Remote Learning as a Teacher and a Mom: 6 Practical Strategies for Making it Work

Maggie GiffordBlog, Connect Better, Engage Better, Self Care Better, Tech Better

TL;DR: The unique difficulties in this time of remote teaching, as both a teacher and a mom. 6 strategies and suggestions to balance support for your students and your own children. During a normal school year on a normal school day, you juggle the duties of being a teacher and a mom.  You have two lives and two sets of … Read More

Teaching and Learning Online during COVID-19

Mary Ellen RileyBlog, Connect Better, Differentiate Better, Engage Better, Innovate Better, Personalize Student Learning Better, Tech Better

TL;DR: Resources for students (and teachers!) learning online. Using the Grid Method online during distance learning. Resources for teaching online. The lights were out, the halls were empty, and disinfectant stung my nose as I walked through the empty elementary school I call home.  I know this situation is precarious and surreal to some.  I also know that the amazing … Read More

3 Ways to Support Students Virtually

Chelsea NicolinoBlog, Connect Better, Engage Better, Innovate Better, Tech Better

TL;DR: Relationship maintenance with students through a virtual environment. Three tips to support students: a virtual discussion space, a survey check-in, and videos! Teachers are resilient. We make a million decisions a day that revolve around how we can best support our students, while creating the best environment for them to learn. Until one day, our brick and mortar classrooms … Read More

Maintaining Rigor Through Distance Learning

Chad OstrowskiBlog, Differentiate Better, Engage Better, Mastery Done Better

TL;DR: It’s okay to put out activities quickly when first switching to a distance learning model. Once you’ve made the shift, take time to ensure you’re promoting deep thinking and learning. First and foremost… Maintaining rigor is something that’s absolutely important, but may not be the immediate focus or a top priority of your planning. As you shift or begin … Read More

Tech Tools and How to Use Them: Distance Learning Edition

Teach Better TeamBlog, Differentiate Better, Engage Better, Innovate Better, Lesson Plan Better, Tech Better

TL;DR: Distance learning has shifted our focus toward more technology. A curated list of tech tools for recording videos, communicating with stakeholders, and formative assessment. Transitioning from a classroom to distance learning can be quite the change, especially when it feels like it happens overnight. Fortunately, there are many tech tools available to help you make this new transition as … Read More