Category: Articles

4 Books Worth the Time of New School Leaders

“I read professional books like movie critics watch films: with a critical lens and respect for my time,” writes veteran principal Matt Renwick. “If I am going to dedicate hours to a text that is supposed to help me improve as an educational leader, it needs to deliver.”

Lesson Planning with AI in My Grade 5 Classroom

Making her first forays into using AI in lesson planning, NBCT Kathleen Palmieri is amazed at ChatGPT’s grade level suggestions based on lesson plan objectives. Follow along as she shows how the chatbot developed math and social studies material attuned to her fifth graders.

A Single Open Math Task Can Work for Every Student

Teacher and coach Mona Iehl shows how using one high quality math task enables educators to better meet all students’ needs without the alienating effects of some differentiation strategies such as ability grouping or creating activities at varying degrees of difficulty.

Routines Can Help Grow Student Literacy Skills

This year Katie Durkin’s 7th grade ELA students are involved in a weekly routine of G.R.O.W. work (Grammar, Reading, Open Write, and Word Work). Each 15-minute lesson aims to ‘grow’ stamina and literacy skills they can apply in her class and across the academic disciplines.

We Need to Accelerate, Not Remediate Learning

As educators search for the best instructional approaches and resources to address the effects of disrupted and unfinished learning, they should reject remediation and identify strategies that accelerate the learning experience of students, write Sonya Murray and Gwen Turner.

Wellness? Productivity? Meet While You Walk!

Walking meetings are not only a good wellness strategy, they’re great for brain-storming, problem-solving and increasing productivity, writes teacher and school leader Kasey Short. The change in scenery, relaxed atmosphere and movement can be like a “reboot” for body and mind.

Seeing and Celebrating Each Learner’s Gifts

Once teachers see, value, and capitalize on a learner’s unique talents and strengths, it changes the student and it changes us, writes Regie Routman. “Possibilities override limitations. Pride of accomplishment replaces failure. Effort leads to excellence. Joy is present, the best gift of all.”

What Is Your Teacher Superhero Origin Story?

Like superheroes, every teacher has an origin story that imbues them with powers, prowess and, most important, purpose. Reminding ourselves not only why but HOW we came to be teachers can help us better see the struggles and potential of our students, writes Dr. Daniel Bergman.

6 Ways School Leaders Can Grow Teacher Trust

When trust is present, people are generally more productive, more satisfied with their work, and less likely to search for a new job. Ron Williamson and Barbara Blackburn share six research-based strategies leaders can use to build a trusting, collaborative school community.