Co-teaching Success / Two Teachers in the Room
by Elizabeth Stein · Published 01/30/2017 · Last modified 12/06/2019
Don’t just think outside the co-teaching box – get out of the box altogether, into a no-boundaries partnership. Coach & NBCT Elizabeth Stein shares several strategies, including informal, efficient co-planning and divergent thinking activities to spark creativity.
Family Engagement / The Flexible Classroom
by Amber Chandler · Published 01/29/2017 · Last modified 12/14/2019
Opening your classroom door to families for student presentations can be intimidating. Think gas leaks, mumbled swear words and flop sweat, says Amber Chandler. But it can also be the ultimate learning and bonding experience among families, students, and teachers.
In FAST Grading, says veteran science/math teacher Joyce Depenbusch, Douglas Reeves has reached his goal of inspiring teachers and administrators to rethink grading and use his FAST strategies (Fair, Accurate, Specific, Timely) to optimize student learning.
Called to the Middle is a primer for anyone considering the challenges of middle level teaching. Veteran MS educator Linda Mancia says Joey Eidson’s commitment to adolescent education comes through his relaxed writing style but notes some editorial shortcomings.
Before middle school students can become lovers of stories and savvy assessors of fake news and false claims, they must be creative readers who comprehend texts at high levels and empathize with characters and people, says literacy expert and advocate Laura Robb.
Class Apps / Cultural Awareness
by Curtis Chandler · Published 12/19/2016 · Last modified 12/10/2019
Teaching expert Curtis Chandler sees an urgent need for educators to help students become more aware, understanding, and appreciative of other nations and cultures. Here he offers a rich collection of web resources that can bring global diversity into the classroom.
Some teaching practices help strengthen students’ self-efficacy, motivation and confidence, while others create learned helplessness. Author-consultant Sarah Tantillo identifies 17 common teaching actions that lead to student inertia and offers better alternatives.
Every Child a Super Reader can empower students to become lovers of reading who understand what they read. Teacher Linda Biondi says its lessons and resources will help students analyze a text, appreciate the craft, and become voracious consumers of the written word.
Christopher Danielson used to hate teaching geometry. Now he sees it as a playground of mathematical ideas for middle schoolers, with opportunities for exploration, wonder, and smart conversations. Here Danielson shares ideas and images teachers can use to begin the fun.
No school or district is immune from a future defined by declining resources. Leadership consultants Ron Williamson and Barbara Blackburn share four research-based strategies to help educators make the most of a challenging financial climate and serve all kids.
