“Just don’t smile until Christmas,” a more veteran colleague once advised me at the start of the school year. It never struck me as particularly wise when teaching a class of students. Having had 23 classes of students since then, I’ve learned a lot about what to do and what not to do long before […]
Tips for Student Success
Teachers Beware: Curse of the Cellphone Screen Zombie Stance
For years, I watched in horror as the curse of the cellphone screen zombie took hold of every student I had, worsening with every update. If having to keep them off their phones all day wasn’t bad enough, most of their time spent in class was on a school-issued device, zombifying them by the hour. […]
Reflection on 8 Black Hands Podcast: Dr. Charles Cole III Speaks on All Things Education
I recently participated in a virtual space with members of 8 Black Hands, an education podcast I have had the privilege of listening to for the past year. I have learned so much from the wisdom Christopher Stewart, Sharif El-Mekki, Raymond Ankrum, and Dr. Charles Cole III share. I am continually challenged and edified by […]
Hang Up the Tattle Phone
Have you signed up for The Educator’s Room Daily Newsletter? Click here and support independent journalism! We never thought we’d be Instagram teachers. But here we are, watching our ideas spread on online forums. Social media has given educators an accessible and user-friendly platform to share thoughts about all things education. Without proper funding, professional […]
Teaching Strategies for Gen Z Students
Have you signed up for The Educator’s Room Daily Newsletter? Click here and support independent journalism! As a teacher belonging to the older generations, Generation X, my personal style growing up featured Doc Martens boots, flannel shirts, and leather jackets. I have a deep fondness for classic arcade games such as Pac-Man and Space Invaders. […]
“Let’s Make This Happen”: Following Student Interests to Interest-Based Mentorships
Nothing is more exciting than helping a child find their passion – but are the adults ready? Have you signed up for The Educator’s Room Daily Newsletter? Click here and support independent journalism! In twenty years of helping children, families, and schools harness the power of interest-based mentoring, I’ve seen how it provides transformative educational experiences. Along the way, I’ve […]
Co-Create a Student Contract with Eight Questions
Voices off and eyes on me, in three, in two, and one. The class expectation is 100% engagement while the teacher gives the ‘stand and deliver’ routine for an hour. G is taking notes in her binder. And she is one of three students who’s raising her hand and adding insight to the conversation. She […]
Ask The Educator’s Room: Violent Students and A Harassing Parent
Have you signed up for The Educator’s Room Daily Newsletter? Click here and support independent journalism! Welcome to The Educator’s Room advice column for teachers! Today we’re helping a teacher who’s less than excited about teaching a former student. We’re also helping a teacher who is trying to support trans and gender non-conforming students at […]