Our students have varied backgrounds, which means that there are obstacles and opportunities to engage students in just about everything we do. Understanding what it means to be a culturally...
Is your classroom in a funk when it’s time to open the math textbooks? Today, we offer suggestions on how to reinvigorate your teaching of mathematics and to keep students...
We are halfway through the school year, and some of our students are really struggling with reading and spelling. Today we offer tips on how to take action with these...
This week’s newsletter offers some guidance on communication during the new normal of distance learning, and also shares a great NPR piece on how schools and districts are tackling the...
It’s daylight savings weekend — are you ready? Today’s Warm Up offers some ideas for inside and outside the classroom so that you can spring forward gracefully next week....
Trauma is everywhere, from the heartbreak and horror of school shootings to terminal illnesses plaguing teachers and teenage suicide, we live in a world that is difficult to comprehend from...
Communication is such an important aspect of the professional educator’s role, but it can also be a difficult one. Today, we tackle the challenge of communicating bad news to caregivers....
We need each other. We learn best when we feel connected and understand that we’re not alone in the universe. A Professional Learning Network (PLN) is just the cure if...
As we gear up for standardized testing, let’s focus on what we can do to anticipate and prepare to ensure that our students are stress-free and feeling great....
We share an article about one of our heroes, Linda Cliatt-Wayman. We hope you soak up her amazing positivity and belief that all students have the potential to learn if...
Standardized testing season is right around the corner, so today we offer a few suggestions to prepare your classroom for those intense and sometimes stressful days....
Finding flow in the classroom will enable your students to truly engage in learning. Read on to learn more about this idea....
Democratic classrooms allow students to feel empowered and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to speak their minds. Today we share self-reflection questions to help you focus your attention on...
Monday is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and many schools around the US are closed in honor of this incredible man who helped shape our country’s history and culture. Dr....
Growth mindset is a hot topic these days, but mainly with regards to our students. Today, we urge you to adopt this mindset for you too!...
As educators, you give gifts to your students each and every day. We wanted to make sure you understand the power of what you give to your students by simply...
We know that our students are more than grades and test scores. We know this, but are we regularly teaching to the whole child? Let’s reflect on the tenets of...
Setting clear expectations for people, projects or a trip down the hall is an important part of the week. We have five simple tips to make sure that you’re setting...
If you’re looking to support and engage the whole child all year round, do not forget about the importance of recess! We all need a break....
We believe that educators are the most important leaders in the world. The challenge is that there are so many educators who don’t feel like it from day to day. ...
This week brings us America Recycles Day. In honor of this, we share ideas for engaging students and maybe even your peers to change the recycling game at your school...
Tomorrow is National STEM/STEAM Day, so today we offer a few ways to celebrate this ever-changing and always exciting area....
Feeling a little chaotic? You’re not alone. We want to help you bring the calm, even when it’s Halloween and it may feel like chaos is raining down upon you....
It’s almost Halloween! We are keeping things a little less spooky today. We have behavior management tips to make the most of what should be a pretty fun day....
October is National Book Month – have you embraced it yet? Read on for some ideas on how to celebrate before the month is over!...
The morning may not be your favorite time of the day, but as educators, you have probably logged in a couple of hours of work by the time others are...
The fall conference season is here. There are so many amazing things to learn and people to meet. In order to make the most of this time, we want to...
Our current educational support system is made up of many paraprofessionals. We are thankful for the patience and energy they give to our students and to the school community in general....
It’s National Principals Month! Today we offer thoughts on how to strengthen your relationship with and support your school’s fearless leader. We also share a few suggestions on great leadership...
The disillusionment phase is upon us. New teachers everywhere could use a dose of support and mentorship to help them believe that things will get better. Letting them know they’re...
Relationships and trust are built on a foundation of strong communication. Good communication is based on effective listening and understanding. Let’s take a quick look at WHY listening is so...
Teaching takes a LOT of energy each day. We share 4 simple tips to help you maintain your internal energy more consciously. We still have a long haul in front...
Success comes in all forms, and for educators, fewer things help us feel as successful as when our day runs smoothly. Today we offer basic leadership strategies that work in...
It’s the little things that count. We all know that this is a truth, but we also know that these little things can be some of the first things to...
Facilitating connections between students helps them take risks and achieve more both socially and academically. Today, we share three ways to increase opportunities for social capital....
When looking to engage your learners day after day, you need to keep an eye on what is motivating them. We have some tips on how to learn about what...
Communicating effectively is powerful and makes more of an impact than you may realize. When navigating through complex conversations, you need to keep in mind how the listener could be...
With a lot of ‘new’ in the building, today we are sharing words of wisdom from education leader Brad Currie. Whether you’re still hiring or orienting new folks, Brad offers...
Showing kindness and modeling that behavior tends to run hot and cold throughout the year. There are many ways and reasons to increase focus on kindness. Let’s look at ways...
Taking the time to set up your vision for the school year can have lasting effects for you and your students. Today we think about designing the vision to hit...
Today we want you to take a moment to think about setting up your vision and mission statements as well as your initial goals to ensure your success. Give yourself...
Effective communication is necessary across all aspects of the educator’s role, but emotional communication can be difficult to manage. Today, we share some of Liz’s golden tips for handling emotional...
We’ve taken a small break to finish the school year on a high note and prep for a summer filled with reflection, professional growth, and even a little fun! Today...
There are a lot of emotions running through your classroom. Let’s take a minute to look at why those emotions are there....
