Education By Numbers

Education By Numbers For some teachers its becoming what can I do to make my numbers better. Those numbers are of course their students. Numbers and students are not synonymous, but the new federal-funding, education allocation is placing them in the same sentence. An increasing amount of schools are implementing a value-added program to systematically determine how effective their teachers are, according to an article in The New York Times. Schools are receiving mixed reviews on this program. Some believe its an accurate way to measure a teachers ability. Critics, however, contend that its not accurate and shifts a teachers focus from what is best for the students to what is best for them. This system calculates a teachers value by comparing his/her students current test scores to previous years and other students in the same grade. Data analysts can then rank teachers based on this formula. For example if a third grader scored higher than 60% of his/her peers on a state-administered test, then he/she is predicted to have that same score during the fourth grade. If that student scores higher than 70%, the increase in achievement is attributed to his/her fourth grade teacher. The Obama administration has encouraged states to implement more precise methods for evaluating teachers. Many schools have already joined this value-added system bandwagon and even more expected to join soon. Traditionally, teachers have used similar programs to improve classrooms. However, the stakes are much higher now. Administrators are using this program to decide which teachers receive raises and which ones are fired. Michelle A. Rhee, the schools chancellor in Washington, recently fired about 25 teachers for poor evaluations. The Los Angeles Times published an online database that ranked area teachers from the most effective to the least effective. This piece resulted in the further evaluation of 6,000 teachers jobs. Education Secretary Arne Duncan said that The Los Angeles Times work was an exercise in healthy transparency during a recent speech. There are real issues and competing priorities and values that we must work through together balancing transparency, privacy, fairness and respect for teachers, Duncan said. I dont advocate that approach (The Los Angeles Times) for other districts. Some experts claim that this program is unreliable and inconsistent. They state that a teachers effectiveness will be all over this chart because of outside influences. They believe that this program should not be considered the ultimate form of evaluation. It does not account for tutors, transfers, changes in state tests or students motivations or abilities. The program does not reward teachers for maintaining higher-achieving students academic success. It only rewards for growth. Other experts, however, disagreed and claim that the outside influences can be controlled and accounted for. They believe that this system separates the effective teachers from the average and ineffective ones. Some believe that schools will attempt to adjust their teachers value levels to attain more federal funding. They believe that this could corrupt the value-added program.

