Teacher tenure is a part of the educational fabric of every state in the United States. It is a form of job security that prevents teachers from being terminated without “just cause.” Despite having noble beginnings, teacher tenure has come under increasing scrutiny from educational reformists and politicians. The main argument against statutory job security […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum, Mathematics
Mathematics Adventures for All with MTSS A.K.A.RTI
Education is known for their acronyms. Today our adventure will use two interchangeably and demonstrate how to focus skills in mathematics to reach all learners. Teacher are superheroes and this method enables you to meet all students needs through the power of many. Welcome to an exciting adventure in education…MTSS also known as RTI. RTI (Response […]
Posted inSpecial Education, Uncategorized
What Should General Education Teachers Look for in the IEP?
There are so many general education teachers who feel hopeless about servicing special education children. Rightfully so, there is just so much to the program to learn, understand and enforce. However, that can’t be an excuse to not make one aware. It’s simply too risky due to the fact that a general education teacher is required […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum, Teacher Branding, Uncategorized
Teacher Branding 101- What’s Your Brand?
One of the first questions I ask dismayed teachers who are worried about their lack of job security is, “What’s your brand? If you suddenly no longer have a job, what will you do with that brand?” Instead of proudly answering these questions with all their accolades, most teachers are awkwardly silent. They have no idea […]
Posted inStellar Educator of the Week
The Stellar Educator of the Week: Cecily P.
Name: Cecily P. School: Canyon Rim Academy Charter School – Utah Years Teaching: 10+ years Specialty: English/ Language Arts, Science, Mathematics, Social Studies Congratulations to Cecily P., our Stellar Educator of the Week! Cecily was nominated by a colleague, and we agree that her awesomeness should be recognized! Here’s what her co-worker had to say […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum, Literacy
Guided Reading With Early Readers
Guided reading is an instructional method used in many elementary classrooms. It is an approach I use daily and without it would not be able to create successful readers. Guided reading is when the teacher works with a small group of students. During this time, the students apply and practice effective reading strategies while reading […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum, Literacy, Uncategorized
Assessment: How to Create Learning Tasks that Lend to Better Understanding
One of the hardest parts of teaching is learning how and when to assess your students. In colleges across the country there are entire classes that teach aspiring teachers how and when to assess. However what happens after you create the assessment? How do make sure students are able to accurately complete their assessment? These […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum, Mathematics, Uncategorized
Why Do You Need Algebra?
When are we ever going to use this? A common statement by students in my Algebra class. My response to them is this… No, you are probably not going to write out a multi-step equation on a napkin and solve it to determine the cost of your dinner. No, you will not break out your […]