Four Teaching Lessons I learned from Russell

Jeremy RinkelBlog, Classroom Management, Innovation, Lesson Planning, Student Engagement

In This Post: A random conversation with a stranger taught me some very important teaching (and life) lessons. Learn to be mindful in every conversation, or risk missing important lessons. Never estimate your students. Love what you do. Become a lifelong learner. Meet Russell. I met him as I strolled along the boardwalk one morning on my family vacation in … Read More

5 Out of the Box Ways to Engage TEACHERS in Professional Development

Teach Better TeamBlog, Innovation, Leadership, Professional Development, Student Engagement

In This Post: As a Student Learning Coach, providing meaningful professional development for my teachers is so important. There are 5 out of the box ways to engage teachers in PD. What better way to guide discussions than by leading with the students? Inviting students in and having teachers watch drives engagement. Google Classroom isn’t limited to your class, it … Read More

Behavior is a Coded Message

Zachary KorthBlog, Classroom Management, Student Engagement

In This Post: Behavior is  a coded message, often asking us for help. Students ask for things in the most unloving ways. We need to dig into the real reasons for behavior issues. Authenticity is key. Be vulnerable. Check out the free resources below. When I first started teaching about 9 years ago (I had already been in the Navy … Read More

Level Up Your Classroom With Gamification

Mary Ellen RileyClassroom Management, Edtech, Innovation, Lesson Planning, Student Engagement

Level Up Your Classroom With Gamification

In This Post: Consider gamification to level-up your classroom. Gamification is simply adding game elements to something that is not a game. Students love games and may be more engaged, and more likely to retain the information when gamified. Several examples of tools to gamify any unit. Ready to make your school year memorable (in a good way)? Want to … Read More

4 Strategies to Help Anxious Students Prepare for a Summer without Routine

Teach Better TeamBlog, Leadership, Student Engagement

In This Post: For our most anxious students summer break doesn’t come with the degree of excitement educators might expect. Summer break can be a time of uncertainty, fear, and less regimented time; all triggers of anxiety. Encouraging journaling, offering manipulatives, introducing students to volunteerism, and allowing them to move, are just a few ways we can help our students … Read More