TL;DR: Blended learning promotes student ownership and helps to address the needs of different styles of learners. A successful example of blended learning at Sangamon Valley Middle School offers the best of both worlds. The shortcomings vs. benefits of blended learning are explored. Envisioning a New Normal: Imagine the Possibilities The pandemic has created a great deal of angst for … Read More
Inspire Serendipity
TL;DR: Serendipity is the occurrence and development of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way. Four personal stories point out the importance of making students feel liked, happy, empowered, and important. The small acts of love in our day have the power to make a permanent impression. The word serendipity is just plain fun to say. The meaning of the word is … Read More
3 Strategies to Support Student Understanding
TL;DR: Schools and districts need to think ahead to the future and prepare a strategy to meet the needs of each learner. The most effective strategy to support student understanding may be to combine the following: Through a deficit approach to provide additional support to fill in the gaps. Building on the strengths of learners through assessments, feedback, and academic … Read More
3 Ways to Reach Students on a Deeper Level
TL;DR: There are 3 ways teachers can reach students on a deeper level. Establish rapport and build trust with students by asking more questions about them. Have office hours to provide students with a safe place to be honest and ask questions. Provide opportunities like emotional check-ins where students can share their feelings. Teachers are already going above and beyond … Read More
Three Qualities to Possess as an Educator
TL;DR: Focus on equity over equality: Treat students equitably and give them what they need to be successful by considering inclusion. Maslow before Bloom’s Taxonomy: Know your students and attend to their needs first. Find your own teaching philosophy. Be yourself. Qualities to Possess #1: See your classroom with EQUITY as a focus. Equity vs. Equality—there is no DEBATE! You … Read More