How Do You Feel TODAY?

Suzanne DaileyBlog, Manage Better, Reflect Better, Self Care Better, Teach Happier

TL;DR: December is a busy month, and matching your energy with your tasks can help you stay present and productive. Use Kendra Adachi’s TODAY acronym to plan tasks based on high- or low-energy days. Honor your capacity to prevent burnout and maintain balance during the holiday season. It’s December. The final month of the year and the month that is … Read More

Rocking Reading: Using Music to Engage Reluctant Readers

Jeanette MihalchikBlog, Connect Better, Differentiate Better, Engage Better, Innovate Better

TL;DR: Engage reluctant readers by integrating music into literacy instruction. Use body percussion and instruments to teach syllabication in a fun and interactive way. Access a video tutorial and free lesson plan to get started. Can you relate? We’ve all been there. You have a student (or five) in your class who are like “I HATE reading” . . . … Read More

The Rewards and Challenges of a Lifetime in Teaching

Rae HughartBlog, Connect Better, Lead Better, Reflect Better, Self Care Better, Teach Happier

 TL;DR: Lifelong educators find immense intellectual and emotional joy. They also face significant challenges like maintaining work-life balance and adapting to changing policies. Personal sacrifices, emotional resilience, and embracing technology are central to their career satisfaction. Mental health care and support systems are crucial for the well-being and longevity of teachers in their profession. Although their jobs provide them with … Read More

Lessons from the Beach: How to Keep Students Enthusiastic About Learning

Jeremy RinkelBlog, Connect Better, Engage Better, Innovate Better, Reflect Better, Teach Happier

TL;DR: Engage students by incorporating hands-on activities and integrating technology with purpose. Build a supportive classroom environment to foster excitement and investment in learning. Focus on creating impactful educational experiences for the upcoming school year. I go to the beach every summer to help me relax and recharge for the next school year. This year I was sitting in my … Read More

Fostering Co-Teacher Relationships for Student Success

Michele HaikenBlog, Connect Better, Differentiate Better, Engage Better, Lesson Plan Better, Reflect Better

TL;DR: Regular weekly planning meetings and reflections enhance co-teaching effectiveness. Leveraging each teacher’s strengths creates a dynamic and supportive classroom environment. Standalone support classes complement co-taught sessions, providing tailored assistance to students. For the past twelve years that I have been teaching middle school English, I have worked with seven different co-teachers. Each is amazing and unique in their own … Read More