TL;DR: Say yes to students by providing them opportunities to explore their interests outside of the classroom. When you say yes to students exploring their interests, you are providing them time to practice and utilize real-world skills. If you came to me with an idea about something you really want to try or do, learn about, or create, the answer … Read More
Redefining Team-Teaching
TL;DR: In order for students to thrive in meeting their fullest potential, teachers need to create a connection by being consistent, constant, and purposeful. In order to be consistent, teachers need to be available through regular communication. Find a consistent form that works for you and your community like a class blog, Microsoft Teams, email, or other platforms. Students need … Read More
The Time is NOW to Lead with Love
TL;DR: Love all members of your community and have the courage to tell them you love them. Leading with love is good for all members of the community including yourself. It provides benefits like less worry, fear, and stress, and increased feelings of support, safety, and comfort. Is it possible to love the people you lead? It absolutely is. You … Read More
Cue the Celebrations! How to Celebrate in Schools Today!
TL;DR: Celebrating is like a skill that gets easier with practice. Start by teaching students why and how we celebrate as a class by keeping a list of celebrations to share publicly each day or privately through a weekly personal journal. Celebrate students by sharing messages via email, communication apps like SeeSaw, Post-it notes, or on desks with dry-erase markers. … Read More
It’s Time to Try Something Better
TL;DR: Now is the time to try something better than what you have done before. Each day, try something better, and over time, you will notice big changes. As I sat in this brilliant student’s IEP meeting, I couldn’t believe what I heard. I had to consciously control my facial expressions. I was shocked and frustrated. Not at the student … Read More