project Based Learning

Scholastic Publications: Production, Direction, and Management

Professional Learning Communities: Team Leader, Secretary and Moderator Roles

Writer’s Workshop

Conferencing: Individual, Small Group, and Student Lead

Experience

Sherwin-Williams Store Number 3452
Associate Part-time, Safety Compliance Focus 10/13 to Present

YMCA of Jefferson County

Site Director School Age Child Care 07/12 to Present

Confluence Academy, South City

Instructor Writing Lab 4th-8th Grade 08/12 to 6/13

Dunklin R-V School District

PLC Team District Wide Writing Assessment 01/09 to 5/12

Sponsor Friends of Rachel 2011-2012, Gifted Odyssey of the Mind Team 01/11 to11/12

PLC Team Leader and Teacher 7th and 8th Grade Communication Arts 08/02 to 05/12

Advisor and Teacher High School English and Journalism 08/00 to 5/02

Richmond R-XVI School District

Teacher English, Journalism, Newspaper, Yearbook and Public Speaking 08/97 to 05/00

North  Kansas City School District

Substitute Teacher 08/96 to 05/97

Park Hill Continuing Education

Instructor 08/95 to 08/96

Credentials

Park University

BA in Elementary Education, Composition, Language, and Literature 1997

Missouri Teacher Certification (Grades K-6, 7-12 English, and 7-12 Journalism)

Graduate Coursework

Missouri Baptist University: Classroom Instruction 2004-2006

Southeast Missouri State University: Educational Technology 2001-2002

Certifications: Adobe PageMaker, Microsoft Office, Publisher,First Aid, CPR, ServSafe

Programmer: Professional Education Resources Network Applications 

I am a Mobile Instructor

As an educator for more than 15 years, I have learned a great deal about expanding learning outside the classroom.  Before securing my teacher certification I taught community college classes in Parkville and Kansas City, Missouri. I have published (online) a great deal of educational information including learning games, reading activities, writing prompts, reviews and interactive lessons for whiteboard, browser, and various online lesson sharing sites.

In an effort to hone my skills and expand my services I am introducing a line of easy-going flexible mobile classes that can be done on the run.  These classes require minimum cost, and minimum time commitment.  While these individual courses do not provide educational credits for any institution, they do promise to expand your knowledge and offer a unique personal learning experience for each individual.

The primary advantage to completing personalized instruction is the unique one-to-one attention and ability to tailor "lessons" for the individual.  These courses are less like a traditional classroom and more like a consulting workshop, learning experience, or interest activity.

Please contact me if you are interested in enrolling in one or more of the following Personalized Learning Experiences.  I have an outline of offerings below, however private tutoring, and consulting are also available at a very affordable rate for subjects not offered. Please email me for a proposal or to inquire about costs and enrollment.

Always Available:
Course length is customized for individuals from 3 to 7 weeks.
Practical Skills- Personal Writing: correspondence
Practical Skills- Business Writing: correspondence, email, resume, cover letter, summary introduction, or professional portfolio
Practical Skills- Basic Photography: school sports
Practical Skills- Basic Photography: travel
Practical Skills- Basic Photography: children
Practical Skills- Basic Photography: formal occasions
Basic Computer Skills- Introduction to the Internet
Reading Skills- Spelling and Vocabulary (primary, intermediate, collegiate, and advanced)
Reading Skills- Comprehension through Memories
Research Project Assistance (secondary academic, undergraduate, or graduate)

4-Week Courses
Reading Skills- Comprehension through Interactive Reading
Basic Computer Skills- Personal and Individual Email Management
Basic Computer Skills- Simple File Organization
Basic Computer Skills- File Storage and Backup Resources
Practical Skills- Biography Project Assistance (for the classroom)
Practical Skills- Biography Project Assistance (for scrapbooking and archiving)
Practical Skills- Biography Project Assistance (for formal occasions such as weddings, funerals, and speeches)

20 Answers to 20 Questions

20 Questions to Answer Before Starting a Business

So you’ve got what it takes to be an entrepreneur? 

Now, ask yourself these 20 questions to make sure you’re thinking about the right key business decisions:

1. Why am I starting a business?

     To serve the Jefferson County Missouri Community. Revised July 2, 2014
     To develop and market my personal brand of education and educational services and resources.

