Stop Making Excuses and Start Making Changes

Chad OstrowskiBlog, Innovation, Leadership, Reflect Better

I know that title sounds harsh, but let me explain. As educators, we face numerous challenges daily. Whether it’s limited time, scarce resources, standardized testing pressures, or varying levels of student engagement, it’s easy to become overwhelmed and fall into the trap of making excuses for why things aren’t going as planned. However, dwelling on these obstacles doesn’t lead to … Read More

5 Transformations That Revitalized My Teaching Career

Chad OstrowskiBlog, Classroom Management, Differentiation, Grading & Assessment, Innovation, Lesson Planning, Mastery Learning, Personalized Learning, The Grid Method

Teaching is a journey filled with highs and lows. There was a time when I felt my passion for education waning, and my classroom management was slipping. It was a challenging period, and I even considered quitting. I realized that to reignite my enthusiasm and enhance my students’ learning experiences, I needed to make some significant changes. Making changes is … Read More

3 Things School Leaders Need to STOP Doing.

Chad OstrowskiBlog, Innovation, Leadership, Professional Development

I’m going to be honest here, because leaders deserve honesty, too. Being a school leader today is no joke. You’re juggling expectations from the district, the community, your staff, and your own desire to make a difference. It’s a high-stakes balancing act, and the pressure is real. But in the pursuit of doing more and being everything to everyone, many … Read More

Building Stronger Connections With Students Through Personalized Learning Plans

Chad OstrowskiBlog, Classroom Management, Differentiation, Innovation, Lesson Planning, Mastery Learning, Personalized Learning, Student Engagement

If there is one thing in education that gets touted as a cure all for everything its “student relationships” and connections. While I will absolutely say these are critical to educational success in any school, district, or classroom, finding the right way to achieve this connection can be challenging. Not only are we facing a population of learners that is … Read More