Mickelson ExxonMobil Teachers Academy

Hey Folks,
I arrived home Sunday night and woke to a harsh reality Monday morning. No one was at my house to make my breakfast, lunch, dinners or to make my bed and give me fresh towels. WHAT!! Instead my then I had to cook the meals. Back to reality!

 Again I had so much fun and my brain is now working overtime of new ideas that I will be incorporating into my 3rd grade classroom for the 2013-2014 year. Yay! I really want to post all of the cool experiments and "a-haaas" I had but then I think that would really take away from the Jersey participants. So you will have to trust me when I say "You really need do this academy yourself to get the most out of it! I am curious on what other participants think! I am posting pictures for the upcoming Jersey partcipants. I have seen a lot of clothing questions so I took pics on what I wore (nothing too special) and how much room to leave in your suitcase. I also wanted to share pics of my colleagues who joined me for the ride AND MY NEW BESTIE (ALISON) I made all the way from Jersey. We are planning classroom pen-pals and some Skyping experiences.

Happy Summer!
~Mrs. Wirth :)

Reuse pants to save room in your suitcase!

Extra shirts for sightseeing

Jean capris on the last day...Awesome Mickelson shirt for group picture

Dinner Dress (lots of summer dresses)

My TPS crew...we travel well together. I love this group of gals!

Sometimes you meet someone and you know you should be friends. A Jersey and an "Okie"! Love ya girl!

Some of my goodies I brought home...there was more but they are still packed. SAVE ROOM IN YOUR LUGGAGE!!

Michelson Exxon Mobil Academy

Professional Development, love it or hate it we all have to do it. So here is my story of this little academy. Our district sends out an email to go to New Orleans for a Math and Science inquiry based learning opportunity to all 3-5 grade teachers. Oh and let me mention the email said "All Expenses Paid"...I mean all! I think well why not...my 1 yr old and 4 yr old have me worn out, parents, testing, pacing calendars & common core have me stressed...sure I am in! Oh and did I mention "All Expenses Paid" I email back (with a couple of coworkers) I am interested and in a couple of weeks I was truly in.

 I started this Wednesday with low expectations "this is not going to give a 10 1/2 yr teaching veteran and workshop instructor anything new I haven't tried on my own or discovered on Pinterest. PEOPLE you won't hear me say this often...I WAS wrong!! This is day 2 of the academy and I am learning and extending my own practices, having my own "aha moments", I am seeing through other learners eyes, making new friends and connections across the country. I am really having a blast and it isn't just because I had a couple too many "specialty drinks" on Bourbon Street. Oops!  One other thing I need to mention I have always HATED Math and Science as a learner. I am a lover of Reading and Writing. BUT I am always searching to find exciting ways for my own learners to become engaged and responsible for their own learnings so they will want to continue to be a lifelong learners. BINGO I found it! I highly recommend this academy and I am probably the hardest person to please when it comes to P. D. Mickelson Exxon Mobil Academy you are "Totally Wirth It and have exceeded my expectations!" THANK YOU!

I also want to extend a shout out to my Tulsa girls-great traveling!, the Green Group-we rock!, Sherri Davis and Faculty- You have thought of Everything I am truly amazed. WOW!! 

Mrs. Wirth :)

P.S. I wonder...