Troublemakers. Forgetters. The Clingers. The Confused. Barbara Blackburn looks at how we often jump to conclusions and miss chances to build trust, explore the needs behind the behaviors, and help students grow. Once we jump, she warns, it’s hard to jump back.
Book Reviews / Visual & Media Literacy
by MiddleWeb · Published 06/22/2016 · Last modified 11/30/2019
DIY Literacy by Kate and Maggie Roberts is not only a how-to book on designing visual learning tools but also a source of advice on implementing them in the classroom. It has just what lead teacher Sandy Wisneski needs to augment her lack of artistic talent.
Summer offers a rare opportunity for principals to devote ample time to their own professional learning, say Ron Williamson and Barbara Blackburn. The leadership consultants offer four summer strategies to help assure continuous growth as an effective leader.
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.
STEM By Design / STEM Teaching Practices
by Anne Jolly · Published 06/20/2016 · Last modified 11/23/2019
Getting ready to involve students in real STEM learning experiences this fall? Then you’ll soon begin to examine, revise, and beef up your STEM education knowledge and skills. Expert Anne Jolly brings together ideas and information to answer five key questions.
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.
Bryan Goodwin & Elizabeth Ross Hubbell make a compelling argument that teachers can improve their impact on student learning by using a “do-confirm” checklist based on 12 essential daily touchstones that represent current research on what works best. Pilots do!
The Co-Teaching Relationship / Two Teachers in the Room
by Elizabeth Stein · Published 06/06/2016 · Last modified 11/11/2019
Summer is a good time for co-teachers to revisit the meaning of “CO-“, says instructional coach Elizabeth Stein, and discover definitions like joint, mutual, common. Stein offers tips to prepare for a co-teaching year marked by CO-creation for student success.
Rethinking how we construct our emails and how email fits into school culture can lead to time-saving and clearer communication. Organizational expert Dr. Frank Buck offers simple strategies to improve the way educators exchange vital and not-so-vital information.
Students who feel a strong connection to their classmates and teachers are much more likely to persist and achieve shared goals, learn respect, and develop communication skills. Teaching expert Julia Thompson offers strategies to help build positive communities.
