TL;DR: A learning walk can be a fly-by, informal observation, look for and ask about, peer observation, or video observation. You can even do learning walks in other schools. Problems with learning walks can include the purpose, timing, data collection, feedback, and closure. Steven shares 5 planning questions and next steps for learning walks. Lessons Learned from Learning Walks Yogi … Read More
Show 111: Engaging Students with the Local Community
Kelly Shrein is the 2022 Alaska Teacher of the Year. She has embraced her community in Anchorage, Alaska to create a more meaningful, authentic, and engaging curriculum. Students are constantly engaged in learning objectives that can have a direct impact on the local community. The authenticity of learning expands into her classroom conversations. The third-grade students are well-versed and able … Read More
Serving on State and Regional Education Organizations
TL;DR: Serving on the board of directors for a state or regional organization is a great way to give back. When organizing a conference, consider who your keynote speaker will be. You will also need to book exhibitors and sponsors. Make sure participants get what they need and know where to go. Ensure that session speakers have everything they need … Read More
Teaching Children to Meditate Makes Sense
TL;DR: Meditation helps students develop emotional regulation. It helps them improve their ability to handle stress or cope with difficult situations and develop empathy and compassion. Regular practice can also help students increase their level of self-awareness. Bring meditation to your students by starting simple. Use visualization techniques, make it a part of your routine, use props to help students … Read More
Having Tough Conversations in Schools
TL;DR: We need to be more comfortable with having tough conversations in schools. Diving deep into the uncomfortable is part of the job of an educator. This year, my school is focusing on developing more equitable practices, which include equitable grading, incorporating equitable dialogue into our curriculum, and addressing behavior issues where students aren’t treating each other equitably or respecting … Read More