“Micah the Mighty Marathoner” Book Review

Suzanne RogersBlog, Connect Better, Engage Better, Lesson Plan Better, Reflect Better

TL;DR: Micah the Mighty Marathoner is an inspiring children’s book by Mackenzie Snell that tells the true story of her brother Micah, who runs marathons in a wheelchair pushed by their dad. Filled with life lessons, vibrant illustrations, and a message of perseverance and inclusivity, this book is a must-have for elementary school libraries. Micah the Mighty Marathoner is a … Read More

Fostering Co-Teacher Relationships for Student Success

Michele HaikenBlog, Connect Better, Differentiate Better, Engage Better, Lesson Plan Better, Reflect Better

TL;DR: Regular weekly planning meetings and reflections enhance co-teaching effectiveness. Leveraging each teacher’s strengths creates a dynamic and supportive classroom environment. Standalone support classes complement co-taught sessions, providing tailored assistance to students. For the past twelve years that I have been teaching middle school English, I have worked with seven different co-teachers. Each is amazing and unique in their own … Read More

Building Strong Co-Teacher Relationships

Bridget GenglerBlog, Connect Better, Lead Better, Lesson Plan Better, Manage Better, Reflect Better, Teach Happier

TL;DR: A meeting at Starbucks led to a successful two-year co-teaching partnership. Building a strong co-teaching relationship involves getting to know each other, honest communication, and respecting boundaries. Key tips include spending time together, maintaining open communication, setting boundaries, enjoying laughter, and reflecting on practice. We decided to meet at Starbucks on that warm summer day. We were still unsure … Read More

Preparing for the School Year: 7 Essential Tips for Teachers

Suzanne RogersBlog, Connect Better, Lead Better, Lesson Plan Better, Manage Better, Self Care Better, Teach Happier

TL;DR: Introduce yourself to parents and students, considering home visits for a positive start. Prepare temporary seating charts and freezer meals to manage the busy first weeks. Establish routines, build relationships, and plan for self-care to ensure a smooth transition. As the summer winds down and the new school year approaches, teachers everywhere begin to prepare for the busy weeks … Read More

Nurturing Co-Teaching Relationships

Janel SebenyBlog, Connect Better, Lead Better, Lesson Plan Better, Manage Better, Reflect Better, Teach Happier

TL;DR: Successful co-teaching requires trust and shared expectations, developed over time through relationship building and communication. Regular co-planning sessions are essential for creating cohesive lessons and addressing student needs, ensuring both teachers are aligned and prepared. Implementing various co-teaching techniques, such as station teaching and parallel teaching, allows teachers to leverage their unique strengths and provide targeted support to students. … Read More