We’re in the home stretch and things are getting intense on all fronts. Take a moment to remember to add kindness into your day when you’re feeling stressed or anxious,...
Happy Memorial Day! We are honored to work with and know many soldiers and veterans and we thank them for their sacrifices. Today we want to take a moment to...
It’s not too late to take time with your class and reflect on all they are and all you’ve done this year. We have a few ideas to help make...
Helping caregivers and students feel ready for next year is a wonderful way to close things down, but there are lots of things to think about. We have a checklist...
It’s the time of year when all of us want to be outside as much as possible. Educators need it to change their view and students need it to get...
As leaders and educators, what you say matters immensely to your students. This is a big responsibility, as you well know. This is not meant to be intimidating, but it’s...
Bringing students into the work environment has so much opportunity to show them options they may not have seen before. Today we share ideas to capitalize on their experiences in...
Spring has sprung and while some of us feel renewed and excited about the remainder of the school year, there are others who are feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. Many of...
April is National Poetry Month and we want to make sure you don’t miss out on the fun. Today we offer a simple lesson to add to your toolbox, as...
Taking a minute several times a year to remember and restate your ‘why’ for teaching can be very powerful. We are in this to make an impact on the lives...
In honor of celebrating strong, successful leaders in education as well as the end of Women’s History Month, we’re sharing a list of some of the amazing educators we’ve met...
Personalizing aspects of professional learning that educators do can make a world of difference on morale, engagement and just plain learning. We share three ideas that can happen today in...
Observation is a part of teaching that can bring a wide range of emotions. We know that it’s an important part of our professional growth, but sometimes it’s hard to...
Conferences are great for inspiration and meeting amazing new people. Today we want to ensure that you’re getting the biggest bang for your buck when you take a few days...
Let’s take a look at how to promote a critical 21st century skill in your classroom – creativity....
For many of us, winter weather can affect the regular school day in many ways. One obvious downside to this weather is when there are, what feels like, endless indoor...
Time management starts with getting a handle on your priorities and aligning your vision appropriately. Today, we take a look at how defining what you’re currently doing will successfully prepare...
Being an effective leader is not something that just happens. In honor of President’s Day, let’s look to some of our country’s best leaders for a little reminder and inspiration...
Developing your leadership skills takes patience and effort. But, effective leadership, both in the classroom and out, will make a difference for your students and yourself....
Through the last several thousand years, our brains have gotten pretty good at keeping us alive and on the right track. Looking to change the culture or be a better...
Winter blahs can lead to a desire to refresh and renew your classroom. Before you spend money, how about a quick shopping trip in your own classroom?...
Strong leaders are confident in their communication skills, especially when communicating with a caregiver. Today, we refresh on some common sense ideas that are not always common practice in the...
As we’re more than halfway through the year, you’re probably checking progress all over the place. Today we offer a repeat of a few ways to check literacy in your...
Trauma impacts learning, behavior, and social relationships. Today, we look at some practical things you can do in the classroom to reach your students who are affected by trauma. We...
Taking a look at what your students need holistically is a good opportunity to see how well you’re meeting the needs of the whole child. Let’s take a look at...
We’re sticking with the Learning Scientist concept this week, and today is all about asking better questions to get better answers from your students. Better doesn’t mean correct, it means...
Many schools use action research to encourage self-directed professional development. If you’re in a school like that, awesome! If not, here’s the 411 on what you can do to try it yourself, and...
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is next week. That means that Black History Month is coming up as well. We want to help you get some resources together. Let’s look...
Let’s focus on some 21st-century skills that will not only help your students succeed in their current roles but also help pave the way to success in the workplace down...
Critical thinking is critical. We share a few tips on ways to question to what a student sees in order to check comprehension and extend beyond the main idea...
We need each other. We learn best when we feel connected and understand that we’re not alone in the universe. A PLN is just the cure if that’s how you’re...
There are always a hundred things on our ever growing to do list. Even on our most productive days, we still end up with almost as much on there as before...
This is the time to take a quick look back at where you were as you move more directly into all that 2019 has to offer. Today we share six...
Happy New Year to you! Teaching is tough. Starting back after winter break can be daunting. We have a new course called Week of Wellness. Taking time to focus on...
It’s almost Winter break! It’s either a time to reflect on this year and plan for next year, OR it’s time to do a whole lot of nothing. (Spoiler alert...
Communication really does matter, and it starts with the style used by the communicators. Today, we dive into the various styles of communication as a way to make us consciously...
Let’s have some fun AND get some meaningful learning in today by building ginger bread houses. This fun project allows opportunities for developing important 21st century skills like collaboration, problem-solving...
The holidays are not always wonderful and today we have five things to bring a little more compassion to your students before they leave for winter break....
Students are more than grades and test scores. We know this, but are we regularly teaching to the whole child? Let’s reflect on the tenets of the whole child to...
Setting clear expectations for people, projects or a trip down the hall is an important part of our week. It’s not enough to say it once and end the directions...
December is a great time to do a quick-check on your school year 2018-19 vision and goals, so we share a list for reflection and action. We also share an...
Today’s Warm Up is all about student success, from building trusting relationships, honing emotional intelligence skills, and using games to engage students in learning....
We see and hear about growth mindset cultures in many of the schools we work with right now. This is great for our students and we hope that this is a...
Teaching is a lot like walking a tightrope. It takes patience, support and balance....
We are thankful for all you are doing each day in your school. We know that you’re taking care of your students and each other all the time, but are...
