Mental Health Awareness: 3 Key Ways to Be There for Students

William AndresenBlog, Classroom Management, Leadership, Reflect Better, Self-Care, Teach Happier

TL;DR: Students need to feel visible and cared for. Say “hi” to each student, by name, every day. Educators who do this will create a small, but tangible and meaningful reminder for students that they are visible and cared for. Cheer students on. As educators, we have a wonderful opportunity to show up, demonstrate our interest in them as people, … Read More

Classroom Climate Toolbox

Teach Better TeamBlog, Lesson Planning, Student Engagement

TL;DR: Consider the importance of establishing a classroom climate that is warm. This post shares lesson ideas you can try to establish and incorporate into your own routines. It is important to consider student voice when building climate. To make climate a first priority in teaching, there are 3 items to include in your teacher toolbox. (1) Build empathetic relationships. … Read More

Give Generously & Equitably to Be Inclusive!

Teach Better TeamBlog, Leadership, Teach Happier

TL;DR: Consider the importance of giving to make a difference. Reflect on where you would like to help out to make the greatest impact by giving. Some individuals do not make New Year’s Resolutions. I’m one of those people who LOVE them! I look forward to timelines and smart goals and making those resolutions matter! I say make your resolutions … Read More

Inspiring Cultures of Wellness in Schools

Teach Better TeamBlog, Leadership, Self-Care, Student Engagement

TL;DR: Teacher burnout is a systemic problem. We need to reimagine systems where teachers and their wellness are prioritized. Create cultures of wellness at school. Consider forming a wellness committee that includes admin and teachers as well as other staff members. Prioritize Teachers I don’t need to tell you that the problem of teacher burnout is systemic. Through no fault … Read More

The Uncomfortable Truth About School

Teach Better TeamBlog, Grading & Assessment, Innovation, Lesson Planning, Mastery Learning, Reflect Better, Student Engagement

TL;DR: Students forget most of what they “learn” in school. Acknowledging this gives us the freedom to focus on powerful learning experiences. Wrestling with the impermanence of some school “learning” challenges our core values as educators. What is Learning, Really? Educational thought leader Will Richardson loves to invite teachers to share their definitions of learning. His observation: most of us … Read More