TL;DR: Reflect on the lessons learned from the endings and beginnings you experience. To prevent the blur, reflect on the beginning and identify what you learned at the end. Create concrete ways to apply those lessons. How often do you reflect on your life, instructional practice, or progress towards accomplishing goals? Do you wait until it’s time to create resolutions … Read More
Teaching During a Pandemic: Renewed Hope (Part 2)
TL;DR: Teaching during a pandemic began with feeling lost. Getting more information and clarity on teacher expectations led to higher confidence for teachers. Experiencing this year has led to a renewed hope for the future. My Purpose My purpose in blogging is to work through and process thoughts, happenings, and feelings throughout my teaching career. I’m hoping that through my … Read More
Climb Higher: It’s Not All Low-Hanging Fruit
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