Your students are wilting like gardenias in a downpour. They yawn and fidget. They daydream and sigh. They struggle to follow along amid a thousand and one distractions clawing for their attention. Television blaring in the other room. Siblings sitting just inches away. The … Read more
A student questioning a grade isn’t a problem. In fact, it should be encouraged. Inquiring why they received a particular grade shows initiative and the desire to do well. Following up with how they believe they deserve a higher grade is, in my book, … Read more
Whether you’re teaching in person, online, or a hybrid of the two, there is one thing you must do to begin 2021. It’s easy, requires zero preparation, and takes no more than ten minutes. But it’s absolutely essential. What is it? It’s to review … Read more
There is a strategy that elite performers use every day. It’s something that takes just a few minutes, yet can be the difference between success and failure. Oddly, it isn’t taught in school. In fact, it’s never mentioned as part of any curriculum, professional … Read more
Although the hard numbers aren’t in yet, surveys indicate that the pandemic is taking a toll on our students’ mental health. Fear and social isolation are causing a spike in anxiety, depression, and suicide ideation. You’ve likely seen signs yourself: Lethargy Apathy Indifference Distractability … Read more
You fire up your laptop to check your school email and the first thing you notice is the subject line: “Junior’s Grade” Noooooo! Complaints about grades are difficult to handle because it’s hard to know how to respond in a way that both you … Read more
Teachers struggling with classroom management tend to overemphasize consequences. They have this idea that if only they can find the perfect set, then all their troubles will go away. So they scour the internet. They query their colleagues. They fiddle and experiment and update … Read more
With students experiencing profound mental health struggles because of the pandemic, I’ve taken a different approach to teaching this year. And I hope you’ll join me. Yes, I’m still following my classroom management plan. I still expect every student to meet the standards I … Read more