What is the Cost of Living in Berlin

What is the Cost of Living in Berlin The Average Costs of Traveling or Staying in the German Capital ChaptersWhat is the Best District to Stay in Berlin?Hotels in Berlin: Where to StayHostels in Berlin: For Budget TravelersOther Options for Staying in BerlinIn 2018, Germany welcomed 23 million international, over-night visitors, 16.3 million of which visited Berlin â€" a 5% increase when compared to 2017.Whether you’re looking for a somewhere to stay on your next visit, for two bedroom apartment, want to live near a large community of expats, or are trying to understand what is typically included in the rent â€" the housing options in Berlin can sometimes be overwhelming. This feeling can be intensified by the fact that costs will vary from district to district.From analysing the cost of living and the average amount you will have to pay for utilities, to what kind of local taxes you will have to pay for renting an apartment â€" you will need to budget for your stay in Berlin.This guide will walk you through some basics on the standard of living, price index for groceries (the con sumer price index), and sales taxes involved in the costs of living in Berlin.One important aspect of a cost of living comparison is transportation costsThe historic centre of Berlin is, naturally, the most touristic district in the city. Here, you will be able to find the infamous Reichstag, the Brandenburg Gate, the Unter Den Linen avenue (which some liken to Berlin’s Oxford Street), the medieval Nikolaiviertel quarter and the notorious Alexanderplatz.Mitte also houses something you’re less likely to find in other major cities: the Berlin Zoo. It is, in fact, one of the biggest in the world and it’s intelligence unit specializes in making animal research more approachable for children.Strong points:Central locationHigh concentration of museumsMore than just basic necessities: it has most of the unmissable sites in BerlinThe Tiergarten, a great park to relax inWeak pointsThe higher cost of living differences can be found in the differences in consumer prices (otherwise known as tourist prices)Kreuzberg: Little IstanbulAs some might be able to discern from the name, this quarter has been historically dominated by Turkish people. However, over the city’s history, this area has opened its doors to many young Berliners.Today, it is defined by its alternative style, where you will be able to find street art right along side vendors for doner-kebab. This quarter also houses one of the most important museums in the city, the Jewish Museum.Strong pointsFestive atmosphereCentral locationLively cafes and terracesCan be cheaper than most central locationsWeak pointsThe vibe might err to heavily on the hipster side for some peopleFriedrichshain, The Party DistrictLocated in east Berlin, this district is where you’ll find what many consider to be the most important piece of the Berlin Wall. You’ll also find the notorious East Side Gallery here.This quarter is known for being an alternative to other districts with a higher cost of living. The district boasts fa ir shopping prices as well as great deals if you’re looking for a party.Strong pointsFriedrichshain never sleeps! A very lively nightlifeWeak pointsNot close to many traditional tourist spotsNeukolln, a trendy neighbourhoodLocated south of Kreuzberg, Neukolln is the new chic quarter. Although it had garnered a bad reputation just a couple of years ago, Neukolln has been economically stimulated by those looking for a cheaper alternative to Kreuzberg.You will be able to find many restaurants and bars located as far as the eye can see, as well as a the beautiful Tempelhof park â€" which used to be the site of an old airport.Find German classes London here.Strong points:A young and creative districtFar from the chaos of tourismWeak pointsNot that centralConstantly changingIf you're looking for some more advice about living or staying in Berlin, make sure to check out this guide.The average cost of many goods and services may be cheaper in BerlinHotels in Berlin: Where to StayWhether y ou’re looking to compare the cost of living, are curious to learn more about the hotels driving the Berlin housing index up, or simply want to know the average cost of staying in a hotel in Berlin â€" here are the basics about hotels in Berlin.Hotels in MitteAs mentioned, Mitte is the central