Posted inFeatured, From the Front Lines, Instruction & Curriculum

Classroom Activity Breaks – Reap the Benefits!

Research continues to show that activity breaks in the classroom can lead to improved focus and performance by our students. As a Physical Educator, I get tickled when a classroom teacher drops off their students and says, “Run them! They are WILD today!” This happens more frequently during the winter months when recess time and […]

Posted inFeatured, Instruction & Curriculum, Mathematics

Concept vs Speed: The Math Timed Test

[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”] Accuracy, speed, process, meaning…these are all words that have been passed around the age-old discussion of math time tests.  Do students need to be able to prove their worth with sixty […]

Posted inFeatured, From the Front Lines, Stellar Educator of the Week

Tara R. – Our Stellar Educator of the Week!

[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”]   Name: Tara R. School: Anne Arundel County Public Schools, MD Years Teaching: 10+ years Specialty: Elementary Education   Congratulations to Tara R., our Stellar Educator of the Week!    Tara […]

Posted inBook Review, Featured, How to Fix Education, Instruction & Curriculum, Literacy

Book Review: Vocabulary StrategiesThat Work: Do This – Not That!

[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”] In Vocabulary Strategies That Work: Do This-Not That! Lori G. Wilfong does an amazing job of bringing to light the importance of students actually learning vocabulary and making it useful instead […]

Posted inFeatured, Legal, Special Education, Uncategorized

Planning for the Future: Special Needs Students' Transition Plan

All students, whether in elementary or high school, should have a discussion with their parents or guardians about what they want to do after completing high school.  Students with disabilities are no different.  Except their discussion is required by The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (“IDEA”) and mandates the inclusion of special education teachers, general […]

Posted inFeatured, From the Front Lines, Stellar Educator of the Week

Eileen B. – Our Stellar Educator of the Week!

Name: Eileen B. School: School District of Philadelphia, PA Years Teaching: 10+ years Specialty: Elementary Education   Congratulations to Eileen B., our Stellar Educator of the Week!  Eileen was nominated by one of her colleagues, who sings her praises about how she preps her young pupils for success in their academic lives: Eileen came into […]

Posted inFrom the Front Lines, Stellar Educator of the Week

Melodie R. – Our Stellar Educator of the Week!

Name: Melodie R. School: Orange County Public Schools (FL) Years Teaching: 5-6 years Specialty: English/ Language Arts, Science, Mathematics, Social Studies   Congratulations to Melodie R., our Stellar Educator of the Week!  Melodie is currently an ESE teacher, but is certified in Middle Grades Curriculum ESOL, English and Elementary Ed.   She was nominated by one […]

Posted inNew Teacher Bootcamp, Parents, School Improvement

Scripting A Parent Phone Call- A Skill All Teachers Need

Today many of our communications with parents are through email, blogs and classroom websites. Interactive conversation is a tool we use less and less often. Sometimes there are sensitive, personal, individual or important topics that should be discussed in person over the phone. A good practice is to send positive notes or emails throughout the […]