Discovering Your “Why”

Tim StephensonBlog, Lesson Plan Better, Reflect Better

TL;DR: Teachers provide more value when they stay up to date on current events around our country and world. We should model for our students what it means to be a lifelong learner. As a teacher, it is important to know your why. Finding your why is a necessary part of your teaching career. My journey to finding my why begins … Read More

Reflect Better: My Great Driving Passion

Tim StephensonBlog, Connect Better, Engage Better, Reflect Better

TL;DR: Introduction to a new series: Reflect Better. Reflect on your practices by focusing on the why, considering where you started, and valuing relationships. Reflecting can help inspire greatness and lead to personal growth. In the years between 1994 and 1997, I began listening to some powerful content.  I think it was my mother who got me onto these audiotapes; … Read More

Essential Reflection & Goal Setting

Rae HughartBlog, Lead Better, Reflect Better

TL;DR: It is essential that educators reflect and set goals in the same way we ask our students to. Choosing your medium to self-reflect is a necessary step to start your journey of reflecting and goal setting. A few years ago I became obsessed with student goal setting and reflection. I read every piece of research I could get my … Read More

Upstream Thinking: A Book Study Reflection

Teach Better TeamBlog, Connect Better, Engage Better, Lead Better, Reflect Better

TL;DR: Reflections on a book study of Upstream: How to Solve Problems Before They Happen by Dan Heath. This book provided insights to institutionalized problems and how they can be solved. Each member of the book study shares their favorite quote from the book with their biggest takeaways. In April, I had the pleasure of hosting a virtual book study … Read More

Involving Families in Goal Setting and Reflection

Teach Better TeamBlog, Engage Better, Innovate Better, Personalize Student Learning Better, Reflect Better, Tech Better

TL;DR: The value of family involvement in goal setting and reflection. A low-tech method for involving families. A technology-based reflection tool for involvement of families. When it comes to goal setting, it’s important that we make it relevant and authentic for our students. Beyond that, we also have to involve their families. “It takes a village to raise a child.” … Read More