district, which means that these hotels are located in a quarter where the average rent is high.The Weinmeister Hotel Berlin-Mitte: for a modern and chic hotel, look no further than the Weinmeister. One night for two will cost about 113 euros.The Circus Hotel: located just between Mitte and the bohemian Prenzlauer Berg, this hotel offers a room for two starting at 120 euros.Arte Luise Kunsthotel: the name Arte should already give you an idea of the creative design of the hotel. Each room is individually decorated by artists. A great price for the quality, a room for two will cost you 70 euros a night.The Cosmo Hotel: a classic and elegant hotel, the Cosmo costs about 100 euros a night.Find a German language course anywhere in the UK.Hotels in FriedrichshainTo compare cost distributions of hotel rooms, look no further than the party district. Located in an area with a lower cost of living than Mitte, these hotel rooms â€" while not below the national average price â€" are closer to it. Here are some hotels in the quarter that never sleeps:Amodovar organic hotel: yes, you’ve read correctly! This hotel is actually certified organic. The hotel is eco-friendly and includes a bistro with vegan dishes. The nightly price for this hotel is 100 euros.Hotel Plus Berlin Design: this adorable hotel comes with an indoor swimming pool, sauna, and billiards table starting at 40 euros a night.Hotels in Kreuzberg NeukollnIf you’re looking to keep your food cost and monthly expenses down, this district can offer you everything from high-end to affordable hotels. Here are some locations to test out on your next visit to Berlin:The HuttenpalastEasy Lodges BerlinHostels in Berlin: For B udget TravelersWhether you’re doing a simple living comparison, are wondering what kind of cost of living adjustment you’ll have to make to live comfortably on your budget, or simply want to avoid the high cost of living or visiting any city â€" hostels are always a great choice.While the median home price in Berlin is still less than many major cities in the UK, living or visiting the city will probably lead to the lowest cost of living or holiday budget to those with a low holiday fund or living allowance.While avoiding the highest cost, lodging, you will also be able to meet other travellers â€" a bonus especially to those travelling alone or who want to save their money to explore everything in Berlin.Hostels in MitteWhile many find hostels to be a living adjustment, staying in one near the centre will give you access to strategic metro areas while reducing the overall cost of living. Here are some of the best hostels in Mitte:Baxpax Downtown HostelWombat’s City HostelEast Seven HostelHostels in FriedrichshainCost of living adjustments can easily be accomplished by staying in the party district. Saving money will give you a holiday or living adjustment that results in more disposable cash to spend on transportation costs, food costs, and your overall trip or monthly cost. Here are some of the best hostels in the quarter:IndustriepalastDas DDR HostelLiving in Germany can have a very low living costOther Options for Staying in BerlinIf you have a greater travel fund or cost of living allowance, or simply cannot make any cost of living adjustments or are travelling in a large group â€" finding lodging through Airbnb is also a great option. The average home price, that is for an entire apartment, will vary from season to season. If you’re looking for an average household or apartment for only two people, the average prices for the month of June, for example, will fluctuate at about 1,600 pounds.You should be able to get exact prices either through quic k, economic research on Airbnb or through a cost of living calculator.While Berlin is not one of the most expensive cities and the living cost and living expenses can sometimes be cheaper than many cities in the UK, one other option for travelling or living in Germany can be by having a flatmate.This can be done either through platforms such as Couchsurfing, where you can almost always stay with your host for free or by finding a roommate, flatmate or host family in the city.While some of these options might expect you to front some of the housing costs, either with a small semester contribution or by buying the occasional groceries, this should lover your average monthly or weekly trip or living expenses to around zero.

