Differentiating Project Based Learning!

Teach Better TeamBlog, Differentiation, Lesson Planning

TL;DR: Project based learning can engage students with the research process. It also keeps student voice at the center of how we teach. Project based learning can help engage students with their community and see how their actions can make a difference. Why Project Based Learning? As an educator, I believe we can engage students with learning with the research … Read More

Supporting New Teachers

Donnetta NorrisBlog, Leadership

TL;DR: Supporting new teachers is essential during this time when everyone feels like a new teacher. Some of the best support new teachers can get is from other teachers or team members. When I Was a New Teacher I have been teaching for 11 years. During my first year of teaching, I wanted to do everything perfectly. In fact, I … Read More

Telling vs. Teaching

Martin SilvermanBlog, Lesson Planning, Student Engagement

TL;DR: Telling is the feeding of information without any real background of what students are doing or why. Teaching is giving context, explaining the “why” and “how” of what you want students to know. More learning happens through the process of teaching. An example of telling vs. teaching is explained. In a recent conversation with one of my teachers, I … Read More

5 Tips for Infusing SEL

Jennifer AppelBlog, Classroom Management, Self-Care, Student Engagement

TL;DR: Character and SEL are not an extra. They are the foundation that all other academic content rests on. Include targets for SEL in lessons. CASEL has an interactive framework wheel to use. When creating expectations for your students, you have to intentionally teach the concept of SEL and re-teach it. Include SEL in daily practice, lessons, and activities throughout … Read More

3 Steps to Close the Math Gap, NOW!

Denis SheeranBlog, Differentiation, Leadership

TL;DR: We must meet students where they are. There is not a math gap, only a distance you must travel to meet your students. First, determine where the students are. Then plan, implement, reflect, adapt, and repeat. Be sure to advocate for your students, your method, and your plan. For many of us, this past calendar year has felt a … Read More