TL;DR: Black history should be amplified all year long. Black voices belong in students’ curriculum and content for more than 28 days. Amplify Black authors and achievements in all subjects by citing Black teachers, creators, authors, and thinkers, reading text that celebrates black excellence and joy, and helping students understand Black history. Teach Black identity intersectionality and be mindful of … Read More
What IS Engagement?
TL;DR: When we engage students in the curriculum, we need to consider whether we are creating excitement, curiosity, and interest to want to learn more. Behavioral, physical, social, emotional, and cognitive are all types of engagement to consider in an educational setting. Engagement is another word that became overused in 2020. As schools transitioned to remote learning this spring, districts … Read More
The Power of Purpose
TL;DR: To overcome the difficulties of teaching in a pandemic, you have to find what works for you. Clearly define your purpose, write it down, and put it somewhere you will see every day. The key to unlocking unlimited potential begins with understanding the power of your purpose. As you continue to endure and experience the 2020-2021 school year, it … Read More
Tired of Teaching to a Blank Screen? Start Teaching with Empathy
TL;DR: The decrease in interaction and participation rate with students in a virtual setting has been an issue but when we plan with empathy, it may make a difference. Make lessons more interesting or entertaining by adding music in the beginning or during your lesson, turning students into active participants by giving them a role, providing breaks or sending students … Read More
Transparency
TL;DR: Using the resources around you when a lesson isn’t going as planned can help you overcome the obstacle. This post shares a story of the importance being able to adapt when a lesson plan doesn’t go your way and the transparency that helped Jesse understand he was in the right place he needed to be. March 1995 My 4th … Read More