TL;DR: Effective parent-teacher communication can positively impact student success. In co-teaching, aligning on communication strategies with parents is key to a strong partnership. Four ways to improve communication include consistent updates, using a shared platform, discussing messages beforehand, and sending positive notes. “Mrs. G, my mom told me what you said in the message.” His face brightened with a huge … Read More
Empowering Students with Inclusive Prompts
TL;DR: Back-to-school writing prompts can be exciting, but they also need to be inclusive. Some prompts may unintentionally alienate students in poverty. Choose prompts that allow all students to express themselves regardless of their background. Back-to-school time can be exciting but also challenging. Writing prompts help students express themselves. However, some prompts can unintentionally harm students in poverty. It’s crucial … Read More
Fill Up Your Mental Health Toolkit
TL;DR: Teaching requires balancing curriculum with social and emotional support for students. Strategies for maintaining mental health include organization, routines, and self-reflection. Connection, positivity, and making daily joyful choices contribute to a healthy teaching environment. Teaching is a rewarding, yet challenging profession. Not only are you responsible for teaching the curriculum to a classroom full of students, but for facilitating … Read More
Unlocking Creativity: National Arts in Education Week
TL;DR: Arts education boosts student engagement, literacy, and aspirations. It fosters a positive school environment with fewer disciplinary issues. There is no negative effect on standardized test scores, dispelling myths about arts programs. Let’s unlock the power of creativity! When surveyed by the nonprofit organization Americans for the Arts, members of the U.S. public overwhelmingly agreed that the arts are … Read More
Co-Teaching: The Mythical Creature That Actually Exists
TL;DR: Co-teaching can bring apprehension or excitement; the key is equality between teachers. Successful co-teaching requires open communication, shared classroom space, and mutual respect. Both teachers should be seen as equals by students, with shared responsibility and visibility. When educators hear the word co-teaching, a couple of emotions immediately surface. For some, there’s apprehension. For others, it’s excitement! I was … Read More