Take Ownership: It’s Leadership!

Teach Better TeamBlog, Differentiation, Leadership, Reflect Better, Student Engagement

TL;DR: Take ownership to speak up when there is injustice and make a difference. Equitable practices in education mean change sparked by reflection. Consider our biases and use picture books to introduce the 7 “isms” to start the conversation: ableism, classism, ageism, religion as an ism, racism, homophobia/heterosexism, and sexism. Take ownership: It’s leadership! Leaders speak up when there is … Read More

Breaking Down Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice

Teach Better TeamBlog, Leadership

TL;DR:  Diversity, equity, and inclusion must also include justice. Schools are smaller microcosms of our world, and include power dynamics that communities need to make sense of in order to shift from diversity and inclusion to equity and justice.  This past week’s Daily Drop In theme was equity and inclusion. This is a topic close to my heart and even … Read More

Perspective

Teach Better TeamBlog, Classroom Management, Innovation, Leadership, Reflect Better, Student Engagement

TL;DR Perspective is an important part of problem-solving. Changing your perspective is not always easy. You can learn a lot when you take the time to change your perspective. Our family takes big vacations during the summer. We snorkel, climb mountains, and hike through the woods. Our family explores the many different landscapes within the United States. We experience new … Read More

Hispanic Heritage Month

Carly SpinaBlog, Leadership, Reflect Better, Teach Further

TL;DR: Hispanic Heritage Month can be a time where we reflect on how we highlight certain communities in our learning spaces. Ask students which terms they prefer and why. Involve families as you celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. Analyze classroom materials to ensure they don’t project a problematic narrative or bias. Enlist the support of your teammates and leadership teams to help … Read More

Delighting in Inclusion

Brad HughesBlog, Classroom Management, Differentiation, Leadership, Lesson Planning, Reflect Better, Student Engagement

TL;DR: Melinda Arnost is an educator, author/illustrator, and inclusion specialist. She was recently a guest on the Good News, Brad News Podcast. Her advocacy for inclusion started in high school inviting other students to join their Breakfast Club. As a teacher, Melinda trusted her gut and started teaching outside of the box in order to meet the needs of students. … Read More