Give Generously & Equitably to Be Inclusive!

Teach Better TeamBlog, Leadership, Teach Happier

TL;DR: Consider the importance of giving to make a difference. Reflect on where you would like to help out to make the greatest impact by giving. Some individuals do not make New Year’s Resolutions. I’m one of those people who LOVE them! I look forward to timelines and smart goals and making those resolutions matter! I say make your resolutions … Read More

Eat Better – Grilled Cheese vs. Standards and Rubrics

Alex T. ValencicBlog, Differentiation, Grading & Assessment, Reflect Better, Student Engagement

TL;DR: Grilled cheese has many variations. Consider standards-based grading in education and the use of rubrics in assessment, grading, and reporting. When designing a rubric, be sure to stay focused on what you want students to know or be able to do. Resist the urge to add criteria that do not relate to the task. Grilled Cheese vs. Standards and … Read More

Introducing Children to Mindfulness

Ipek WilliamsonBlog, Classroom Management, Self-Care, Student Engagement

TL;DR: It is important to teach young children how to meditate and practice mindfulness at a very early age. This gives them a head start in becoming a positive, joyful, and compassionate person. Here are two mindfulness practices to try with young children: Belly Buddies and Spidey Senses. See below for links. We want our children to be physically and … Read More

Special Education Support in a Grid Classroom

Meghan PahlkeBlog, Classroom Management, Differentiation, Innovation, Leadership, Lesson Planning, Mastery Learning, Reflect Better

TL:DR: The Grid Method can be effective with all students, including those with IEPs. When building a Grid, be proactive in making accommodations ahead of time. Both the general education teacher and the special education teacher have an equal role in the classroom. At the beginning of the 2019-2020 school year, my general education co-teacher and I were ready to … Read More

Teaching About Current Events and Controversial Issues

Steven WeberBlog, Classroom Management, Leadership, Lesson Planning, Student Engagement

TL;DR: Teachers can press pause to develop a lesson, collect factual sources, and determine how to teach the lesson in an age-appropriate manner. Determine if you are ‘preaching’ or ‘teaching.’  Provide a balanced perspective and seek resources from multiple perspectives. What is the best approach to teaching about current events and controversial issues?  Americans are divided on issues related to … Read More