Trusting relationships in the classroom can open students to engaging more with learning. We know this to be true, but offer simple tips to deliberately bring this into your day. Common...
Late fall is a great time for conference inspiration, networking, and reminders of why you got into education in the first place. We also know that with these great new...
American Education Week is a great way to celebrate all you do each day to ensure brighter futures for all of our students. There are plenty of opportunities to toot...
Happy STEAM/STEAM day! We wanted to offer some simple links to quickly be able to add a little STEAM into your day today, no matter what you teach....
How are you feeling about your communication, specifically with students’ caregivers? Take a few minutes to consider your communication skills and ask yourself if you could pick up a few...
Professionals all over the planet forget self care, and teachers are no exception. Today, after all of that Halloween sweet indulgence, let’s review some tips on how to prioritize taking...
It’s finally here. The day that the political ads come to an end. Well, that and the day when we have an opportunity to model good citizenship to our students....
It’s Halloween! Are you ready for today? Today’s short and sweet Warm Up offers a refresh on some tips to make the most of this fun day to ensure excellent...
Communication is key to success as a professional educator, and nothing screams communication like the parent-teacher conference. Today, let’s hone in on some best practices to make this conference season...
Feeling stressed? You’re not alone. Study after study shows that job stress is a significant source of stress for American adults. We want to help you beat that stress today,...
Play is not just for kids. The ability to have fun and refresh ourselves with a belly laugh or a game of tag can make a difference in how you...
Leading with intention for a project or when leading a team is critical to the success of that project. A few simple ideas to keep in mind will set the...
Resilient students can problem-solve effectively and positively anticipate new scenarios and challenges. Let’s talk about how to practice resilience in your classroom so that you can have a hand in...
We are keeping it light today and offering ideas for 8-year-old readers in honor of a sweet birthday girl....
We’re in the middle of National Principal’s Month already! The relationship between teachers and principals is an extremely important one. Luckily, it’s one that can be easily strengthened through simple,...
For new teachers, this time of the year can be really tough. Today, let’s talk about the reason that self-reflection is critical to all of us, especially during this phase of...
Paraprofessionals are a huge part of the education team. We are thankful for the patience and energy they give to our students and to the school community in general. Today we...
The fall conference season is upon us. In order to make the most of this time, we want to share strategies we use to help us prepare to learn and...
Morning may not be your favorite time of the day, but as educators, you do a lot before most people even arrive at work. Today we think through morning meetings and...
Social emotional learning (SEL) and growth mindset are talking point all over the place. Today we share three concepts to think about when looking to more consciously bring this mindset...
Happy Friday! We’re keeping it light today with a little meme humor....
There are many educators who didn’t start out as teachers straight out of college. This group of folks brings insight into the classroom that we wanted to highlight today....
Teaching is a full contact, 100% career. It takes a lot, we mean a LOT of your energy each day. Today, we have 4 simple tips to help you maintain...
We know that listening is important. Today we share three big reasons WHY it’s so important, as well as a great TED talk about increasing our conscious listening....
Successfully managing your classroom is key to feeling good about what you do each day. We want to hear from you about your best practices....
Connecting students to each other helps students take risks and achieve more socially and academically. Today, we share three ways to increase opportunities for social capital. We also link to...
When a student feels valued by his teacher and school community, it can be a game changer. Today, we share a few simple ways to ensure students know what they...
We’re in the thick of things now! Setting the stage to successfully achieve your vision for the year requires that you create opportunities to make it happen....
Today we just want to share some of our favorite mantras with you. We all need a little inspiration as we head into the thick of the school year. We...
Teaching high school is a great job. It’s one that requires skills that are a little different than those required for teaching elementary grades. Here is a list of things...
Being a successful educator requires passion and drive to push through the tough times. We find that it’s not that different from being an entrepreneur. Let’s check out the specifics....
Today, we celebrate the new person in your building (maybe it’s you!) by sharing an interview with an amazing leader in education, Jay Billy, who also happens to be the...
Mindfulness is more than just a buzzword. It can create calm instead of chaos in your classroom or your school building. Today’s Warm Up will bring you some great tips...
Motivation is key when looking to engage your learners day after day. We have some tips on how to learn about what motivates your group and what you can do...
For many educators, going on to get a masters or doctorate degree was always part of the plan. For others, it’s still under consideration. Today we’re sharing some of the...
Principals and classroom educators need to set expectations for their own success. The beginning of the school year is a perfect time to intentionally look for ways to ensure success...
Curious students ask questions, engage more fully in learning, and actively seek answers and solutions. Want to create a curious classroom? Let’s explore some ideas on how to foster curiosity...
Effective communication is powerful and makes more of an impact than you may realize. Perception is key when working through complex conversations. Today we think about how important setting yourself...
Telling the real story of what’s happening in your classroom and school building is powerful and important. As we start this new year, let’s look at how storytelling is a...
Our classroom that represents our style can be something really great to look at, but it should also act as an extension of our vision and mission for the school...
There is a lot of ‘new’ in a new school year. Today we’re focusing on new educators. Whether your still hiring or orienting new folks, Brad Currie offers some leadership...
Professional Learning Communities offer great opportunities to stay inspired as things get more intense over the school year. Today we have two ways to intentionally focus on growing your PLC...
We are wrapping up this series with some action steps to anticipate the best year yet. Today we want you to take a moment to think about setting up your...
