Why School Administrators Need to Embrace Social Media

Jeff GargasBlog, Edtech, Leadership

TL;DR: Your community is on social media now more than ever. If you’re not utilizing social media to communicate with students, stakeholders, and staff, you’re not using a potentially valuable tool. In the “new world” of COVID-19, people are turning to social media even more. You should be there. There is so much value in simply listening to your community. … Read More

Assessing and Addressing Student Needs

Jennifer AppelBlog, Classroom Management, Leadership

TL;DR: 3 steps to ensure we are addressing the needs of our students, including tips for assessing the situation, coming up with a plan, and re-evaluating. Assessing where our new students are using a Google form, and using that information to meet their individual social and emotional needs. I LOVE the first day of school.  It is something that I … Read More

Preparing for School with COVID-19 and the Heightened Impact of Racism in Mind

Teach Better TeamBlog, Leadership

TL;DR: Preparing for school with the impacts COVID-19 and racism in mind. Checking your heart and mind, becoming knowledgeable, and taking action are necessary steps to prepare for school this fall. Preparing for school with the impacts of COVID-19 and racism in mind is essential. Once students enter their classroom physically or gather virtually this school year, they will have experienced … Read More

Culture in the New Normal

Teach Better TeamBlog, Leadership

TL;DR: Using your Professional Learning Network (PLN) to inspire positive culture in your classroom. Reimagining your PLN through positivity, authenticity, and modeling appropriate norms. Using the tools, skills, and ideas established with your PLN to maintain valuable relationships with your students. “Learning is finding out what you already know” – Richard Bach. With our new normal quickly approaching this fall, … Read More

SEL in the New Normal

Jennifer AppelBlog, Leadership

TL;DR: Planning for social emotional learning in the new normal. Strategies to prioritize SEL and the whole child, including being flexible, focusing on social issues and changes, checking in with others and meeting them with empathy, and ensuring that we are taking time to understand where students are at in their learning. “New beginnings are often disguised as painful endings” … Read More