TL;DR: Assigned summer reading is beneficial for students as it promotes continuous learning, enhances vocabulary and language skills, fosters critical thinking, boosts creativity and imagination, and cultivates empathy and understanding. It prevents the “summer slide” and helps students perform better academically when they return to school. Reading during the summer expands knowledge, broadens horizons, and encourages a lifelong love for … Read More
Behavior Management vs. Behavior Leadership
TL;DR: Behavior management is not the ultimate answer to solving all challenges teachers face. Shift your perspective from behavior management to behavior leadership, and emphasize the importance of being a leader who guides behavior change and fosters growth. Language is powerful and changing the way we speak about behavior can have a positive impact on classroom and school environments. For … Read More
5 Dysfunctions of a Professional Learning Team
TL;DR: All teams are potentially dysfunctional due to the fallibility of human beings, which can lead to frustration and fatigue among educators who collaborate and share resources. The five dysfunctions of a Professional Learning Team include curriculum clutter, fear of conflict, lack of trust, failure to communicate, and lack of a scoreboard. Overcoming these dysfunctions requires clarity in curriculum goals, … Read More
Real Talk: Working Within Your Contract Hours
TL;DR: The article challenges the notion that teachers should work long hours and prioritize their job above all else. It is important to set boundaries and respect contract hours. This post provides guidance on optimizing time and avoiding burnout in the education field. This post is a follow-up to my first, How to Be a Great Teacher Without Losing Yourself. … Read More
Sub Better: Network Better
TL;DR: Network, network, network! Networking is crucial for substitute teachers to secure opportunities and build a positive professional reputation. Building relationships with teachers, leaving contact information, volunteering for repeat assignments, and utilizing social media are effective networking strategies. Teachers and administrators should value and support reliable substitutes, communicate preferences, and provide feedback to ensure a smooth substitute teaching experience. It … Read More