Most folks are in summer reading mode and have at least one book on their bedside table throughout the summer. Today, we offer up a reading priority plan and some...
It’s week three of our growth, reflection and self care series. Today, we dive into how telling the story of you can affect just about everything you do. We can...
One of the most relentless and complex parts of being an educator is managing your classroom and engaging your students day after day. As we’re sitting in the middle of...
Taking care of yourself means that you need to understand where your time and energy are going. If we’re going to accomplish all that we want to do, we have...
Week two of our July growth, self care and reflection series begins with thinking about how we communicate and understand our moods and emotions. The more aware we are, the...
We get it, work is work. But we firmly believe that it does not have to be void of happiness. Being able to lead with and find joy in the...
Increasing your ability to pay attention to what your needs are, both physically and mentally, is a helpful thing to think about this month. The faster you can get out...
Reflecting on what you’re doing well ensures that you know how to replicate that behavior. Today we focus on looking back at your success with communication in the past year....
Can you believe that we’re only 242 years old? Such a young country we have. Much has happened in these two and a half centuries. Let’s take a look at...
We’re going to focus on just three concepts for the month of July. Reflection, growth and self care will be our focus areas. These concepts are critical to the development...
We are wrapping up our 12th day of our conference roadshow tomorrow. There is so much amazing information and insight ahead....
The NCSC in Austin was a great opportunity to meet passionate educators from all across the country. We took away some amazing thoughts and lessons from our time there. Today,...
Trauma is everywhere today, including in our schools. It impacts learning, behavior and social relationships. Today, we focus attention on some practical things you can do in the classroom to...
We are in Austin at the National Charter School Conference. The theme this year is “Empowered to Dream Big.” As educators, this is one reason we got into this business:...
Blended learning is a concept that many schools have been working to successfully implement for the last few years now. While there are some great success stories, we hear from...
You’re most likely reflecting and packing up from the end of what we hope was a successful school year. Closing your room is a chance to reflect and start thinking...
Summer reading ideas are in the air. There are so many ideas to dive into and learn as educators, so we’re here to help you choose from the millions of...
As summer begins for most of the country, thoughts of professional learning, conferences and other ways to build capacity and prepare for next year are on the minds of many...
Summer reading lists are all over the place right now, and man do we like seeing what’s on them! We’ve talked to folks all over the country to find out...
We all know the importance of compassion towards our students and colleagues. But what about compassion towards ourselves? Today’s Warm Up focuses on understanding and developing self-compassion, which is something...
Graduation season can leave many feeling a little nervous about the end of something as significant as middle school, high school or even 4th grade. Let’s look at a few...
Today marks the unofficial first weekend of summer for many around the country. Memorial Day also marks a somber time for reflection and giving thanks for all those who served...
Summer is almost here, and with it comes opportunities to grow your professional skills. This is a lot more fun when it matches what you’re looking for, right? We offer...
Leading with kindness is something that has the power to encourage, empower and show students how much we care about them. We introduce you to Roman Nowak and share his...
We are excited to attend the Tomorrow’s Classrooms Today conference today. We want to make sure we take advantage of every moment of this event. We’re sharing our conference checklist...
School culture can be the greatest or worst aspect of your day. We know that being a part of something that doesn’t feel great makes it that much harder to...
Taking a moment to reflect, keep and purge your effective lessons and projects will help you strategize for next year. In today’s Warm Up we’ll show you how. Also see how leadership opportunities make...
We hope you had a week that reminded you how valuable and important you are to those around you. So now what? Is next week just business as usual? Nah,...
As educators, we know that our relationships with each other at work are key. Today, we look at how we can use these relationships to make us better professionals....
This is one of the best weeks to be a teacher. We hope you’re feeling the love and appreciation you deserve. Today we share our thoughts on the power of...
May the fourth be with you today! Even if you’re not a huge Star Wars fan, we bet there are many in your classroom. Today we share some ideas to...
We all need to continue to learn and develop our skills. We all know that “sit and get” is still the number one PD game in town. However, we believe...
Give yourself a high-five today. There are so many things that you’re working on and improving everyday. Do people know about it? Do you think it might be time for...
Being a professional educator requires you to prioritize and figure out what issues need your attention the most. We know there are days when everything feels like a CRISIS and...
Teaching students to actively listen and to ask good questions is a necessary part of your role as an educator. One way to do this is to facilitate Socratic seminars...
Introverts can have a tough time with some of the more collaborative aspects of learning in today’s classrooms. We know that collaboration and teamwork are skills necessary for students as...
Today is bring your child to work day. Let’s look at how we can bring some of this concept into the classroom for those who are not able to go...
Motivation is the fire that all educators strive to keep lit throughout the year. The key is to find the right hook for your students, and for you to keep...
Expecting model behavior each minute of the day would be setting your class up for failure. If you’re struggling with behavior these days, take a step back in time and...
There are many ways that great educators help parents anticipate the mysterious and often times stress inducing period of standardized testing. We met with a champion communicator to talk about...
Creating spaces in your school that promote a little calmness, as well as teach the miracle of growing plants and food, can be as simple as you want it to...
Professional development can be a big part of our lives. But is it something that we look forward to? If not, something’s not right. Let’s look at what we can...
Caregivers like to help and want to do a good job while spending time with their students, especially on field trips. However, sometimes it can feel like more work added...
As the weather finally starts to change and students want to start living outside, we thought we’d talk about some options to lead your students through one of the most...
