What do you value most as a math teacher? Imagine it’s the last day of this school year. You have one last chance to interview and collect data from your students about their experiences after a year in your math class. What questions would you ask
There’s nothing like the first few weeks of school. It’s a time to reconnect, reimagine, and dream. But just like anything else, starting a new year requires planning and patience. An apt metaphor is the spring gardening season. We can’t wait to plant all of
Marianne, a classroom teacher, asked me if she should try digital portfolios for her students’ writing or stay with print only. We were meeting for our fall teacher evaluation conference. As her principal, I am obligated to sign off on faculty member’s goals and plans. The
We’re one week into the stay home order and we have no idea when it will end. We are worried about our families, our students, our colleagues, our friends… We know that the world will never be the same and yet we hope that there
In these first weeks of school, teaching -- comprised of equal parts science, art, psychology, and honed wisdom -- can feel like the “easy” part. It’s introducing and practicing new routines that can leave new and seasoned educators feeling exhausted. It may not come as a surprise
Our last blogpost introduced characteristics of the new cohort of educators that is joining the teaching workforce this year: Gen Z. In that post, we revealed easy ways to attract, retain, develop, and engage this global generation of teachers. Here follow a few more Z-friendly
Before the start of school, there is a window of opportunity where we can prep where it counts to help us hit the ground running. In fact, if we use these last few days before the students return to school effectively, it could make a
“No significant learning occurs without a significant relationship.” - Dr. James Comer “Kids don’t learn from people they don’t like.” - Dr. Rita Pierson These quotes are familiar to many in education. And they’re not just simple maxims. Teachers who intentionally create a classroom environment that supports affirmative
As summer draws to a close, school leaders’ thoughts turn to the new school year. The new school year brings new ideas, renewed energy, and creative opportunities. A new year is a fresh start and a do-over. Most likely, experienced leaders feel prepared for the routines
A new academic year is about to start. Data shows (Tulgan, 2013) an increasing number of Gen Z teachers, the first truly global and digital educators, will be joining schools’ weakened pipelines. Are you and your school ready to include them in your staff-line up? Here