WHAT TO WEAR TO YOUR NEXT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

It's almost back to school time which for me means that there are a lot of meetings ahead! Professional Development, Trainings, Conferences, or other meetings are a great chance to get out of the classroom and learn new things. I always think of these meetings as not only a learning opportunity for the topic at hand, but also an opportunity for me to make new connections both personally and professionally. It's tempting to show up in sweats, yoga pants, or ripped jeans. Don't get me wrong -- I am all for comfort. However, you never know who you might meet or what opportunity could come your way. Putting together a cute outfit can be just as effortless as throwing on a sweatshirt, but it gives you that pulled together look (and feeling) that can help you stand out and make a good impression. Today, I'm sharing three outfit ideas that are both comfortable and stylish to inspire you for what you could wear to your next Professional Development meeting.

Look 1:

This outfit is so simple and comfortable! I'm sure you have the same staple pieces in your wardrobe -- sandals, jeans, white blouse -- I just jazzed it up with a trendy statement necklace. This look allows me to feel relaxed a comfy, but style-wise I think it earns an A+. (Is that too corny? Oh well!)

The Look:

White Blouse - Walmart

Statement Necklace- Charming Charlie's

Jeans - Old Navy

Sandals- Old Navy

Also proud to be rocking my new Erin Condren Teacher Planner! For a review of my EC planner last year (and some money off your first purchase) click HERE. 

Look 2: 

I LOVE this top, but I wouldn't wear it in the classroom. It is the perfect look for summer, a night out with friends, or (you guessed it) an outfit for PD. This fun flowy blouse is pretty and trendy, but still covered up enough to be appropriate for a meeting. I partnered it with dark wash jeans, heeled sandals, and my teacher bag to polish the look. And don't you fret -- these heels are so easy to walk in that I've run in them before (not for long, but you get the point... they're comfy!).

The Look:

Boho Blouse- Target

Jeans- Old Navy

Heeled Sandals- Old Navy

Teacher Bag- Target

Look 3:

I'm a sucker for a good t-shirt. If you're like me you probably have some great Teacher Tees in your wardrobe already that you've received at a conference or picked up along the way. Here's an easy way to take that simple tee to a whole new level! I cuffed up jeans, put on some patterned flats, and added a cardigan that I could keep on or take off depending on the temperature. Add some simple stud earrings like I did or a statement necklace and you've got yourself a whole outfit!

The Look:

Red Cardigan- Target (to see other ways to style this same cardigan click HERE)

Inspire Shirt- Erin Condren (Yes! The same gal who makes my planner. Use this referral code to save some $ on your purchase: https://www.erincondren.com/referral/invite/jessicawhittaker0114) 

Jeans- Old Navy

Striped Flats- Target

I hope this inspired you to dig through your closet and find pieces that you could put together for your next Professional Development. You can look stylish, pulled together, and make that impression the you want without having to break the bank or sacrifice comfort. Happy PD-ing to you! 

TRACK MISSING WORK IN STYLE

Do you ever have students who forget to turn in work on time? Who am I kidding -- of course you do! Or maybe they turn it in, but there's no name on it? It happens from time to time, no matter how great of a teacher you are. What matters is how you manage late/missing assignments. Today, I'm sharing with you my fun DIY to help you (and your students) keep up with what has or hasn't been turned in. It is SO important for students of any age to work on responsibility and my newest DIY project will allow my students to practice responsibility as well as self-advocacy. Keep reading if you want to see this cute, easy, and CHEAP project that will help you cut down on missing assignment nightmares.

What I've created is a "Missing Work" board that will allow me to post assignments and the names of students who I haven't received it from. This project cost about $12 and took me less than 15 minutes to make. I think that's a win-win. Not to mention the fact that this will save me the headache of dealing with holes in the grade book.

How I made it:

Supplies you will need- frame, scrapbook paper, alphabet stickers (optional), sticky notes
1. Take matte out of frame. 
2. Trace matte on scrapbook paper.
3. Cut scrapbook paper along traced lines.
4. (optional) Stick alphabet stickers on paper.
5. Place paper inside of the frame and secure.
6. (optional) If you chose not to purchase alphabet stickers, you could write "Missing Work" on the glass part of your frame using a dry erase marker.
7. Write missing assignments and student names on sticky notes and post as needed. 

How it works:

- After I have finished logging assignment scores into my grade book I will pull out sticky notes.
- Each individual sticky notes will represent one assignment. 
- On said sticky note I will write the assignment title on top, then list out the names of all students who do not have a score logged for that assignment. 
- Students will be responsible for checking the "Missing Work" board and turning in assignments so that their name gets checked off the sticky.
- If a student knows that they turned their assignment in, yet they see their name on the board, this should prompt them to look through the "No Name File" I have in my class to find the assignment and then they can resubmit.

To celebrate students who have had every homework assignment turned in during the month, as a 5th grade team we do a "Homework Club" lunch. This incentive of having lunch with the teacher and friends is a great motivator for students to be on top of checking the "Missing Work" board and turn in assignments on time. 

Did you give this DIY a try? Will you tweak it for your class? Please share in the comments below or post on social media using #myteacherstyle to show off your finished product.