Making the First Day Last

Jennifer WaldvogelBlog, Classroom Management, Differentiation, Leadership, Reflect Better, Student Engagement

TL;DR: Leverage first week get to know yous for long-term relationships. Mini challenges are a great way to observe group dynamics. Create seating charts and small groups based on collective strength. Bring transparency and group sharing to PLCs and admin teams. As teachers, we learn so much about our students in the first six weeks of the school year. We … Read More

AWC Episode #65: Observer vs. Guest

Jennifer AppelBlog

In this episode, Jennifer and Hans break down the difference between a classroom observer and classroom guest.  Later, Hans shares a few elements of his favorite classroom visits.   Listen on your favorite podcast platform! More Episodes

AWC Episode #64: LESSICONS

Jennifer AppelBlog

In this episode, Jennifer and Hans break down a cutting edge lesson planning framework to teach the whole learner.  Listen on your favorite podcast platform! More Episodes

5 Tips to Reimagine School as a Verb

Teach Better TeamBlog, Leadership, Reflect Better, Student Engagement

TL;DR: Reimagine school as a verb with these five tips. Start with defining the problem. We need to focus on more than preparing students for the next grade; we need to focus on the necessary human skills of success. Reflection: The pandemic has forced us to relook at the whole learner through a metacognitive lens. Establish a growth mindset to … Read More

Counseling: An Innovative Approach to Listening

Teach Better TeamBlog

TL;DR: Counselors can continue to support school communities by digitally providing resources, ideas, and learning opportunities. CASEL’s SEL Roadmap for Reopening Schools helps guide counselors’ efforts to connect with students. There is value in all educators delivering SEL content to students. Resources from American School Counselor Association (ASCA) are shared. “We think we listen, but very rarely do we listen … Read More