How to Handle Distance Learning’s “Ghost” Students

Megan BaldufBlog, Connect Better, Engage Better

TL;DR: We must acknowledge the concerns about student engagement and attendance that may occur during remote learning. We don’t know everyone’s situation so we must offer grace. According to a meta-analysis of psychiatric research, social isolation and loneliness during the pandemic negatively affect children’s levels of anxiety and depression. Listed below are ways to reach out to students. Use any … Read More

Foster Success by Looking in Your Students’ Rearview

Teach Better TeamBlog, Connect Better

TL;DR: When lesson planning, it is important to look at things from different perspectives. Look through your students’ rearview and see life from a different lens. Seeing from the lens of your students will help you foster success. Get to know your students and the things they are interested in, then use what you learned to create a positive classroom … Read More

Small Conversations, Big Impact

Tim StephensonBlog, Connect Better, Reflect Better

TL;DR: Listen closely to small conversations you have with others. Open yourself up to listen to learn. What may appear to be insignificant conversations can turn out to be golden nuggets of information. As stated in previous blogs, I teach astronomy. Now, what was one of my first teaching moments related to space? Back in the 90s, I was teaching … Read More

Reflecting in Times of Uncertainty

Teach Better TeamBlog, Connect Better, Lead Better, Reflect Better

TL;DR: As we reach the end of the year, it is time to reflect together, problem-solve together, and try something that makes us uncomfortable. Some questions to facilitate discussion among colleagues include reflecting on professional learning and collaboration, learning targets/instruction, assessment, and social/emotional support. All over social media and throughout schools, we hear phrases right now such as, “Be compassionate,” … Read More

Leaders Are People, Not Positions

Raymond PortenBlog, Connect Better, Lead Better

TL;DR: Everyone is a leader with or without an official title. Start to see yourself as one, and act on ideas to make it happen. Everyone has the opportunity to be a role model and the power to lead. Don’t wait. Just start and take the first step. When you look at a school, who do you look at as … Read More