TL;DR: Career and Technical Education (CTE) should start in elementary school. Create clubs that connect students to interests they already know they have. But more importantly, clubs that connect students to interests they don’t know they have yet. I just had the distinct honor and privilege of being a guest on a great new podcast called BridgEd. It is hosted … Read More
Teach Resilience.
TL;DR: Sometimes there will be a cheering squad behind you and other times there isn’t. When things get tough, resilience is key to getting through. Intentional discomfort is at the top of the hierarchy of resilience. Mindful moments can help us get through situations of intentional discomfort that create resilience. My 2021 WORD continues to be resilience! Why teach resilience? … Read More
The Empathetic Teacher
TL;DR: Our learners’ behavior is an important form of communication. Consider and revise your responses to student behavior to be more empathetic. Don’t assume how a learner is feeling; ask them directly. Validate your students’ feelings to ensure they feel heard and understood. During my first year teaching, I spent countless hours learning, planning, and creating. I loved every second … Read More
Blended Learning: My Fear for the Future
TL;DR: It is important that educators don’t mistake the model of learning in the past year as true blended learning. When blended learning is implemented properly, educator stress levels will decrease and student success levels will increase. I began teaching with a blended learning approach before anybody really knew what it was. I had always been intrigued by flipping my … Read More
Reinventing Student/Teacher Conferencing in 2021
TL;DR: The purpose of conferencing is generally to discuss a student’s strengths and weaknesses. A structure for effective conferencing with large classes is shared. Questions to ask during conferences can include: What are your questions? In what way can I help you? What will you improve on? Unfortunately, while I had some great teachers in the past (both K-12 and post-secondary), … Read More