TL;DR: It’s important to talk about suicide. It’s everyone’s role to discuss, prevent, and destigmatize suicide. Suicide prevention is social justice and access issue as well as a mental health issue. We need to become a trauma-informed, caring educator so we can support students who need help. Below you will find a list of common myths about suicide talk. Generally, … Read More
Providing a Safety Net for Students: 2 Factors to Implement
TL;DR: As we begin the new school year, keep in mind how to keep our students safe. Comfort and communication are two factors to keep in mind when providing a safety net for students. Providing a Safety Net for Students: How do we keep our children safe in today’s climate? Pencils are sharpening. Notebooks are being opened. Crayons are used … Read More
Teaching and Remembering 9/11 Twenty Years Later
TL;DR: Never Forget: Teaching 9/11 twenty years later. This post shares ideas on how to include September 11th in your classroom through a trauma-informed lens. Remembering September 11, 2001 Almost everyone I grew up with has a story related to the attacks of September 11th. Some of the kids I went to school with or grew up with lost relatives, … Read More
Learning Environments That Exude Joy
TL;DR: Create a positive learning environment with JOY. Listing things that bring you joy. This is one way to model for students that joy doesn’t have to come from big or expensive things. Intentionally place joy throughout your day. I recently had the chance to join Rae Hughart on the Daily Drop In show where we were chatting about the … Read More
The Evolving Nature of Professional Development
TL;DR: There is a need for specialized educational professional development. PD that gives choice to the participants helps them draw on their strengths and weaknesses, as well as build meaningful relationships with other educators. Educational Professional Development: A Transformation Virtual learning has altered the fundamental nature of the way we teach. The last year and a half have embraced huge … Read More