Ignite the Spark: Captivating Student Curiosity
Think about the last time a social media post grabbed your attention. Maybe it was a hilarious video, an inspiring story, or a fascinating fact. Whatever it was, it captivated you. Webster’s dictionary defines being captivated as having one’s interest or attention held by something charming, beautiful, or entertaining. Now, imagine if educators planned their […]
Inside Out: A Teacher’s Emotional Journey in Education
Teaching is more than just a profession; it’s a calling deeply rooted in the desire to inspire, educate, and positively impact young lives. Yet, in the wake of the pandemic and amid the pervasive influence of social media on children and teens, educators face unprecedented challenges. Many teachers find themselves navigating burnout and questioning their […]
Setting the Stage for Inspired Learning
Unveiling the Influence of Classroom Settings on Student Experience and Outcomes Imagine a workplace where vibrant colors and eye-catching displays replace mundane walls. Everything is well-organized, stocked, and accessible. It’s clean and well-lit, with natural light and lively green plants enhancing the atmosphere. Thoughtfully arranged seating fosters a sense of community. Multiple working and learning […]
Maximizing ESSER Funds: Empowering Educators and Sustaining Student Success Beyond 2025
Maximizing ESSER Funds With less than seven months remaining until January 28, 2025, the countdown to the expiration of federal aid through the Elementary and Secondary School Relief Fund has begun. This impending deadline looms over school districts, threatening the loss of crucial funding intended to support students in their recovery from pandemic-induced learning loss. […]
Harnessing the Power of Mindfulness: How School Principals Can Use Meditation to Become Effective Educational Leaders
In the dynamic landscape of K-12 education, particularly in underserved communities, school principals stand at the forefront, shouldering the responsibility of steering their schools toward success. They not only manage day-to-day operations but also provide vision, guidance, and support to their staff and students. Amidst these demanding roles, maintaining focus, resilience, and effectiveness becomes paramount. […]
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 […]
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.” […]
