TL;DR: Back-to-school writing prompts can be exciting, but they also need to be inclusive. Some prompts may unintentionally alienate students in poverty. Choose prompts that allow all students to express themselves regardless of their background. Back-to-school time can be exciting but also challenging. Writing prompts help students express themselves. However, some prompts can unintentionally harm students in poverty. It’s crucial … Read More
Unlocking Creativity: National Arts in Education Week
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
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
Lessons from the Beach: How to Keep Students Enthusiastic About Learning
TL;DR: Engage students by incorporating hands-on activities and integrating technology with purpose. Build a supportive classroom environment to foster excitement and investment in learning. Focus on creating impactful educational experiences for the upcoming school year. I go to the beach every summer to help me relax and recharge for the next school year. This year I was sitting in my … Read More
A Transition to Co-Teaching After 28 Years
TL;DR: Despite 28 years of teaching, the author had never experienced co-teaching until recently. Initial attempts at collaboration failed due to lack of planning and organization. A recent partnership with a special education assistant has led to positive changes in the classroom. The Missed Opportunity of Co-Teaching What if I told you that in my twenty-eight years of experience as … Read More