10 Steps for Teaching & Leadership Transformation

Rae HughartBlog, Connect Better, Lead Better, Manage Better, Teach Happier

TL;DR: 10 steps to cultivate a growth mindset in 2024. Reflect, set goals, embrace challenges, build a supportive community. Foster continuous learning, self-compassion, and celebrate progress. Hey Teach Better Tribe! Rae Hughart here, and let me tell you, I am pumped for the possibilities that the new year brings! As we dive into 2024, let’s set the stage for success … Read More

4 Ways to Nurture Your Teacher-Student Relationships

Bridget GenglerBlog, Connect Better, Engage Better

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

Connecting While Walking and Working

Erik YoungmanBlog, Connect Better, Self Care Better, Teach Happier

TL;DR: The WALK acronym (Wonder, Assist, Learn, Kindness) provides guidance for enhancing connections while walking and working, particularly for educators. Connecting while walking and working creates opportunities for visibility, accessibility, recognition, and two-way communication, fostering positive interactions and learning experiences. Planning what to read or work on, being aware of how to walk courteously, and considering the use of tools … Read More

Connection Over Compliance

Robin ShrumBlog, Connect Better, Engage Better

TL;DR: Student engagement goes beyond compliance and involves attention, curiosity, interest, optimism, and passion for learning. Authentic engagement requires establishing connections with students to create a safe and supportive learning environment. Strategies for fostering connection in the classroom include showing genuine interest in students, providing choice and voice, conducting morning meetings, being intentional in planning, incorporating real-life connections to content, … Read More

Keeping Engagement High Through the End of the Year

Kristen MooreBlog, Connect Better, Engage Better, Innovate Better, Lesson Plan Better, Manage Better

TL;DR: There are natural energy surges in the classroom. Learning to work with them keeps your classroom engaged, not chaotic. Lessons that are grounded in the real world, relevant to students’ interests or aspirations, and raise the rigor and expectations of students provide a naturally more engaging stage for students to learn. Teachers can use AI to help identify real-world … Read More