TL;DR: This year was challenging for teachers and students alike. We are all counting down the days for the year to end. Teachers focused on being intentional with our teaching, motivating students, and building relationships. We are the Teachers of the Year. Hey, you! Are you the teacher who eyes the daily (or for me, weekly) countdown to the end of … Read More
Lightning Scavenger Hunt – Brain Break Games
“Looking” for a way to increase engagement? Look no further than this scavenger hunt game. Lightning Scavenger Hunt Lightening Scavenger Hunt is a fast-paced game consisting of looking for objects and showing them to the group. This game can also be played virtually! Fun for kids or for building teamwork with adults. What you’ll need: A list of items for … Read More
Episode #161: Dr. Chad Lang
Dr. Chad Lang is the Dir. of School Improvement and HR in Glenwood CSD, Glenwood, IA. He is a current author and researcher of grading and assessment; extracurricular participation in schools; school leadership; school improvement. He graduated from University of Northern Iowa with a BA, Social Science Education. He was a High School Government and American History teacher 2005-2013 and … Read More
A Teacher Village: Showing Appreciation
TL;DR: Teacher Appreciation Week stands at a particularly tiring time of the year. “School life” is a thing. Educators: we see you, we hear you, and we love you. Teacher Appreciation Week As I write this, it’s Friday, the last day of “Teacher Appreciation Week.” Like many of us, I am sitting down after a long journey of two-week mandated … Read More
Leveling the Playing Field With Enrollment in AP and Honors Courses
TL;DR: Black and brown kids are underrepresented in higher-level courses such as honors and AP. We need to move the conversation away from grades and towards experiences. How can we encourage kids to get into the habit of challenging themselves? A Personal Experience Your PLN will push you towards conversations that you won’t see coming. This happened to me during … Read More