Summer Math Boosts Achievement

Suzanne RogersBlog, Lead Better, Lesson Plan Better

TL;DR: Engaging in summer math programs improves students’ math achievement outcomes. Summer math helps prevent the “summer slide” and reinforces critical thinking skills. Math programs bridge the achievement gap and equip students with essential skills for academic success. Summer Math According to an Annenberg/Brown University meta-analysis study (Lynch, An, & Mancenido, 2021), engaging in summer programs incorporating mathematics activities significantly … Read More

Club Sandwiches and Expectations

Alex T. ValencicBlog, Connect Better, Lead Better, Manage Better

TL;DR: Replace classroom rules with classroom expectations for more clarity. The value of expectations over rigid rules draws parallels with the experience of enjoying club sandwiches with slight variations at different places. The post encourages educators to have clear expectations collaboratively set with students rather than an exhaustive list of rules. This allows for flexibility and creativity. Club Sandwiches and … Read More

Think Better: Supporting Students in Times of Stress

Lindsay TitusBlog, Connect Better, Lead Better, Reflect Better, Self Care Better

TL;DR: Supporting students during times of stress requires a mindful and empathetic approach. Four steps to help students through stressful situations: self-reflection and emotional awareness, understanding the student’s needs and desires, evaluating the environment, and crafting an empathetic response. By practicing these steps, educators can foster emotional well-being, resilience, and growth in students while creating a nurturing and supportive environment. … Read More

5 Bridges That Support the Whole Child

Steven WeberBlog, Connect Better, Lead Better

TL;DR: Education is about building bridges, with teachers as bridge builders guiding students through their K-12 journey. Bridges need to be built between misunderstanding and understanding, dependence and self-regulation, learning for grades and lifelong learning, illiteracy and civic literacy, and one right answer to adaptability. A whole child education includes academic skills and additional aspects that prepare students for the … Read More

Maximizing Productivity for Educators with Side Hustles

Jeff GargasBlog, Innovate Better, Lead Better, Manage Better

TL;DR: The Eisenhower Matrix is a time management tool that helps prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance. It categorizes tasks into four quadrants: Important and Urgent, Important but Not Urgent, Not Important but Urgent, and Not Important and Not Urgent. By focusing on Quadrant II activities (Important but Not Urgent), educators can work proactively on tasks that contribute to … Read More