Why Design Lessons

Donnetta NorrisBlog, Lesson Planning, Teach Happier

TL;DR: As an educator, it is important to continue learning and to always work towards improvement. Design Lessons is a podcast to help teachers learn about instructional strategies and design creative learning opportunities for students. I have been on a journey to improve, expand, and grow as a teacher and a writer. I believe it’s important to remain current in … Read More

Keep Learning

Erin HealeyBlog, Leadership

TL;DR: As an educator, professional learning is an essential part of our career. Keep learning with professional development options such as engaging on social media and subscribing to blogs and podcasts. You can also keep learning with paid professional development options. Examples include becoming a member of a professional organization, attending conferences, or taking additional classes. In our last blog … Read More

Finding the Slack to Unlock Upstream Thinking

Teach Better TeamBlog, Leadership

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

3 Ways for Educators to Make the Holiday Break More Meaningful

Teach Better TeamBlog, Classroom Management, Innovation, Leadership, Lesson Planning, Self-Care

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, Innovation, Student Engagement

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