You’ve discovered that life as a teacher means being constantly on the go. As an elementary teacher, I have several subjects to cover and little time in which to plan. Here are tips for planning your school days without giving up time for fun.
1. Locate district resources. The school ... Read More
Whether you are a new teacher or a seasoned veteran, summer is a great time to explore innovative material, gather fresh ideas, learn how to do something new, or connect with educators around the world. Here are some simple ways to make the most of your summer weeks.
1. Tune ... Read More
Have you thought about extending your classroom and its learning opportunities to your local museum as a way to hook your students and enhance their learning experience? Follow these steps to make sure your students get the most out of it.
1. Begin with the end in mind.
The ... Read More
Student teachers and new teachers often say that they love teaching, adore the students, and have mastered the subject material. It’s classroom management that keeps them up at night, especially after spring break. While much has been written about classroom management, it remains a challenge for new and experienced teachers ... Read More
As a teacher, does the thought of social media in the classroom make you excited? Anxious? Or maybe a combination of the two? It’s natural to feel both, but as education professionals, we can’t forget that our students and their parents are already on social media sites — and they’re ... Read More
With the tight budgets school districts face today, many teachers are turning to grants to supplement the resources in their classrooms and enhance their students’ learning opportunities. Grants can enable teachers to invest in special projects, purchase equipment, and engage students in motivation-based activities.
There are many grants available, especially ... Read More
Carol Dweck is the author of Mindset: The New Psychology of Success (Random House, 2006). We talked to her about the impact of praise and criticism on students’ mindsets.
Could you explain the difference between a growth mindset and a fixed mindset?
Carol: When people are in a fixed ... Read More
Did you know that you can energize your classroom and yourself at the same time? High-energy classrooms stimulate thinking and set off a positive domino effect. The key to motivating students is to provoke, arouse, and encourage their thinking. Teaching strategies that empower students to learn go a long way ... Read More
A Personal Learning Network (PLN) is a learning venue that you create and that you tailor to your professional interest areas. Your PLN can include people, social media sites, resource sites, and organizations. A PLN helps you find new ideas and information to bring back to your class, school, or ... Read More
Networking is essential to your career as an educator. By building your network of professionals within K-12 education, you increase your “bank account” of people who can help you grow and move forward in the profession. Here are some tips for how to do this:
Meet with someone who has ... Read More