TL;DR: Grading needs to evolve from compliance-driven to growth-focused. Feedback should be targeted, manageable, and meaningful for student growth. Not every assignment needs to be graded; assess only what matters most. Educators, it’s 2024, and wow, the last few years have been a wild ride for all of us. We’ve navigated a global pandemic, unprecedented shifts in our profession, and … Read More
What Keeps Lifers in the Classroom?
TL;DR: Lifelong educators see teaching as a mission, driven by passion and a belief in the power of education. They find emotional fulfillment in student success and intellectual growth through continued learning. Despite sacrifices, resilience and a strong support system keep them committed to their students’ development. A deep love of teaching, which goes beyond a job description, propels lifelong … Read More
Finding Your Authentic Swing as an EDUpreneur
TL;DR: A favorite movie quote about golf inspires reflection on personal growth and reconnecting with one’s passion. Golf memories with family and friends highlight the emotional significance of the sport. Finding one’s “authentic swing” symbolizes discovering true self and joy in life. One of my all-time favorite movie quotes comes from a film that did not perform well when it … Read More
5 Steps to Prepare for Your Teacher Side Hustle
TL;DR: To start a teacher side hustle, identify your audience, build trust, and create valuable content to succeed. Build an email list and community that trusts you. Identify your target audience and their pain points. Create and nurture content that addresses these pain points to build your future teacher side hustle. I was reflecting on a conversation I had with … Read More
Embracing AI in the ELA Classroom
TL;DR: Initial hesitation about AI in ELA classrooms was based on misconceptions. Embracing AI tools like Classroom Companion enhances student learning and provides instant feedback. AI doesn’t replace teachers, but transforms their role into facilitating learning. AI…In the ELA Classroom? I’m not going to lie. When I first thought about using AI in my ELA classroom, all I could think … Read More