TL;DR: Grading is undergoing changes, and many schools or districts need guidance. A comprehensive overview of the grading SAMR model, created by Erik Youngman. Grading should be fair, accurate, meaningful, and clearly communicated. I created the “Grading SAMR Model” to provide a framework for defining indicators within four distinct dimensions. They can be compared, separately or simultaneously, to guide grading … Read More
The Power of Place Based Education
TL;DR: Helping children to truly learn about their community and to engage in their own learning. Leveraging partnerships within the community to create these learning experiences can transform learning and can yield higher levels of learning for students. How do you create authentic learning experiences in schools? There are several ways to help students experience learning beyond the classroom. At … Read More
Returning to the Classroom after Maternity Leave
TL;DR: Encouragement for any new teacher mom. A letter, some love, and a game plan for returning to work. It’s that time of the school year where some new mamas are preparing to head back to the classroom after a maternity leave. When I had my daughter, I often thought about the leave, but didn’t think much about the return. It … Read More
More Time, Less Time, all at the Same Time!
TL;DR: The removal of our strict schedules can be overwhelming, or a gift! Tips to use this TIME to take care of yourself & create lasting habits. This is quite a time to be a teacher. Has anyone else noticed that since Distance Learning, we have more time and less time all at the same time? It doesn’t make any … Read More
A Whole New World
TL;DR: The mixed emotions with coping during quarantine. Rediscovering the “commonplace” with a new view. The truth is, an underlying anxiety has punctuated even my most positive experiences during this quarantine. A quarantine which may, in fact, still be happening by the time you read this. And though it hasn’t been all bad, I (paradoxically) sometimes feel guilty for enjoying … Read More