There is so much happening at this time of the year and trying to squeeze in a quick check in with your educators, mentors, your paras, etc. may seem impossible....
Today marks the 275th birthday of one of our country’s founding fathers, Thomas Jefferson. We share some resources and sites that you might bring into your classroom today....
Stress is everywhere, and unfortunately takes up a lot of space in today’s classroom. Today, we share ways to help students cope with their stress through identification and communication. We...
Educators, like everyone else, like to know when they’re doing a good job. Unfortunately, positive reinforcement is something that often falls to the wayside when things are rushed or hectic....
Engaging or empowering? Empowering or engaging? There is a foundation of knowledge that you bring to the table each day. Today we explore the difference between these concepts....
Brain science is sometimes thought of as a topic that should only be discussed with older students. Today, we invite you to check out some folks who want to show...
Today we’re talking about gratitude and poetry month. These two concepts are often not viewed in schools as important as other subjects. We beg to differ, but will let you...
Feeling like there’s never enough time is something that we all feel. We want to decrease that dread a little bit today. We have some tips and and fresh To...
Leading with passion is something that many strive to do. We got into education to make a difference, and we bet you did too. Passionate leadership is something that we...
Reading is magic, it’s key to success, and many say it’s the path to freedom. We believe these ideas to be true, but do you know how to instill the...
‘Tis the season to look around your classroom and think, “Ugh…time for a makeover.” Today we have a few tips to get students involved in a little spring cleaning and...
As many educators are ‘thinking spring’ with either spring break or simply better weather, we wanted to take this opportunity to do a little mental and emotional spring cleaning. We...
Still riding the high after ASCD Empower18! Focusing on the importance of relationships today, because relationships are everything....
Have you heard of Newsela? If not, odds are that you will soon. They are currently in 80% of schools across the US! Check out some key takeaways from our...
We are inspired and excited after three days of learning from and bonding with incredible educators at ASCD Empower18. Today, we share a collection of our favorite quotes, thinking that...
Today rounds out our three-part series on boosting literacy at this stage of the school year. While summer break is still too many days away to begin the countdown, it...
Time management can be tough to conquer. Today’s Warm Up explores prioritization, and offers steps to help the classroom teacher become a master prioritizer....
We know that creative classrooms are engaging and promote learning. Today’s Warm Up offers an idea on how to lead the classroom with creativity....
Students learn best when they’re in a safe space, led by a teacher they trust. Building trust in relationships takes time and deliberate effort. Today’s Warm Up offers tips for...
It’s week 2 of the Warm Up’s “Prioritize Literacy” series! Today, we share strategies for giving your classroom a literacy boost to carry you through this last stretch of the school...
It’s Friday, and we’re about to put another week behind us. What are you planning to do this weekend to unwind and refresh? Today’s Warm Up encourages a weekend recharge...
A great classroom practice for all grades is think-pair-share. Today’s Warm Up describes why this practice benefits your students. We also share a TED talk delivered by a great thought...
While spring brings more sunshine and climbing temperatures, there is still so much to jam into these last couple of months. Today’s Warm Up underscores the importance of taking time...
You are likely crossing your fingers that your students are “on” when the time comes to administer the tests. While there are many variables that are out of your control,...
March is in full swing, and the countdown to summer break has almost begun. How are you feeling about your students’ literacy skills at this stage of the school year?...
Coaching is an integral aspect of a strong professional development program. Today’s Warm Up is devoted to coaches and their important roles in schools....
Mindful leaders are more engaged, productive and focused, so today we offer suggestions for how to be a mindful leader in your classroom....
Communicating with your team is important for you, your students and your school community. But how strong of a communicator are you at work? Today’s Warm Up offers some questions...
Need an idea to help merge science with some outdoor classroom time? Today’s Warm Up offers an idea for a signs of spring scavenger hunt. We also share an article...
Its Read Across America Day! We shave some ideas for planning fun activities to celebrate literature in the classroom. Yay READING!...
Field trips are fun, but require a good, solid planning. We have ideas on how to be an amazing field trip planner. We also share a presentation by an inspiring...
Innovative schools provide opportunities for students and educators, and with innovation comes change. How comfortable are you when it comes to change? Today, we share some guidance on how to...
Today’s Warm Up focuses on the power of communication, honing in on the skill of listening. We also share our latest blog post written by a friend of Leaderally’s....
It’s Math Monday, and the focus of today’s Warm Up is on strategizing math word problems. We also share an article on some research behind the concept of an outdoor classroom....
Lessons are more engaging when students are able to see real-life connections, so today we share an article that highlights schools across the US that bridge core subjects to the...
Interested in something that you can do to develop emotional intelligence with your students? How about a morning meeting? Today, we share some of the ‘why’ behind the concept of...
Technology is here to stay, whether you like it or not. Today, we cover some tips for how to manage the use of technology in the classroom and we share...
Trauma is everywhere, from the heartbreak and horror of school shootings, to terminal illnesses plaguing teachers and teenage suicide, we live in a world that is difficult to comprehend from...
On this President’s Day, we share resources on how to engage your students in learning about past and current US presidents....
Teacher mentors and coaches are an integral part of successful professional development for educators. Today we address some ideas to consider before your next coaching session to ensure that it...
Happy Valentine’s Day! Today is a day to celebrate our relationships with each other and to spread the love. Today’s Warm Up is devoted to relationships, because positive relationships at...
A mindful classroom is a calm classroom, so today we share a resource for bringing mindfulness into your school day. We also share our love and prayers with the Broward...
