I remember standing in front of my first class of 9th graders back in 2007, absolutely convinced I had everything figured out. My carefully color-coded classroom rules were posted prominently on the wall. My reward system was ready. I’d read all the blog posts, attended the professional development sessions, and taken copious notes during student … Read more
When I started my first year teaching high school social studies back in 2007, I thought student engagement meant keeping everyone busy and entertained. I spent countless Sunday evenings hunting for flashy activities, convinced that if my students were laughing and moving, they were learning. I was wrong. In 2018, I became an instructional coach … Read more
Though we know our administrators constantly mention its importance, there are often gaping holes in their explanations regarding the importance of child-centered education. There is a multitude of reasons why this teaching methodology is not only important but extremely effective. However, often the importance of child-centered education is overlooked as soon as a teacher tries … Read more
At any level, teachers are always trying to figure out what actually works for their students. But preschool is its own thing entirely. Preschool children are often in a group learning setting for the very first time, and nobody has handed them a manual on how this whole “school” thing works. Early childhood educators have … 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
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
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