Genius Hour: Your Solution to Student Engagement

Janel SebenyBlog, Connect Better, Differentiate Better, Engage Better, Innovate Better, Lesson Plan Better

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, Connect Better, Engage Better, Lead Better, Reflect Better

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

Leveraging Voice with Susan Young

Deb SoholtBlog, Influential She Podcast

This episode features the High Leverage Practice of Voice with Susan Young.  It’s your worst nightmare – learning that your fifteen-year-old daughter has been sex trafficked right under your nose for 1 ½ years.  Susan brings voice to this incredible horror that shattered her entire family.  Her compelling story will open the eyes of all to understand that it can … Read More

JagsWired: Lending a Voice

Traniece Brown-WarrensBlog, Connect Better, Engage Better, Innovate Better

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, Connect Better, Engage Better, Innovate Better, Lead Better, Reflect Better

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