TL;DR: Misunderstandings happen. Without clarity, we naturally react but it doesn’t have to end on a negative note. We can have control over the situation. You may be feeling fear. Consider your part in the misunderstanding. Accept there is a misunderstanding. Look for lessons learned from it. Reach out for support from trusted friends. Move on. Another day, another misunderstanding. … Read More
Learn HOW to Differentiate in Teaching
TL;DR: Rather than modify assignments to differentiate instruction, change how we teach to ensure students understand the material. Not all students learn in the same way. We need to recognize when to change how we teach the lesson. We need to know our students and support them. With differentiated instruction, it is possible to meet the learning styles of all students. … Read More
Disability and Language
TL;DR: There are three types of language that people use to describe disabilities: person-first, identify-first, and person-centered. To be most respectful, connect with individuals in the community and ask for their preference in language to use. “She suffers from cerebral palsy.” “He is ‘on the spectrum’.” “She is a person with a hearing impairment.” “He is a blind man.” There … Read More
Making the Shift from “Getting by” to “Getting BETTER”
TL;DR: Change your mindset from finishing the year by just getting by. Instead, recognize what you learned and how you’ve gotten better. Reflect on how you have improved this year, how you have learned from others, what you’ve learned from PD opportunities offered. Don’t go back to “just surviving” in education. Work together to be better together. Recent interview with … Read More
Transformational Six: Ignite Student Understanding
TL;DR: It is crucial for instructional leaders to put the focus on student understanding. Ignite student understanding by developing common formative assessments, analyzing current levels of achievement, setting achievement goals, and sharing strategies. Igniting student understanding will happen when teacher teams create lessons to address the needs of learners. Instructional leaders focus on student understanding. Schmoker (2005) wrote, “It starts … Read More