Every March, the NCAA March Madness showcases the best and brightest in women’s basketball to millions of viewers. And every year, principals and administrators observe teachers for at least 45 minutes to grade their effectiveness as teachers. This is such a high-stakes procedure, as anything can happen that would make the most effective teacher, look […]
Posted inSpecial Education
One Size Fits All Been Trash: Curating and cultivating mastery is the new drip
Curating and cultivating mastery is like planting seeds in a garden; it requires patience, care, and a keen eye for nurturing potential. Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires special education services to support learners in three specific areas: advanced educational opportunities, employment, and increased independence. As a special education teacher, As a Teacher of […]
Posted inConfessions of a Teacher
“Hop” is the newest show on HBO Max to highlight students with disabilities
HBO Max has set April 4 as the premiere for the new animated children’s series, Hop, which focuses on highlighting characters who all have some type of disability. Created by “Arthur” alums Marc Brown and Tolon Brown along with Peter K. Hirsch, the 26-episode series will first debut with six half-hour episodes, with the remaining […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
Is Public Education better off now than four years ago? The answer is complicated.
The looming presidential election this fall provides the kismet to see our last four years through the standard “Are you better off now than you were four years ago?” while posing that same question to ourselves as public educators: Am I, as a teacher in America, better off now than I was four years ago? […]
Posted inLifestyle Stories
Echoes of Regret: Keep work relationships professional
Our newest column features stories told directly to our Lifestyle Editor, M. Shaw. These topics are meant to explore stories not told in education. All submissions can be sent to info@theeducatorsroom.com. The Stoney Island High School of Science bustled with the energy of eager students and dedicated teachers alike. Emi navigated the crowded halls with […]
Posted inAsk a Teacher
A Lesson in Block Building Left Me Asking: How Might We Support a Paraprofessional Today?
Transitioning majors in college led me to embrace a role as a floater paraprofessional, eager to explore and support in the realm of education. “Rutledge, room 32”- Walking down the hallway you see art on the walls and shiny floors glimpses into other classrooms and you arrive at room 32. Open the door and you […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
The Scaffold and The Lift: Differentiation to support every student
In a single school day, teachers make approximately 1,500 decisions. If, in one 45-minute class period, a high school teacher makes roughly 218 decisions as they teach, then they have only a short window of time to create lesson plans, update grades, upload assignments, write emails, and perform other tasks that can distract attention from […]
Posted inSpecial Education
Nurturing social-emotional learning for students with autism
In the realm of education, one size certainly does not fit all. As educators, it’s our responsibility to ensure that every student, regardless of their abilities or challenges, has the opportunity to thrive. For students with autism, social-emotional learning (SEL) is not just a curriculum; it’s a lifeline – a pathway to understanding, connection, and […]