Whether it’s Mastery Learning, open schedules, maker-spaces, or problem-based learning, innovative instructional methods and educational initiatives tend to work amazingly well in some cases, but fall flat in others. Regardless of the initiative we’re talking about, there is most likely robust research to back up its effectiveness and legitimacy. So why do they fail? Working with teachers, schools, and districts all over, we have found … Read More
3 Things Your Administrators Wish You Knew
Sometimes things aren’t what they seem… As a teacher I very rarely thought of things from the perspective of my administrator. I still tend to develop training, development, and the services I provide to schools and districts from a teacher-centered perspective. It has always been and always will be my belief that initiatives and instructional
5 Mistakes Districts Should Avoid When Rolling Out A New Initiative
So as you sit in a meeting, you start to hear rumblings of a new initiative that your district will be rolling out. This could be anything from a new policy, a new vendor coming in, or maybe a new curriculum that is being purchased. We all have the same gut reaction, “Grreeeaat…another thing to do.” As teachers, we are … Read More
8 Tips to Make Your Next Meeting More Valuable for Your Teachers
There aren’t many things more frustrating than getting up earlier than normal to attend a mandatory meeting. Except, of course, getting up earlier than normal to attend an unnecessary or inefficient meeting. Yep, we’ve all been there: sitting in our seat, more tired than normal, annoyed with the fact that you probably didn’t need to be at this meeting. Or … Read More
In Your Classroom, Your Excuses Are Invalid.
This Might Get Ugly… I’m going to start by fully understanding the vulgar gestures you may want to make towards your computer screen or the nasty emails you might write to me after reading this, but I think it needs to be said. But I believe that, by the end of this, you will at least partially agree. First, let me admit. … Read More