TL;DR (Too Long, Didn’t Read) Students often disengage when systems allow them to opt out of learning without consequence. In this post, Chad Ostrowski explores how traditional instructional structures can create hidden “escape routes” and offers practical strategies to increase accountability, promote reflection, and foster true mastery. By removing opportunities to avoid effort, teachers can build classrooms where perseverance and … Read More
New Year. Same Incredible Educators
TL;DR (Too Long, Didn’t Read) As a new year begins, educators continue to show up for students in ways that often go unseen and unmeasured. This reflection honors the quiet resilience of teachers and school leaders and offers a grounded, realistic encouragement for the year ahead: keep growing, keep adjusting, and give yourself permission to do this work imperfectly. Educators … Read More
Stop Making Excuses and Start Making Changes
I know that title sounds harsh, but let me explain. As educators, we face numerous challenges daily. Whether it’s limited time, scarce resources, standardized testing pressures, or varying levels of student engagement, it’s easy to become overwhelmed and fall into the trap of making excuses for why things aren’t going as planned. However, dwelling on these obstacles doesn’t lead to … Read More
5 Transformations That Revitalized My Teaching Career
Teaching is a journey filled with highs and lows. There was a time when I felt my passion for education waning, and my classroom management was slipping. It was a challenging period, and I even considered quitting. I realized that to reignite my enthusiasm and enhance my students’ learning experiences, I needed to make some significant changes. Making changes is … Read More
Why Students Act Out and 4 Ways to Create a Calmer Classroom
Managing behavior in the classroom can be one of the biggest challenges we face as educators. The reality is, no one walks into their classroom hoping for a day filled with disruptions and discipline issues. Yet, despite our best intentions, students still act out. Why does this happen, and more importantly, how can we address it in a way that … Read More