In This Post: After removing a desk from our learning space, my students reacted with excitement. My realization was that I was too focused on how I saw things, and not on how THEY see them. This lead to 5 pedagogical shifts to promote student agency. In a lonely corner of an elementary classroom stood an oversized wooden desk. Its … Read More
4 Mistakes School Districts Make with Social Media
In This Post: Being on social media should be a must for any school district. Avoiding these common mistakes should be, too. Using a specific hashtag for your district creates an easy-to-follow story on social media. Trying to be on too many platforms, and not staying consistent, can hurt your growth and the effectiveness of your social media efforts. Regardless … Read More
Creating a Rockin’ Classroom Environment
In This Post: Creating a rockin’ classroom environment is about creating an environment students love walking into. Using music to create an experience for students can be power. Music calms us, creates focus, and inspires us. Which teacher’s class did you anticipate and love walking into everyday? For me, it was my high school history teacher’s class. He always had … Read More
Lose The Levels – Reconsidering Leveled Libraries
In This Post: Leveled libraries in classrooms is a good idea taken way too far. The level system was created to match readers to texts that best met their reading levels. It has become a rigid system that hinders text choice. The level system is often applied to inappropriate instructional times. The text level-creators themselves – Fountas and Pinnell – … Read More
How to Fight Mental Illness Through Authenticity
In This Post: Authenticity is a growing necessity in education, for both teachers and students. A job may be just a job, but teaching is more than that; it’s a work of love and sacrifice. Although there are certain things we must temper when we are in front of our students, the inherent qualities that define who we are must … Read More