At Open House in my school district I have 7 minutes to explain my class to the parents before the next class comes in. I was always afraid to forget something crucial so a couple years ago I took photos throughout the year and then created an Open House Video. Every year I tweak it slightly but this is the video I showed last year. I also post it on my school website so parents or guardians who could not attend can still watch the video. originally posted on ballinwithballing.blogspot.com

 Yes, a movie trailer. To get students and parents excited about my course and to get more students to sign up for it I have created a movie trailer to drum up interest. All teachers eventually realize that we are in advertising. I believe that my obsession with infomercials and the way they can make me want to buy a product that I really don't need makes me a better teacher. If you think about it we are trying to sell a product that students usually wouldn't want. We need to see them as customers with a choice, not inmates serving time. (paraphrasing David Warlick; his blog is at davidwarlick.com ) I don't think that teachers usually do a very good job of tooting their own horn. You work hard as a professional, show it off! Here is the trailer to promote my course: (made with iMovie for the Mac)  This post originally featured on ballinwithballing.blogspot.com