TL;DR: Students everywhere are struggling with mental health. Their behaviors are often a result of a specific need. There are tools to help students reflect on what is in their control, identify their need and then ask for it. Supporting Student Mental Health in the Classroom The statistics are sobering. Month after month and week after week, organizations and agencies are … Read More
Lessons Learned From Learning Walks
TL;DR: A learning walk can be a fly-by, informal observation, look for and ask about, peer observation, or video observation. You can even do learning walks in other schools. Problems with learning walks can include the purpose, timing, data collection, feedback, and closure. Steven shares 5 planning questions and next steps for learning walks. Lessons Learned from Learning Walks Yogi … Read More
Having Tough Conversations in Schools
TL;DR: We need to be more comfortable with having tough conversations in schools. Diving deep into the uncomfortable is part of the job of an educator. This year, my school is focusing on developing more equitable practices, which include equitable grading, incorporating equitable dialogue into our curriculum, and addressing behavior issues where students aren’t treating each other equitably or respecting … Read More
Becoming an Instructional Leader
TL;DR: Instructional leaders don’t have all the answers, especially at the beginning. It is important to tap into tools and resources to be an effective instructional leader. How does an educator become an instructional leader? “An instructional leadership mindset includes an intense moral purpose focused on promoting deep student learning, professional inquiry, trusting relationships and seeking evidence in action” (Timperley, … Read More
Co-Teaching Is Tough
TL;DR: A strong co-teaching relationship involves both teachers using their expertise to co-plan, co-teach, and co-assess as equals. Make sure to consistently reflect on your co-teaching relationships and practices. Give both your co-teacher and yourself grace. Co-teaching is tough, whether you have been co-teaching for one semester, one year, or years. Yes, the cliche sayings that a co-teaching relationship is … Read More