Expect the Unexpected

Alex T. ValencicBlog, Lesson Plan Better, Manage Better

TL;DR: Substitute teachers need access to materials and detailed plans. Every teacher should have emergency plans prepared. Administrators can best help by being visible throughout the day. On February 3, 2011, I experienced a substitute teacher’s worst nightmare. I had accepted a two-day assignment at a new-to-me school. At first, things seemed to go well. I was greeted by the … Read More

Feedback? “I tried that. It didn’t work.”

David FrangiosaBlog, Grade Better, Lesson Plan Better, Mastery Done Better

TL;DR: Providing student feedback is a valuable tool that doesn’t need to be overwhelming. Evaluate when individual feedback is needed and when it can be taught to the whole class. Focus feedback on certain skills. Create a framework for feedback that allows students to self-reflect and utilize peer reflections. Make feedback meaningful by using descriptive feedback rather than evaluative feedback. … Read More

4 Tips for Classroom Management

Kari PitstickBlog, Connect Better, Differentiate Better, Engage Better, Lesson Plan Better, Manage Better, Reflect Better

TL;DR: Routines and structures are key to strong classroom management. Consider your first 5 minutes of class and intentionally decide how you will spend that time. What works one day might not work the next; what works for one class may not work for another. Classroom management will always be a work in progress; not every single day will go … Read More

Highlights of 2021: In Case You Missed It

Teach Better TeamBlog, Connect Better, Differentiate Better, Engage Better, Innovate Better, Lead Better, Lesson Plan Better, Manage Better, Reflect Better, Self Care Better, Teach Happier

Highlights of 2021: In Case You Missed It This post shares highlights of Teach Better blog posts in 2021. Categories for posts include SEL, change and improvement, assessment and reflection, leadership, and social media. SEL The Power of Empathy – Sari Goldberg McKeown Teachers are Essential, You are Essential – Jeff Gargas Ideas to Commemorate World Kindness Day – Dana Goodier Teachers … Read More

Gonna Have a Grid Day! Blog Series Overview

Kari PitstickBlog, Connect Better, Differentiate Better, Engage Better, Grade Better, Lesson Plan Better, Manage Better, Mastery Done Better

Gonna Have a Grid Day Blog Series Overview The Grid Method is a self-paced mastery framework where the teacher creates a learning pathway in the form of a grid. Students are allowed to work at their own pace through this pathway while demonstrating readiness and mastery as they progress from one learning opportunity to the next. This blog series contains … Read More