TL;DR: The Teach Better Conference lit the transformational fires of the people who attended. Community is critical in affirming our ‘why,’ instigating collaboration, and inspiring us to celebrate all the ways we show up for students whether we are in classrooms, district offices, or running our own teacher-focused business. Teach Better 22 was inclusive not just by celebrating those with … Read More
A Culture of Learning: Shifting From Teaching to Empowerment
TL;DR: Schools were designed for both teaching and learning. The top skills kids need to know are analytical thinking and innovation, active learning and learning strategies, complex problem-solving, critical thinking and analysis, creativity, originality, and initiative. The difference between teaching and empowerment is when a teacher becomes so focused on the destination that students are not allowed to drive the … Read More
Transdisciplinary Teaching and Learning
TL;DR: Transdisciplinary units allow students to bring all facets of their learning together. Student agency increases student engagement. Students create in-depth work they are proud of. I work for a school that follows the International Baccalaureate curriculum. This means that we follow a transdisciplinary approach, where learning transcends subjects. The concepts of student voice and choice spearhead the program of … Read More
Simplicity for the Interdisciplinary Unit Win
TL;DR: Create an interdisciplinary unit by exploring your own community or communities around the world. Tie in social studies, geography, math, art, music, and more in your unit. Using simple technology create videos and presentations. Have students share their projects with the community. If the idea of diving into an interdisciplinary unit (IDU) feels overwhelming, take a breath and just … Read More
Joyful Connections
TL;DR: Children need to know that you care about them. Find ways to connect and listen to your students. Greeting students, morning meetings, small talk, and laughter are great ways to connect. As educators, I think we all can agree that we want our students to succeed. We want to see them flourish and thrive. We want them to leave … Read More