About the Author: Jenn Breisacher

Once I mastered student-led learning, I always had colleagues asking me about my style of classroom management. There was often the appearance that my students were loud, off-task, and learning was nonexistent. I would often invite those colleagues into my classroom to chat with my students, who would blow them away with their explanations of … Read more

When many teachers hear the term “student-centered project-based learning,” you can see the color drain from their faces. It is a buzzword-laden phrase that sounds intimidating, yet it truly isn’t as daunting as it seems. At its core, this instructional approach builds upon the familiar practice of assigning projects. The key shift is that it … Read more

Here’s what I know about student engagement goals after almost 20 years in various classrooms: they’re almost always too small. We set goals like “increase participation” or “get through the curriculum without losing them.” But I’ve watched too many teachers, myself included, confuse compliance with connection. A quiet room isn’t necessarily a learning room. Raised … Read more

If you have ever pondered why classroom management is important (realistically), you are certainly not alone. At its core, good classroom management transcends merely keeping students quiet; it is the foundational framework that enables student learning and academic achievement. A well-managed classroom is not an accidental occurrence but the result of intentional classroom management practices … Read more

I started teaching high school history in 2007, back when “engagement” still meant hoping the overhead projector bulb didn’t burn out mid-lecture. Over 1,700 students later, and in the midst of the current student apathy crisis, I’ve learned that best practices for student engagement aren’t something you master and file away. They’re something you live, adjust, and … Read more

The phrase “classroom management” often makes high school teachers, especially new teachers, cringe, conjuring images of rigid control and constant discipline battles. However, the reality is that effective classroom management is the cornerstone of a positive learning environment where student learning and academic achievement can flourish. High school students are young adults with diverse individual … Read more

Walking into a middle school is like stepping into a whirlwind of energy, growth, and discovery. For students, these years are a profound journey from childhood into young adulthood, a time of exhilarating and often confusing change. For the teachers who guide them, the challenge is both immense and deeply rewarding: how to harness that … Read more

One of the most frequent and pressing questions I hear from educators, from elementary school to higher education institutions, is for strategies for increasing student engagement. We’ve all faced the quiet room, the glazed eyes, and yes, the challenge of that “one kid” who seems impervious to our best efforts. While no method is a … Read more

The 2020-2021 school year irrevocably altered the educational landscape. A primary casualty of this period was the term “blended learning,” which, for many, became synonymous with the stressful, chaotic remote learning plans of pandemic-era school buildings. In countless districts, it described a frantic hybrid environment…some students virtual, others in-person…that led to educator exhaustion and inconsistent … Read more

As a teacher, you know how magical it is when all of a sudden you realize that every student in your classroom is actively participating in the lesson you have crafted. You know that on that day, you won the battle, and the information is sticking as you watch the class engagement all around you. … Read more

Designing effective group learning activities is a delicate balance. It is remarkably easy for these exercises to devolve into a scenario where one team member assumes all the responsibility while another manages to skate by with minimal contribution. This dynamic can undermine the common goal and hinder the development of crucial decision-making skills and creative … Read more

When March 2020 arrived, schools around the world closed their doors. Learning from a computer screen became the sudden norm. Teachers worked hard to provide instruction during a time of great uncertainty. They used digital tools to reach students. This period created a major misunderstanding. Many people called this “virtual learning” or “blended learning.” In … Read more