Category: Uncategorized
-
After our school smashed the world records for the most High Fives in one minute and the World’s Largest Game of Gaga Ball, something magical happened, our kids started asking, “What’s next?” That question alone is the heart of what we do as educators: we spark curiosity, we ignite excitement, and we keep the momentum…
-
As educators, we are always looking for something memorable for our students. At our school, we do not do this in the typical way. We are officially 3 times world record holders! The kids, staff, and whole community love these opportunities and the weeks leading up to and following are just as exciting as the…
-
Typically, when we have a student who is not following the expectations, we start to take things away. Whether it be choice time, recess, or any other fun activity. Are there instances where taking these away are appropriate consequences? Absolutely. Is this always the best method of discipline? Absolutely not. Consider that all students want…
-
As teachers and educators, there are many parts to our jobs. Following the curriculum, differentiating for all of our students, and taking care of their social and emotional needs leaves little time for other things. However, the one thing I have found to be the most important in the long list of our job requirements…
-
Teacher burnout is real, not only have I felt it, but I also wrote an entire dissertation revolving around fixing it. With that said, none of the following solutions are part of that research but I have come up with them through trial and error. I used to think that when I was burnt out…
-
World Changers and Record Breakers (Part 1) I spend the majority of my time thinking about how to make school memorable for our students and staff. We do things differently and are constantly thinking of ways that we can make our school the best in the world. Yes, I am the principal, but no, you…
-
Whenever someone tries to encourage a teacher, we typically ask them to “remember their why.” I don’t mind this question, but I think our “why” changes so frequently it is hard to answer honestly. Usually, when we answer this question we respond with something about the “Aha” moments or building relationships with kids, which is…
-
My first year of teaching I was a trainwreck. I taught 6th-grade science and social studies at a school with nearly 90% of students qualifying as “economically disadvantaged”. I think that first semester I yelled more than I instructed. I was so focused on kids listening quietly that I think I forgot that they were…