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
In the Trenches? What You Can Do to Pull Yourself Out!
TL;DR Summer gave us opportunities to learn and prepare, but plans changed for some. At this time in the year, teachers are stressed out. Dana Goodier has a new podcast, Out of the Trenches, where she speaks to guests about how they manage difficult situations with resiliency. 30-day challenge: Take care of yourself by taking breaks, do things for yourself, … Read More