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
Engage Until the End: Reflecting on the End of the Year
TL;DR: Reflect by creating a visual timeline, class memory book, or slideshow. Culminating projects to show what students learned during the year include a book sales pitch with their favorite books showcased, summer or year-end BINGO cards, or a game of Family Feud. Proper closure to the year is important. Some ideas include writing a letter to their next year’s … Read More
5 Scandals in Education
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
Teaching During a Pandemic: Feeling Lost (Part 1)
TL;DR: When the pandemic started, educators around the globe were thrown into unchartered territory. Educators had to quickly learn how to adapt lessons to be online, and students had to adapt to the use of new technology as well. My Purpose My purpose in blogging is to work through and process thoughts, happenings, and feelings throughout my teaching career. I’m … Read More
Teaching Towards Diversity
TL;DR: Embrace diversity in the world by accepting differences that make us unique. Teach about diversity so that everyone learns to accept and embrace it. Can we represent every single student in a given year in our lessons? We say yes, absolutely! This post shares 3 picture books that you can use in your classroom. Why is it important for … Read More