TL;DR: Student learning can still take place when the teacher is not there. Hold students accountable for their own learning every day. Providing high-quality materials for teaching and learning is a shared responsibility. Learn tips for teachers and administrators to set high expectations for learning. Set High Expectations for Learning Think back to your elementary school days. Do you remember … Read More
Eat Better – Grilled Cheese vs. Standards and Rubrics
TL;DR: Grilled cheese has many variations. Consider standards-based grading in education and the use of rubrics in assessment, grading, and reporting. When designing a rubric, be sure to stay focused on what you want students to know or be able to do. Resist the urge to add criteria that do not relate to the task. Grilled Cheese vs. Standards and … Read More
Sub Better: Know Your Limits
TL;DR: Know what assignments you are comfortable taking. Know what behaviours you find acceptable. Communicate your limits to others. Know Your Limits I got the call early in the morning. The school was in desperate need of a substitute teacher and they wanted to know if I was available. I had not taken any other assignments for that day and … Read More
Asking for Help
TL;DR: Having clear expectations doesn’t mean you won’t need help. Be willing to ask students, teachers, and leaders for help. Know when to resolve issues on your own and when to reach out for support. Establishing expectations in a classroom is an incredibly important first step in building a community of learners. Whether that community will be together for the … Read More
Sub Better: Giving Grace Through New Starts
TL;DR As we start a new school year, it’s time to give grace. Give your students grace. Give the teachers grace. And give yourself grace! Getting Back Into It It has been three months since you last accepted a guest teaching assignment. You have enjoyed the long break but you’re ready to get back into the swing of things and … Read More