TL;DR: Grade better by aligning all of your assessments and creating clear feedback measures. Eliminate unnecessary assignments and involve students in the process. Use tech tools and verbal feedback whenever possible. Coming back to school means many things: students in our rooms, interacting and building relationships in person, learning to instruct in person and online simultaneously. But it also means … Read More
3 Ways to Reach Students on a Deeper Level
TL;DR: There are 3 ways teachers can reach students on a deeper level. Establish rapport and build trust with students by asking more questions about them. Have office hours to provide students with a safe place to be honest and ask questions. Provide opportunities like emotional check-ins where students can share their feelings. Teachers are already going above and beyond … Read More
3 Ways Leaders Can Succeed on the “SAME TEAM”
TL;DR: In basketball, sometimes athletes end up fighting for the same ball inadvertently. This can happen in leadership too. To be an effective leader, open your eyes to see that you are playing on the same team. When two leaders continue to struggle for the same ball, consider using the “Cloud Technique” with wants and needs. For success, leaders need … Read More
3 Tips for Healing from Educator Burnout or Disengagement
TL;DR: Heal from educator burnout or disengagement by recognizing emotions, setting boundaries, and developing self-awareness. We need to intentionally make the decision to heal every day. So, you’re exhausted. You’ve been spending copious amounts of time working and it feels like there is no end in sight. Sometimes, you find yourself staring at the computer screen, scrolling aimlessly through social … Read More
4 Tips to Reimagine Assessment
TL;DR: Assessment should be a series of events, each leading to the next moment of improvement. Reimagine assessment by determining what you value and seeking assessment that leads to instruction. Understand that “one and done” is not enough and consider consistency and recency when assessing. As I am writing this, March Madness is ramping up. It is my favorite time … Read More