The Heart of Education: Feeling Safe

Jennifer WaldvogelBlog, Connect Better, Lead Better, Reflect Better, Self Care Better

TL;DR Emotional safety is just as critical as physical safety. Creating safe spaces in our classrooms starts with understanding our own safety needs. Build hands-on tasks with students and colleagues to break down complex emotional ideas. Using mood meters provides learners with a language to describe their emotions. Feeling safe is a fundamental need. Learners’ attention in our classes depends … Read More

A Sense of Urgency

Steven WeberBlog, Connect Better, Engage Better, Lead Better, Lesson Plan Better, Manage Better, Self Care Better

TL;DR: There is a need for a sense of urgency as students return to school. We can focus on 11 areas by asking key questions mentioned below. Educators must focus on the unique needs of their school and the students they serve. “Transformational leadership starts with a calling, it stands on a cause, and then it breathes with urgency at … Read More

5 Tips for Infusing SEL

Jennifer AppelBlog, Connect Better, Engage Better, Manage Better, Self Care Better

TL;DR: Character and SEL are not an extra. They are the foundation that all other academic content rests on. Include targets for SEL in lessons. CASEL has an interactive framework wheel to use. When creating expectations for your students, you have to intentionally teach the concept of SEL and re-teach it. Include SEL in daily practice, lessons, and activities throughout … Read More