TL;DR: Learnability may be at the top of the list of skills high school graduates need. Consider what every student should know and be able to do when developing curriculum and standards. Be careful not to just cover the unit plan or standards without considering the student evidence that demonstrates learning. It is important that students are provided opportunities to … Read More
Special Education Support in a Grid Classroom
TL:DR: The Grid Method can be effective with all students, including those with IEPs. When building a Grid, be proactive in making accommodations ahead of time. Both the general education teacher and the special education teacher have an equal role in the classroom. At the beginning of the 2019-2020 school year, my general education co-teacher and I were ready to … Read More
Teaching About Current Events and Controversial Issues
TL;DR: Teachers can press pause to develop a lesson, collect factual sources, and determine how to teach the lesson in an age-appropriate manner. Determine if you are ‘preaching’ or ‘teaching.’ Provide a balanced perspective and seek resources from multiple perspectives. What is the best approach to teaching about current events and controversial issues? Americans are divided on issues related to … Read More
Climate & Culture in the Elementary Classroom: Kindness Matters
TL;DR: Creating a positive climate and culture in the classroom should happen all year long. Kindness jars are a great way for students to practice SEL alongside other skills. It is important to take the time for kids to learn and experience kindness. Climate & Culture: A Year-Long Process Climate and culture are two words that you hear more and … Read More
The Reluctant Leader
TL;DR: We often don’t expect to become leaders. Sometimes we may even avoid it. There are moments when you see the need for your leadership, and you step up to help create change. Pssst…I am going to share a secret about myself. I didn’t want to be a leader. Never have, and I never thought I would be calling myself … Read More