Student choice and ownership is a way of passing the leadership baton to students in the classroom. Of course, this is an earned privilege over time that has required a lot of work on the part of the teacher. For example, teachers must thoroughly plan lessons to prevent misunderstandings and misbehaviors. They then must execute…

Student engagement is the art of keep students’ attention while simultaneously involving them in the process of their own learning. Teachers find student engagement to be an inviting challenge year after year as student interests and pop culture change. To be successful in engaging students during a lesson, a teacher has to know their content,…

Classroom management is a way to create structure for students to successfully operate in the learning space. The strategies teachers use are in efforts to create a positive and productive learning environment. Some aspects include building relationships, clear expectations, routines and procedures, and positive reinforcement. The goal for implementing a strong system is that it…

Lesson Design is a foundational process teachers engage in daily to meet the needs of the students they teach. Designing a lesson is not just filling in a lesson plan template. It is thinking through every inch of a lesson from start to finish- transitions, student pairings, higher order thinking questions and so forth. The…

The term “teacher leader” is used in education to describe any role that supports the growth of teachers. This may include role titles such as instructional coach, PD facilitator, subject area specialist, academic dean, administration, colleague mentor and even a cooperating teacher for student teachers. Regardless of the title, those who support the growth of…

Becoming a new teacher is exciting, but also overwhelming. There is so much to learn in a short amount of time. Each school or district has its own nuances one must learn in order to be successful. However, there are commonalities a new teacher faces no matter where or what they teach. This post will…

You get hired when you stand out in an interview. Whether there is a teacher shortage or limited positions available, putting your best foot forward during an interview is expected. Help make the decision easy for the leadership team by being memorable- this is what we call a “stand out.” How do you do that?…

Cultivating quality teaching and learning is the main goal for school leaders. When instruction is appropriate and rigorous, then students are able to achieve at high levels. It’s a double benefit when we improve the quality of teaching and learning happening in classrooms. This post will reveal a three prong method for cultivating quality teaching…

Summer is the perfect time for teachers to relax and recharge. It’s also a great chance to explore fresh ideas—without the stress. The Summer Learning Playlist is a handpicked mix of short podcasts, quick videos, and easy-to-read articles. Each one offers new ideas for teaching and professional growth. You don’t need to take notes or…