There were some amazing stories of human courage and compassion that came out of the horrors in Newtown, Connecticut. Teacher Vicki Soto gave her precious young life to protect her tiny first graders. Shielding them from harm was her first instinct and her last act. In the face of terror unimaginable, her instinct to protect […]
Instruction & Curriculum
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
Let's Just Sit Down and Talk! The Socratic Discussion: Creative Implementation of Common Core Assessment
One of the most misunderstood aspects of implementing Common Core standards is that they are about learning goals, not methods. This opens up lots of possibilities for including the standards in assessments across the curriculum. The standards currently include core skills and knowledge in Reading, Writing, and Math. However, the idea is not to limit […]
Posted inFrom the Front Lines, Instruction & Curriculum, Legal, Uncategorized
Do Teachers Have Freedom of Speech?
The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees many freedoms. It guarantees the right to publish news (freedom of press), the right to practice or not practice a religion (freedom of religion), the right to request a course of action from the government (freedom of petition), and the right to gather to express your views […]
Posted inFeatured, Instruction & Curriculum, New Teacher Bootcamp
A Pocket Full of Assessments: Using Quick SIOP Strategies to Check for Understanding
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 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 inInstruction & Curriculum, Literacy, New Teacher Bootcamp
Grammar and Writing- Bring Back the Basics!
By Adrienne Lanier They’re, their, there…Two, to, too! These are common homophones I see misused on social media by even the brightest of professionals. As a professional, do I pause when I notice these errors? Yes! Does this inability to write effectively make me stop to think about their experience with writing at a […]
Posted inClassroom Management, Elementary School, How to Fix Education, Instruction & Curriculum, Kindergarten, New Teacher Bootcamp, The New Teacher Chronicles, Uncategorized
Classroom Management: Ten Tips for New Teachers
The following article is from the “New Teacher Bootcamp” archives from the site. Each article is meant to not only empower new teachers but to let them know they are not alone in their struggles. Join us each week for new articles dealing with everything a new teacher would want to know. 1. Don’t be […]
Posted inElementary School, Instruction & Curriculum, New Teacher Bootcamp
Where Should I Sit? Flexible Grouping in the Classroom
I remember the old cartoons and movies that depicted classrooms. The students were all sitting in rows of desks, and the teacher’s desk was front and center in front of the chalkboard. My, how times have changed. Today, our classrooms look different, and students learn differently. There are many ways to arrange classrooms and group […]