It is the start of a new year, and I have been thinking about habits and goals that I want to see myself accomplish this year. I started habit tracking last year, and I have been exercising at the gym for 30 minutes a day, reading for at least 20 minutes a day, and doing a Duolingo Spanish lesson each … Read More
Rethinking Teacher Evaluations: Consistency Over Performance
The topic of teacher evaluations often stirs a mix of anxiety and debate among educators. I feel the stress and anxiety in classrooms all around the country. While these assessments aim to measure teaching effectiveness, they tend to (more often than we’d all like to admit) promote a culture of “performance” lessons—special classes designed to impress school leaders. This raises … Read More
Co-Teaching: Piloting Your Way to Success
TL;DR: Co-teaching parallels co-piloting, emphasizing teamwork and communication. Crew Resource Management fosters safe, efficient teamwork in aviation. Teachers can apply CRM principles to enhance co-teaching effectiveness. Co-teaching is much like co-piloting (at the outset, it should be clear that my husband is a pilot!). I hear a lot of flying jargon in my house since my father and father-in-law are … Read More
Leading with Intention: Transform Your Educational Leadership
TL;DR: Leading With Intention offers actionable strategies for educational leaders to make intentional decisions and foster interconnected school communities. Authored by experienced leaders Dr. Peter DeWitt and Michael Nelson, the book provides valuable perspectives for educators at all levels. The book includes charts, checklists, and reflective tools on topics like self-awareness and creating learning networks to enhance leadership skills. Are … Read More
Edcamp-Style Faculty Meetings
TL;DR: Originating in 2010, Edcamp flips traditional conferences by allowing attendees to choose session topics, fostering engagement and shared learning. Encourage problem-solving, resource-sharing, and collaboration among educators, elevating teacher voice and promoting ownership of learning. Staff propose and vote on topics, fostering engagement and addressing relevant issues. This participant-driven approach fosters trust and respect, crucial for teacher retention and professional … Read More