# data[].attributes.body
help and collaborate as much as I could as I stepped in later in the school year as a leader

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seeing my kids grow and being more confident

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Being supportive and co-teaching during my PP

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8th grade leveling their writings.

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Students enjoying Spanish class and saying they are "Puerto Ricans" and bilinguals just because they know a couple of words in Spanish 😁

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Trying to incorporate the spontaneous speaking in 7th grade.

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Not being included in leadership meetings, WL lacks voice and representation.  WL is not an encore, should be treated as 5 core.
-Val

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Having more than a collegue, a friend (D. Soto- my bleesing) who helps me a lot. The two new teacher that were hire are super and the help I received from Preston (wooo hoo)

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I try to support the team by being a positive voice and warm demander.

# data[].attributes.body
finding out my colleague was leaving

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Really my main lemonaide is AACPS' consistant lack of high expectations for our students.  Bad late policy, MINs, no concern for absences, retakes.  Shannon Riley

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Really my main lemonaide is AACPS' consistant lack of high expectations for our students.  Bad late policy, MINs, no concern for absences, retakes.  Shannon Riley

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Being their sound board and staying positive

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I feel like I've been able to create a culture where everyone feels like they can talk to me/each other. I think my team knows that I will always listen/advocate for them.

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The importance of communicating with each other. Rosie

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The importance of communicating with each other. Rosie

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Collaborative planning with Kylie for AP Spanish has been a blessing for our students to reach their goals... and for my personal life too :)

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Rising 6th graders are *really* excited to be learning a language. They've heard or seen things and that's really exciting to me.

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They continued to tell me how much support they felt they had from me and what a great job I was doing despite the odds being stacked against us all year.
-Patrick

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Being happy we have students showing up to our classes and learning. Everyday is a new day. Not focusing on the negative. Look ahead and forget about yesterday.

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Always being willing to take time & lend a helping hand. I am grateful that this be can said for everyone in the department - Colleen

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supporting teachers as they needed it - everyone needs something different and I feel like I have been approachable and made myself available 

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supporting teachers as they needed it - everyone needs something different and I feel like I have been approachable and made myself available 

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I have enjoyed building a small group of French planners over Google Meet for collaborative planning. I hope we can grow this group next year... (hint, hint) (Michele @ MacArthur)

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I think that my best quality as a department chair has been listening when my teachers are feeling challenged by their students or by other issues in teaching or in life. I validate their struggles & viewpoints, and encourage them to do what's best for THE STUDENTS and THEMSELVES

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I feel like I kept my attitude positive, even though I was sceptical and unsure of some of the new ideas.  This trickled down and I feel like we have all done a nice job.  Shannon Riley

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I feel like I kept my attitude positive, even though I was sceptical and unsure of some of the new ideas.  This trickled down and I feel like we have all done a nice job.  Shannon Riley

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Giving students lots of opportunities to use Spanish in some capacity. We really pushed our level 3 students specifically this year, and I feel like they've grown so much!

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Trying to stay positive and solutions-oriented. Making sure people feel appreciated -Annie Kneis

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Trying to stay positive and solutions-oriented. Making sure people feel appreciated -Annie Kneis

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Kids excited and engaged, taking charge of their learning in student center activities. Malvina

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Encouraging them to try one new thing each quarter.  Making changes more "chewable".  And also just giving them kudos because I learn from them.  I have a great team, really.  Very supportive and sweet.  

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Encouraging them to try one new thing each quarter.  Making changes more "chewable".  And also just giving them kudos because I learn from them.  I have a great team, really.  Very supportive and sweet.  

# data[].attributes.body
The Spanish 3 team worked tirelessly to boost enrollment for level 4. The change in who taught level 3 helped tremendously. This year we have 2 level 4 classes and were able to increase that to SIX next year. This was a huge win for our department.

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Creating relationships with new team and sharing ideas with each other has impacted both students & teacher learning. 😊
-Val

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Stepping up to help with middle school students (inside my school and outside). It's been a very humbling experience, but I'm so glad I have gotten to do it.

