Have you ever noticed that our educational system expects ambition from our students but not from our teachers? We want students to have drive, to strive for more, to dream big, but when a teacher dreams big (especially if that dream might take them out of the classroom) he or she is questioned and scrutinized. Ambition … Continue reading Stop Shutting Down Ambitious Teachers
Take it Easy–Enjoy Yourself
Spring break is over. Today is the last day and I'm just not ready to go back. I could use at least another week (who's with me?!). Despite my sadness at the winding down of this lovely time off, I have to reflect on what I've learned this week. Let me start by explaining what … Continue reading Take it Easy–Enjoy Yourself
Teaching Writing with HyperDocs
Early this school year I came across a post about using hyperdocs on Cult of Pedagogy. After reading Jenn's post, I immediately started doing more research. In addition to this post about playlists (similar idea), I also found a Facebook Group and a Padlet full of hyperdocs! Jackpot! I thought, why can't I use a hyperdoc to teach writing? In recent years I … Continue reading Teaching Writing with HyperDocs
When Kids Say "Thanks"
Teacher Appreciation Week should be at the beginning of February. Hear me out on this: Yes, we've just had a break for a couple weeks, and if your school is like ours, you've probably had a few weather days as well. But there's something about this time of year, something sort of depressing. It's cold. … Continue reading When Kids Say "Thanks"
Students Use Design Thinking to Propose Solutions to an Authentic Audience
Four years ago, I started teaching Public Speaking at our high school. It was a brand new course, which meant I had the freedom to design it as I thought best. Score! My main goal for the class, especially since it's an elective, was to make it as relevant as possible. I also wanted to … Continue reading Students Use Design Thinking to Propose Solutions to an Authentic Audience
Now: One word for 2018
My one word this year is "now". Why one word? I don't know about you, but resolutions are too much for me. My list is too long and therefore unmanageable and unrealistic. One word allows me to use it as a reminder to guide me towards achieving what I want. If I make a list … Continue reading Now: One word for 2018
The Best PD Books I Read in 2017
*This post contains affiliate links--but I only share links to products I legitimately feel you should check out!* Confession Time: I love reading PD books. I really, really do. It's weird, I know. I'm one of the only people I know (in real life--not on IG or Twitter) who feels this way. I have stacks … Continue reading The Best PD Books I Read in 2017
Four Ways Teachers Can Use Screencastify in the Classroom
Have you used Screencastify in your classroom? If you haven't, you're missing out. I know we don't all love to hear our voices in a video, but I promise you, it is totally worth it! What is Screencastify? Screencastify is a screen recording extension for Chrome. It allows you to make short recordings of your … Continue reading Four Ways Teachers Can Use Screencastify in the Classroom
How Do I? Kids Teaching Each Other: A Guest Post by Chris Miller
One of the tough things about being a “teacher” these days is giving up the “sage on the stage” role. It’s so easy to be the expert when students are struggling. Our first instinct is to just tell students the “answer” or how to do something or how to fix something. We do it because … Continue reading How Do I? Kids Teaching Each Other: A Guest Post by Chris Miller
Louden Clear Blog 