One of the biggest contemporary challenges of teaching is a classroom that is not only significantly overcrowded, but also packed full of students at all levels of learning abilities, English language speaking and reading skills, and emotional maturity. Mix all that together in one classroom and any teacher, new or veteran, has the potential to become very […]
Posted inParents, Uncategorized
Can I Answer That? Questioning For Parents
As parents, we answer a million questions a day, sometimes more. Questions like: Why? Can I have…? Where are my…? But as a parent do you ever think of turning the tables? Sometimes the best answer to a question is another question. Asking your child questions will increase their self-awareness and encourage them to be problem-solvers in their […]
Posted inClassroom Management, Middle School, New Teacher Bootcamp
Crazy Things I've Done–Creative Classroom Management
Some days it feels like we are running a zoo. I find myself saying things like, “Well, you can tell the weather is going to change. The kids sure were off the wall today.” Sometimes sentences escape my mouth that I never imagined would be created. Every teacher, from novice to seasoned, needs a little creative […]
Posted inOpinion
What Teachers Should Know BEFORE Entering the Classroom
Ask any teacher the worst part of their job. Less than 5% will say ‘the kids’. Non-educators can moan and groan saying things like, “I don’t know how you do it” and “No way could I deal with bad kids all day”. You’re definitely right. YOU couldn’t deal with kids all day–so you don’t. However, […]
Posted inCurrent Events in Education, Featured, Middle School, Opinion, Parents
Turning a Dream Into Something Tangible: Starting Your Own School- Part 2
Want to know how I started my school ? Read part I here. The first five points of starting your own school checked out: it’s legal in your state, you’re not doing it for selfish reasons, you’ve been able to secure funding, you have a ‘business plan’ and you’ve decided what age groups you would like to reach. Great- […]
Posted inFeatured, Instruction & Curriculum, Legal, Special Education, Uncategorized
Firm Decisions Before an IEP Meeting May Violate the IDEA
[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”] Every teacher is a special education teacher. From attending Individual Education Program (“IEP”) meetings to differentiating instruction to meet the needs of students, every teacher plays some role in educating special […]
Posted inHow to Fix Education, Uncategorized
Gaming Dialogues Serve a Vital Purpose
The majority of homework in elementary schools and high schools tends to be practice or preparation, leaving less than 30% for integration, interpretation opportunities (Brozo, 2010). The Common Core is shifting assessment from a focus on skills and gains of knowledge to information analysis, critical evaluation, and expression of new understanding (CCSSI; www.corestandards.org). This means our […]
Posted inStellar Educator of the Week
Elizabeth J. – Our Stellar Educator of the Week!
Name: Elizabeth J. School: Arrowhead Union High School, WI Years Teaching: 7-8 years Specialty: English Language Arts Congratulations to Elizabeth J., our Stellar Educator of the Week! Elizabeth has the unique and very awesome honor of having been nominated by THREE separate people! We heard from a colleague, a student, and a parent about how […]