Genius Hour: Your Solution to Student Engagement

Janel SebenyBlog, Differentiation, Innovation, Lesson Planning, Student Engagement

TL;DR: Genius Hour is a powerful way to keep students engaged and excited. By allowing students to explore their passions, conduct research, and create something meaningful, Genius Hour unleashes their potential and fosters a love for learning. Reflecting on the experience and sharing their projects with others enhances students’ self-awareness, growth, and presentation skills. Genius Hour provides a high-engagement unit … Read More

Your Voice Matters

Sandra WeirBlog, Leadership, Reflect Better, Student Engagement

TL;DR: We teach our students to advocate for themselves and voice their ideas and opinions. Often, we hesitate to do the same for ourselves. It is important to be an advocate for ourselves, our colleagues, and our students.  Your Voice Matters I am a hypocrite. I also teach fifth and sixth grade. On my classroom wall are letters, each a … Read More

JagsWired: Lending a Voice

Teach Better TeamBlog, Innovation, Student Engagement

TL;DR: Students are looking for connection, peer validation, and a sense of belongingness. This post shares the inspiration behind the creation of a campus podcast. Students and staff are invited to share their voice and their stories. JagsWired: Lending a Voice When I tell people I am a middle school assistant principal I am given the same sad puppy dog … Read More

What If We Had Engaging Meetings?

Bobbie FrenchBlog, Innovation, Leadership, Reflect Better, Student Engagement

TL;DR: It’s important to prioritize our time with staff during meetings to connect, grow, discuss important issues, and allow for collaborative decision-making. Be intentional with how you structure meetings. Flip the staff meeting and share information ahead of time via email, Flipgrid, Smore Newsletters, Padlet, or a Google Document with hyperlinks. Offer an opportunity for teacher voice through the Amplify-Sunset-Create … Read More

Designing Assessments According to Learning Styles

Sanam EdwardsBlog, Differentiation, Lesson Planning, Personalized Learning

TL;DR: Assessments should be conveyed in various forms appropriate for each student. Getting to know your students is imperative before beginning to design assessments. Designing Assessments According to Learning Styles We are witnessing an age of radical education where teachers are collectively raising their voices to advocate for our students’ benefit. They cry out for transformation, hungry for more autonomy … Read More