Supporting Today’s Learners

Colissa JordanBlog, Differentiation, Innovation, Leadership, Lesson Planning, Student Engagement

TL;DR: There is a comparison between cooking appliances and education methods, contrasting microwave learning (traditional) with air fryer learning (constructivist). In traditional learning, teachers are the main source of knowledge and focus on student compliance, while constructivist learning emphasizes student engagement, collaboration, and connecting learning to real-life experiences. Teachers in today’s classrooms are encouraged to be guides and mentors, creating … Read More

Congratulations, You Are Teacher of the Year

Colissa JordanBlog, Reflect Better

TL;DR: This year was challenging for teachers and students alike. We are all counting down the days for the year to end. Teachers focused on being intentional with our teaching, motivating students, and building relationships. We are the Teachers of the Year. Hey, you! Are you the teacher who eyes the daily (or for me, weekly) countdown to the end of … Read More

Strategies to Support Students in Difficult Times

Colissa JordanBlog

TL;DR: Over the last year, educators and students have faced many difficult and traumatic events. The first step to supporting your students is to understand the signs of trauma. Understand how to respond when students show their emotions or make an uncomfortable statement. Pay attention to marginalized groups and take notes of students who may be likely to be bullied. … Read More

Assessing Student Needs: Remediate or Promote?

Colissa JordanBlog, Reflect Better

TL;DR: There are a number of reasons why parents may consider remediation for their child. Recently, the governor of Kentucky signed a “redo bill” into law that would allow students to repeat this past year’s grade level if the student’s school district permits. As you assess student needs, be sure to consider both the consequences and benefits of remediation. The … Read More

Voices at the Table

Colissa JordanBlog

TL;DR: Both veteran and novice teachers have things they can learn from one another. All teachers should feel confident in sharing with others, as all voices at the table bring value. “So tell me what you want, what you really, really want I wanna, (ha) I wanna, (ha) I wanna, (ha) I wanna, (ha) I wanna really, really, really wanna … Read More