Equity and Inclusion in Education

Nilmini Ratwatte-HenstridgeBlog, Connect Better, Engage Better, Lead Better, Manage Better, Reflect Better

TL;DR: Classroom management and creating a positive school culture are part of equity and inclusion. Build meaningful relationships with students, colleagues, and the community. Be a role model. Don’t forget you are human and so are your students. Be true to yourself. Be the good for others. “Equity and Inclusion Just Got Better” Journaling/Reflection Questions What would you change about your … Read More

Trust Builder

Nicole KellyBlog, Connect Better, Lesson Plan Better, Manage Better

TL;DR: Trust is important in both your personal and professional relationships. Finding ways to reduce your workload so you have more time to help students and foster relationships is important. Education Blueprint is a great resource to help you achieve this. I’ve followed John Maxwell’s work since becoming a teacher 10 years ago. He has transformed the way I think … Read More

Student Relationships: Let Them Connect with You

Kristen KoppersBlog, Connect Better, Engage Better, Manage Better

TL;DR: Forming connections with students can be difficult but is valuable. Be patient. Not all students, especially at the high school level, open up easily. Share a little bit about yourself throughout the year to form those connections. Take interest in your students’ lives. Ever hear of the saying, “Those who can, do; those who can’t, teach”?  George Bernard Shaw’s … Read More

The Road to the Principalship

Steven WeberBlog, Connect Better, Engage Better, Lead Better, Reflect Better

TL;DR: The road to the principalship involves the following five behaviors and demonstrated leadership skills developed over time with evidence of action: good leaders ask great questions, build relationships, stand out in the crowd, and are risk-takers and collaborative leaders. The words on the resume should match the leader’s actual work in schools.  Each spring, assistant principals begin applying for … Read More

Being Human Is Not Unprofessional

Teach Better TeamBlog, Connect Better, Engage Better, Manage Better

TL;DR: The #RelationshipsFirst movement: Students are more likely to learn when they have a positive relationship with you and get to know you too. We connect better with others who we know, value, and respect. Share stories about life experiences and show humanity to students every day. Their experiences may be similar so by sharing, you have become someone else … Read More