TL;DR: Educators face growing challenges engaging a generation with abundant distractions and information. Building meaningful connections with students is essential for their success. Strategies for connecting with students include greeting them warmly, establishing classroom expectations, looking for shared interests, incorporating playfulness, communicating with parents, and attending extracurricular events. Prioritize kindness, respect, and building connections over strict curriculum adherence to foster … Read More
4 Ways to Nurture Your Teacher-Student Relationships
TL;DR: Recognition Matters: To ensure students feel valued, learn and use their names correctly from day one. Names are an important part of their identity. Warm Welcomes: Greet students at the door with personalized gestures, like high fives or hugs, setting a positive tone and reinforcing that they are loved. Encourage Expression: Create opportunities for students to share their voices … Read More
Stay Connected This WINTER!
TL;DR: This winter, take time for yourself and stay connected with others! Celebrate and embrace the diversity and differences we have as human beings. All teachers know that as we work hard, it is so important for us to take a break from work so we come back refreshed after enjoying some downtime. Our winter break may consist of Christmas … Read More
We’re All a Part of the Bigger Picture: Support Each Other
TL;DR: Having meaningful relationships with your coworkers is important. Co-teachers should find time to collaborate and support one another. Build relationships with your department or grade-level teams. Reach out to your administration with any questions or needs. Administrators, check in with your teachers and offer encouragement. We are all in this together and have a common goal. There are many … Read More
Teach Better Ambassadors: Like Radio Shack, But Still Relevant
TL;DR: Alex Valencic shares his journey from substitute teacher to Professional Learning Coordinator. The Teach Better Ambassador program is here to help everyone be better. The Ambassadors bring a vast array of experiences to support the Teach Better community. New Role After three years as a substitute teacher and seven years as a fourth-grade teacher in East Central Illinois, I … Read More
