This idea of students needing to fail, it seems counterintuitive, right? But what if it’s actually in the best interest of the student? Why should a teacher “allow” a student to fail a class? While teachers are charged with ensuring that all students learn and grow academically, there are times when it’s just not possible...

Every teacher is faced with one or several students each year who just refuse to do any work. No matter what they try, these students slouch in their seats and avoid all attempts to produce any evidence of learning. Many teachers give up on these students eventually and just let them fail. But what if they...

Do you have piles of assignments that need grading? Are you feeling overwhelmed by it? You’re not alone! All teachers find themselves buried in grading at some point, and it can seem like there’s no way out of it. While there’s probably no way around having to sit down and do the dirty work, here...

Math teachers are tasked with teaching students concepts that they’ll use for life while also getting past students’ fixed mindset of, “I hate math, and I suck at it.” How can teachers keep students motivated and engaged in a Common Core world? Ray Steinmetz explains how personalizing learning, setting up strong systems for formative assessment,...

Regardless of how long you’ve been teaching, there will be many moments when your lessons just don’t seem to be working. This is especially frustrating when you’ve taken time to plan the “perfect” lesson or unit, and the students still can’t grasp the concept! When this happens, it can be a valuable learning experience if you...

Every teacher will receive at least one (if not more) emailed from disgruntled parents. Regardless of who’s at fault, it can be a nerve-wracking experience and have lasting negative effects if not handled properly. How can we address the email in a diplomatic way without having to compromise our class policies and dignity? I provide...

Many teachers come into the profession with one of two extremes – they have no idea what they’re supposed to teach and have to plan everything themselves, or they’re given a completely scripted and planned curriculum and have no autonomy. Both of these scenarios can be frustrating especially when these teachers are given little to...

All teachers know that they need to differentiate, but what does that look like in a classroom? During the planning stages? In real time? How can a teacher be expected to plan for students performing two grades below and those performing two grades above in the same class? Laura Kebart describes how this doesn’t have to be...

The Next Generation Science Standards, or NGSS, have been rolled out the past few years with much confusion and anxiety. Veteran science teachers have been grappling with how to shift their way of teaching while new teachers are still attempting to fit all of the pieces together. Erin Sadler discusses the continuing struggles with implementation,...

In this final installment of my series on examining student data, we look at how preassessment data and Lexile scores can really illuminate gaps in learning for students in any subject area. Getting baseline data in the form a preassessment can help teachers know what skills students come prepared with, and what they may need...

Students with disabilities that are mainstreamed have unique educational struggles that all teachers must address. New teachers often wonder what they’re required to do with students with IEPs, and how to balance that with the million other things they need to take care of. Latisha Chisholm, LICSW dispels myths and misconceptions about teaching students with...

On the first day of school, neither you nor your students know much about each other. However, looking at their demographic data prior to that initial meeting can help you get a clearer picture of their particular circumstances. From their socioeconomic status to their English language proficiency, you can use this data before the school year...

At the beginning of the school year, many teachers prioritize tasks such as setting up their classroom, going over the curriculum, working on their syllabus, and ironing out classroom procedures and policies. But do they spend the same amount of energy examining student data? Teachers can’t effectively differentiate and measure student growth without first collecting and...

Preservice teachers have a unique task of cramming as much information and experience on pedagogy, classroom management, educational technology, and much more. How can they leverage what they learn in their credentialing programs so that they have a higher chance of success? Dr. Sam Fecich dives into the core essentials and even has even created...

It’s no secret that teaching is a rewarding but difficult job. Many teachers go into the career only to become overwhelmed, disillusioned, disheartened, and lost. Could have this been prevented? Possibly, but only if they had examined their own mindset and determined if they were truly ready for the challenges of teaching. Love this show?  ...

Most new teachers have experience using social media, but are they taking advantage of the on-demand professional development and support? Mari Venturino dives into how Twitter can be the PD you’re looking for to grow and become confident as an educator. Love this show?   The giveaway is over, but you can still get your copy...

It’s back-to-school…elementary style! Elementary school teachers know too well the stresses of preparing for multiple subjects, classroom decor, routines, and systems. Carolyn Gardner tells us what to focus on so that we can truly be prepared for that first day of school. She also has a FABULOUS freebie just for my listeners to help you...

It’s back-to-school time! There’s always so much to prepare for your first teaching position, one thing that you definitely want to plan ahead is your syllabus. Use this document as a communication tool with your students’ parents so that you can all be on the same page. Here’s a link to my Syllabus. Click HERE...

New teachers have a seemingly endless amount of things to prepare for their first day, but often they worry about back-to-school the most. Tenisha Tate explains how to handle it while keeping control of your class, how to spot a student in need, and why your preconceived notions of teaching in an urban vs. suburban...

Now that I’ve interviewed seven administrators and answered their top job interview questions, it’s time to take all of that valuable information and put it to good use. Here are my key takeaways that you can use to nail your next teaching interview and land that job! Love this show?   Got questions, feedback, or...