Let’s Talk About Ableist Language

Teach Better TeamBlog, Differentiation

TL;DR Ableism shows up in our language and actions, even at school. It’s important to consider both identity first and people first language. Ableist language factors into our daily interactions with each other and the structures of power around us. What is ableism? People experience disability differently. There are physical, cognitive, and learning disabilities, and mental illnesses, to name a … Read More

Ensuring Safety for Your Students

Teach Better TeamBlog

TL;DR: The pandemic has caused many challenges, making safety an issue for students in impoverished areas. Ensuring safety for our students is a necessary foundation for anything else we want to accomplish with them. It has been several months since we’ve been able to greet our students as they walk through our classroom doors. I think we can all agree … Read More

A Special Person

Teach Better TeamBlog

TL;DR: Everyone is special for following their dreams, pursuing their passions, and showing up daily to ensure that we are bettering the lives we serve. Consider the weight of complimenting a special education teacher by stating that they are special people for doing what they do. I think we can all agree that the people who walk the halls each day … Read More

Modifications and Accommodations for Diverse Learners

Whitney ChoateBlog, Classroom Management, Innovation, Lesson Planning

In This Post: The difference between modifications and accommodations. Strategies to adjust your classroom activities & instruction to accommodate for diverse learners. A quick guide for modifications or accommodations based on common language found on IEPs and 504s. Meeting the needs of diverse learners in today’s classrooms can be such a challenge.  From at-risk, to gifted, to IEPs, 504s, and … Read More