Behind the Masks

Becky ThalBlog, Connect Better, Engage Better

TL;DR: We are not getting the full picture when we see our students with masks on. Take time to get to know your students and who they are behind the masks. Check-in with your students not just on an academic level, but on a social-emotional one as well. I consider myself lucky that I’ve been able to be in-person with … Read More

It starts with grace, but it doesn’t end there.

Dave SchmittouBlog, Connect Better, Lead Better

Neither judgment nor grace requires knowing the full story. Empathy does. Focus on an empathetic lens, but know that empathy requires taking action. Empathy involves accountability; it involves expectations, but it also involves support, growth, reflection, and requires a relationship. Before you start reading this looking for answers to problems or solutions to struggles, let me be very honest with … Read More

The Value of Giving

Kelly PascarellaBlog, Connect Better, Teach Happier

TL;DR: Giving and sharing resources with other educators will inspire joy and success in the classroom. Educators are facing many challenges, but finding educational resources shouldn’t be one of them. Education Blueprint is a platform that allows all teachers the ability to upload and download content, connect to fellow educators, and identify and share supporting classroom resources in all K-12 … Read More

Are you Using Unproductive Listening Patterns?

Jami Fowler-WhiteBlog, Connect Better, Reflect Better

TL;DR: Unproductive listening patterns include syndicate, memoir eavesdropping, and solution listening. A syndicate occurs when a person attempts to listen and work on a task that is different in nature from the conversation that is taking place. Memoir eavesdropping involves paying attention with the purpose of finding similarities within your own life, so you can interrupt the person and share … Read More