TL;DR: The tenets of an optimistic outlook on your classroom include having a positive climate and culture. Reflect on the level of morale, productivity, and student satisfaction in your classroom. Develop actions to optimistically impact students’ views on teaching and learning in your classroom. Climate and culture are often referred to as the “feel” of the school. Essentially, this feel … Read More
How to Handle Distance Learning’s “Ghost” Students
TL;DR: We must acknowledge the concerns about student engagement and attendance that may occur during remote learning. We don’t know everyone’s situation so we must offer grace. According to a meta-analysis of psychiatric research, social isolation and loneliness during the pandemic negatively affect children’s levels of anxiety and depression. Listed below are ways to reach out to students. Use any … Read More
Getting the Best Out of Our Students in the ‘Worst’ of Times
TL;DR: Getting the best out of our students in the ‘worst’ of times means fostering learning cultures that embrace respectful discussion and discourse, learning the needs of your classroom and school, and providing great instruction. Committing to fostering cultures in schools that embrace diversity will help create future generations that build a better world. Educators have to teach students how … Read More
Foster Success by Looking in Your Students’ Rearview
TL;DR: When lesson planning, it is important to look at things from different perspectives. Look through your students’ rearview and see life from a different lens. Seeing from the lens of your students will help you foster success. Get to know your students and the things they are interested in, then use what you learned to create a positive classroom … Read More
Schools Need an Instructional Leader
TL;DR: While building school culture is important, principals also need to be instructional leaders who analyze data and have a clear vision, goals for learning, and a commitment to these goals. There are 7 questions to ask that will guide your practice as an instructional leader. “A school without clearly defined goals can be likened to a ship without a … Read More