It’s back-to-school season, which always means one thing: Open House. Parent Night. Back-to-school Night. Welcome Back Night. Regardless of what your school calls it, the intention of this evening is to introduce parents to their student’s teacher(s) while allowing teachers to highlight various aspects of their classroom and teaching. For teachers, the purpose is to […]
Teaching
5 types of data you must collect to move your students forward
The beginning of the school year is probably right around the corner for you. You might be thinking about how you want to decorate your classroom, looking for back-to-school activities and getting-to-know-you ideas, and making copies of your syllabus. You may meet with your school and/or department prior to that first day, and then proceed […]
How I get more done with the little time I have
New teachers often wonder how they’re supposed to do all of the things involved in teaching within a limited amount of time. It’s like packing for a ski trip with only carry-on luggage – you can try to shove everything into that small compartment, but eventually, your snowsuit is going to bust everything open. As […]
When panic leads to a podcast for new teachers
I think we all need a virtual hug because these past couple of weeks have probably been busy/crazy/hectic/stressful for you. I feel you – I’ve completely lost track of what day it is! Plus, in addition to wrapping up my school year, I’ve been immersed in a project. You know what? I’m ALWAYS working on […]
What to expect from your students at the end of the year
Nine days before the last day of school, Mrs. Richardson stands at the front of the room, trying to review for the final. In the middle of a discussion about the parts of a cell, she notices Jenna mouthing something to Aiden, who is four rows up and making faces at her. Mrs. Richardson asks […]
How to ensure that your summer planning prepares you for success
As another school year winds down, many teachers are envisioning all of the things they want to do (or NOT do) over the summer. With an extended student-free block of time and no assignments to grade, lessons to plan, or parents to call, the time off during summer offers so many opportunities for catching up! […]
How to keep your students from going insane after finals
We’re fast approaching the end of the school year, and for many districts, this means a week of finals/end-of-course exams (EOCs). Since my school is already on a block schedule, we don’t modify the classes at all. However, I know that some non-block schools change to two-hour blocks for each period to allow extra for […]
Do you have the right mindset to make it as a new teacher?
Near the end of the school year, many new teachers ask themselves a simple yet crucial question: Did I make the right decision to go into teaching? Is it worth the low pay lack of respect lack of resources unreasonable expectations disrespectful students rude parents and much, much more? Then, they begin wondering: Did I […]
