TL;DR: Arts education boosts student engagement, literacy, and aspirations. It fosters a positive school environment with fewer disciplinary issues. There is no negative effect on standardized test scores, dispelling myths about arts programs. Let’s unlock the power of creativity! When surveyed by the nonprofit organization Americans for the Arts, members of the U.S. public overwhelmingly agreed that the arts are … Read More
Refocus Your Assessment: Grading and Feedback for Understanding
TL;DR: Grading needs to evolve from compliance-driven to growth-focused. Feedback should be targeted, manageable, and meaningful for student growth. Not every assignment needs to be graded; assess only what matters most. Educators, it’s 2024, and wow, the last few years have been a wild ride for all of us. We’ve navigated a global pandemic, unprecedented shifts in our profession, and … Read More
Co-Teaching: The Mythical Creature That Actually Exists
TL;DR: Co-teaching can bring apprehension or excitement; the key is equality between teachers. Successful co-teaching requires open communication, shared classroom space, and mutual respect. Both teachers should be seen as equals by students, with shared responsibility and visibility. When educators hear the word co-teaching, a couple of emotions immediately surface. For some, there’s apprehension. For others, it’s excitement! I was … Read More
What Keeps Lifers in the Classroom?
TL;DR: Lifelong educators see teaching as a mission, driven by passion and a belief in the power of education. They find emotional fulfillment in student success and intellectual growth through continued learning. Despite sacrifices, resilience and a strong support system keep them committed to their students’ development. A deep love of teaching, which goes beyond a job description, propels lifelong … Read More
Dress Rehearse Success This School Year
TL;DR: Start the school year by focusing on what could go right, instead of what could go wrong. Document moments when things went better than expected to combat negative thinking. Actively engage in positive thinking to feel more grounded and resilient. Here we are in early September. Some of us have been back at school for a few weeks and … Read More