Behind the Masks

Teach Better TeamBlog, Student Engagement

TL;DR: We are not getting the full picture when we see our students with masks on. Take time to get to know your students and who they are behind the masks. Check-in with your students not just on an academic level, but on a social-emotional one as well. I consider myself lucky that I’ve been able to be in-person with … Read More

It starts with grace, but it doesn’t end there.

Dave SchmittouBlog, Leadership

Neither judgment nor grace requires knowing the full story. Empathy does. Focus on an empathetic lens, but know that empathy requires taking action. Empathy involves accountability; it involves expectations, but it also involves support, growth, reflection, and requires a relationship. Before you start reading this looking for answers to problems or solutions to struggles, let me be very honest with … Read More

Leading By Empowering Blog Series

Livia ChanBlog, Leadership

Leading By Empowering Series Overview Unless you have an official title, you may not consider yourself to be a leader…yet. May we challenge you to believe that as an educator, you ARE a leader. Don’t be fooled by the title of this course. This is not only for those who hold a title but also for any educator who works … Read More

Be More KNOWABLE Than KNOWLEDGEABLE

Dave SchmittouBlog, Leadership

TL;DR: As a leader, it’s not always just about what you know, but it’s about who you are as a person. Leaders are models for teachers, who all are models for students. As a leader, you don’t need to know everything, but others must know you. Be more KNOWABLE than KNOWLEDGEABLE. It’s not about having THE answer; it’s about allowing … Read More

Using Formative Assessments to Guide Instruction

Teach Better TeamBlog, Grading & Assessment

TL;DR: Formative assessments help teachers effectively plan and guide instruction. It also helps to understand students better in terms of whether they are on track, need support, or a challenge. Likely, you’ll need to plan for differentiated instruction to meet the needs of your students, individually or as a class. There are many formative assessment options: Do-nows & bell ringers, … Read More