7 Strategies to Promote Reading. #3 is necessary.

Kari PitstickBlog, Classroom Management, Lesson Planning, Reflect Better, Student Engagement, Teach Happier

TL;DR: Consider how you promote reading in your classroom so that you are instilling a love of learning among your students. Promote reading in your classroom by sharing what you are reading and giving students time to share what they are reading. Allow the use of audiobooks and e-books. Give students time to read in class and read with them. … Read More

Leading Through Instructional Practices

Chad OstrowskiBlog, Differentiation, Innovation, Leadership, Student Engagement

TL;DR: While educators with formal leadership roles are often seen as the leaders, teachers who lead through instructional practices they initiate themselves have the most impact. Innovation in the classroom leads to change and a model of success in your classroom that others take notice of. Proudly share your successes and failures with others through discussions to affect change. We … Read More

Just a Teacher

Kari PitstickBlog, Reflect Better, Teach Happier

TL;DR: In education, there can be a lot of pressure to take roles outside of the classroom. But it is okay to be “just a teacher.” Trust your feelings and follow a path that you desire, not what you think other people want you to do. The first memory I have of wanting to be a teacher was probably in … Read More

Put Yourself First This Summer Break

Kari PitstickBlog, Reflect Better, Self-Care, Teach Happier

TL;DR: After a hectic school year, it can be difficult to adjust to summer break. Do what is good for your soul and don’t be afraid to make choices that are not specifically education-related. I’m not going to lie, the first day of summer break this year felt like a bit of a culture shock for me. Throughout my whole … Read More

ClasStars: The tech tool you will want to use next year!

Teach Better TeamBlog, Classroom Management, Student Engagement

TL;DR: How often do you track student interactions, when they leave the classroom, and days absent? ClasStars is a free tech tool that can produce daily reports to track interactions, how often students leave the classroom and for how long, and days absent. The data collected about our individual interactions with students can help us focus on the positive and … Read More