TL;DR: Empowering students allows them to be leaders. It provides opportunities for them to be creative and innovative. Creating a safe space where students feel respected and heard is important in creating this environment. Providing opportunities for students to share, listen to others’ perspectives, lead, create, and follow their own interests empowers students. Empowerment Empowerment is defined as the process … Read More
Expect Better
TL;DR: Students won’t know what you expect of them if you don’t tell them. Including students in the work of establishing expectations will lead to better outcomes. Teachers, administrators, and substitutes need to work together to establish clear expectations. So. Many. Teachers. Imagine a student who attends the same EC-12 district for their entire public education career. This student will … Read More
Congratulations, You Are Teacher of the Year
TL;DR: This year was challenging for teachers and students alike. We are all counting down the days for the year to end. Teachers focused on being intentional with our teaching, motivating students, and building relationships. We are the Teachers of the Year. Hey, you! Are you the teacher who eyes the daily (or for me, weekly) countdown to the end of … Read More
A Teacher Village: Showing Appreciation
TL;DR: Teacher Appreciation Week stands at a particularly tiring time of the year. “School life” is a thing. Educators: we see you, we hear you, and we love you. Teacher Appreciation Week As I write this, it’s Friday, the last day of “Teacher Appreciation Week.” Like many of us, I am sitting down after a long journey of two-week mandated … Read More
Leveling the Playing Field With Enrollment in AP and Honors Courses
TL;DR: Black and brown kids are underrepresented in higher-level courses such as honors and AP. We need to move the conversation away from grades and towards experiences. How can we encourage kids to get into the habit of challenging themselves? A Personal Experience Your PLN will push you towards conversations that you won’t see coming. This happened to me during … Read More