TL;DR: We can use lessons learned in the pandemic to make improvements on professional development (PD). Improve PD by focusing on lifelong learning, considering an EdCamp or Facebook PD, or attending a Twitter chat. So in the words of the #EduDuctTape podcast, I am about to get out my soapbox. How many times have you sat at a staff meeting … Read More
How Can Schools Build a Roadmap for the Future?
TL;DR: As school teams begin to build a roadmap for the future, they should identify priority standards and learning targets. It is also important that they establish common formative assessments. The strongest instructional plan is based on the needs of the learners and the experience of professional educators. “If you don’t know where you are going, any road will get … Read More
‘Tis the Season
TL;DR: Try to enjoy every moment as much as you can. If things are difficult, know it will pass eventually. And if it’s good, savor it because it won’t last forever. This has been a year. This has been a season. ‘Tis the season…the sun is coming soon. Raise your hand if you are excited it’s March. Honestly, I don’t love … Read More
Confidence: The How and Why
TL;DR: The pandemic has caused many veteran teachers to feel like they are experiencing their first year all over again. Confidence soars when you are prepared and when you surround yourself with people who create a safe space for you to take risks. Risk-taking and asking for help will lead to gaining the confidence you seek. We’ve all heard the phrase, “fake … Read More
Criticism: Destructive, Constructive, or Instructive?
TL;DR: There are three main types of criticism: destructive, constructive, and instructive. Destructive criticism tears down; constructive criticism builds together, and it identifies a problem and offers solutions. Instructive criticism adds on to what someone knows. Let me start by sharing four related facts you may not know about me. I am hard-of-hearing. There are times that I literally do … Read More