TL;DR: There are three main types of criticism: destructive, constructive, and instructive. Destructive criticism tears down; constructive criticism builds together, and it identifies a problem and offers solutions. Instructive criticism adds on to what someone knows. Let me start by sharing four related facts you may not know about me. I am hard-of-hearing. There are times that I literally do … Read More
Developing a Quality Curriculum
TL;DR: Develop a quality curriculum by identifying desired outcomes, unpacking the standards, identifying transfer goals, and prioritizing curriculum development. A quality curriculum can become the constant in schools, rather than a variable determined by each teacher. When school districts commit to clarifying the curriculum, each student will have a greater chance of success as he/she enters the next grade level. … Read More
Becoming a Confident Teacher-Writer
TL;DR: Teachers who teach reading should read, and teachers who teach writing should write. Become a confident teacher-writer by getting a notebook, committing to writing every day, searching for opportunities to write, writing for yourself, and surrounding yourself with other writers. Teachers, ponder these two ideas. 1. Teachers who teach reading should be teachers who read. 2. Teachers who teach … Read More
Thriving (Not Just Surviving) as a New Teacher
TL;DR: Consider your why to prevent yourself from feeling burned out. Pay attention to what gives you joy and be sure to give back to yourself. Be proactive with your time by scheduling necessary tasks then looking at what you want to do. Be sure to also consider your long-term goals. The secret to thriving as a new teacher is being … Read More
The Future of Education Post-Pandemic
TL;DR: The ending of this school year will bring up many questions about the future of education post-pandemic. Consider what you would like to leave in the past from pre-pandemic times. Reflect on what you’ve learned through teaching in the pandemic. Then, use these reflections to decide what you’d like to continue doing in a post-pandemic world. As you read … Read More