After 25 years of teaching, this past school year left me completely burned out—emotionally, mentally, and physically. In this honest blog post, I open up about the toll it took and the five ways I’m intentionally recharging this summer. From setting work boundaries to creating a Nancy Meyers-inspired life, these are small but powerful steps I’m taking to feel like myself again—and hopefully help other teachers do the same.
Read MoreDiscover 4 powerful ways to help students become lifelong readers—plus get ideas for easy book trackers you can use in any classroom.
Read MoreUnderstanding the root causes of student apathy is essential if we want to create meaningful change in our classrooms and schools.
Read MoreHere are some English lessons that I like to end the school year with in my 7th grade core class:
Read MoreAs teachers, our goal is not just to impart knowledge but to empower our students to become active participants in their own learning journey. One way to achieve this is by adopting conversation-based grading, an assessment method that focuses on descriptive feedback and clear directions for improvement rather than assigning numerical scores. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of conversation-based grading and share practical insights on how to incorporate it into your teaching practice.
Read MoreIf you’ve ever wondered how to get your students focused the moment they walk through the door, here’s your answer: the “Do Now.” This simple, no-nonsense strategy is more than just a time-filler—it’s a game-changer for your classroom. A short, purposeful task that students tackle as soon as they sit down, the “Do Now” sets the stage for a smooth, productive class. .
Read Moren the age of tech-savvy students, finding ways to enhance their note-taking skills with the latest classroom tools is key. One innovative tool that’s making waves in classrooms is the thermal printer. What if you could make notes more engaging, organized, and accessible by simply printing them out in class? Whether for visual learners or students who need additional resources, thermal printers could be the answer.
Read MoreSocratic seminar lends itself nicely in a high school setting, but students in middle school need a bit more scaffolding to be successful with this structure of learning. There are a few ways that you can organize a middle school class discussion:
Read MoreDiscover the power of chunking—a time management strategy that helps educators stay organized, prioritize tasks, and find balance. Learn practical tips to break your day into manageable blocks, plan efficiently, and incorporate rest while tackling the challenges of teaching. Transform your routine and reduce stress with this proven organizational technique!
Read MoreLooking for a super engaging unit of study that is guaranteed to be the highlight of your school year and a moment in time that your students will come back to comment on? Well, look no further. Cyrano is your lesson, especially if your students are taking a world history class!
Cyrano is great because it is a play that has something for everyone from fighting and wars to love, romance, and humor. Cyrano is that original (OG) play that so many modern day movies and TV shows are based on.
Read MoreSometimes, our students just need a break from learning, especially during the spring testing season. Here are some games that we use in our classroom, sparingly of course!
Read MoreThe Holocaust stands as a dark chapter in human history, reminding us of the consequences of hatred, discrimination, and indifference. As educators, it is our responsibility to ensure that future generations understand the significance of this event and its impact on millions of lives. One powerful tool in teaching about the Holocaust is the use of literature. One lesson we use in our middle school classrooms is a collection of children's writings and art titled "I Never Saw Another Butterfly.”
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