Tia M. Dawson

Are “Wants” Necessary?

Our school has done an amazing job collecting donations for a number of our most in-need families this Christmas season. It was quite a wonderful, rewarding experience for everyone involved. The generosity of the staff and some local businesses overwhelmed the parents who we supported this holiday season. If I had to speculate, I wouldContinue reading “Are “Wants” Necessary?”

Office as Punishment Vs Understanding

As administrators, we are often responsible for disciplining children. When students misbehave, they are often sent to the office. There are many ways administrators can deal with children when they are sent to the office. The office can be seen as a venue of punishment or of care and understanding. Office as One ofContinue reading “Office as Punishment Vs Understanding”

A Time of Giving

This season brings a variety of emotions for individuals – both positive and negative. Some have memories of the Christmas season that are not the greatest. Worse than that, for some, Christmas is a painful time. For some, getting together with family during the holiday season can be very stressful. In contrast, for others, theContinue reading “A Time of Giving”

Powerful Student Engagement

All 4 of my classes completed their 100 Minutes of Genius this week (my take on Genius Hour). It was a powerful experience for all of us. Here are some things I noticed: Students didn’t need any direction. Students knew what they wanted to learn about. Students were self-motivated and excited. From the moment theyContinue reading “Powerful Student Engagement”

Powerful Digital Discovery

This past Thursday afternoon/evening, our district hosted our first of three, Digital Discovery sessions for administrators for this school year. I am fortunate to be one of the Digital Coaches for this series. What a night it was. There were over 200 administrators and other district staff who actively participated in the evening. You couldContinue reading “Powerful Digital Discovery”

Beautiful Day in Vancouver

It has been quite a few weeks since we last went on our family walk along the seawall. With our double stroller, our mittens, our scarves, our toques, our winter coats, the rain cover, our umbrellas, and our rain jackets, we headed downtown (we live in a suburb). Yah, we our weather can be quite unpredictableContinue reading “Beautiful Day in Vancouver”

100 Minutes of Genius

I am in the midst of completing individual conferences with my students about their learning this term (and their grades). The end of the term is coming. It is a natural break in units and the focus on prescribed learning outcomes. Sure, I could start a new unit with my 4 classes and work onContinue reading “100 Minutes of Genius”

So Fortunate

As a teaching Vice-Principal, I am truly amazed by all that I get to experience each day. Not only do I teach Health & Career Education and French to intermediate students, but I also have the opportunity to be the Early Literacy Teacher in our school. During my Early Literacy teaching time, I work withContinue reading “So Fortunate”

My Grading Journey – Part 3

As I continue along my Grading Moratorium journey, and having my students take more ownership over their learning (and the grades they receive for the term), I am surprised often. I am surprised at the honesty, self-reflection, realism, and insight of my Grade 5 students. I was concerned that everyone would say they deserved toContinue reading “My Grading Journey – Part 3”