In This Post: An introduction to ikigai, the Japanese notion of living your why. Steps to identify your ikigai. Self-reflection questions to ensure you find and maintain your ikigai. Long before Simon Sinek shared about the importance of “knowing your why”, the Japanese gave birth to a concept that encapsulated a power. This power unlocked the pursuit of the heart. … Read More
Servant Leaders: Lifting Others Up As We Lead
In This Post: Valuing servant leadership in our educational setting. Reflection questions to consider your leadership. Inspiration to go forward and lead others through service. In a society full of selfies, trophies, and competition, there are servant leaders among us. The goal for a servant leader is for everyone around them to be better because the leader is in his … Read More
Goal Setting is So 2009
In This Post: The case against setting New Years Resolutions. Approaching goal setting through a different lens… one that will help the chances of success! A guideline to set goals that are clearer and more attainable. Tiny shifts and time result in new habits and great change. Once a month, Dan will be writing pieces for the Teach Better blog that … Read More
One Simple Way to Promote Mental Health: Smile!
In This Post: The necessity of addressing mental health in our schools. One strategy to instantly improve our mental state. I’m often asked what is one of the biggest challenges we are currently facing in education. Narrowing it down to just one challenge is difficult, but our biggest challenge, in my opinion, is how to support the mental health and … Read More
Supporting Student Productive Struggle
In This Post: The definition of student productive struggle. Why productive struggle is important for students. Ways to promote productive struggle in your classroom, from planning to implementation. This week some of our school leaders and intervention professionals held a fall data meeting. One of the discussions, besides progress or increased needs, focused on the productive struggle of learners. Productive … Read More