Students need to feel more than included to feel safe and open to learning in the classroom. They need to feel welcomed. Today, we introduce you to an amazing woman...
We are so excited to attend the New Teachers Center Symposium in San Francisco this week. Our goal for the week is to bring you some of the ideas and...
There tends to be a lot of anxiety and varying perspectives on how much time our kids should be spending on devices. Because of that, we wanted to share an...
You can never have enough math strategies in your toolbox, so today we share a great idea from We Are teachers. We also share an article on why math is...
As we gear up for standardized testing season, we need to anticipate and prepare to ensure that our students are stress-free and feeling great. Today, we share a link to...
It’s a fact of life for teachers that they will be observed within their classroom roles. Today, we discuss why you should embrace these opportunities rather than dread them. (Really…we...
Strong leadership skills are a foundation of successful educators, so today we focus on a few habits of effective leaders. We also share an article on a new website that...
EdTech is a major aspect of the current movement in education to modernize the world of teaching and learning, Today we share an article on a few of the edtech...
It’s National Freedom Day! We are here to help you plan how to bring this important day into your classroom. We also share a great article, written by a teacher,...
It’s a lunar super bowl this morning! Today, we strategize moon phase study, and share resources to maximize this focus in your classroom. We also share an article on the...
Relating to colleagues can be challenging at times, but it is hugely important in any job, including teaching. Here are ideas on how to build relationships with your peers. We...
Just about a year ago, my two business partners and I got the idea to start our own professional development company, called Leaderally. We are focused on supporting the educator’s journey. We...
It’s reflection time! Today, we offer ideas on how to reflect on the first month of 2018. We also share a great presentation on leadership....
Want to be inspired today? Check out a brief article that we share on one of our heroes, Linda Cliatt-Wayman. We hope you soak up her amazing positivity and belief...
We are halfway through the school year, and some of our students are really struggling with reading and spelling. Today’s Warm Up offers tips on how to take action with...
Standardized testing season is right around the corner, so today we offer a few suggestions on how to prepare your classroom for those stressful, high-stakes days. We also share our...
Well managed classrooms have well developed and implemented processes. Today’s Warm Up focuses on this critical aspect of classroom management. We also offer information on an intelligent idea to bring...
Fractions can be challenging for students to understand when first introduced, so today we share a great idea on how to create your own fractions manipulatives with your students. We...
Overwhelmed by all of the latest apps for your classroom? Today, we single out and review one that we really like: Class Dojo. We also share a great TED talk...
It’s a great time of year to consider your professional development program options. You want to participate in something that helps you improve your skills as a professional educator. Today’s...
Behavior management can be challenging for any educator. Today we discuss strategies that don’t work and share a great article on what does work!...
Today we honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It is his birthday, and he is a hero for all Americans. All students should know the impact that Dr. King...
Venture capitalist Jenny Abramson jots notes while Kimberly Linson tells her about Leaderally, a new professional learning site for teachers....
We know that this is the time of year that colds and viruses tend to be prevalent, and this year seems to be especially severe when it comes to flu...
One of the best ways to improve skills is to receive constructive feedback from an observer. As a teacher, you will likely be observed throughout the year by coaches and/or...
As an educator, you may be the first person to notice the warning signs of a student’s learning disability. Are you ready to respond?...
Do you practice consistent communication with caregivers? If so, good for you! Your students’ caregivers are kept in the loop on what is happening in your classroom and feel that...
Fostering a democratic culture in the classroom helps students see and feel what it means to be a valued, responsible member of a society. But where does one begin when...
If you are in the portion of the country that has been gripped by frigid temperatures over the past several weeks, you are likely held hostage to the dreaded indoor...
Psychologist Mihalyi Csikszentmihalyi describes a state of mind that he calls “flow,” where an individual is so mentally immersed in a task that the sense of time, outside thoughts and...
Need an engaging writing prompt to help your students adjust to back-to-school after their holiday break? Consider this week a great one to write resolutions in your classroom....
Happy 2018! Today is a day for reacclimation after the holiday break. It is also a great day to reflect on 2017 and consider your classroom vision and values for...
If you are one of the lucky ones about to endure a full day of school before the winter recess begins, this Warm Up is for you. Today will be...
Today we share a great article from edutopia.org, What I’ve Learned From Special Educators, by Peg Grafwallner. This brief article offers tips, inspiration and wisdom from our heroes in the...
The start of a new year is filled with resolutions and hope. Beyond the personal resolutions that you plan to set, have you thought about setting professional goals in your...
Need an idea for keeping students busy for an hour or two this week? How about a clean-up day?...
Twenty first century education targets the whole child. A champion of the whole child philosophy is the organization ASCD, who believes that the basic needs of the whole child must...
While you may not be administering tests to your students this week, post holiday break will bring many more weeks of studying and test-taking in your classroom. How do you...
Tis the season for shopping, and what better to recommend for your students’ caregivers for holiday gifts than a great book. Today, Leaderally shares our top four recommendations for kid...
As a professional educator, you are often the first person to witness the signs of bullying. While your school has its own policies and procedures on bullying, do you feel...
This is the time of year when it is easy to fall into another disillusionment phase. The weather is turning in most regions of our country, the chaos of the...
Today is National Gingerbread House Day. Are you planning to create gingerbread projects in your classroom this year?...
The holidays are coming and we all know what that means – its almost winter break time! While we expect that the bulk of your time will be spent celebrating...
