1. Take Care of Yourself Before I started my teacher training, my advisor, Meira Levinson, asked me to identify a non-negotiable activity that I will do every day, or at least a few times a week, that I find rejuvenating. When you’re drowning in tasks you have to make taking breaks a rule you force
Teaching during a global pandemic has been the most challenging experience of our professional lives. As we pass the first anniversary of schools shifting to hybrid or remote instruction, it’s worth appreciating what we have accomplished through many rounds of trials and tribulations. The silver lining of this tumultuous year—yes, even a tragic global pandemic
During the 4th annual Illinois Council of Instructional Coaching Conference I was able to attend Jane Kise’s keynote: Coaching Teachers Who Just Don’t Think Like You. Although her talk was chock-full of instructional coaching strategies, one insight really stood out: “There are no resistant teachers, but rather, only teachers whose needs during change have not
The end of every school year leaves a gnawing feeling of self-doubt: What more could I have taught my students? How could I have developed their skills further? Did I truly inspire anyone? Did I change how they view themselves or the world? As I sit in front of empty chairs and desks I’m trying
Teachers at predominantly white schools, especially those in conservative communities, may be reluctant to discuss race in the classroom. However, it is precisely in these communities that conversations about how race, ethnicity, and other social identities are critical for broadening students worldview. Here are some ideas on how to have these conversations based on a
Before I close the chapter on this school year, I want to reflect on my successes and failures to learn how I can improve next year. Here are 3 of my takeaways from this school year: #1 Breaking out of our Bubbles: Creating safe but challenging spaces As a Social Studies teacher I often experience how upbringing
Another season of SAT, ACT and AP testing is upon us. Teachers and administrators are beginning to stress whether their students are prepared for the tests and how students’ scores will reflect on their performance. Students are worried the tests will reveal how smart they really are and whether they will be a success of failure
As a son of immigrants, I have lived the exceptional opportunities America provides. As a Social Studies teacher, I have praised the uniqueness of the 240 year democratic experiment that is America. On Election Day, November 8, 2016 I began to question my faith in America. My questions soon turned to self-doubt as to whether I had
Too often, especially technology enthusiasts like me, are excited to try the latest new feature our favorite website or app offers. Whether it is interactive multi-player review games on Quizlet & Kahoot or “advanced differentiated” digital reading programs, we’re always looking for ways to engage our students and improve their learning. Technology can play a powerful
I wanted to start the year not by talking about the course, class expectations or even much of myself. I feel that we—teachers along with students—rarely wonder what’s the purpose of education. This idea was lingering in my mind all summer and I happened to see a Ken Robinson talk specifically on this topic. So,