Imagine your students in front of you right now. In your mind’s eye see all their sweet smiles and small hands hard at work. They sit before you every day awaiting your light and guidance. You’re their hope and future. But sometimes you feel like you’ve failed them because you lack clarity or everything becomes…
The Biggest Mistake You’re Making in Your Classroom (and How to Fix It)
Do you find yourself wondering what became of those sweet little kids you had at the beginning of the year? They’re out of control when you’re in small group, lining up at the door, or in the hallway. No yelling, bribing, or shaming can control them. Why? Because you’re making the biggest mistake a teacher…
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How to Use Small Group Instruction to Differentiate for Math
When you are asked, “What grade do you teach?”, what is your answer? Officially I teach fifth grade. But in reality, every day, I’m just like you, not just teaching one grade level but several, all at once. Developmentally speaking, I have a classroom full of students who are in 2ndgrade, 3rdgrade, 4thgrade, 5thgrade, and…
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Pumpkins, Zombies, and Bats, Oh My!
Sometimes with all the chaos of a school year, we might forget to enjoy the little things. Seasons and holidays can be one of those things that bring you joy like pumpkin spice scented plug-ins or classroom Halloween decorations. Why not enjoy the season and grow your students, too? But Halloween excitement can challenge any…
It’s Not You, It’s Your School
When I began my career as a teacher I had 3 fantastic teachers as my teammates. They all grew their students like nobody’s business and excelled at their craft. Within three years, they had all left teaching. Allie, a seasoned veteran, retired at 40. Due to so much anxiety and overwhelm, she had severe health…