The Best Gift Is You

Tim StephensonBlog, Reflect Better, Student Engagement

TL;DR: This post shares a yearly tradition to write a poem for staff and students on the last day of the school year before winter break as encouragement and to build community. I thought I would share with you, for this month’s blog, a poem I wrote for my school’s students and teachers. This is something I started doing back … Read More

An Opportunity for the Taking

Tim StephensonBlog, Reflect Better, Teach Happier

TL;DR: Rather than waiting for opportunity, look for ways to create it. Reflect on what you want to accomplish and where you want to take your career. If you’ve read anything that I’ve written in this series, you will know that I like the sea. Oceans are the lifeblood of the planet and there have been many people, Dr. Sylvia … Read More

The Answer to Everything

Tim StephensonBlog, Reflect Better

TL;DR: It might be true that the answer to everything is 42.  The answer to a long and healthy career in teaching might come from gathering together with some colleagues, pouring a cup of coffee, and sharing ideas, experiences, and memories. Have you ever searched for the answer to everything? You should try it sometime because there is actually an … Read More

I’m a Teacher

Tim StephensonBlog, Innovation, Reflect Better, Student Engagement

TL;DR: An ode to teaching and preparing for the upcoming school year. Inspiration to remind you of the lives you may touch. It was the last night of summer and all through my mindRan the thoughts of a teacher, the peculiar kind I picked out my clothes, I knew just what to wearI’d lay them out neat, even my new … Read More

I Need the Sea: Be a Student Yourself

Tim StephensonBlog, Leadership, Lesson Planning, Student Engagement

TL;DR: Learn more about the West Coast Trail in British Columbia, Canada. There is a lot you can learn about the wildlife in this area, like black bears, just by asking. Learn from nature and experiences, reading and watching videos, and from asking an expert.  Having experiences and being a student yourself allows you to be the teacher you need … Read More