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.
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.
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.
Teacher Marketplaces / Teaching with a View
by Brent Gilson · Published 10/30/2019 · Last modified 02/12/2021
Online teacher marketplaces may seem harmless, but when sellers offer materials that violate copyrights and ignore intellectual property rights of original creators, they set a poor example for kids and the profession, says teacher Brent Gilson, a “reformed” TPT vendor.
Class Apps / Student Questioning
by Curtis Chandler · Published 10/29/2019 · Last modified 11/15/2019
One of our teaching tasks with the highest rate of return on time invested is working with students to develop their capacity and confidence to ask good questions. Curtis Chandler offers the research-based tips and tools we need to make eager inquiry an everyday event.
Educators and parents alike will find How Many? A Counting Book a beautiful adventure in learning about how children can grapple with the complexities of mathematical reasoning in relatively simple terms using everyday objects, says history (?!) teacher Michael DiClemente.
In summer, Mary Tarashuk carefully prepared her literacy hope chest for 2019-20. Now, after a month of school, it has somehow morphed into a Pandora’s box. Though she is sheltering hope in this new box, she feels challenged to meet kids’ needs and district time demands.
