Education’s Elephant in the Room

Teach Better TeamBlog, Connect Better, Lead Better

TL;DR: Silencing education’s elephant in the room by bringing attention to the responsibility of male leaders. The responsibilities of male leaders in a female dominated profession include initiating necessary conversations, being upfront, asking questions, listening, and summarizing points made in conversation to validate the other person. I grew up the youngest of four and the only girl. My mother tried … Read More

I’m Still Standing … Yeah, Yeah, Yeah

Teach Better TeamBlog, Lead Better, Self Care Better

TL;DR: Despite all of the obstacles educators face this year, they are still standing. Teachers are seeing the opportunities that lie among all of the challenges. School leaders should provide teachers with flexibility, support, grace, and encouragement. Now is the time to celebrate our teachers and support them in everything they do. Don’t you know I’m still standing better than … Read More

Three Cheers for Beep Baseball

BreAnn FennellBlog, Engage Better

TL;DR: The game Beep Baseball is geared towards individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Beep Baseball is played with a 16-inch softball equipped with electronics that allow the ball to beep.  The goal of the game is for the pitcher to get the batter to connect with the ball, not strike out the player. An interview with Dan Kelley, … Read More

Psychological First Aid: Needed Now More Than Ever

Mary Ellen RileyBlog, Self Care Better

TL;DR: Psychological first aid addresses immediate needs and teaches coping skills, and is just as important as physical first aid. If you notice someone in distress, look, listen, and link are the three steps to follow. Tips for sleeping well and reducing anger are shared. Many of us have taken some kind of first aid class growing up, whether it … Read More

Finding the Slack to Unlock Upstream Thinking

Teach Better TeamBlog, Connect Better, Lead Better

TL;DR: Reflecting on a book study of Upstream: How to Solve Problems Before They Happen by Dan Heath, and the educational impacts of the book. Upstream thinking involves addressing problems before they even begin. When we focus all of our attention and energy on the problems right in front of us, our ability to plan and organize is diminished.  Instead … Read More