There is an incredible amount of inspirational “stuff” going on in the world of middle school, and it’s ours for the taking, writes teacher Laurie Lichtenstein, after her first experience participating in an AMLE national conference. Now, if they just had fast passes!
This year Mary Tarashuk is adding standards-based report cards to her self-contained class of 4th graders. Holding on to John Dewey’s insight about the goal of education, she’ll meet the new challenge with cross-curricular units, student work archives, and pragmatism.
Unlike quick teacher check-ins, teaching conferences allow for a deep conversation with a student in just 5 or 6 minutes. And they’re not just for ELA teachers and balanced literacy. Katie McGrath shares step by step conferring tips to target learning in any content area.
When MA principal Liz Garden brought together girls experiencing fifth grade girl drama, her students were excited to have time to share their thoughts and feelings. That first session grew into a book group centering on girls building confidence. Girls want to be heard!
How do we teach content and at the same time meet each student’s academic, emotional and mental needs? Lisa Westman’s Student-Driven Differentiation reveals the how and the why, including vignettes from educators, reports special education teacher Julie Battikha.
Adventures in Teacher Leadership is brief yet packed with how-to’s for any situation a teacher leader might encounter. Practical and concise, this book written by two State TOYs has resources for new and veteran teacher leaders alike, says new leader Michelle Voelker.
Create Compose Connect / Professional Learning
by MiddleWeb · Published 11/06/2019 · Last modified 11/24/2019
Teaching is hard work, but we should always be thinking about what we can do to get better at our craft, writes teacher and department chair Jeremy Hyler. Sometimes that means having difficult but crucial conversations with colleagues who need to make a greater commitment.
Frequent high-quality class conversations make a huge difference in how far middle grades students advance academically, socially and emotionally, writes author and teaching coach Jeff Zwiers. Learn about five skills that can help students build ideas through dialogue.
Every principal has dealt with unhappy or angry parents and guardians. Many family members simply have a concern and want to share it with someone they believe can resolve the problem. Ron Williamson and Barbara Blackburn offer ways to calm waters and get to solutions.
Healthy Teaching / Heart of the School
by Rita Platt · Published 11/03/2019 · Last modified 12/15/2019
Nobody should have to get used to sitting all day, least of all students in the middle grades. These kids are bundles of energy; we’ve got to keep them moving! Principal and NBCT Rita Platt shares five flexible strategies to boost retention while spreading enthusiasm.
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