Club Sandwiches and Expectations

Alex T. ValencicBlog, Connect Better, Lead Better, Manage Better

TL;DR: Replace classroom rules with classroom expectations for more clarity. The value of expectations over rigid rules draws parallels with the experience of enjoying club sandwiches with slight variations at different places. The post encourages educators to have clear expectations collaboratively set with students rather than an exhaustive list of rules. This allows for flexibility and creativity. Club Sandwiches and … Read More

Making the Most of the First 5 Minutes

Katie MiglinBlog, Connect Better, Engage Better, Innovate Better, Lesson Plan Better, Manage Better

TL;DR: Educators want their students excited about their content but it can be challenging when you struggle with low energy and engagement. Focus on the first five minutes of each class, incorporating fun games and activities to create enthusiasm. Other ideas to maintain the focus on those initial minutes include upbeat music, greetings, and engaging questions, which results in increased … Read More

Maximizing Productivity for Educators with Side Hustles

Jeff GargasBlog, Innovate Better, Lead Better, Manage Better

TL;DR: The Eisenhower Matrix is a time management tool that helps prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance. It categorizes tasks into four quadrants: Important and Urgent, Important but Not Urgent, Not Important but Urgent, and Not Important and Not Urgent. By focusing on Quadrant II activities (Important but Not Urgent), educators can work proactively on tasks that contribute to … Read More

Behavior Management vs. Behavior Leadership

Lindsay TitusBlog, Manage Better, Reflect Better

TL;DR: Behavior management is not the ultimate answer to solving all challenges teachers face. Shift your perspective from behavior management to behavior leadership, and emphasize the importance of being a leader who guides behavior change and fosters growth. Language is powerful and changing the way we speak about behavior can have a positive impact on classroom and school environments. For … Read More

Calendar Blocking 101 for EDUcreators

Jeff GargasBlog, Manage Better, Reflect Better

TL;DR: Calendar blocking is a time management technique used by successful EDUcreators to increase productivity and manage their demanding schedules effectively. It involves allocating specific time blocks in your calendar for different tasks or responsibilities, reducing distractions, and improving focus. Prioritize your tasks, create a daily to-do list, and practice task batching to group similar tasks together. Experiment with day … Read More