TL;DR: Over the years, a lot of individuals, including teachers, have impacted your life. Take the time to reach out to those people and let them know how much they impacted you. Getting that note of appreciation can make a difference. When I began this journey as an educator over 25 years ago, I did not realize what an impact … Read More
Creating Culture in the Classroom!
TL;DR: Three strategies for building culture in the classroom: (1) Play music in the hallways (2) Positive greetings at the door through touch at the beginning and end of class (3) Decorate the entrance doorway. Relationships are important and the key. Creating Culture in the Classroom! A few years back, I played in a golf tournament hosted by our local … Read More
Fostering a Safe Learning Enivironment
TL;DR: We need to foster a safe learning environment for students and ourselves. Focus on the students, not your subject area. Ask what’s going on before you correct a student. Write a welcoming message on your board daily and greet students using their name. Check in once a week with kids to see what you might want to change in … Read More
School Climate and Culture Affect Relationships
TL;DR: A school’s culture impacts its climate. Demonstrate pride in your school. Focus on relationships and modeling positive behavior for students and other staff members. Culture Impacts Climate The terms “culture” and “climate” are used interchangeably. But if you are in education, you know that these terms are more than just words. They are values that affect students, staff, and … Read More
A Powerful Gesture
TL;DR: Make sure to let people know you are grateful for them. A personalized, handwritten note can go a long way. There is so much that we have to be grateful for. How often do we let people know that we are grateful for something they have done or just for who they are? It’s one thing to be grateful, … Read More