I remember the first time I tried to teach the Age of Absolutism to a room full of 11th graders who were far more interested in whether we’d have a snow day than in the power structures of 17th-century France. I had spent hours crafting what I thought was a brilliant lecture, complete with detailed … Read more
I remember the first time I handed a blank map of Europe to a class of high school sophomores and asked them to sketch the borders from memory. Most couldn’t place Poland relative to Germany. A few labeled France where Spain should be. One student, completely earnest, drew a single large blob and wrote “USSR???” … Read more
I still remember the first time I projected an image of Michelangelo’s Creation of Adam onto my classroom screen during my second year of teaching World History. A student in the back row, the kind who had perfected the art of looking attentive while mentally checking out, suddenly leaned forward. “Wait,” he said, squinting at the nearly … Read more
After 17 years in the classroom, I learned that the most dangerous thing in a room isn’t a disruptive student…it’s a silent one. The first time I realized student apathy has nothing to do with laziness, I was staring at a former student who’d failed my history class but could recite the damage-per-second stats of … Read more
(This post may contain affiliate links that won’t change your price but will share some commission. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read our disclosure policy for more information.) I started teaching high school history in 2007, back when smartboards were still novel, and most of us were just trying to … Read more
Adaptive learning technology is transforming K-12 education by offering personalized instruction that meets each student’s unique needs. Unlike traditional teaching methods that follow a fixed pace for all students, adaptive learning systems utilize artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and data analytics to modify lessons in real time. This ensures students receive precisely the support they … Read more
In the ever-evolving landscape of education, fostering a classroom environment that encourages student success is a top priority for educators. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is by incorporating open-ended prompts for student behavior into your teaching strategies. These prompts not only promote critical thinking and creative thinking but also help address challenging behaviors and build strong connections with students. To put … Read more
Every school year, teachers take pride in creating an inspiring learning space for their students. The right classroom supplies can transform your room into a dynamic, student-centered environment. From bulletin board sets to flexible seating, research shows that thoughtful classroom decorations and layouts significantly impact student engagement and success. Instead of searching for “teacher stores … Read more
CodeMonkey is an engaging and educational platform designed to teach computer programming to students of different grades and experience levels. It uses real programming languages like CoffeeScript and Python, making it a valuable tool for introducing students to the programming world. The platform offers a variety of educational resources, including project-based courses, Coding Adventure, and … Read more
Wonder Workshop is an award-winning creator of educational toys and resources designed to inspire kids of all ages to explore the world of coding, robotics, and creative problem-solving. With its thoughtful design and approachable personality, Wonder Workshop has become a trusted name in elementary schools and tech centers worldwide, offering tools that make STEM fields … Read more
Click above to listen to this podcast episode: “The Future of Classroom Technology in the Classroom with Drew Purcell“ Educational technology integration in the classroom has become a cornerstone of modern education, transforming traditional teaching methods and creating new ways to engage students. With the rise of digital tools and educational technology, educators are finding … Read more
1Up EDU is a groundbreaking educational program developed by the Video Game Clubs of America (VGCUSA) that leverages the power of games to create a supportive environment for students to develop essential skills, including leadership skills, social-emotional learning skills, and core competencies. This program is designed to foster active participation and relationship building while promoting … Read more