In today’s diverse classrooms, it is critical that we practice inclusivity every day, including around the holiday season. A celebration or introduction to all of the winter holidays can be...
Offering your students choices is a simple, effective classroom management strategy. By offering choices to your students, you create a classroom culture that shows them respect, teaches responsibility and allows...
It’s conference season! This can be an exhausting time of the school year. Conference time slots are short and there is so much to cover with caregivers....
By now, disillusionment is in full swing. First term of the school year has come to an end, students and teachers alike are counting the days until the much anticipated...
By now, many educators have embraced the concept of growth mindset for students. Growth mindset, a concept developed by psychologist Carol Dweck, is a mindset in which a person believes...
Wondering what Flipped Learning is? Thinking about trying it in your classroom?...
You lead your students every day in their quest to learn new things. You get up each morning with the goal of inspiring your students to engage in learning, and...
A writing workshop is a block of time within the school day to focus exclusively on writing. This time block provides necessary practice for students of all ages and grade...
One of the most critical skills of a strong communicator is the ability to listen. You, as the leader of your classroom, need to be a good listener with everyone...
The hand turkey… such a simple, yet engaging base for so many Thanksgiving projects. It’s a tradition that many generations have participated in within the walls of their classroom this...
Today, we return to work after our Thanksgiving holiday. Some of us had a 4-day weekend, some of us had an entire week off; some of us traveled, while some...
Today begins the week of Thanksgiving, when we all take a day to pause and be grateful for all that we have in our lives. Your students come from diverse...
In our third and final week discussing the skills your students need to prepare themselves for the 21st century workforce, let’s talk about how to help your students develop interpersonal...
Math can be hard for students to grasp. One way to help all of your students reach their potential in math is to focus on math vocabulary. Simply ensuring that...
Leaderally believes that every educator is a leader. Do you consider yourself a leader? Consider these three strategies today that will help you hone your leadership skills and feel like...
Each year on November 15, people across the US participate in America Recycles Day, which is a day to raise awareness about recycling and buying recycled products....
After spending the weekend at the Learning and the Brain Conference in Boston, Massachusetts, we have learned a whole lot about learning spaces for the 21st century student. Today, we...
Happy Veteran’s Day! Do you know what kind of an impact veteran’s have on education? Check out our Infographic on the subject!...
Many of us have the day off tomorrow to honor Veteran’s Day, which falls on Saturday, November 11th. Before you begin your long weekend, consider that today is an opportunity...
First of all, have you ever wondered what the difference is between STEM and STEAM? It’s very simple, but significant at the same time. STEM refers to Science, Technology, Engineering...
It’s never too early to think ahead to career readiness for your students, even in the elementary classroom. Our 21st century students need to develop skills for the workforce that...
Practicing reflection is an important aspect of successful teaching. How reflective are you in your everyday practice? Today and throughout this week, we encourage you to consider 2 questions at...
Workers in every field are teamed up with people that are perhaps bothersome, annoying or down-right confrontational. The field of education is no different, and piling a negative relationship on...
Recess time for students has been cut back significantly in the past couple of decades. Students are spending less time outside doing the important work of socializing with peers and...
Yesterday, you survived the anticipation and excitement caused by one of the most popular days of the year. Today, you need to figure out how to survive the exhaustion and...
Halloween may be one of the toughest days to teach all year. Kids look forward to Halloween like adults look forward to a dream vacation. Today we begin a 2-part...
Practicing math facts and solving problems with partners in a game-style activity is a great way to engage your students. Today, try a game of math relay in your classroom....
We know that you put so much focus and energy toward doing what’s best for your students each day. (Well done and thank you!) But, how much time do you...
You are pretty much on cruise control, some days feeling terribly long while others go by way too fast. Students are expected to know the routine and to accomplish a...
A science journal is a powerful tool for ensuring that your students are an active part of the learning process in science class. While journals should be an opportunity for...
To truly personalize learning, you need to put your student in the center. If you want to start doing this, it’s very simple to get started – just ask your...
A great practice to implement periodically throughout the school year is to schedule mini-conferences with your students. As many schools are currently scheduling or preparing to schedule parent-teacher conferences, why not...
Champions of equitability in school, such as Dr. Peter Dewitt, will tell you that every student needs to feel emotionally connected to their school community in order to feel a...
Part of being a strong leader is knowing who you need on your team. This is a great time of year to ask yourself if you feel connected to one...
As we wrap up our series on the disillusionment phase of the school year, you can begin to anticipate what’s right around the corner. After the disillusionment phase, we settle in and classroom...
Want a fun, quick activity you can incorporate in your elementary math classroom? Play One-Foot Dash, a game that will target measurement and estimation....
Your students all have the right to a quality education, right? In order to extend this opportunity across the board, you need to be sure that your teaching style is equitable in all that...
By now, you most likely have procedures in place that your students understand well and comply with. Leaderally believes that successful classroom management begins with processes and procedures that are communicated...
In today’s classroom, it is critical to help your students understand the concept of a global citizen. A great place to begin is to try this lesson on developing self-identity, to show your students...
In the third Wednesday of our four part series on the disillusionment phase, we offer some tips on fending off the negative emotions and attitudes that can arise for teachers at...
Leaderally believes that strong communication is a foundation skill to excellence in the role of the professional educator. Are you a strong communicator with your students’ caregivers?...
Peer tutoring in the classroom can bring many benefits. Students’ learning is extended through the process of explaining a concept or operation, peer relationships improve and student confidence grows. Plus,...
