Building Relationships with Staff Online

Jennifer AppelBlog

TL;DR: Build relationships with staff by maintaining a consistent connection, having fun, removing obligations, and engaging everyone. Having a game morning meeting, using social media, and having office hours to chat, brainstorm, or ask questions are just some ways to strengthen relationships with colleagues. Thinking of your colleagues as a family can help foster successful relationships. “Education is understanding relationships” … Read More

Addressing Character, Excellence, and Community Remotely

Teach Better TeamBlog

TL;DR: Addressing character, excellence, and community with your students is a necessary part of education that should not be forgotten in a virtual setting. Strategies for addressing character, excellence, and community remotely include modeling appropriate character for our students, providing opportunities for student empowerment, and being there for one another. “Culture eats strategy for breakfast” – Peter Drucker. When wading … Read More

Assessing and Addressing Student Needs

Jennifer AppelBlog, Classroom Management, Leadership

TL;DR: 3 steps to ensure we are addressing the needs of our students, including tips for assessing the situation, coming up with a plan, and re-evaluating. Assessing where our new students are using a Google form, and using that information to meet their individual social and emotional needs. I LOVE the first day of school.  It is something that I … Read More

Culture in the New Normal

Teach Better TeamBlog, Leadership

TL;DR: Using your Professional Learning Network (PLN) to inspire positive culture in your classroom. Reimagining your PLN through positivity, authenticity, and modeling appropriate norms. Using the tools, skills, and ideas established with your PLN to maintain valuable relationships with your students. “Learning is finding out what you already know” – Richard Bach. With our new normal quickly approaching this fall, … Read More

Partnering with YOUR School Counselor

Teach Better TeamBlog, Classroom Management, Differentiation, Innovation, Leadership

TL;DR: An overview of school counselors. Tips to COORDINATE with your school counselor. Are you maximizing YOUR relationship with the school counselor?  Do you utilize the counselor to support students in the best possible ways? Are you accessing this powerful resource on a regular basis?   “We know where the real work of changing kids’ lives happens…it happens on the ground, … Read More