The reality of teaching in a co-teacher role was sometimes a rough ride, writes author and co-teaching coach Elizabeth Stein. Three things helped keep her strong, and one of them proved to be the key to solving all her co-teaching puzzles: the Universal Design for Learning.
Civics advocate Shawn McCusker doesn’t agree with a noted professor’s premise that there’s no hope for democracy, but “I do agree that our failure to prepare our citizens for the responsibilities of democracy is an existential crisis.” Learn what he urges educators to do.
Need fresh titles for your classroom library? ELA teacher Kasey Short shares 13 new books that are sure to resonate with middle graders. These relatable stories offer diverse perspectives and themes that authentically capture the experiences and challenges of today’s students.
Book Reviews / English Language Learners
by MiddleWeb · Published 07/27/2023 · Last modified 07/31/2024
In Teaching and Supporting English Learners, Eugenia Mora Flores and Stephanie Dewing combine research, practical application, and anticipatory guidance to create an immediately useful guide to inclusive learning environments that foster a sense of belonging for newcomers.
Katelyn Oellerich’s well-researched 9-week program for school-based mental health professionals can also benefit all educators with its CBT and mindfulness case studies, definitions, methods and strategies to help manage student anxiety, writes NBCT Kathleen Palmieri.
Back to School / Back to School / Resources
by Susan Curtis · Published 07/20/2023 · Last modified 08/17/2023
What’s waiting for you on the other side of the door? Lots of excitement, a few nervous moments, and faces filled with questions. Welcome back! We’ve rounded up lots of useful resources for your first days.
By helping you tap into your archetype, Ashley Lamb-Sinclair’s From Underestimated to Unstoppable helps set you up to make changes in the lives around you. Megan Balduf finds the text beneficial particularly to those who know things can be better but aren’t sure what to do.
Todd Stanley’s A Teacher’s Toolbox for Gifted Education gives honest, practical research and evidence-based strategies to increase engagement in most classrooms. ELA teacher Erin Corrigan-Smith notes the inclusion of STEM and PBL focused activities to inspire learners.
We’ve had so many good reviews of insightful and helpful books during the past 12 months. Here are 20 frequently clicked examples, all written by our pool of educator volunteers across a range of topics, that MiddleWeb visitors found informative and often illuminating.
After some initial skepticism, brain-weary ELA teacher Allison Paludi turned to ChatGPT for fresh ideas about teaching The Giver to her 6th graders. The AI tool was a big help for lesson brainstorming and differentiation and as a go-to thought partner after her PLC disbanded.
