The foundation of a well-managed classroom lies in establishing clear classroom management routines and procedures. These strategies are crucial at every grade level, from elementary school to high school, and across all subjects. An effective teacher understands that implementing specific routines from the beginning of the school year sets the tone for a secure, positive … Read more
Voki is an innovative educational tool that brings the magic of animated avatars into your classroom instruction. It offers a collection of customizable speaking avatars, known as Voki characters, that can be used in a variety of educational settings. These avatars allow students to express themselves using their own voice or a text-to-speech feature, making … Read more
Classcraft is an innovative educational role-playing game designed to transform the classroom experience by leveraging the concept of gamification to boost student engagement and improve academic performance. Developed by the technology company HMH (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt) Today, Classcraft integrates seamlessly with existing curriculum and instructional tools, providing educators with a dynamic platform to manage classroom … Read more
TeacherMade is an innovative tool designed to help teachers create interactive digital worksheets that transform traditional classroom activities into engaging and dynamic learning experiences. Developed by Laura Bresko, a veteran educator who understood the unique challenges faced by teachers, TeacherMade offers a comprehensive solution to several common educational pain points, including teacher burnout, the overwhelming … Read more
In the ever-evolving landscape of education, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) tools has become crucial for fostering innovative learning experiences (and making your life just a little easier). Among the myriad options available, MagicSchool stands out as the leading AI platform, with over 1 million educators worldwide embracing its magic. MagicSchool is truly designed … Read more
In the ever-evolving landscape of education, especially given the current student apathy crisis, the continuous introduction of innovative top edTech tools plays a crucial role in shaping the learning journey for students across different grade levels. Educators are increasingly integrating cutting-edge technologies into their lesson plans to foster engagement and collaborative learning, meeting the diverse … Read more
In today’s fast-paced educational landscape, teachers are constantly seeking innovative tools to enhance their students’ learning experiences. One such tool that has gained traction is Diffit, an AI-based platform designed to facilitate differentiated instruction. Teachers can leverage Diffit to cater to diverse learning needs, foster critical thinking, and streamline comprehension checks. Step into my series … Read more
One of the most common challenges when choosing a new teacher planner is finding one that meets all a teacher’s needs. I would often have my school planner for my day-to-day and a separate personal life planner. It was such a waste of space and time (and I never had the one I needed where … Read more
We are constantly hearing about “classroom management”, but definitions of what that means seem to vary greatly. While some think it’s about behavior, others think it’s about culture, and some others even consider it academic. What’s classroom management? It’s a delicate balance between all of these factors. Classroom management is what we need to make … Read more
All teachers are expected to have a classroom management philosophy, but what does this actually mean (and what should it look like in a 21st-century classroom)? The answer to that question depends on three things: the teacher’s purpose, the learners’ needs, and a good understanding of how young people develop in a digital age. In … Read more
Listen to Episode 13 of the Student-Centered World Podcast above, “What Do You Do With a Toxic School?” I once saw on Facebook the plight of a teacher who had a total administrative, unannounced observation the morning after returning from winter break. This is the stuff of school culture nightmares. That first day back from … Read more
Many school districts have implemented the Marzano observation model of teacher evaluation. The Marzano Focused Teacher Evaluation Model was one of the first formal observations to be implemented in schools across the country. It was created to address concerns with teacher evaluations and provide specific criteria for what should be observed during an evaluation. The … Read more