I didn’t know the difference between group work and collaboration, but not knowing was having a detrimental effect on my students. Educators, we have got to create opportunities for rich discussion and collaboration by replacing standard group work tendencies. This podcast episode shares some of my personal journey as a teacher but was inspired by…

Katie is a second year elementary ESL [English as a Second Language] teacher. She currently works in Charlotte, NC but is originally from Illinois. Due to student allotment numbers tied to funding and student need, Katie has moved schools each year she has taught and has already been told she will be relocated in the…

Tune in as I share a recent perspective shift based on my experience interviewing a future teacher. He shared “What Makes the Young Good” and it will surely help you pay it forward and ensure your own students reach their potential and beyond! Quotables One of the quotes I live by and my dad says…

The testing craze is overwhelming for students and teachers. Snag 10 strategies to make the testing season effective and enjoyable for all. (See Episode 12 “More than a Test Score” for more insights.) Breathe Test Taking Strategy Acronym Poster– created by Always A Lesson on Teachers Pay Teachers Quotables Skills are what make people successful,…

Teachers often feel they need to put on a dog and pony show just to keep their job. The truth is, there is strength in what is simple. Tune in to this episode to hear how you can be effective without any frills. Be good at the basics and you will increase your proficiency in…

Many times the struggles occurring in a classroom point back to a decision a teacher did or did not make. Often times its what is omitted from expectations that students exploit and that causes many obstacles teachers are currently facing in classrooms today. Tune in to hear how to do it on purpose to set…

Jarod is a Technology Integration Specialist at the Keystone AEA. He has a Masters in Instructional Technology through the University of Northern Iowa and is an adjunct professor for the same Masters program. Jarod formally taught MS/HS English for seven years in one of the first 1:1 iPad schools in Iowa. He is a contributing…

Tune in to hear ideas for common problems being faced by listeners of the Always A Lesson Empowering Educators Podcast! Gretchen answers questions for new teachers, teachers of distress or transition and teacher leaders. Want your question answered? Email: [email protected]. Join elite educators everywhere in snagging tips, tricks and freebies right to your inbox every month!…

Connecting globally can be powerful for your own development and that of your students. Get behind-the-scenes access to a conversation between some pretty powerful educators privately chatting together about global connections at the 5 Sigma Education Conference (http://www.5sigmaeducon.com). Helpful links: PLN- https://alwaysalesson.com/blog/how-to-build-your-pln/ Voxer- https://alwaysalesson.com/blog/dos-donts-using-voxer-app/ Twitter Chats- https://alwaysalesson.com/blog/twitter-chat-how-to/ Educator’s Stamp of Approval Twitter, Twitter Lists and…

The ebb and flow of highs and lows is no stranger to an educator. There are certain times in the school year that are more stressful and anxiety provoking than others. There are certain times in a teacher’s career that feels more downhill than up. Those are the moments where sending out an SOS to…