I Will Screw This Up / Pandemic Response
by Dina Strasser · Published 03/23/2020 · Last modified 09/03/2020
At home with her teens, ELA teacher Dina Strasser discovers how to create a compromise between parents who need (and ought to be) “captains of the quarantine ship,” and teens who need to be respected and loved as individuals. Their much-discussed home schedule is a start.
The Unstoppable ML Teacher / Virtual Teaching
by Tan Huynh · Published 03/22/2020 · Last modified 04/13/2020
With the increase of schools worldwide offering distance learning or virtual schools in response to the COVID19 outbreak, middle grades teacher Tan Huynh details how his Saigon international school has developed one-to-one online learning for students since February 3.
Developing a schoolwide culture of reading, like any change initiative, takes commitment, leadership, collaboration, communication and consistency. Literacy leaders Laura and Evan Robb describe a model middle school that is “full of reading” and share 10 starter ideas.
In Team Makers Laura Robb and Evan Robb examine the power of collaboration and the visioning that can empower educators to move away from tired practices and embrace new ideas that help transform schools into active learning centers, says principal and NBCT Rita Platt.
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.
Like a rocket launch, learning math lingo requires plenty of ongoing, personalized checkpoints. Author and instructional coach Pam Koutrakos offers a streamlined, easily replicable process we can all use to help middle grades students prepare to take off with math vocabulary.
Follow along as Nicki Newton and Janet Nuzzie join educators in “mathematizing” their Texas district – developing math lovers and a common math language at the district, staff, campus, classroom and student level. Middle school teacher Dena Hause found lots of resources!
It's Not Easy Being Tween / Social-Emotional Learning
by Cheryl Mizerny · Published 09/23/2019 · Last modified 12/11/2019
Fred Rogers is the embodiment of what Cheryl Mizerny considers the ideal educator. This year her school is celebrating the teachings of Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood as it focuses on “Community.” She shares her 6th grade classroom takeaways inspired by America’s most-beloved neighbor.
New educators – particularly those in the middle grades – find themselves at the edge of the high dive, filled with enthusiasm and uncertainty. As they leap into the profession, Curtis Chandler shows how we can seek opportunities to provide support and collaboration.
Math students who prefer competition do a good job of creating it for themselves, writes author-educator Jerry Burkhart. On the other hand, kids who prefer collaboration and reflection need teachers to create an environment that supports their mathematical learning.
