Make the Drive Part of the Experience

Raymond PortenBlog, Innovation, Self-Care, Student Engagement

TL;DR: For the past two years, Ray has involved his two boys with cooking by taking turns shopping, preparing, cooking, and serving the food from different countries around the world. More recently, they have changed it up by challenging themselves with a cost budget and weight budget, forcing them to be more creative. The best part of this experience is … Read More

Leading Through Instructional Practices

Chad OstrowskiBlog, Differentiation, Innovation, Leadership, Student Engagement

TL;DR: While educators with formal leadership roles are often seen as the leaders, teachers who lead through instructional practices they initiate themselves have the most impact. Innovation in the classroom leads to change and a model of success in your classroom that others take notice of. Proudly share your successes and failures with others through discussions to affect change. We … Read More

Should Teachers Have a Side Hustle?

Tim StephensonBlog, Innovation, Leadership, Reflect Better, Teacherpreneur

TL;DR: This post evaluates and thoroughly examines the two sides of whether teachers should have a side hustle.  Two differing scenarios are mentioned, for and against having a side hustle. Five reasons why you should start a side hustle are shared.  This is an interesting thought to reflect on because there is no easy answer, nor is there one single … Read More

Climb Higher: It’s Not All Low-Hanging Fruit

Steven WeberBlog, Classroom Management, Innovation, Leadership, Lesson Planning, Reflect Better, Student Engagement

TL;DR: There are benefits to reaching for the low-hanging fruit: small wins, buy-in, momentum, easier to check off the list, requires fewer meetings and communication, and there is less risk involved. We cannot afford to pick low-hanging fruit for a prolonged time. It’s the second semester and summer break will be here before we know it. Teacher teams and school … Read More

Engage Until the End: Reflecting on the End of the Year

Bobbie FrenchBlog, Classroom Management, Innovation, Lesson Planning, Reflect Better, Self-Care, Student Engagement

TL;DR: Reflect by creating a visual timeline, class memory book, or slideshow. Culminating projects to show what students learned during the year include a book sales pitch with their favorite books showcased, summer or year-end BINGO cards, or a game of Family Feud. Proper closure to the year is important. Some ideas include writing a letter to their next year’s … Read More