TL;DR: Make sure to purposefully include time for student conferencing in your plans. During a conference, the student is able to monitor their progress and get clarification about assignments. The teacher is able to guide the student to use individualized study strategies. They can also monitor the students’ progress and help them set attainable goals. As we go into the … Read More
Be a Leader Who Empowers Your Staff
TL;DR: Be a leader who empowers your staff by helping each teacher see their strengths and potential. Opening up classrooms to walkthroughs gives small groups of teachers on grade and subject-level teams the opportunity to discover the cool things their colleagues are doing. Walkthroughs can have a theme around literacy, student engagement, standards-based grading, or anything else your school is … Read More
The Future of Education Post-Pandemic
TL;DR: The ending of this school year will bring up many questions about the future of education post-pandemic. Consider what you would like to leave in the past from pre-pandemic times. Reflect on what you’ve learned through teaching in the pandemic. Then, use these reflections to decide what you’d like to continue doing in a post-pandemic world. As you read … Read More
Reaching Marginalized Students in Title I Schools
TL;DR: Being well-versed in trauma-informed practices is essential when working with marginalized students. Reach marginalized students by embracing a shift in school culture and reflecting on why previous ideas fell flat. Enlist faculty to assist you. And realize that lasting changes will occur if you and your staff have the willingness to do what it takes. Much focus has been … Read More
Teacher Observations and Evaluations This Year
TL;DR: We need to consider how teacher observations and evaluations can look different this year since schools are hybrid or remote. There are benefits to visiting 500 classrooms in one year like building connections and informal observations. The purpose of teacher observations and evaluations is to promote teacher growth. The other day, I had a great conversation with Chris Dodge, … Read More