2. What kind of business do I want?

      Philanthropy, Photography, Educational, Publishing, and Entertainment. Revised July 2, 2014.  

      Professional Services Education, Professional Development, Consulting

3. Who is my ideal customer?

      The average citizen in Jefferson County Missouri. Revised July 2, 2014

      Clients in need of custom instructional, organizational, management or consulting services.

4. What products or services will my business provide?

      PROJECT COORDINATION

      Custom projects involving analysis of educational programs, services, procedures, and results.

      PHOTOGRAPHY

      Discount Photography services (commercial, portrait, occasion, family, event, and party)

      For Publications (displays, student published media, pamphlets, flyers, brochures, postcards,                                educational materials)

      CONSULTATION

      Collaboration with educational professionals to address performance, sustainability, and support                          problems.

      Coordinated PBLs using community resources with educational opportunities.

      Custom Family, Learner and Educator Modification Plans and Instructional Support Programs

       KEYNOTE SERVICES

       Speaker on Educational Issues, Student Rights, and Character Development

       Hosting Discussion Groups, Study Groups, Event Host

       Motivational Speaker

       Professional Development Speaker

       Presentation Voice Over

       Storytelling

       Continuing Education Instruction

       Intensive Instructional Assistance and Tutoring

       PLC Team Speaker

5. Am I prepared to spend the time and money needed to get my business started?

      I am in the planning stage right now.  I am willing to commit 5-7 hours a week on this. 

         Capital is currently unavailable.

6. What differentiates my business idea and the products or services I will provide from others in the market?

      Services are personalized.  Services are provided at a discount. Services are distinct because of my                  personal philosophy and brand.

7. Where will my business be located?

     Currently the business is "on site" and home based.  Services are available online and in person by                   appointment.

      In five years maintain a small office in the commercial or business district of area community.

8. How many employees will I need?

      Three: Myself, the assistant, and the administrative assistant Revised July 2, 2014

      Capital is not available to employ others, however consultation may include referrals and outsourcing if               custom services require further support.

9. What types of suppliers do I need?

          legal

          advertising and marketing

          insurance

          accounting and banking

          office supplies

          film processor and printer

          information technology

          wireless networking and mobile communications

         data storage and back-up

         printer

         paper supplier

         party supplier

10. How much money do I need to get started?

 ESTIMATED COSTS

         $1000 for sports and portrait camera

         $1500 for mobile photo booth

         $1500 for DJ and Recording Equipment

         UNKNOWN Insurance

         UNKNOWN Accounting

        $500 mobile data services

        $1100+ for 1st years office rent, (based on 2013 commercial space rates)

        $500+ for 1st year's utilities (based on 2013 commercial space rates)

        $1000 for advertising and marketing (based on 2013 commercial space rates)

PROJECTED

      $20,000 for Assistant

      $35,000 for Administrative Assistant

11. Will I need to get a loan?

      Yes, and grants.

12. How soon will it take before my products or services are available?

      Many services are available immediately.  2 weeks notice is required for custom services.

13. How long do I have until I start making a profit?

      Projected 3 years from now.

14. Who is my competition?

     None, my services are unique because of their personal nature.

15. How will I price my product compared to my competition?

     Prices are set at cost + 10-25% for my own salary.

16. How will I set up the legal structure of my business?

     Through a business lawyer.

17. What taxes do I need to pay?

     As determined by accountant and SBA or BBB.

18. What kind of insurance do I need?

     Liability

     Personal Injury (minimal)

19. How will I manage my business?

     Hands On, by contract.  

     When staff is needed they are harvested and hired by contract as needed or outsourced as independent            contractors.  

      Administrative Assistant and personal assistant will work directly with me so must be supportive and                cooperative.  Both positions could become collaborators.

20. How will I advertise my business?

      Grassroots Promotion

          Flyers, posters, job boards, classifieds, online

      Local Media

      Business cards, flyers, brochures, newspaper, greeting cards, postcards, word of mouth, internet,                    phone/email list, commercial customer marketing such as shopping carts, place mats, table cards, and            community event sponsorship.