How to Address Harassment in the Workplace - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / How to Address Harassment in the Workplace - Introvert Whisperer How to Address Harassment in the Workplace Sexual harassment is one of the most serious issues that affect the workplace. Sexual harassment has far-reaching consequences. Not only does it have legal ramifications when unaddressed, it makes the workplace unsafe and prevents businesses from operating at their best. For anyone in HR or management, it is essential to know how to address sexual harassment in the workplace, from prevention to addressing any issues that arise swiftly and ethically. Prevention An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure â€" that means your best defense against sexual harassment complaints is ongoing, thorough education. If your employees are well-versed on what constitutes sexual harassment and the consequences of harassing another employee, you can drastically cut back on unintended or uninformed instances of sexual harassment. Any employees tempted to harass another employee will be deterred by the consequences. Likewise, make sure your employees have outlets to speak out if they are experiencing harassment. Multiple methods of reporting help employees find the most comfortable way of reporting and addressing an extremely uncomfortable situation. Knowing that victims of harassment have a solid support network not only makes your employees feel safer, it deters any potential harassers. Investigate When you do get a report of sexual harassment you should investigate it immediately. In the world of #MeToo, it’s important that every sexual harassment complaint must be taken seriously, and handled with discretion. Whether the person being harassed has made a direct complaint to you, or you’ve caught wind of the potential harassment through rumors or reports from unaffiliated employees, you must investigate for the benefit of the employees and the company. Here are some steps for investigating the complaint: Take notes. You’ll need documentation of every step in the process when you come to your final decision. Some HR managers find a map of the complaint useful. Look into any previous interaction with HR in regards to everyone involved. Gather as much information as you can. Interview anyone who might have been party or witness to the harassment. Check into everyone’s stories using any sources possible, like security video or emails. Assure the complainant that they are safe from retaliation. Be compassionate and listen with care. Most victims of sexual harassment have a hard time coming forward; acknowledge that this is a difficult situation both in how you treat the complainant and handle the investigation. Be discreet. Give the accused the same consideration in terms of discretion and compassion. Don’t treat someone like they’re guilty until you are sure. Sometimes the issue is simply that the suspected harasser is behaving oddly and unaware that their behavior is outside the normal boundaries. Gauge the severity of the accusation. Was this a verbal assault? Was it physical? Does the complainant need medical care? Should the police be involved? Is there a safety issue for either party or the company? Do you need to take the victim to a hospital to see a doctor or get a rape kit? Considering the backlog of rape kits, how does this affect your investigation’s timeline? Do you need to report up the chain of command? Who needs to be involved in the investigation? Is there a liability issue? Do you need to get legal involved right away? Making a Decision After your investigation is complete, it’s time to determine what you believe to be the truth of the matter. Weigh all your information carefully and logically. If you’re uncertain, use any resources available to you to help make a decision, such as other members of HR or your supervisor. Once you’ve made your decision, determine a plan of action to address the issue. Do you need to put the offending employee on an action plan? Do they need to be terminated? Do you need to get the authorities involved? Depending on the seriousness of the issue, you might want to discuss your resolution with your legal department, to avoid the chance of your employee starting the sexual harassment lawsuit process, which begins after an unsatisfactory or negligent response to their complaint. In the end, the important thing is to make sure you, your employees, and your company are protected. Image Source: https://pixabay.com/en/agreement-brainstorming-coffee-2548138/   Author Bio: Sam Bowman is freelance writer and introvert who enjoys getting to utilize the internet for community without actually having to leave his house. In his spare time he likes running, reading, and combining the two in a run to his local bookstore. Go to top Power-Influence-Office Politics: it comes down to your Strategic Relationships and understanding of how you build each one of these elements. I want to help you accelerate your career by connecting you with your Free Instant Access to my video that outlines all of this and meaningful actions you can take today!  Start watching now by clicking here! Brought to you by Dorothy Tannahill-Moran â€" dedicated to unleashing your professional potential. Introvert Whisperer

