Using Data to Drive Instruction and Earn Merit Pay

Suzanne RogersBlog, Connect Better, Lead Better, Reflect Better

TL;DR: Education data informs instructional strategies, tracks student progress, and enables personalized learning experiences. Teachers in our district can qualify for merit pay through programs like PEER, DESE, and District Merit Pay by effectively using data to improve student outcomes. Best practices include regular data collection, setting clear goals, engaging in professional development, collaborating with colleagues, and communicating with stakeholders. … Read More

Nurturing Co-Teaching Relationships

Janel SebenyBlog, Connect Better, Lead Better, Lesson Plan Better, Manage Better, Reflect Better, Teach Happier

TL;DR: Successful co-teaching requires trust and shared expectations, developed over time through relationship building and communication. Regular co-planning sessions are essential for creating cohesive lessons and addressing student needs, ensuring both teachers are aligned and prepared. Implementing various co-teaching techniques, such as station teaching and parallel teaching, allows teachers to leverage their unique strengths and provide targeted support to students. … Read More

Lessons from ‘Life Under Pressure’ on Youth Suicide Prevention

William AndresenBlog, Connect Better, Lead Better, Reflect Better

TL;DR: Attending a talk at the 92nd Street Y, William Andresen discusses the book “Life Under Pressure” by Dr. Anna S. Mueller and Dr. Seth Abrutyn. The book explores the social roots of youth suicide and how community tragedies can lead to clusters of suicide. Andresen reflects on his own educational experiences, emphasizing the importance of building visible, tangible connections … Read More

Best Practices of Successful Co-Teaching

Bridget GenglerBlog, Connect Better, Lesson Plan Better, Manage Better, Reflect Better, Teach Happier

TL;DR: Establishing consistent and honest communication methods, such as daily debriefs or shared documents, is crucial for co-teachers to ensure student growth and classroom cohesion. Co-teachers should plan together regularly, share responsibilities, be flexible, and present a united front to students and parents to foster a supportive learning environment. Adopting appropriate co-teaching strategies like parallel teaching, station teaching, and team … Read More

Co-Teaching: Piloting Your Way to Success

Sanam EdwardsBlog, Connect Better, Manage Better, Reflect Better

TL;DR: Co-teaching parallels co-piloting, emphasizing teamwork and communication. Crew Resource Management fosters safe, efficient teamwork in aviation. Teachers can apply CRM principles to enhance co-teaching effectiveness. Co-teaching is much like co-piloting (at the outset, it should be clear that my husband is a pilot!). I hear a lot of flying jargon in my house since my father and father-in-law are … Read More