As new teachers, we have so much room for professional development. Creating lesson plans, staying on top of grading, managing student behavior, dealing with parents, and all the activities not directly related to teaching a subject are challenging for teachers of all tenures. However, experienced teachers will tell you that... read more →
Feb
07
Feb
01
Teachers’ relationships with students within a virtual learning environment can be as impactful as those inside a physical classroom. When learning remotely, students may even have a greater need for healthy social interactions and social-emotional support. Developing positive teacher-student relationships not only encourages children to engage and get the most... read more →
Jan
26
Ample education research shows the impact of student engagement in academic success. Teachers play a vital role in creating a learning environment that motivates students to learn and cultivates engagement. This post takes a closer look at the relationship between student engagement and motivation and suggests strategies and activities educators... read more →
Jan
24
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 7.2 million students—approximately 15 percent of all public school learners—received special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) during the 2020–21 academic year. While learning disabilities interfere with the ability to progress academically, genetic or neurobiological factors that slightly... read more →
Jan
16
Self-monitoring strategies often begin well before I even walk into my classroom, and they’re some of the best tools for helping build relationships with students. When I thoughtfully observe my emotions and behaviors, I can effectively regulate them, avoiding negative consequences (like losing my temper) or activating an emotional trigger.... read more →
Jan
12
Want to boost test scores? Shine with better class attendance? Teach in a classroom full of wonder and rigor? Me, too! But is that even possible? While our classrooms are all a work in progress, test scores, class attendance, and student engagement are heavily influenced by teacher-student relationships. As teachers,... read more →
Jan
12
Research shows that teachers trust and prefer learning from other teachers. And as teachers are experts in their field, many schools are expanding staff development days to include teacher-led professional development. While learning best practices and exchanging ideas among teachers are helpful, transformative professional development requires a more planned approach.... read more →
Jan
06
Whether you’re a first-year or seasoned veteran teacher, you know no two students are the same. Unique character traits and personal preferences influence how individuals absorb, process, and communicate new information. In response, an educator’s teaching style can impact how your students learn and comprehend in your classroom. This post... read more →
Jan
05
Much has been written about goal setting. Goals drive much of what we do, from planning our retirement to changing our eating habits or simply completing everyday tasks. Each year, teachers feel the pressure to choose professional goals that may link to their yearly evaluations. Educators understand the importance of... read more →
Jan
05
As teachers, we face a fundamental responsibility to encourage engaged learning among our students, but there's more to student engagement than ensuring they're paying attention or cooperating during lessons. The best learning occurs when teachers' methods and materials create classroom experiences that spark students' imagination, motivation, and curiosity. This post... read more →