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

Relationships & Partnerships Are Keys to Good Leadership! 

Teach Better TeamBlog, Leadership

TL;DR: Building relationships and community partnerships are keys to good leadership! We teach the students in our communities; why not connect them to the community as we teach? A partnership with community groups when teaching contributes to positive learning and teaching experiences. A Key to Good Leadership: How do we build partnerships? It’s so important to consider relationships and how … Read More

5 Scandals in Education

Steven WeberBlog, Classroom Management, Differentiation, Grading & Assessment, Leadership, Lesson Planning, Reflect Better, Student Engagement

TL;DR: Scandals exist in schools. Teachers and administrators must analyze their schools to see if they exist or have the potential to develop. There are 5 scandals in education: low expectations, lack of instructional leadership, culture does not emphasize formative assessment, curriculum alignment is left to chance, and students are not required to think. Throughout history, scandals have been documented. … Read More

12 Lessons For Instructional Leaders

Steven WeberBlog, Innovation, Leadership, Reflect Better, Student Engagement

TL;DR: Instructional leaders play an important role in providing a system that supports teaching and learning so that students will continue to be challenged and grow. Successful principals who are instructional leaders understand the importance of establishing a clear vision and commitment to learning goals. Administrators must create time for instructional leadership. Below you will find 12 lessons for instructional … Read More

Building Capacity by Letting Go

Martin SilvermanBlog, Classroom Management, Differentiation, Leadership, Reflect Better

TL;DR: A few decades ago, children were given the freedom to play with less adult intervention. They learned how to self-regulate and problem solve on their own. Now, adults quickly jump in to provide solutions to every problems. We have disempowered children by controlling many aspects of their day. Snowplow parents smooth the way for their children by removing possible … Read More