Learning English as a Foreign Language 7 Tips for Memorising Words

Learning English as a Foreign Language 7 Tips for Memorising Words How to Learn English and Increase your Vocabulary? Chapters1. Start by Looking Up English Vocabulary2. Use Your New Words as Often as Possible3. Try New English Expressions and Sayings4. Speak English5. Use New Technology to Learn English6. Never Give Up!7. Sleep and RelaxYou’ve surely already had to look up words in your own language. It’s even more common English.Whether you want to discover new TV series, improve your career prospects, or just love the accent, you’re probably going to have to learn English.Whether you do this with private tutorials or classes at school or university, there’s always one question that crops up:“How can I remember all these new words?”In fact, how can you learn English more effectively? How can you memorise all your English vocabulary?To get ahead in English, there are several ways to remember a huge amount of vocabulary.If there’s one thing you need to know about learning a language, it’s that it takes a long time and a lot of work.Here are 7 tips for remembering as many English word s as you can..

What Should You Charge for Your Singing Lessons

What Should You Charge for Your Singing Lessons Deciding What to Charge for Tutoring Jobs as a Voice Coach ChaptersPrices for Music and Singing Lessons on SuperprofHow Geographical Location Affects the Price of Music LessonsHow Experience Affects PricePrice Depending on the Profile of Your StudentsBonus Tips for Singing TeachersBefore you become a singing teacher, you’ll need to find some students.In order to do this, one of the first things to consider is the cost of your services.Even if you have little experience with money and are new to the world of business, getting your head around your business’ financial situation is indispensable.So, how do you settle on a price for your singing lessons?There are many factors that come into play when finding the right rates to charge. Bear in mind that the cost of your services should not reflect what you want to earn, but what you are providing. CalumDrama School Entrance Teacher 5.00 (15) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ToriSpanish Teacher 5.00 (1) £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors OliviaSchool support Teacher 5.00 (2) £21/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MarkESOL (English) Teacher 4.76 (17) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors YuweiChinese Teacher 4.33 (6) £19/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JenniferMusic reading Teacher 5.00 (1) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LouiseAutoCAD Teacher 5.00 (3) £60/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RickyPercussion Teacher 5.00 (7) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NicolasGuitar Teacher 5.00 (2) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MyriamOrganic chemistry Teacher 5.00 (13) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JonathanEconomics Teacher 5.00 (9) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Oluwakemi imoleMaths Teacher 5.00 (1) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AlexPhysics Teacher 5.00 (1) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AdamSinging Teacher 5.00 (14) £48/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ValentiniMusic reading Teacher 5.00 (2) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MilenaMaths Teacher 5.00 (5) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RashmiEconomics Teacher 5.00 (1) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsPrices for Music and Singing Lessons on SuperprofIt’s no secret that music lessons at a music college or specialist organisation can be quite costly. Thankfully, there is the option of finding a private music tutor.Finding an instructor through Superprof saves clients money and gives them a wider choice of tutors, putting the customer in the driving seat.As a tutor, the low pricing may worry you.However, rest assured that the higher prices charged by music-teaching organisations are linked to the wider running costs of the institution. As an independent vocal coach, your general costs will be lower, and so you will be able to keep a larger portion of the money you earn.Advertise your services online with Superprof ¦ source: SuperprofIf you choose to advertise your services on Superprof, you will be joining a community of over 900 singing teachers.The average hourly rate for singing instruction is £27.55 â€" slightly higher than the average for music lessons.For instance, lessons in music theory generally cost around £23 per hour, and tariffs for learning musical instruments also vary:Piano, £24.40Violin, £23.86Drums, £21.38Trumpet, £31.40Guitar, £23.36Of course, there are many reasons for the large variation in pricing for music lessons.For example, the guitar is a more accessible instrument than a cello, and there are more teachers available, so prices are lower because of the rule of supply and demand.However, the prices cited above are only mean averages, meaning that there is variation within each individual field. This variation depends on many factors including the profile of the tutor, geographical location, and the type of coaching being offered.How Geographical Location Affects the Price of Music LessonsThe second most important thing to consider when d eciding on your rates is your direct competition.Take some time to get to know the market for singing lessons in your area. This means having a look at the services offered by others and what they charge.You can check advertisements in the local press or use an online platform such as Superprof to advertise online tutoring jobs.By doing a simple search on Superprof, you can take a look at the average price per hour for your town or city as well as the availability of singing teachers in your area.Here are a few examples of the hourly rates for singing lessons which you might find. As you can see tutoring jobs London offer the best rates: £28 per hour in London £21 per hour in Manchester £27 per hour in Edinburgh £13 per hour in Sheffield £27 per hour in Bristol £21 per hour in Birmingham £23 per hour in LeedsOnce you’ve found the average price for singing tuition in your area, you’ll be in a better position to settle on your own rate. CalumDrama School Entrance Teacher 5.00 (15 ) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ToriSpanish Teacher 5.00 (1) £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors OliviaSchool support Teacher 5.00 (2) £21/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MarkESOL (English) Teacher 4.76 (17) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors YuweiChinese Teacher 4.33 (6) £19/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JenniferMusic reading Teacher 5.00 (1) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LouiseAutoCAD Teacher 5.00 (3) £60/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RickyPercussion Teacher 5.00 (7) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NicolasGuitar Teacher 5.00 (2) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MyriamOrganic chemistry Teacher 5.00 (13) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JonathanEconomics Teacher 5.00 (9) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Oluwakemi imoleMaths Teacher 5.00 (1) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AlexPhysics Teacher 5.00 (1) £50/h1st lesson fr ee!Discover all our tutors AdamSinging Teacher 5.00 (14) £48/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ValentiniMusic reading Teacher 5.00 (2) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MilenaMaths Teacher 5.00 (5) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RashmiEconomics Teacher 5.00 (1) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsHow Experience Affects PriceIf you go into detail when researching the prices asked by other singing teachers, you will quickly realise that cost varies according to the profile of each teacher.Your personal experience and level of qualification in singing are important factors to consider when setting your rates.For instance, if you look are the rates of singing teachers in London, you’ll see that they range from £15 to £75 per hour.But what justifies this large gap?The skill and knowledge of the voice teacher themselves.Singing teachers generally fall into one of three distinct categories. Identifying your own category can help you reach a decision on your prices:Self-taught singers: These are amateur singers who usually have a lot of personal experience with performing both alone and as part of a choir.Music undergraduates: learning from someone who is educated to degree-level in music gives learners an opportunity for a level of classical vocal training.Professional voice coaches: Professional teachers are usually found in music colleges or as members of music teaching agencies. As they teach singing full-time, they are more likely to be highly-experienced and offer a range of services encompassing ear training, singing techniques to avoid straining and maintaining vocal health, throat relaxation, and increasing their student's vocal range.Since tariffs usually reflect the teacher’s level of experience, highly experienced teachers will be able to charge more for their services than a self-taught vocalist. This is simply because they will be in a better position to respond to specific demands and easily personal ise their services.Your musical background may affect what you can charge ¦ source: VisualhuntWithin the discipline of singing, there are many genres and vocal techniques to learn about. For this reason, the content of singing lessons varies greatly from teacher to teacher.However, regardless of style, it is always important that students master the singing techniques that underpin a strong musical voice. Teachers should advise students on their posture, breathing techniques and controlling their vibrato.All of these elements help students to use their voices to their full potential whilst looking after their vocal chords, and their complexity may mean that such instruction is limited to professional singing teachers.This is why it is important that you justify your pricing with details of your experience with singing and teaching others how to sing.Here are a few things you may wish to include:Singing qualifications/Grade certificatesProfessional experience (as a singing coach)Art istic experience (as a performer)Other musical abilities (playing the piano, for example)When it comes to musicianship, you will notice that a large number of singing teachers are also musicians in some other capacity. Playing an instrument such as the piano or the guitar is especially useful for students, as it offers them an accompaniment to their singing.So, there are many factors that come into play when you start thinking about the content of your lessons. Even though being able to provide a piano accompaniment is useful, there are always alternatives if you don’t play the piano. For instance, there are plenty of orchestral backing tracks that can be purchased or downloaded for the use of singers.Price Depending on the Profile of Your StudentsThe final factor to consider before you set a price is the profile of your prospective students.If you ensure that your pricing is adapted to the needs and goals of your students, your rates will remain attractive whilst reflecting the t ype of tuition you will be providing.This is why it is useful to consider your target market before you enter the world of singing lessons. Just as the lesson content of grade 1 singing will differ from that for grade 8, prices also differ.For example, beginners’ singing lessons will require far less lesson preparation than lessons for exam preparation, and this justifies the difference in price.Similarly, if you’re teaching a highly-accomplished singer, there will be a higher level of personalisation required in singing lesson planning.Target your advertisments towards those you wish to teach ¦ source: VisualhuntIt goes without saying that the teacher’s level of competence in singing should be significantly higher than that of their student.Learning from a more advanced musician gives students a solid musical base before they begin honing their finer skills such as improving their tone and the quality of their vibrato. Learn about the right singing equipment for singing clas ses.Bonus Tips for Singing TeachersBesides adapting your general hourly rate for the profile of the students you wish to attract, it can also be useful to offer various prices based on other criteria, such as:1st hour freeGroup rates for those who arrange lessons togetherReduced rates for lessons lasting longer than 1 hourPricing for intensive singing coursesReduced prices for online lessons (via Skype)Once you have decided on your pricing and begin creating your profile, make clear the type of teaching you are able to provide.The more detail you provide on your abilities and the format of your lessons, the higher the likelihood that you receive enquiries from your target students.You may want to highlight things such as:Your specialism in a certain field (classical, jazz, opera, gospel, etc.)Experience with leading a chorus or singing workshopsYor ability to train performers for auditions and help them overcome stage fright and improve confidenceYour knowledge of different singing techinques  (leading a warm up, breath control, using the head voice, using the diaphragm, etc.)Putting the right price on your services and justifying it with your level of experience and teaching abilities will increase your chances of finding singing students who are as passionate and motivated as you are.

