De-escalation Strategies During a Tough Conversation

Joshua StamperBlog, Classroom Management, Leadership, Reflect Better, Student Engagement

TL;DR: There are a number of de-escalation strategies one can use to diffuse any tough conversation: (1) Move to a private area. (2) Be empathetic and non-judgmental. (3) Keep your tone and body language neutral. (4) Provide choices. The Teach Better Academy course, Addressing Tough Topics in Schools, shares communication strategies for challenging topics in your school community. As an … Read More

Highlights of 2022: In Case You Missed It

Teach Better TeamBlog, Classroom Management, Differentiation, Grading & Assessment, Innovation, Leadership, Lesson Planning, Mastery Learning, Personalized Learning, Reflect Better, Self-Care, Student Engagement, Teach Happier, Teacherpreneur

Highlights of 2022: In Case You Missed It This post shares highlights of Teach Better blog posts in 2022. Categories for posts include SEL, Management, Instructional practices, Connections & Collaboration, Development & Improvement, Leadership, Self-Care, Reflection, and monthly series. SEL Carrying Heavy Things: Support Our Students by Matthew J. Bowerman The Secret of Building Resilient Kids by Pamela Hall Random Acts … Read More

Dr. PJ Caposey Named Illinois Superintendent of the Year

Jeff GargasBlog, Leadership

We are incredibly excited to share that one of our amazing Teach Better Speakers Network Speakers, Dr. PJ Caposey, has been named the 2023 Illinois Superintendent of the Year by the Illinois Association of School Administrators. PJ is the superintendent of Meridian CUSD #223 in Illinois, and has been a member of the Teach Better Speakers Network since August of 2020. … Read More

Curriculum Connections Blog Series

Kari PitstickBlog, Differentiation, Innovation, Lesson Planning, Student Engagement

Curriculum Connections Blog Series Overview Interdisciplinary is a common buzzword in the education world, but it can seem a bit overwhelming. This blog series shares the importance of collaborating with colleagues to create meaningful and unforgettable experiences for students and teachers alike. Learn tangible strategies for incorporating interdisciplinary units or transdisciplinary learning into your classes! Posts in the Series The … Read More

The Power of We

Sara JesseeBlog, Differentiation, Innovation, Lesson Planning, Student Engagement

TL;DR: Working together as a team, being a “we” is incredibly powerful. We can find creative ways to problem-solve and inspire our students. Finding ways we can collaborate to create interdisciplinary units can have a profound impact. I’m a middle school teacher, so I’m always a “we.” The team of teachers I’m a “we” with ebbs and flows from five to … Read More