Making the First Day Last

Jennifer WaldvogelBlog, Connect Better, Differentiate Better, Engage Better, Lead Better, Manage Better, Reflect Better

TL;DR: Leverage first week get to know yous for long-term relationships. Mini challenges are a great way to observe group dynamics. Create seating charts and small groups based on collective strength. Bring transparency and group sharing to PLCs and admin teams. As teachers, we learn so much about our students in the first six weeks of the school year. We … Read More

STRONG: 10 Ways to Flourish & Reduce Stress This School Year

Pamela HallBlog, Lead Better, Manage Better, Reflect Better, Self Care Better

TL;DR: STRONG is an acronym to help you stay focused on your big rocks, like your health, family, and students’ wellbeing. Flourish by taking a day trip, enjoying a sunset, scheduling time with family and friends, journal your thoughts, and more. STRONG: 10 Ways to Flourish & Reduce Stress This School Year You start the school year fresh and feel … Read More

In Praise of Split Classes

Sandra WeirBlog, Differentiate Better, Engage Better, Lesson Plan Better, Manage Better, Mastery Done Better

TL;DR: A split class is a class created with students from two different age groups. Split classes allow you to form deeper relationships with students. Students are seen as individual learners in a split classroom. A split classroom allows students the opportunity to lead younger students. split class: a class grouping that includes students at two adjacent grade levels (for … Read More

Kids Do Better When They Can

Bobbie FrenchBlog, Manage Better, Reflect Better

TL;DR: Welcome to a new blog series to discuss which practices support students best. Let’s look at the social and emotional skills of our students. Kids do better when they can. Let’s explicitly teach them the skills they need to grow. Be consistent with expectations. Ask for clarification before correcting a student. I’m excited to begin this new journey with … Read More

Teach Better Ambassadors: Like Radio Shack, But Still Relevant

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

TL;DR: Alex Valencic shares his journey from substitute teacher to Professional Learning Coordinator. The Teach Better Ambassador program is here to help everyone be better. The Ambassadors bring a vast array of experiences to support the Teach Better community. New Role After three years as a substitute teacher and seven years as a fourth-grade teacher in East Central Illinois, I … Read More