As much as we love teaching, summer break presents valuable time and opportunity to reflect and rejuvenate – and also retool and sharpen our skills through self-directed professional learning. To help, Curtis Chandler presents an awesome collection of free PD options.
In a new edition of Teaching What Really Happened, Loewen moves beyond textbook distortions of historical facts and calls for teaching unvarnished history to educate “critical citizens.” History educator Michael DiClemente highlights insights all K-12 teachers can use.
As you relax into summer break, keep an eye on what’s up with STEM learning. Expert Anne Jolly shares resources for keeping up with STEM news and lesson ideas as you reflect on what worked (and didn’t) last year and consider how to amp things up for next fall’s students.
What a difference a year makes! Rita Platt reflects on takeaways from her first year as a principal with observations that may buoy other new and aspiring school leaders: avoid your office, encourage laughter, recognize that all staffers play essential roles, and much more.
Before she finally produced a successful manuscript, Dr. Malayna Evans had to think long and hard about how to integrate ancient Egyptian history into a story that would appeal to today’s kids. So she turned down her “scholar” and turned up her passion for the subject.
International Teaching / Wide Open Learning
by Megan Kelly · Published 05/26/2019 · Last modified 11/17/2019
The effort it takes to make yourself an appealing candidate for a teaching job overseas also makes you a better educator wherever you teach, says veteran international teacher Megan Kelly. Ready to pursue the dream? Follow Megan’s insider tips to maximize your chances.
Two Teachers in the Room / Year End Motivation
by Elizabeth Stein · Published 05/20/2019 · Last modified 11/24/2019
In her collaborations with teachers over the past few weeks, teaching coach and NBCT Elizabeth Stein has heard this a lot: “How can we motivate our students when they’ve checked out of learning?” First we have to motivate ourselves, she says. Think about these 3 keys.
Last Days of Math Class / Meaningful Math
by Michelle Russell · Published 05/12/2019 · Last modified 04/26/2024
Michelle Russell’s plan to end the year with some “serious teaching” has quickly collapsed under the weight of special events. That’s okay. “It came to me eventually that I also want to enjoy the last few weeks I will have these students.” Here’s what she decided to do.
The final bell of the year will soon ring, but teachers still have the opportunity to provide students with encouragement, tools, and an expectation to play, explore, and discover the world outside school. Curtis Chandler’s post overflows with STEM resources to do just that.
In response to kids just being mean or in instances of downright bullying, teaching children to be calmly assertive can help. Rita Platt shares strategies that students can use to stand up for themselves and others – learning the difference between tattling and reporting.
