An instructional coach shares how she and a fellow teacher embedded literacy lessons in his computer science class.
Keeping Learning Real, Relevant, and Relatable
Our students are reading all day long—text messages on their phones, emailed directions about homework, apps from advertisers. Let's keep their learning real, relevant, and relatable.
Coaching the Veteran Teacher
Our veteran teachers want to plan specifically, give directions explicitly, and offer student support intentionally, we also know they could probably offer teachable moments to the novice teachers as well as the instructional coach.
Coaching the Novice Teacher
For an instructional coach, it may seem daunting to coach the new teacher. Where does one begin to assist him or her in creating the best learning experience possible for students, parents, and colleagues?
It’s a Check-Up!
NCTE August 5, 2017
Changing our language when referring to assessments and offering our students choice might help to alleviate student anxiety and give them a chance to feel empowered!
Read: It's a Check-Up!
Embrace, Expect, Engage, Encourage: The E4 Approach
Use this reflection tool as a way to observe peers in a non-threatening way. The Guiding Questions encourages honest, non-evaluative discussion.
Choose, Check, and Champion Student Reading
A step-by-step approach on how to create, develop, sustain and assess a structured choice reading program meant to empower our students reading growth.
A Different Path: What Running Taught Me About Teaching
As a novice teacher, I wanted my students to "get it" so badly that I thought if we just struggled through it, the light would go on. But what happens if they don't catch on, do we just continue to focus on it until they do - however long that may take? Here are some suggestions on how to use productive struggle without causing a struggle.
Read: A Different Path: What Running Taught Me About Teaching
What is Capable Support?
ASCD Inservice May 24, 2017
Our daughter needs your support, not your help. This blog explains the difference and why support is so vital in her life.
Read: What is Capable Support?
Reprinted in Easterseals on July 14th, 2017
Struggling Reluctantly
The terms “struggling” and “reluctant” cannot be allowed to reference readers who need our support. We must eliminate that language for the sake of our students.
Read: Struggling Reluctantly
Knowing One’s Place: Or What is Co-Teaching?
ASCD Inservice March 17, 2017
“Co-teaching” has become a buzzword in education; but, the key to successful co-teaching is the respect toward each other’s skills and knowledge. That respect translates to student success and empowerment in the classroom and beyond.
When a Minute is a Minute
As you prepare your next lesson, step back and allow your students the time they need and the time they’ve earned to think through their thoughts; you will be inspired by what a minute can do!
What Do You Stand For?
After 25 years in the education “business,” I’ve learned that visionaries are rare. I’ve also worked with resume-padders, limelight-grabbers, and narrow-minded ninnies. Some were more concerned about their own personal agenda than about personnel.
Read: What Do You Stand For?
Just in Case You Thought No One Was Listening . . .
Our students may not be aware of it, but they are living through history. Let's remind them how to remember it.
Why I Write
I write because I have to.
Read: Why I Write
Teaching Means Having to Say You’re Sorry
By owning our mistakes our students see us as empathetic humans that want to do well.
Being Respectful of Student Gender Identity
Edutopia October 13, 2016
Asking students how to address them is not only respectful and compassionate, but also socially just.
Giving Students What They Want and What They Need
While all of us have had challenging students in our class, here’s one suggestion for success.
The Literacy of the Visual Arts
When the lesson doesn’t work, don’t blame students. Here’s an opportunity to look inward.
Don’t ‘Should’ Me
A writing teacher changes her language to stop ‘shoulding’ on her students.
Read: Don’t ‘Should’ Me