One of the most challenging parts of submitting a PAEMST application, is recording a classroom video. If you’re feeling overwhelmed—don’t worry! The PAEMST Team has compiled tips to help you tackle the video component:

• Refer to the Video Requirements Guide
  Review the technical requirements for the classroom video before recording.
   
• Get started as soon as possible
  Allow enough time to obtain permission from your district and the parents, if required by your school. You will also need time to practice recording and/or re-recording after unexpected interruptions.
   
• Practice recording multiple times
  Learn where to place the camera, how to capture audio, and get your students used to the camera.
   
• Provide context in the narrative
  Describe what was happening before and/or after the video ended to give reviewers context.
   
• Get help
  Enlist a friend, colleague, or student to capture the video and audio.

• Join a webinar
  Hear advice directly from the PAEMST Team and past winners on an upcoming webinar.

In addition, read through some advice from our PAEMST alumni below:

• I learned a lot about my teaching by looking at the videos. I suggest finding someone that can help get the best video they can, Analyze the video in detail, and see if the video shows evidence of what they think is working for them, is also working for the students. Apply what is learned from this process to future lessons, and retake the video.
  Juan Botella [2015 Awardee, Wisconsin]
  
  
• Don't try to capture the perfect video. Video tape a lesson and use it. Analyze it for the good and the bad when you write your commentary/ reflection.
  Jordan Estock [2019 Awardee, Delaware]
  
  
• Make sure to showhow you interact with students, provide good representation of your pedagogy, and showcase the skills that make you the special, successful educator that you are.
  Janice Coonrod [2019 Awardee, California]
  
  
• Practice recording various lessons prior to the video that you want to use for submission so that students can become accustomed to the process and so you get used to hearing and seeing yourself on camera.
  Carolyn Sessions [1989 Awardee, Louisiana]
  
  
• Don't panic. Stay on track with the instructions. Make sure your videos reflect your interactions with your students and forget how you or your students look in the video.
  Kathleen Smith [1996 Awardee, Illinois]

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And as always, please reach out to the PAEMST Help Desk at info@paemst.org or your local State/Jurisdiction Coordinator if you have any questions.

- The PAEMST Team