TL;DR: Sometimes it is difficult to fully recognize where the dividing line is between work and home. Summers are meant to rejuvenate, reconnect, and reflect. When you start to dread going back, reflect on the goodness present in teaching. After finishing another long year of teaching, one of the most challenging since 2020, you may ask yourself: Is it worth … Read More
Teach Better Ambassadors: Like Radio Shack, But Still Relevant
TL;DR: Alex Valencic shares his journey from substitute teacher to Professional Learning Coordinator. The Teach Better Ambassador program is here to help everyone be better. The Ambassadors bring a vast array of experiences to support the Teach Better community. New Role After three years as a substitute teacher and seven years as a fourth-grade teacher in East Central Illinois, I … Read More
Back to Basics
TL;DR: After teaching for many years, I’ve realized I need to get back to the basics. The basics are realizing the impact I have on the students in my classroom. My relationships and connections with students will be my first priority. The world feels so complicated at the moment. With a constant barrage of information coming at us at every … Read More
Can You Care Too Much?
TL;DR: Is teaching tougher because we need to adapt to our new generation of learners? Sometimes “not caring” about small things can lead to more impactful teaching. Focus on the connections and the things that matter! Teaching Is Tough If you’ve read any of my blogs over the last couple of years, then you would have noticed that there is … Read More
Sub Better: Know the Content
TL;DR Knowing the content of what you are teaching will help you be more confident as a substitute. Know where to look for help; it’s ok that you don’t know everything. Use the resources available to support student learning. Stretching Outside of Your Comfort Zone I received a bachelor’s degree in elementary education in May 2008 and began working that … Read More