Topic: Teaching & Learning
Lessons Learned
Learning lessons is a part of life, and our quest to know everything started at a young age—when learning was easily second nature. We wanted to learn how to do what we saw others doing and our curiosity fueled us to take risks and try new things. Whether that is... Read the full article >
Making Beautiful Music: How to Strike the Right Notes as an Educator
She saved me; that’s certain. Her approach blended content knowledge, instructional strategies and other less tangible, life-changing gifts. Mrs. Linda Francisco stands as the educator who had the single most profound influence on me. A recently retired piano and choir teacher at the Indiana School for the Blind and Visually... Read the full article >
The Makings of an Effective Teacher
People often wonder what makes one teacher effective and another teacher not as effective. Here are some examples of an effective teacher: Passionate about the subject they teach Compassionate toward their students Listens to what the students are saying and/or asking Flexible Develops relationships with their students, parents, fellow teachers... Read the full article >
One Educator’s Journey
Inspiration to Teach They say it takes a village to raise a child. I have realized that it certainly has and will continue to be a village that raises this teacher. My parents were my first teachers and certainly demonstrated to me the value of education through their professional careers... Read the full article >
One Piece at a Time
After all these years, I can still recall an assignment from my fourth grade year. We were learning about what life was like for travelers of the Oregon Trail and the settlers who chose to put down roots on the Midwestern plains. One assignment was to build a log cabin... Read the full article >
The Role of Advocacy in Public Education
As the 2014-15 school year ended, I found myself engaging in the practice of intentional reflection. Like most practitioners, I am always eager to assess where my successes and shortcomings have occurred as they affect the quality of my students’ instruction. Yet, this year, I find that I am not... Read the full article >
“Six-Figure” Teachers
Prior to entering education almost 10 years ago, I worked my way up the corporate ladder in Fortune 500 staffing and technology companies. As a mid-level manager, I interviewed hundreds of candidates to work in various jobs, from front-desk receptionists and salespeople to regional directors. It was hard not to... Read the full article >
Teach with Fire!
Recently a first-year teacher who had questions about teaching— a lot of questions— approached me. He rattled off a string of frantic interrogations, showing his frustration with teaching, students, pacing and just about everything else related to education. One of his questions struck me hard. Incorrectly thinking I was an... Read the full article >
Teaching the Teacher: Lessons Learned from Trusted Colleagues
You have heard it before: “Teaching—the one profession that makes all professions possible.” Teaching is an incredible adventure, and I can assure you it is not for the faint of heart. It’s a demanding but rewarding career that takes you on all sorts of twists and turns. Teaching is like... Read the full article >
Why I Became a Teacher? It Was My Destiny!
One of the most eye opening, magical and transforming experiences of my life was the day I decided to become a teacher. This extraordinary day came by accident when I visited a first grade classroom during my first year of college. It wasn’t how I wanted to spend my day... Read the full article >