My new favorite teaching move is using visual artwork of all kinds to introduce the concepts and strategies I am teaching my students. What’s the itch and where’s the scratch? What’s the itch? That my very diverse students, including underserved populations like refugee and LFS (limited formal
Community and safety are crucial to student learning, especially after a tough event such as a divisive election. The emotional state of relaxed alertness fosters learning, while feeling scared, isolated, or self-conscious hijacks the brain’s focus and energy. You probably started the year shaping an
Authentic Application of Data Analysis to Advance Your Practices Do you want your students to make authentic and meaningful connections with the curricular goals and objectives? Are you a teacher who wants your students to increase their engagement with, become more responsible for, and take ownership
I believe that schools can be places of sanctuary and that academic learning is a form of meditation. From kindergarten to third grade, I attended a Catholic school with a grand campus full of ancient trees and historic buildings, including a convent. We wore uniforms—green plaid
"The curious mind is constantly alert and exploring, seeking material for thought, as a vigorous and healthy body is on the qui vive for nutriment. Eagerness for experience, for new and varied contacts, is found where wonder is found. Such curiosity is the only sure
“Tell me and I forget, Teach me and I remember, Involve me and I learn.” This quote by Benjamin Franklin is often used to highlight how we, as teachers, might consider our roles with students. However, what if we change the audience and consider this
A positive school culture will never be created without its teachers on board. Unless teachers are supported by championing their ability to succeed and ensuring they feel appreciated, the culture will begin to crack. Teachers have a difficult job; one that requires them to develop
My mother, like most parents, had stock sayings she used whenever my clichéd irresponsible conduct warranted clichéd commentary. "Wipe that smile off your face." "Stop crying or I will give you something to cry about." "God, give me strength." Among the more interesting was: "You
Two weeks after having returned to my home city of Austin, I am convinced that what I experienced at the TLC conference in Addison, Texas was more than a professional journey of teaching, learning, coaching… it was without a doubt a venture of the other
Teaching Learning Coaching, affectionately known as #TLC2016, was exceedingly the best conference I have ever attended. My experience over this two-day conference was nothing short of extraordinary; at its conclusion, I felt inspired and unstoppable. I could, confidently, go back to my campus and begin