TL;DR: Our learners’ behavior is an important form of communication. Consider and revise your responses to student behavior to be more empathetic. Don’t assume how a learner is feeling; ask them directly. Validate your students’ feelings to ensure they feel heard and understood. During my first year teaching, I spent countless hours learning, planning, and creating. I loved every second … Read More
Navigating Self-Care Through the 3 Ships
TL;DR: Navigate your self-care through the 3 ships: relationships, leadership, and partnerships. Teachers are more stressed, overwhelmed, and past the point of burnout than ever before. Implementing self-care is something that needs to be done proactively and often. When I first started on my maiden voyage into education, our school had a part-time wellness coordinator. As a stipended paraprofessional, her … Read More
Never Too Old For Play
TL;DR: “Play” is an activity that one chooses to do and that brings that person enjoyment. Play looks different for everyone. What might be considered play for someone might be work for another, and vice versa. Another teacher/friend talks to me about play! Marie McCumber is a teacher of 5th graders at the Ohio State School for the Blind. … Read More
Teachers Are Essential – YOU Are Essential
TL;DR: You are essential, and you always have been. You are essential because you change lives. And despite everything going on, you still work every day to help your students. Think of just 3 of the people you have connected with recently. Reach out to them, and ask them how YOU can help THEM. This year, the world has asked … Read More
Defining Moments, Mindset, and Moving Forward
TL;DR: We are living in a defining moment that will forever change the face of education as we know it. In moments like this, mindset is what matters most. Move through the change continuum more efficiently by attending to your emotions, setting goals, providing support, focusing on self-care, and trusting the plan. Over the past month, countless educators have begun … Read More
