The research is clear: we cannot purchase our way to student achievement through prepackaged programs. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to student learning. Yet the educational landscape is littered with advertisements, sales calls, freebees, and promises working to persuade those making budgetary choices that there
As teachers we give a lot: We invest our time and energy in our work, and we give something personal of ourselves to our students. This may often feel stimulating and rewarding, but over time we may also be in danger of burnout. Teaching can be both nourishing
At Challenging Learning, we believe that for many schools the Learning Challenge can be a useful concept around which leaders and teachers cultivate their values, attitudes, and ethos towards learning. By having the Learning Challenge upfront and center, schools are putting the language for learning right
Can you imagine a school district in-service that teachers look forward to attending? Is it possible that PD days can include engaging personalized sessions, food and music, hands-on relevant learning—and some fun? Yes! We’ve all been there—Sitting in an auditorium full of educators listening to a
“Teacher Leaders are the most important leaders we have in the district!” –Cobb County School District Superintendent, Chris Ragsdale Many district leaders have been similarly quoted regarding the importance of developing and partnering with teacher leaders. However, only 57% of teachers report that meaningful professional development opportunities
A couple of years ago, I decided to focus on educational writing in my areas of expertise. I spent a year learning how to watercolor, journal, and decompress after retiring from an incredible career in public education. After several months into retirement, I discovered that
This is a question that I have been exploring since last August when I returned to school for my own personal development and since last October when I assumed a new professional role in my district as a coordinator for educator effectiveness. To say that
A highly respected principal told this story in one of our workshops about the need to support her teachers in their classroom craft. “Yes, I believe in professional learning for my teachers. I know the teacher is the key to success for the kids in
As districts face challenges with a revolving door of excellent teachers, it’s time to find ways to offer sustainable, relevant, and engaging PD in and across schools. EFFECTIVE PD displays three primary characteristics: Sustained Collaborative Active It’s when these three characteristics are combined that real results are achieved
No one is more enthusiastic to hit the classroom running than a new graduate of a teacher-prep program. They’ve done their course work, studied educators in action, and worked alongside experienced teachers for months to get into the rhythm of the profession and they can’t