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

Finding the Right Speaker to Connect with your Staff

Rae HughartBlog, Engage Better, Lead Better

TL;DR: Choosing a speaker for your staff is a big decision. Tips and strategies to choose the right speaker to kick off back to school, and carry the message throughout the year. District leaders often bring in an educational speaker to kick off the year or assist when launching new initiatives. Frankly, I love this stuff. One of my favorite … Read More

Design Cast – Episode #12 – The Changing Face of Professional Development

Jason ReaginDesign Cast Podcast

This episode has Dr. Jennifer Chang Wathall joining me to talk about how the current global situation has changed the way teachers are professionally developed. While we discussed many things, the most talked about topic was: #transformlearning #transformpedagogy Follow Jennie on twitter @JenniferWathall The two books that she mentions are: eLearning Ecologies Deep Learning MORE EPISODES

3 Ways for Educators to Make the Holiday Break More Meaningful

Teach Better TeamBlog, Innovate Better, Lead Better, Lesson Plan Better, Manage Better, Self Care Better

In This Post: The importance of using our holiday break time to recharge, professionally and personally. Three ways to have a more meaningful holiday break. Let’s face it. Teaching is tough, which can lead to stress — especially for teachers who are constantly striving to teach better. Studies show that burnout and trauma associated with teaching are so emotionally taxing that it … Read More

5 Benefits of EdCamp Professional Development

Whitney ChoateBlog, Engage Better, Innovate Better

In This Post: An overview of professional development designed to empower educators: EdCamps! The four major benefits of EdCamp professional development. So much is changing in the way that we teach in our classrooms. Teachers are facilitators of learning rather than providing direct instruction all day, every day. Students are encouraged to follow their passions and learn other content and … Read More