Stay the Course in Ed Leadership

Suzanne RogersBlog, Connect Better, Lead Better, Manage Better, Self Care Better

TL;DR: Educational administrators face challenges: workload, autonomy, isolation, and prioritization. Strategies include delegation, speaking up, staying connected, and using data. Persistence is essential for effective educational leadership. Stay the Course in Ed Leadership Not sure you want to stay the course in ed leadership? In the fast-paced world of educational leadership, staying persistent is like a guiding light for administrators … Read More

Cognitive Student Engagement in 2023

Suzanne RogersBlog, Connect Better, Engage Better, Lesson Plan Better, Manage Better, Teach Happier

TL;DR: Explore the evolution of student engagement in the post-COVID-19 educational landscape. Do this with a focus on aligning education with student needs and passions. Gain insights from John Dewey’s philosophy and John Hattie’s research on empowering students in their learning. Learn strategies to enhance student engagement, including building personal connections, setting high expectations, differentiating grading, and giving students control … Read More

The Heart of Education: Taking Risks

Jennifer WaldvogelBlog, Differentiate Better, Engage Better, Innovate Better, Lesson Plan Better, Manage Better, Personalize Student Learning Better, Reflect Better, Teach Further, Teach Happier

TL;DR: Taking risks makes teaching more exciting and fulfilling. Start small with change to accomplish more in the long run. Risk-taking is easier for students when we build them a safety net. Failure is natural. Show students it’s okay to fail as long as we try again. Growing up, we’re taught to be careful: to wear helmets and knee pads … Read More

5 Classroom Strategies for Social Emotional Learning Support

Michele HaikenBlog, Connect Better, Differentiate Better, Engage Better, Innovate Better, Lead Better, Lesson Plan Better, Manage Better, Reflect Better, Teach Happier

TL;DR: Social emotional learning is already integrated into everyday teaching, helping students develop essential life skills alongside academic knowledge. Teachers can enhance SEL by implementing intentional strategies, such as reflection for self-awareness, authentic assessments for social awareness, choice boards for responsible decision making, checklists for self-management, and promoting collaboration and cooperation for building relationship skills. These practices align with CASEL’s … Read More

Writing Is Breathing Out: Free Writing Matters

Kari PitstickBlog, Connect Better, Differentiate Better, Engage Better, Innovate Better, Lesson Plan Better, Manage Better, Reflect Better

TL;DR: The post emphasizes the importance of explaining the “why” behind classroom activities, such as free writing, to students. Benefits of free writing include boosting creativity, providing a safe space for expression, relieving stress, and improving communication skills. The author draws parallels between practicing writing and practicing sports or musical instruments, highlighting the value of preparation for future assignments and … Read More