In my few years as an administrator, I have come to understand that the role of an assistant principal is one of constant balance, flexibility, and leadership. Serving as the bridge between teachers and district leadership, students and school policies, and daily operations and long-term goals, the assistant principal is the ultimate middle manager. It is a role that requires … Read More
Building Strong Co-Teacher Relationships
TL;DR: A meeting at Starbucks led to a successful two-year co-teaching partnership. Building a strong co-teaching relationship involves getting to know each other, honest communication, and respecting boundaries. Key tips include spending time together, maintaining open communication, setting boundaries, enjoying laughter, and reflecting on practice. We decided to meet at Starbucks on that warm summer day. We were still unsure … Read More
The Power of Passion
TL;DR: Teachers who openly share their passion for teaching forge authentic connections with students, fostering a sense of belonging and trust within the classroom community. Expressing love for teaching inspires motivation and resilience in students, encouraging them to tackle challenges and strive for success. By demonstrating their passion, educators cultivate a culture of lifelong learning, instilling in students a profound … Read More
Gratitude: It’s a Super Power!
TL;DR: Gratitude boosts emotional well-being, mental health, and fosters better relationships. Academically, gratitude enhances performance, resilience, and problem-solving skills. Practical methods like journals, kindness acts, role modeling, and discussions can instill gratitude effectively. In a fast-paced, technology-driven world, it can be easy for students to overlook the significance of gratitude. However, teaching students to be grateful is more than just … Read More
Want a Better Classroom? Get to Know Your Students
TL;DR: Educators face growing challenges engaging a generation with abundant distractions and information. Building meaningful connections with students is essential for their success. Strategies for connecting with students include greeting them warmly, establishing classroom expectations, looking for shared interests, incorporating playfulness, communicating with parents, and attending extracurricular events. Prioritize kindness, respect, and building connections over strict curriculum adherence to foster … Read More