Are You Using All of the Free Tools With Canva?

Betsy SpringerBlog, Differentiate Better, Engage Better, Innovate Better, Lesson Plan Better

TL;DR: Canva is a free tool for educators and students. It provides templates and other tools to make the classroom more exciting. Canva offers video courses for teachers and students. Are you using all of the FREE tools with Canva? I have to assume many teachers out there are using Canva regularly at this point. The Canva design suite for … Read More

Gifted Strategies Are Just Better Teaching

Todd StanleyBlog, Differentiate Better, Engage Better, Innovate Better, Lesson Plan Better, Mastery Done Better

TL;DR: Using strategies that support gifted students can support all students in your classroom. While at the Teach Better conference, I attended several sessions that would work well for gifted students, including using Depth of Knowledge and the Grid Method as well as finding ways for students to look at math creatively. Gifted Strategies Are Just Good Teaching These are … Read More

Inclusive Schools: Does Your Classroom Support Introverts?

Steven WeberBlog, Connect Better, Differentiate Better, Engage Better, Grade Better, Innovate Better, Lead Better, Lesson Plan Better, Manage Better, Reflect Better, Self Care Better

TL;DR: Inclusive classrooms should meet each child where they are and respond to all the different parts of themself they bring to the classroom. Introverts are often overlooked. Reflect on how your school or classroom can be a more welcoming place for all. Thriving As You Are When students enter school they should be able to thrive using their strengths … Read More

The Best of Teach Better 2022

Teach Better TeamBlog, Connect Better, Differentiate Better, Engage Better, Innovate Better, Lead Better, Lesson Plan Better, Manage Better, Self Care Better

TL;DR: The Teach Better Conference lit the transformational fires of the people who attended. Community is critical in affirming our ‘why,’ instigating collaboration, and inspiring us to celebrate all the ways we show up for students whether we are in classrooms, district offices, or running our own teacher-focused business. Teach Better 22 was inclusive not just by celebrating those with … Read More

A Culture of Learning: Shifting From Teaching to Empowerment

Steven WeberBlog, Connect Better, Differentiate Better, Engage Better, Grade Better, Lead Better, Manage Better, Reflect Better

TL;DR: Schools were designed for both teaching and learning. The top skills kids need to know are analytical thinking and innovation, active learning and learning strategies, complex problem-solving, critical thinking and analysis, creativity, originality, and initiative. The difference between teaching and empowerment is when a teacher becomes so focused on the destination that students are not allowed to drive the … Read More