Learn like Luke Skywalker
Paradigm-shifting PD leader Sheryl Nussbaum-Beach tells a story about her grandson to illustrate the power of passion-based learning.
Author: MiddleWeb
Advice for Passionate New Special Ed Teachers
Special educators share many of the same challenges all teachers face, says teacher and instructional coach Elizabeth Stein. They also share the same guiding question, “What can I do for children?” Included: Managing the co-teaching relationship.
Students Can Do Hard Things
What can our students possibly learn if we only give them easy tasks? How can we motivate them to accept a challenge if they doubt their own ability?
The Homeroom Is a Home
In this excerpt from a soon-to-be finished book, educator, blogger and activist Jose Vilson recounts his memorable first year teaching in New York City.
Anne Jolly & Hands-on Science
With support from NSF, science educator Anne Jolly is helping develop hands-on science activities for the middle grades that will fully integrate with national standards.
Student Web ID: 5 Big Ideas
Teacher-librarian Jenny Luca explains her school’s commitment to helping students develop ePortfolios and good digital footprints.
Learn with Storyboards
Storyboarding can help kids organize their written and visual work, says reviewer Laura Reasoner Jones. Get Graphic! Using Storyboards to Write and Draw Picture Books, Graphic Novels, or Comic Strips by Mark Thurman and Emily Hearn offers step-by-step help.
Hungering for a Better World
Middle school dean Bill Ivey reflects on teaching and learning about racism, in the wake of racist comments about the casting for The Hunger Games.
How to Stop Wasting Minds
Reviewer Renee Moore agrees with Ron Wolk’s assertion that America’s public education problem is not about “performance” but poor system design in Wasting Minds: Why Our Education System Is Failing and What We Can Do About It.
RTI: Instruction First
In this review of “Enhancing RTI: How to Ensure Success with Effective Classroom Instruction & Intervention” special ed teacher Elizabeth Stein says authors Fisher and Frey combine their expertise to share knowledge and practical ideas. They remind teachers that the thrust of RTI is about “high quality core instruction at the whole class level before students struggle.”
