Thrive Despite Radical Change

Suzanne RogersBlog, Connect Better, Innovate Better, Reflect Better

TL;DR: There are a lot of radical changes occurring in education these days. Remember your “why” for going into teaching. Connect with a network of teachers to find support and grow. Globally, many teachers face radical changes to education laws and rules in their state. Educators can feel like chess pieces with salary schedule changes, book bans, and bathroom bills. … Read More

The Reluctant Leader: First Things First

Julie SallerBlog, Innovate Better, Lead Better, Reflect Better

TL;DR: Being a leader, even a reluctant one, provides you with opportunities to make a difference. You can achieve great things when you have a true partnership with your administration. If you are passionate about something and know it is best for the students, go for it. The Reluctant Leader: First Things First When I first joined Plano High School, … Read More

You Have Two Seconds

John VanDusenBlog, Connect Better, Engage Better, Innovate Better, Lesson Plan Better, Manage Better, Reflect Better

TL;DR: You have two seconds to grab and hold your students’ attention. They have conditioned their brains to consume content they wish to consume for short periods of time. Students lacking attention, focus, and respect for elders is not something new so how do we become better teachers tomorrow than we are today? Three principles that help us be better … Read More

But They Won’t Do It if I Don’t Grade It

Mike SzczepanikBlog, Engage Better, Grade Better, Lesson Plan Better, Reflect Better

TL;DR: Change is hard. Assignment completion is a concern for some if there are no grades. Numerous factors affect student motivation. Not all students are motivated by grades. The carrot-and-stick motivational technique worked for the industrial revolution. Previously, I had discussed my reasons for breaking free from grades. While there are many benefits to going gradeless, there are also some … Read More

5 Strategies to Improve Your Time Management

Jeff GargasBlog, Manage Better, Reflect Better, Self Care Better

TL;DR: Managing time effectively and maximizing every minute is essential for personal and professional success. Prioritize tasks with the Eisenhower Matrix to help you assess urgency with importance. Embrace the Pomodoro Technique by working for 25 minutes + 5-minute break intervals. Use the time-blocking technique to schedule specific blocks of time for different types of tasks. Eliminate distractions. Track your … Read More