TL;DR: Micah the Mighty Marathoner is an inspiring children’s book by Mackenzie Snell that tells the true story of her brother Micah, who runs marathons in a wheelchair pushed by their dad. Filled with life lessons, vibrant illustrations, and a message of perseverance and inclusivity, this book is a must-have for elementary school libraries. Micah the Mighty Marathoner is a … Read More
The Journey of Lifelong Educators
TL;DR: Lifelong educators often begin their journey with idealism and a passion for making a difference. As their careers progress, they face challenges and growth, leading to personal and professional reinvention. Reflecting on their legacy, they find fulfillment in the lasting impact they’ve made on students and the educational community. The journey of a lifelong educator begins with a spark—a … Read More
Fostering Co-Teacher Relationships for Student Success
TL;DR: Regular weekly planning meetings and reflections enhance co-teaching effectiveness. Leveraging each teacher’s strengths creates a dynamic and supportive classroom environment. Standalone support classes complement co-taught sessions, providing tailored assistance to students. For the past twelve years that I have been teaching middle school English, I have worked with seven different co-teachers. Each is amazing and unique in their own … Read More
Building Strong Co-Teacher Relationships
TL;DR: A meeting at Starbucks led to a successful two-year co-teaching partnership. Building a strong co-teaching relationship involves getting to know each other, honest communication, and respecting boundaries. Key tips include spending time together, maintaining open communication, setting boundaries, enjoying laughter, and reflecting on practice. We decided to meet at Starbucks on that warm summer day. We were still unsure … Read More
Where Is the Hope?
TL;DR: Maintain August optimism all year with strategies to sustain hope and engagement. Asking “Where is the hope?” helps find positive aspects in challenging situations, shifting focus from negativity. Regularly asking about hopeful events helps maintain emotional engagement and resilience. In August, most educators feel things they don’t often feel in October or February: rested, balanced, optimistic, and hopeful. Wouldn’t … Read More