Teaching is a journey filled with highs and lows. There was a time when I felt my passion for education waning, and my classroom management was slipping. It was a challenging period, and I even considered quitting. I realized that to reignite my enthusiasm and enhance my students’ learning experiences, I needed to make some significant changes. Making changes is … Read More
Planning An Inclusive Thanksgiving for K–12 Classrooms
Rethinking the story we tell Thanksgiving, as it is commonly celebrated in the United States, carries a complex and often misunderstood history. Traditionally portrayed as a harmonious feast between Pilgrims and Native Americans, this narrative simplifies a much deeper story—one that reflects broader themes of colonization, resilience, and cultural misunderstanding. The Wampanoag people, who aided the English settlers, had already … Read More
Why Students Act Out and 4 Ways to Create a Calmer Classroom
Managing behavior in the classroom can be one of the biggest challenges we face as educators. The reality is, no one walks into their classroom hoping for a day filled with disruptions and discipline issues. Yet, despite our best intentions, students still act out. Why does this happen, and more importantly, how can we address it in a way that … Read More
Building Stronger Connections With Students Through Personalized Learning Plans
If there is one thing in education that gets touted as a cure all for everything its “student relationships” and connections. While I will absolutely say these are critical to educational success in any school, district, or classroom, finding the right way to achieve this connection can be challenging. Not only are we facing a population of learners that is … Read More
First Day of School Activities to Build Relationships
The first day of school is more than just setting expectations and reviewing syllabi—it’s the ideal moment to begin shaping a positive classroom culture. Thoughtfully planned activities that promote connection help students feel safe, seen, and part of a learning community from day one. When teachers focus on building relationships early, the benefits last all year. These early efforts are … Read More