TL;DR: Lifelong educators find immense intellectual and emotional joy. They also face significant challenges like maintaining work-life balance and adapting to changing policies. Personal sacrifices, emotional resilience, and embracing technology are central to their career satisfaction. Mental health care and support systems are crucial for the well-being and longevity of teachers in their profession. Although their jobs provide them with … Read More
Unlocking Creativity: National Arts in Education Week
TL;DR: Arts education boosts student engagement, literacy, and aspirations. It fosters a positive school environment with fewer disciplinary issues. There is no negative effect on standardized test scores, dispelling myths about arts programs. Let’s unlock the power of creativity! When surveyed by the nonprofit organization Americans for the Arts, members of the U.S. public overwhelmingly agreed that the arts are … Read More
Refocus Your Assessment: Grading and Feedback for Understanding
TL;DR: Grading needs to evolve from compliance-driven to growth-focused. Feedback should be targeted, manageable, and meaningful for student growth. Not every assignment needs to be graded; assess only what matters most. Educators, it’s 2024, and wow, the last few years have been a wild ride for all of us. We’ve navigated a global pandemic, unprecedented shifts in our profession, and … Read More
Co-Teaching: The Mythical Creature That Actually Exists
TL;DR: Co-teaching can bring apprehension or excitement; the key is equality between teachers. Successful co-teaching requires open communication, shared classroom space, and mutual respect. Both teachers should be seen as equals by students, with shared responsibility and visibility. When educators hear the word co-teaching, a couple of emotions immediately surface. For some, there’s apprehension. For others, it’s excitement! I was … Read More
What Keeps Lifers in the Classroom?
TL;DR: Lifelong educators see teaching as a mission, driven by passion and a belief in the power of education. They find emotional fulfillment in student success and intellectual growth through continued learning. Despite sacrifices, resilience and a strong support system keep them committed to their students’ development. A deep love of teaching, which goes beyond a job description, propels lifelong … Read More