By adopting Jonathan Eckert’s Novice Advantage, teachers can harness the enthusiasm of the “new” teacher and capitalize on the wisdom they have to improve their practice, says educator/reviewer Amber Chandler. Eckert’s innovative book offers many real-world examples.
Parent Teacher Conferences / Resources
by Susan Curtis · Published 10/10/2016 · Last modified 11/25/2019
From classroom to building to district, implementing parent teacher conference strategies collected from educators can strengthen communication and benefit students. Included: student led conferences, co-teaching approaches, challenges parents and guardians face.
When students are busy learning, staying in a single group is stifling. The solution for teacher-author Amber Chandler is a “flexible classroom” where students rotate through strategic groupings to meet differentiated needs at various stages of the learning process.
Socio-economic bias / The Flexible Classroom
by Amber Chandler · Published 09/11/2016 · Last modified 11/26/2019
From failing to bring the required supplies to not being on time, Amber Chandler was quick to give negative grades to students who “lacked responsibility.” Until she encountered Nick. Today she’s more sensitive to the socio-economic challenges many students face.
Team Building / The Flexible Classroom
by Amber Chandler · Published 08/07/2016 · Last modified 03/08/2021
Amber Chandler and her co-teaching colleague will use the One Word Challenge this fall to set the focus and tone for a cohesive classroom culture. After a trial run last January, they are confident it’s the perfect way to kick off the year. Tips & slides!
Angela Stockman’s attitude of respect and awe for students flows from the pages of “Make Writing” and inspires teachers to think differently about their approach to writing instruction. Amber Chandler recommends this easy-to-follow, forward thinking “making” guide.
Your First Year is a perfect book for the newbie, says NBCT Amber Chandler, with differentiated strategies teachers at any level can implement. Todd, Katherine & Madeline Whitaker’s common-sense advice can both inspire novices and keep them on the right track.
NBCT Amber Chandler looks at three factors that might be holding teachers back from pursuing National Board Certification – finding time, covering the cost, or “already being a good teacher” – and offers her reasons why you should move beyond all three obstacles.
Despite her strong commitment to 21st century collaborative learning, Amber Chandler admits she’d “always held back from allowing my students to work together on their writing.” Would everyone be engaged? Could it be graded? Then her kids showed her the way.
Can one period of observation reveal a teacher’s skills and accomplishment? In Amber Chandler’s district, which uses the Danielson rubric, it’s 50% of her evaluation. How to defend yourself? She suggests a well planned pre-conference and serious portfolio building.
