TL;DR: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. offers us insights that are applicable to our practice as teachers. His teachings can act as entry points into our own lives by calling on us to have the courage to do difficult work for and with our students. “In a real sense, all life is interrelated. Â All people are caught in an inescapable … Read More
Game-Based Learning: Evaluating Math Games
TL;DR: Game-based learning is a great way to engage students in exploring a math concept in a new way. Not all free (or even paid) math games are created with equal care and research. Math games have an incredible opportunity to affect students’ mindsets about math, confidence in their abilities, perseverance, grit, and so much more. However, not all math … Read More
JagsWired: Lending a Voice
TL;DR: Students are looking for connection, peer validation, and a sense of belongingness. This post shares the inspiration behind the creation of a campus podcast. Students and staff are invited to share their voice and their stories. JagsWired: Lending a Voice When I tell people I am a middle school assistant principal I am given the same sad puppy dog … Read More
Invisible Superheroes: My Students
TL;DR: I am grateful for all of the lessons I have learned during remote learning. Some of these lessons are flexibility, student choice, and student voice. Looking out the window this winter, I think about the planters I love decorating that I post on my IG account that need new decorations for the New Year. This year had many learning … Read More
5 Tips for Building Classroom Community
TL;DR: Challenging classroom behavior is often why teachers feel burned out. Building a strong classroom community is a proactive strategy to support positive behavior. Some strategies to build community include morning meetings, closing circles, mindfulness, and more! I was a special education teacher for 10 years and have been in the field for 12. The classroom community is my bread … Read More