7 Singing Experts Share Their Best Music Biz Advice

7 Singing Experts Share Their Best Music Biz Advice Suzy S. Here at TakeLessons, were passionate about helping students achieve their dreams, reach their potential, and receive the guidance they need from professionals ready to pass on valuable singing tips, knowledge, and encouragement. We talk about our singing teachers a lot, and have even featured many of them here on the blog. But we also know theres a lot of advice worth noting in other corners of the web. So we scoured the Internet, searching for other professionals, vocal coaches, and performers who could provide their own two cents namely, what does it take to make it in the music industry? For those singers who aspire to be in the studio, on stage, or breaking records, what does it really take to get there? What one piece of advice would you give to someone who wants to be a professional singer? Heres the advice we rounded up. Sign up for Toms  Broadway VoiceBox program here! Download Wades eBook, The $150,000 Music Degree  here! Download Cheryls eBook, In The Key of Success,  here! (Note: Shes actually one of our teachers, too!) Readers, what do you think? What are the best singing tips youve ever received about breaking into the music industry? Let us know in the comments section below! Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher Photo by  Maurice

Volunteer With HEART Jeanette Price - Heart Math Tutoring

Volunteer With HEART Jeanette Price - Heart Math Tutoring Volunteer With HEART: Jeanette Price Volunteer With HEART: Jeanette Price April 7, 2015 Jeanette Price is a veteran volunteer and proctor with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. She is part of the National Alumnae Association for West Charlotte High School. While Jeanette was at Alexander Graham Middle School with the after-school program Bulldogs Matter,  she was asked to help students with math homework. She was a little uncomfortable at first because, she said, the subject was “not her strong suit,” but she saw a need for extra support.  A sixth grade girl at Bulldog Matters explained how they were being taught in the classroom, and Price became more ease with tutoring the subject. She learned about HEART four years ago and thought it would be a good way to keep working with children and continue learning about math education. Her first school was Rama Road, working with two third graders. When HEART moved from Rama Road, Jeanette followed the program to Billingsville Elementary where she works with two second graders. “The students are eager to come to HEART when you go to their classroom to pick them up,” she said. How and why did you become a volunteer with HEART? “I have a passion for children and felt HEART Tutoring would be an excellent opportunity to share my time with elementary students in a math program. This has been a great experience for me.” What are some of your favorite moments from working with the students? “I am delighted to see smiles and happiness as they gain confidence and achieve math concept goals and activities on a particular lesson. There have been times when my student asks me to have ‘Ms. Padgett,’ a HEART Program Coordinator, do their assessment when they feel they are ready to move to another level. There was a time when I was absent and they asked, ‘Where were you last week?’ I feel I am having a positive influence on their learning experience.” What would you tell someone who is thinking about becoming a volunteer? “It’s the best hour spent â€" on Thursdays at Billingsville. I have two second graders who are excited about learning math and love having the one-on-one attention. They are my little friends whom I enjoy working with and giving encouragement so that they will have a positive attitude about math. The program is fun and uses games to support thinking and learning math skills. I love using all the visual aids: connecting cubes, deck of cards, ten frames cards, domino cards, bowls and, of course, pencil and paper. A Program Coordinator is on site at each session with your materials and ready to assist.” Want to volunteer? Heart will need more volunteers for the 2015/2016 school year! With a commitment of one hour per week, community members can help a struggling student gain the skills and confidence he/she needs for long-term success. Click here to express your interest!

Directions in English - Videos, Exercises and a Woman Who is Always Lost

Directions in English - Videos, Exercises and a Woman Who is Always Lost Learning how to ask for and understand directions in English is probably one of the most important things you need to learn if youre traveling to an English speaking country. Most likely, you will be in a place you are unfamiliar with, but if you havent practiced or studied how to ask for and understand directions in English, your best resource, other people, will not be available to you.The videos below will help you to understand how we give directions in English, and how to ask for them. Weve also got a link to a very interesting video from the New York Times about a woman who has lost the ability to know where she is. She is literally lost all the time.Directions in English VideoExercise: Give directions using the map below. Write your answers in comments and well reply.Monica is at the corner of Columbia Avenue and Second Street. She needs to get to the post office to mail her friends postcards. Find the post office building and give her directions to get there.You are on Obrie n and 1st street. Ask directions to 3 different locations. Ask in 3 different manners:Example. Excuse me, do you know how to get to, Pardon, can you give me directions to,No Sense of DirectionClick this link to watch a video about a woman who has lost her sense of direction, then complete the exercises.Direction Exercises:1. I’m _____ _______.2. How old was she the first time she got lost?3. Its almost as if someone _____ __ the entire world turns it and sets it ____ ____.4. ____ to the _____.5. How did she find her way to school?6. Why did she have problems learning?7. Where does she live? Why is this significant with her disorder?8. What were the scariest moments for her regarding her problem with direction?9. How did she discover the disorder?We also offer a full lesson on this topic with our native English speaking teachers in one-on-one classes. Register for a free class! Nelly 1. I’m going straight .2. How old was she the first time she got lost? She was 5 years old when she got lost for the first time.3. Its almost as if someone picks_up the entire world turns it and sets it back down4. sraight to the right.5. How did she find her way to school? She was just following her sister or friends as if she knew that they were going to school6. Why did she have problems learning? Because it was too hard for her to concentrate in and paying attention to the teacher, she feels like she was going to absorb the walls.7. Where does she live? Why is this significant with her disorder? She lives in Denvark, west side of the town.8. What were the scariest moments for her regarding her problem with direction? The scarriest moments were if her children cried or they shout out , she only could jump out from the bed because she could not know where their bedrooms were, in this case she only could follow the noise of crying and get to their bedroom to comfort them.9. How did she discover the disorder? Several years later she was watching the TV program and she discovered that she had some problem with navigation. LOIEnglish Nelly, Thanks for answering again. A few small mistakes: Number 5: You need the past tense: followed.Number 6: concentrate ONNumber 7: Denver and the mountains are on the West side of the city. This helps her know when she has gotten lost.Number 8: shoutED out (past simple); she could ONLY jump out OF bed Nelly Neko thank you :))) LOIEnglish Thaigoyou did really well however, you didnt use prepositions: On-streets Head straight ON Columbia Avenue and turn left ON 4th street and CONTINUE until YOU cross Baker Avenue then stop AT the first house ON your left.