TL;DR: Creating school-wide experiences for students beyond the classroom makes school an enriched place to be. When you have an idea, have the courage to follow through with the idea. Enjoy reading a poem written for the whole school as part of a performance. The first year I did this was 2005. The staff at school was wondering about whether … Read More
Reconnect Happier
TL;DR: We can try many things to reach our struggling students, but have you tried asking them what they need? Provide students with an opportunity to give you feedback, like a Teacher Report Card, so you can better respond to their needs. Being open to receiving feedback and making changes in response leads to improved connection and belonging. Reconnect Happier … Read More
Highlights of 2022: In Case You Missed It
Highlights of 2022: In Case You Missed It This post shares highlights of Teach Better blog posts in 2022. Categories for posts include SEL, Management, Instructional practices, Connections & Collaboration, Development & Improvement, Leadership, Self-Care, Reflection, and monthly series. SEL Carrying Heavy Things: Support Our Students by Matthew J. Bowerman The Secret of Building Resilient Kids by Pamela Hall Random Acts … Read More
Making The Abstract Concrete
TL;DR: Students sometimes struggle with abstract concepts and need concrete examples. Write stories to help teach them these concepts. As educators, we strive to meet the needs of all of our students and build in as much differentiation as possible. While our students dive deeper into the Depth of Knowledge levels and more secondary curricular content, students may need scaffolds … Read More
Lessons from the Faculty of Education
TL;DR: Knowing yourself as a teacher is an important consideration. The importance of knowing you will face or witness racism is a consideration. Teamwork opportunities and reflection afterward are other important considerations. Equity and Inclusion Reflection Questions Do you know yourself really well as an educator? What kind of institutional racism have you witnessed in education? How have you set … Read More