AIC Feedback
Providing feedback to adults can feel daunting. Some of us may not know how to begin or might run out of time. However, these concerns shouldn’t hinder us from delivering valuable feedback. Constructive feedback is essential for educators’ growth. It empowers them to reflect on their practice and enhance student outcomes. Despite any reservations, we […]
African American Classrooms: Leveraging Student Values in Creating a Positive Classroom Culture
We often impose classroom rules with the “why” steeped in productivity. For example, “You can’t listen to music during independent work time because it might distract you from your work”. However, our scholars bring values and beliefs to the classroom that impact how closely they adhere to those rules. Culturally relevant education takes those […]
Improving Communication with Disgruntled Parents: A Guide for School Leaders
Engaging with disgruntled parents can be a challenging aspect of school leadership, but with the right approach, these interactions can lead to positive outcomes. Drawing from my own experiences and learning from past mistakes, here are some strategies for successful communication with upset parents: Schedule a Meeting: Set aside a 30-minute block for the meeting […]
How to Hook Scholars In and Keep Them Engaged
As an instructional coach, the perennial question that often surfaces from teachers is, “How do I keep scholars engaged throughout an entire lesson?” This concern is not only valid but also fundamental to fostering a positive and productive learning environment. In this blog post, we will explore six impactful strategies to not only capture the […]
Accountability Practices During Independent Work Time
A 5th-grade teacher has just started small group instruction in the back of the classroom. He has set the expectation that the remainder of the class is to work in groups of 3-4 to collaboratively develop a solution to two math tasks. As he ushers those in his small group through work that is specific […]
Technology Tools to Gather Data for Do Nows and Exit Tickets
In the ever-evolving landscape of education, technology has become an invaluable ally for teachers seeking to enhance engagement and interactivity in the classroom. This blog post explores the advantages of using four tech tools – Quizziz, Pear Deck, NearPod, and Go Formative – when implementing Do Nows, Exit Tickets, and interactive lessons. By incorporating these […]
Enhancing Student Engagement Through Individual Check-Ins: A Pathway to Student Ownership
When was the last time you met one-on-one with your students to discuss their academic progress? Could your students effectively articulate their strengths and areas for growth if questioned? If your responses lean towards infrequent or never, you might be overlooking a potent strategy for fostering student ownership of their learning journey. The National Institute […]
One, Two, Three All Eyes on Me: The Power of Visual Connection
Student engagement is a primary focus of my work. When entering classrooms, I often observe teachers giving directions and delivering instruction while students have their heads down, writing, drawing, or basically looking anywhere but at the teacher. When addressed, the response I often hear is, “Well, some students can look distracted and still be listening.” […]
Leadership Confessions
Sometimes, the pressure for school leaders to know all the answers is overwhelming. Most of us have been taught that to be a good leader we have to lead from the front, never alongside and never behind those we serve. As a teacher, I would often tell my students, “I don’t know the answer to […]
Evolution: “Management or Die” is a Thing of the Past
Classroom Management For What? Compliance is NOT the goal When it started, CT3 Education (then, the Center for Transformative Teacher Training) partnered with districts, schools, and organizations across the nation, with a focus on improving classroom management. All of our work was rooted in the No-Nonsense Nurturer® Four Step Model, an approach to engaging students […]