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Incorporating non curriculum related spontaneous conversation in all classes has built student proficiency as well as built community in the classroom

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Being alone. I get it why, it was lonely sometimes. - Paz

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It has been a challenge to get students on board with spontaneous speaking, but there are some who are starting to see the value in it & embrace the challenge - Colleen

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The support we give each other in our department to make sure we are all OK, and the support from WCL team

# data[].attributes.headline
gently got them onboard with spontaneous speaking

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gently got them onboard with spontaneous speaking

# data[].attributes.body
Creating/growing relationships with other WL departments! It's been great having so many opportunities to work with some of my people from A High, and strengthening a newer friendship with Shelby during our own little AP collab planning :)

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I was not sure how the spontaneous speakings were really going to go as far as recording them and grading them.  I was happily surprised to see that the kids enjoyed them more than the old very artificial interpersonal speakings.  Shannon Riley

# data[].attributes.subject
I was not sure how the spontaneous speakings were really going to go as far as recording them and grading them.  I was happily surprised to see that the kids enjoyed them more than the old very artificial interpersonal speakings.  Shannon Riley

# data[].attributes.body
Forming great relationships with my students and watching the relationships between my students grow. Proving the naysayers wrong that learning virtually inhibits forming relationships.

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Seeing some of our new  teachers thrive within the content and outside - Annie Kneis

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Seeing some of our new  teachers thrive within the content and outside - Annie Kneis

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The expectations still remain. No matter what is happening. We still have students who are waiting for us to give them our best. - Nea

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Bringing positivity and finding good out of every day

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I have been able to support teachers in my building who are covering Spanish classes - especially for Spanish 1a.  Several of these teachers declined to use "packets" and said they wanted to do "real lessons."  They are awesome and I have been happy to help them. (Michele @MacArthur)

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team worked together so well after adjusting

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team worked together so well after adjusting

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Practicing more and more with breakout rooms and getting more comfortable each time- as well as the students!

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getting to take on more leadership roles -Annie Kneis

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getting to take on more leadership roles -Annie Kneis

# data[].attributes.headline
Spontaneous speaking.  It was a challenge, especially, to get my 8th graders to buy in.  Still don't have it down completely yet, but progress is being made and I feel like as a result, more kids are speaking the language outside the classroom.  :)

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Spontaneous speaking.  It was a challenge, especially, to get my 8th graders to buy in.  Still don't have it down completely yet, but progress is being made and I feel like as a result, more kids are speaking the language outside the classroom.  :)

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Putting forth the effort to make good spantaneous conversations with my classes

# data[].attributes.body
Coming from HS into Middle sharing how perfection is not necessary/level appropriate has allowed team to focus more on proficiency instead of grammar & vocabulary lists.
-Val

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Teachers who reached out and took on some of my vacancies and taught them virtually (THANK YOU!!!  Had it not been for you, I may not have made it this far - not a joke!)
a team that kept fighting through every lemon that fell from the tree.  Including the construction disasters.
-Patrick

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push students to do things even if they weren't comfortable quite yet

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Department members worked together to help one another & the WL office provided lots of support for new teachers. Frequent visits to check in made us feel valued & supported. - Colleen

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finding out my who team is leaving

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As our department got smaller, we became more efficient in collaborating and sharing ideas and resources. Malvina

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I am also DEEPLY GRATEFUL to the MacArthur Teachers and teachers from other schools for supporting us by covering classes!!!!

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Finding a new hire mid year! my teammates helping out and taking charge of various elements, especially if they saw I was overwhelmed.

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Finding a new hire mid year! my teammates helping out and taking charge of various elements, especially if they saw I was overwhelmed.

# data[].attributes.body
Having a really supportive and helpful department!

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Even if they were late, they kept coming lol

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Even if they were late, they kept coming lol

# data[].attributes.headline
All of my team works hard at the goals that we plan and they are all team players.  We share and help one another.  We are willing, even if nervous, to try new things. Shannon Riley

# data[].attributes.subject
All of my team works hard at the goals that we plan and they are all team players.  We share and help one another.  We are willing, even if nervous, to try new things. Shannon Riley

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I can face any challenge that comes my way. The persistent issues that I have experienced has made me stronger, wiser and better- Nea

# data[].attributes.headline
everyone is pleased with progress in spontaneous speaking

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everyone is pleased with progress in spontaneous speaking

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The calendars the WCL office made for us this year.  Helped SO much with collaboration and time (i.e. having the days we are off already on the calendars)

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The calendars the WCL office made for us this year.  Helped SO much with collaboration and time (i.e. having the days we are off already on the calendars)

# data[].attributes.headline
Starting off with everyone in our department.  Rosie

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Starting off with everyone in our department.  Rosie

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Having student buy-in back. Students (regardless of level) attempted (not resisted) to be risk-takers after being virtual. They like coming to class. - Paz

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Finding a great Spanish teacher to replace the sub.

