TL;DR: Maintaining student motivation and accountability in a gradeless classroom. Using grades to communicate and provide feedback. Grading practices that promote a passion for learning, a willingness to take risks, and an increased investment in progress. Education has undergone monumental shifts over the past few months. Whether you are in the classroom, in a leadership role, a district office, or … Read More
Remembering YOU in Times of Uncertainty and Change
TL;DR: Embrace the disruption to your routines. Reconnect with yourself by starting a journal, creating fun videos and songs for your students, finding a way to laugh everyday, or using your talents to help someone else. You are important. I don’t know if anyone has told you that today. Or yesterday. Or even in the last week. But you are, … Read More
Routine vs. Schedule
TL;DR: Establishing a flexible routine for children includes your morning routine, work routine, downtime routine, and evening routine. Kids can either follow a strict schedule or a daily routine. It’s important to remember that life happens—circumstances and emotions change day to day. Now that I am a few weeks into remote teaching with both my students and my own three … Read More
Everything I Know About Leadership, I Learned in First Grade
TL;DR: It is important to lead with a vision and a clear direction. Modeling effective leadership can inspire new leaders. I do not have numerous significant memories of my first grade year at Delight Elementary School. Except for the occasional favorite lunch of square pizza with a side of kernel corn and my introduction to the bizarre cuisine termed Shepherd’s … Read More
Emails from Educators
TL;DR: At Teach Better, we get emails from educators all over the U.S. Usually, these teachers are looking for assistance, guidance, advice, or even just someone to listen! See a few of our responses to some of the emails we’ve received about engaging students virtually, tech tools, and The Grid Method. Emails from Educators: #1 Hey – I am a … Read More