TL;DR: Attempts to use a common WIN period for intervention were overwhelming due to the sheer number of students who needed help. After brainstorming with a colleague and involving administrators, a new initiative for a Math Intervention WIN was proposed and implemented, eventually leading to the creation of full-time Math Interventionist positions to better support struggling students. The Case for … Read More
The Curse of Mount Rushmore
TL;DR: People in education can sometimes lose touch with what is most important. Remember who you are and why you went into the profession. Above all, stay true to your mission. Each year, new teachers, administrators, and superintendents are hired. School districts across the United States put their faith in individuals and hope they will support the students and staff … Read More
Behavior Management vs. Behavior Leadership
TL;DR: Behavior management is not the ultimate answer to solving all challenges teachers face. Shift your perspective from behavior management to behavior leadership, and emphasize the importance of being a leader who guides behavior change and fosters growth. Language is powerful and changing the way we speak about behavior can have a positive impact on classroom and school environments. For … Read More
5 Dysfunctions of a Professional Learning Team
TL;DR: All teams are potentially dysfunctional due to the fallibility of human beings, which can lead to frustration and fatigue among educators who collaborate and share resources. The five dysfunctions of a Professional Learning Team include curriculum clutter, fear of conflict, lack of trust, failure to communicate, and lack of a scoreboard. Overcoming these dysfunctions requires clarity in curriculum goals, … Read More
Mental Health Awareness: 3 Key Ways to Be There for Students
TL;DR: Students need to feel visible and cared for. Say “hi” to each student, by name, every day. Educators who do this will create a small, but tangible and meaningful reminder for students that they are visible and cared for. Cheer students on. As educators, we have a wonderful opportunity to show up, demonstrate our interest in them as people, … Read More