Lesson plans. Parent emails. Grading papers. Staff meetings. Team collaboration. IEP meetings. Parent conferences. Holiday concerts. Teaching is a 24/7 job. It can take over your life if you aren’t careful, so you have to find a way to make it work for you. Your social events are important. Your family time should be protected…. Read More

Yes, your passion for learning and inspiring others led you to a career in education. But what about your other passions? Remember those? Those things that make you tick, or give you butterflies, or make your eyes sort of twinkle? Maybe it’s been a while since you’ve even thought about those things. Maybe you’ve thought… Read More

One African proverb states “a wise man never knows all; only a fool knows everything.” Regardless of how worldly, educated, or well-traveled we are, we can never know everything. But by recognizing our own biases and accepting that we can learn from others, we establish the groundwork for growth and promote the cultivation of independent… Read More

All educators have tough cases. You know the ones — those kiddos who persistently color on classroom materials that are most definitely NOT meant for art displays. Or the middle schoolers who just can’t seem to internalize the phrase, “keep your hands to yourself.” These students are difficult for teachers and having to communicate the… Read More

Teachers get to have so many positive moments. They inspire, educate, engage, mentor, and lead. It’s these moments that make the less-than-glamorous aspects of teaching all worthwhile. But sometimes, situations will arise where it will be difficult to paste on a smile and forge ahead. Negative behaviors are simply a fact of life for teachers…. Read More

The days before break can be equal parts exhausting and exciting. It’s often hard to plan valuable learning experiences for students when they’re counting down the minutes till break. So what do most teachers do? Pop in a movie. Don’t get me wrong — there’s nothing wrong with movies. They can be very informational and… Read More

“Miss Bleser is strict!” I’m never quite sure how to respond when I hear that. The word carries such a negative connotation. Strict makes me think of a scowl that intimidates children. I picture a stifled classroom environment where students are afraid to make mistakes. But if you walk into my classroom, you’d sense a… Read More

The science of chemistry is much more than observing reactions when combining two or more different types of chemicals. Our understanding of the universe, our planet, and humans as electrochemical beings is fundamentally based on understanding the principles of chemistry. This makes learning about chemical processes through experimentation vital to the concepts of Science, Technology,… Read More

Teachers are experts at thinking on their feet. They have to be. When a teachable moment arises, educators are there to grasp it firmly with both hands, adapt to the cadence of the classroom, and insert it seamlessly into the day’s lessons. This flexibility is a true asset and a commonplace occurrence for most educators…. Read More

If you really want to understand what a skateboard is, you could say it’s just a plank of wood with some roller skate wheels attached to it via a chunk of metal. Of course, that’s a major simplification of what is essentially a highly engineered means of transport. The simple design of a skateboard might… Read More

Every teacher has “one of those days.” The kids are okay, but you feel … well, anxious. Stress and anxiety are natural in the life of a teacher, but it can do more than ruin your day. Stress can affect your behavior, thinking ability, and even physical health. It’s important to find your sanity and… Read More

There’s nothing better than a great giggle that snowballs into a guffaw, that results in a snort, that has you doubled over in hysterics. Whether you chuckle, giggle, yuck-it-up, cackle, or crack the heck up, it feels great to laugh and make others laugh with you. But laughter does more than take your breath away… Read More

To be the best for your students, you need to be the best you. And that can’t happen without setting some boundaries for yourself. Find your balance and avoid burnout, stress, and that overwhelmed teacher vibe with some time management and self-care. Start with these 5 key boundary-setting tips 1. Stick to a finite grading… Read More

Dr. Yolanda Sealey-Ruiz, associate professor of English Education at Columbia University Teacher’s College believes that equity starts with “critical love.” This includes relationship-building and creating a culture where students know they are loved and cared for, but also that their teachers expect the best they can give. Dr. Sealey-Ruiz argues that without love for our… Read More