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Lemonade-watching and listening to Spanish 1B students communicate without fear of making mistakes
-Val

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The connections our department had together and how that showed in our relationships with our students

# data[].attributes.body
Worth the squeeze - trying out different strategies to increase student skill w/ spontaneous conversation

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In the fall, colleagues needed support for a major tone shift that was affecting the mood of our department. It was exhausting.

# data[].attributes.body
Having a teacher leave mid-year

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Having a fullly staffed department has been great this year, after last year's hell. The new teacher we brought on has been a blessing, and all 4 of us get along really well.

Additionally, I personally feel I have great relationships with my students. My teachers report the same with their students and I love hearing when they have a breakthrough with a student.

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serious illness in the department at quarterly time, more than once

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serious illness in the department at quarterly time, more than once

# data[].attributes.headline
WCL Office for the help in supporting sessions

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WCL Office for the help in supporting sessions

# data[].attributes.body
Finding the right ways to engage students in challenging situations (e.g., big classes, vacancies).

# data[].attributes.body
North County German teachers came to help us! So grateful for them!- Nea

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problem of Fluency of the language, staff not following what we discussed

# data[].attributes.headline
A team of new teachers and long-term subs -Annie Kneis

# data[].attributes.subject
A team of new teachers and long-term subs -Annie Kneis

# data[].attributes.body
Missing key information from IDT team meetings due to team placement (this has hopefully been addressed)

# data[].attributes.body
Shrinking department.
Malvina

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Lemonade - department pulling together and support of other WL colleagues pitching in across the county

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Lemon - teacher reluctant, bad attitude, resigned after winter break, vacancy, department members consistently late for department meetings

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Lemon - teacher reluctant, bad attitude, resigned after winter break, vacancy, department members consistently late for department meetings

# data[].attributes.body
Multiple changes in staffing mid year, new teachers needing tons of support - Colleen

# data[].attributes.body
Being alone during Q1 with 2 classes with more than 80 students each during Q1.

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lack of teachers - being told to teach Chemistry for their vacancy -not having time to walk into classes and be present like I have always been in the past - a teacher who accused me of not being supportive and trying to have that person removed
-Patrick

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Three preps.  I know some people have 4.  It's just difficult to navigate at times. --Malia

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Three preps.  I know some people have 4.  It's just difficult to navigate at times. --Malia

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3 vacancies that persisted througout the year. - Nea

# data[].attributes.body
Lemon - teacher out midyear @ FMLA

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YOUR OFFICE! I am DEEPLY GRATEFUL for Annie, Charis and Julie for supporting us. There are still 33 (?) days and I will continue to count on you all. I appreciate YOU. (Michele @ MacArthur)

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Honestly I am so grateful that we are fully staffed (FYI last year we weren't and it was hell, so I feel your pain and I paid my dues Katrina, Patrick, et. al.)

No departmental lemons to report

# data[].attributes.body
Having a sub at the beginning of the school year for a Spanish class.

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I feel like my team has slid back in effort/energy this year for teaching. Some people did try their best, but not everyone was on time/ had a lesson ready/ was on their phone during class, etc. It's hard to stay motivated when other team members see the bare minimum from others.

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We had a lot of chaos but we got even MORE organized than we were before and are setting things up to make life easier for new teachers next year.

# data[].attributes.body
Lemon- taking over classes at the middle school.
Lemonade- seeing what it is really like to teach that age group, learning how to modify lessons and us both knowing we will work together at the hs. Katrina

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We had a terrible toxic person in the department who did whatever they wanted, let students leave school early, didn't teach lessons, complained, gaslit us all etc. (They are gone now).
Katrina