Part of being a good leader is knowing that it is okay to change course. You are the leader of your classroom. Take a moment today to consider the goals...
Want a fresh persuasive writing prompt for your students today? Here are some great persuasive writing prompts for elementary, middle and high schoolers....
Have your students started to turn on you and show behaviors that you didn’t see in the beginning of the year? Last week, we launched a series on the disillusionment phase of...
A classroom website is a great way to stay connected with your students and caregivers. Need some ideas on how to maximize this space? Check out these three things you...
Have you ever heard of the “5 Es” of science instruction? The 5 Es instructional model has been in practice for 30 years now, as it was developed by the...
Ever wonder how you can be a thought leader? Leaderally believes that strong leadership in the classroom is key to successful teaching. Be a thought leader this year by following...
There are many people in your professional world that you need to communicate with effectively. Your supervisor is a major person on that list. Let’s take a minute to think...
If you are a seasoned teacher, you may have experienced a time of year called the “disillusionment phase.” Perhaps disillusionment has already set in, or perhaps it will begin within...
In the modern classroom, we seek opportunities to integrate themes across subjects. Are you integrating social studies and literacy in your classroom curriculum? If not, what are you waiting for?!...
Setting an agenda for your students before they walk in the door is a quick, simple way to get started on the right track each day. A well organized agenda...
Reading inside and outside of school is an important aspect of learning, at any grade level. In order to make the most out of reading in your classroom, take just...
Practicing reflection in one’s work is essential to career success. For an educator, reflection is also critical to attaining the goal of student achievement. But reflection is often difficult to...
Entrepreneurs are risk-takers. Do you take risks in your classroom? Entrepreneurs are passionate. What are you passionate about? Entrepreneurs must have a persistent vision. Do you have a clear vision...
Ever heard of an acrostic poem? An acrostic poem uses the letters in a topic word to begin each line. Each line of the poem should relate to the topic...
Need a simple, fun strategy for practicing math facts with your students? Playing catch with math is a great game to develop instant recognition for math facts. All you need...
From high stakes exams to student behaviors, the day to day in the life of a professional educator can be incredibly stressful. There are many ways that one can focus...
Read alouds are not just for the little ones. Selecting a great book, short story or chapter to read aloud to any grade level class is a great way to...
Leaderally believes that all human beings have the potential to succeed in school and in life, including our fearless educators. Angela Duckworth defines grit as “perseverance and passion for long-term...
As we embark on another school year, how do you feel about your professional peer relationships within your workplace? Are they positive, negative or perhaps just non-existent? A key aspect...
You know the list of basic supplies for your classroom, right? Pencils, rulers, and lined paper will inevitably make it on your back to school shopping list. But what else...
Creating a classroom that is inclusive takes time, experience and skill. There is no step by step lesson that you can follow. You can, however, use guiding principles that align with a...
Counting money is not only a great way to practice adding and subtracting numbers, but also a life skill that your students need to be quick and fluent with. Here’s...
It’s not too early to start planning for the first day of school. With all of the emotions that you and your students are feeling on this important day, over preparation will...
It’s not too early to start planning for the first day of school. With all of the emotions that you and your students are feeling on this important day, over...
Sensory processing issues can have a significant impact on a students ability to learn. But there are things that you can do in your classroom to help your students so...
Managing and motivating a high school classroom is different than in the lower grades, right? While you want to bring your personal style and ideas into your classroom, there are...
Vocabulary is an integral aspect of a student’s education. While some of your students may come to you with rich vocabularies, many will come to you with limited repertoires. Let’s...
Our founding fathers fought for our independence centuries ago in order to ensure “liberty and justice for all.” But is there justice for all in our nation?...
High-performing people practice consistent, honest reflection on their own performance. How often do you reflect on your teaching performance? There are simple questions that you can ask yourself on a...
While you can’t control what happens in your students’ lives outside of school, there are ways that you can support them within the walls of the world that they live...
You know that literacy is an integral part of your classroom. But who has the time and funding to buy all of those books, especially when you are fairly new...
A timeline is a a graphic representation of events in time, organized chronologically. Creating a timeline is something that your students, in any grade, can do. Below is a recommendation...
When a person finds “flow,” he is so completely immersed in an activity that the sense of time, outside worries and thoughts disappear. It is every teacher’s dream to see...
Did you know that students who easily visualize language are the best at reading and listening comprehension? On the flip side, those who struggle to picture what they read or...
Teaching by means of a Socratic seminar, also referred to as Socratic discussion, is an excellent way to empower your students to take charge, develop critical thinking skills, and increase...
While you have likely heard about growth mindset applied to students in the field of education, have you ever thought about how it can apply to teachers and professionals as...
We love the student whose self esteem is such that he really believes he will be a virtuoso violinist before his first lesson. Then there is watching the frustration that...
All you have to do is look at the faces of children on a field trip to see the importance and impact that these experiences have on their learning. No...
Lesley’s Graduate School of Education professor, Rick Cass, teaches a popular course on creating an inclusive classroom. Every child has the right to learn to his potential, and offering opportunity...
I hate the phrase, “I’m so stressed out.” What does it MEAN? It almost seems like it is the “I’m bored” of yesteryear. Let’s try to banish it from all...
Perhaps one of our biggest challenges as professional educators is to balance the needs of the individual with the needs of the whole class. Perhaps the greatest challenge is trying...
