Reconnect Happier

Suzanne DaileyBlog, Connect Better, Differentiate Better, Engage Better, Innovate Better, Lesson Plan Better, Manage Better, Reflect Better, Teach Happier

TL;DR: We can try many things to reach our struggling students, but have you tried asking them what they need? Provide students with an opportunity to give you feedback, like a Teacher Report Card, so you can better respond to their needs. Being open to receiving feedback and making changes in response leads to improved connection and belonging. Reconnect Happier … Read More

The Power of a Pen

Teach Better TeamBlog, Connect Better, Engage Better, Lesson Plan Better, Manage Better

TL;DR: A pen teaches students that mistakes are learning opportunities. It gives students time to pause and think before they write. It empowers students by providing them with skills they can use throughout their lives. Every December, I gave a present to my students. Yes, I taught middle school. Yes, I had over 100 students each year. And yes, it … Read More

No More Giant Backpack: Using the Grid Method

Michelle KasunBlog, Differentiate Better, Engage Better, Grade Better, Lesson Plan Better, Manage Better, Mastery Done Better

TL;DR: Follow the journey of Michelle as she discovered the Grid Method. Read five reasons why using the Grid Method is so effective: (1) standards-based (2) strategic and timely assessments (3) varied assessment (4) students work at own pace (5) enrichment opportunities. I recently saw a teacher meme that showed a man with a GIANT backpack and the caption, “When … Read More

“Tough” Love: The Risks, Rewards, and Resilience of Teaching At-Risk Kids

Andrea BitnerBlog, Connect Better, Engage Better, Manage Better

TL;DR: Working with at-risk students takes a desire to understand who they are. A revelation of working with at-risk students: They don’t mean it. They don’t see it and don’t realize what they are doing. Developmentally, they may not be able to see you. Ruby Payne’s book “A Framework for Understanding Poverty” helps us see “hidden rules” and how they … Read More

Six Tips to Write Your First Book

Kristen NanBlog, Connect Better, Engage Better, Lead Better

TL;DR: There are 6 tips to write your first book: go digital, start writing, keep organized, know your why and stick to it, move your mindset, and dangle the carrot. Start writing! Whether you have a story of inspiration and determination or a wealth of knowledge and experience to share, writing a book may be the perfect opportunity for you. … Read More