TL;DR: This post shares important lessons learned as a first-year instructional coach. Being a good listener shows that you care. Teachers are all at different places emotionally, technologically, and with their teaching styles. It’s important to get to know each teacher and meet them where they are at. Give yourself grace in knowing that some days will be tougher than … Read More
They Don’t Want Your Answers; They Want Your Support
TL;DR: As a school leader, those you serve don’t just want your answers, they want your support. Show your support by being a part of the school, delegating to empower, and celebrating risks. “They” don’t really need you to tell them what to do. “They” don’t even really need your permission. Who is “they”? They are the people you are … Read More
Do you have any tips for creating a Grid?
TL;DR: A grid is a full unit and can evaluate a standard, a group of standards, a target, or a key idea. Consider your assessment before fully creating a Grid. Think of each box as a lesson plan. Find the right spot for Teacher Checks with your Grid. The Grid Method can help promote student ownership of their learning and … Read More
BTW Podcast Season One, Episode Five- Having Tough Conversations with Phil Echols
Jen sits down with Phil Echols to discuss his experiences as a beginning teacher, tough conversations that beginning teachers need to have during their first couple of years, and review strategies that can be used to have crucial conversations during your beginning years of teaching. MORE EPISODES
BTW Podcast Season One, Episode Four- Classroom Culture with Elizabeth Merce
Jen sits down with Elizabeth Merce to discuss her experiences as a beginning teacher, the difference between classroom management and classroom culture, how to create a classroom culture that supports social-emotional development and how to create a classroom culture in a virtual environment. MORE EPISODES