Kindness Doesn’t Equal Justice

Teach Better TeamBlog, Engage Better, Reflect Better

TL;DR: Being kind is key to creating a better world, but it isn’t the same thing as justice. Kindness that is rooted in justice isn’t always comfortable, but it’s necessary to create change that matters and affects marginalized students and communities. Kindness is a human way that we connect to each other, in both words and actions. Being kind to … Read More

Tech Better using UDL

Debbie TannenbaumBlog, Differentiate Better, Engage Better, Lesson Plan Better, Tech Better

TL;DR: Universal Design for Learning helps educators engage students and accommodate different learning styles, interests, and needs. Technology can be used to enhance students’ experiences in your classroom and reach all learners. Reflect on your practices and see what you can do to provide multiple ways to engage, represent, and provide a means for action and expression for your students. … Read More

An Opportunity for the Taking

Tim StephensonBlog, Reflect Better, Teach Happier

TL;DR: Rather than waiting for opportunity, look for ways to create it. Reflect on what you want to accomplish and where you want to take your career. If you’ve read anything that I’ve written in this series, you will know that I like the sea. Oceans are the lifeblood of the planet and there have been many people, Dr. Sylvia … Read More

Lessons Learned from My Less-Than-Optimal Day

Sandra WeirBlog, Reflect Better, Self Care Better, Teach Happier

TL;DR: Everyone has hard days when nothing seems to go right. What can you learn from those days? How can you flip your perspective? This post shares 6 lessons learned from a less-than-optimal day. Lessons Learned from My Less-Than-Optimal Day Folks, today was less than optimal. I forgot to do attendance. Again. A couple of my lessons flopped, resulting in … Read More

Grades, Feedback, and Assessments

Kristen KoppersBlog, Grade Better, Personalize Student Learning Better, Reflect Better

TL;DR: The focus in school is frequently on the grades received rather than the skills obtained. Feedback and the improvement of skills should be valued more. We all need to work together to create this change. In 2015, I attended the “What Great Educators Do Differently” conference with my colleague in education and best friend. I attended a session by … Read More