TL;DR: Mental health challenges among K-12 students surged during the pandemic, emphasizing the crucial role of schools in fostering supportive environments. “School connectedness” reduces persistent sadness among students, showing the importance of positive relationships in schools. Mental Health Awareness Week stresses prioritizing student well-being, offering strategies for increasing student connectedness and proactive mental health support in K-12 education. In the … Read More
Time for an Upgrade: Embrace Change
TL;DR: Embrace changes even when they are not something you initiate. The unknown can be scary, but one can find growth and excitement when adapting to new technology. Change is inevitable and has the potential for positive transformation in professional and personal realms. Time for an Upgrade There’s a line from the song Time Brings Change by MxPx that has … Read More
Calendar Non-Negotiables
TL;DR: Examining weekly, monthly, and yearly routines for happiness and well-being. Weekly: Carve out time for personal recharge and engage in meaningful activities like church. Yearly: Take a summer Facebook break for mental clarity and prioritize annual gatherings with loved ones for lasting joy. Calendar Non-Negotiables Back in April, we examined a few underwhelming routines I put in place every … Read More
Edcamp-Style Faculty Meetings
TL;DR: Originating in 2010, Edcamp flips traditional conferences by allowing attendees to choose session topics, fostering engagement and shared learning. Encourage problem-solving, resource-sharing, and collaboration among educators, elevating teacher voice and promoting ownership of learning. Staff propose and vote on topics, fostering engagement and addressing relevant issues. This participant-driven approach fosters trust and respect, crucial for teacher retention and professional … Read More
Fostering Classroom Culture with Student Engagement: A Reflection
TL;DR: A student asked about using ChatGPT for book summaries, initially innocently. The situation escalated as it’s revealed some students use ChatGPT to study. The teacher reflects on a missed opportunity for positive classroom discussion about AI use and maintaining a respectful atmosphere. “Sir, is it okay if we use Chat GPT to read the summaries of the book?” The … Read More