Closing the Achievement Gap / Two Teachers in the Room
by Elizabeth Stein · Published 04/03/2013 · Last modified 11/18/2019
Elizabeth Stein & assistant principal Paul McNeil consider personal, classroom, and school strategies that can help close achievement gaps for students with disabilities, including peer tutoring and support for high expectations. It takes a team approach, and it takes time and patience.
Independent middle school dean Bill Ivey acknowledges a deep debt to public schools for forging today’s “middle school model” for young adolescents.
Building Community / Two Teachers in the Room
by Laurie Wasserman · Published 03/17/2013 · Last modified 11/23/2019
After years without a homeroom, special educator Laurie Wasserman eagerly volunteered for one — and set out to build a real classroom community.
Helping Struggling Students / Two Teachers in the Room
by Laurie Wasserman · Published 02/06/2013 · Last modified 11/13/2019
How do we help kids with less support outside of school? “Two Teachers” blogger Laurie Wasserman shares some ways she & her school go the extra mile.
Students need the skills to read & discern messages in visual media, says Frank Baker, who uses Wall-E and other movies to teach “the language of film.”
Book Reviews / Differentiation / Prior Knowledge
by MiddleWeb · Published 01/10/2013 · Last modified 11/11/2023
Whether you want to differentiate or just learn more about building prior knowledge, Jill Spencer’s book, Ten Differentiation Strategies for Building Prior Knowledge, is a helpful quick read, says reviewer Lucille Schauer.
Helping Struggling Students / Two Teachers in the Room
by Laurie Wasserman · Published 01/06/2013 · Last modified 12/11/2019
At “Two Teachers in the Room,” Laurie Wasserman begins a series on helping students who are struggling academically. First up: Organization!
Engaging students in creating and analyzing images & films is a key step in developing an important 21st century skill, says media literacy consultant Frank Baker.
Co-Teacher Resolutions / Two Teachers in the Room
by Elizabeth Stein · Published 12/31/2012 · Last modified 11/26/2019
Laurie Wasserman and Elizabeth Stein share their good wishes for middle grades educators everywhere. And if some sound like resolutions, well…they’re teachers!
New Jersey fourth grade teacher Mary Tarashuk shares a powerful reflection on tragedy and teachable moments.
