Back to Basics with Co-Teaching: Responsibilities & Ratios

Whitney ChoateBlog, Connect Better

TL;DR: Co-teaching allows for increased instructional intensity by having two certified teachers in one classroom. It is important that co-teachers share all responsibilities, and for both teachers to support all students in the classroom. Co-teaching is a marriage. For better or worse, you both are stuck together through the good and the bad for the entire school year. This post … Read More

Voices at the Table

Colissa JordanBlog, Connect Better

TL;DR: Both veteran and novice teachers have things they can learn from one another. All teachers should feel confident in sharing with others, as all voices at the table bring value. “So tell me what you want, what you really, really want I wanna, (ha) I wanna, (ha) I wanna, (ha) I wanna, (ha) I wanna really, really, really wanna … Read More

Letting Go & Moving On

Suzanne DaileyBlog, Self Care Better, Teach Happier

TL;DR: Giving up isn’t synonymous with failure; we should think of it as letting go, rather than giving up. When we use the phrase letting go instead of giving up, we allow ourselves to consider the possibilities and pivot in another direction in our reality. If it’s not 90s rock or country music playing in my earbuds, it’s a podcast. … Read More

Who is YOUR Teacher?

Tim StephensonBlog, Connect Better, Lead Better, Reflect Better

TL;DR: Teachers need teachers too! It is important to reflect on who YOUR teacher is and how they have shaped and influenced you. Consider all of the different people in your life who have shaped who you are today. Last month I reflected on how teachers can influence students by making our classrooms a place they want to be.  But … Read More

Building Trusting Relationships in Your School Community

Teach Better TeamBlog, Connect Better, Self Care Better

TL;DR: Build trusting relationships at all levels of your school community by creating safe relationships for students, establishing advisory programs, encouraging parent volunteers, and checking in with teachers. Improve emotional health by starting each day with a welcoming or inclusion activity, embedding engagement strategies, and end with an optimistic closing and time for reflection. Every person in this country has … Read More