Before middle school students can become lovers of stories and savvy assessors of fake news and false claims, they must be creative readers who comprehend texts at high levels and empathize with characters and people, says literacy expert and advocate Laura Robb.
Gifted and talented students need to be challenged every day. Former GATE coordinator Mary Langer Thompson urges parents and educators to share Inman and Kirchner’s thorough book with school personnel to benefit these youngsters, who won’t thrive without support.
If teaching time in school is used effectively, not much homework needs to be given, writes MS teacher Cheryl Mizerny. “When I do give homework, I make every effort to make it engaging, meaningful, and brief.” Read the do’s and don’ts underlying her homework policy.
Author and veteran teacher educator Ann Weber outlines 3 key supervisory steps – preparation, coaching and evaluation – that can help cooperating teachers shine in their advisory roles and assure new teachers are ready to launch their careers in the middle grades.
STEM Across Curriculum / STEM By Design
by Anne Jolly · Published 10/17/2016 · Last modified 11/24/2019
Some schools are putting all subjects under a big STEM tent. Can they stay true to STEM’s engineering focus? Anne Jolly talks to schoolwide-STEM expert Judy Duke, who points to History class. Teachers writing lessons should always ask: “What problems needed to be solved?”
Experiential Learning / Working Draft
by Kevin Hodgson · Published 10/02/2016 · Last modified 11/24/2019
Kevin Hodgson talks with teacher and innovator John Spencer about LAUNCH, an acronym representing a kid-friendly reinterpretation of the design process that can spark the creative urge in K-12 learners and guide teachers in making, researching, and much more.
The Co-Teaching Relationship / Two Teachers in the Room
by Elizabeth Stein · Published 09/07/2016 · Last modified 11/14/2019
Are you ready to be a vital force in your co-teaching relationship this year? Instructional coach Elizabeth Stein borrows concepts from Vitalism to suggest ways co-teachers can build a more effective practice by relying on both traditional knowledge and intuition.
Back to School / It's Not Easy Being Tween / New Teacher Advice
by Cheryl Mizerny · Published 08/14/2016 · Last modified 07/17/2024
First day routines evolve over the years, says veteran teacher Cheryl Mizerny, but she has found that addressing 7 questions most students bring to class will help them feel welcome and excited about learning. A student advisory panel supports her observations.
In “The Educator and the Oligarch,” says teacher-reviewer Elisa Waingort, education activist Anthony Cody has written an informative, highly referenced work that traces the relationship of Bill Gates to the gradual privatization of public education in the U.S.
Imagine yourself on a plane, about to start a new chapter of your life as an international teacher in another country and culture. With 30 years teaching abroad in North and South America, Elisa Waingort knows both the joys and challenges. Ready for take off?
