Category Archives: Best Practices

Tips for Teachers

Tips for Teachers: Surviving the End of the Year 

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Survival

Teachers, the last quarter of the school year is the hardest. You’re exhausted, and so are the students. The weather is warming up, and everyone has cabin fever. It’s the time of year when the administrators, teachers, and students are ready for the last ten weeks to be over. Don’t fret! Here are some tips for surviving the end of the school year.

School calendars end in May or June. Children attend classes at least 40 weeks per year. In some places it is more; however, by week #30 educators are working hard to make sure teaching and learning continue. Not to mention, many districts complete annual standardized testing in March or April. Frequently, school-wide testing leaves students and educators anxious and on edge. Usually, stress levels increase as the year comes to an end. Continue reading →

Five Ways to Improve School Climate

Five Ways to Improve School Climate

School Climate

Every teacher and administrator wants a school climate that is calm. We want a conducive learning environment where students can learn without significant behavior issues or disruptions. Kids will do kid things! That’s human nature; however, what happens when kids’ behaviors are unusual, violent, or unacceptable?

Daily our students arrive with an array of emotions. Some students have extremely difficult home lives. Others may experience emotional or physical trauma. Then, they come to school with bottled up stress, anger, or fear. Often, all of these emotions spill out in the classroom. These outbursts can lead to increased disruptions, or decrease instructional minutes. Continue reading →

Don’t Be Ashamed of Your Knowledge

Recently, a relative told me that I am always in teacher mode and need to shut it off sometimes. It took me aback for a moment because I try hard not to talk about work during off hours. Sometimes, I try hard to keep my mouth closed even though I know the latest research or current events on a variety of topics. I just sit, listen and observe the conversation or interactions.

I admit that I’m somewhat of a nerd and enjoy searching for the latest news and trends in education, current events, politics and more. Also, I enjoy politely conversing about many topics with friends, family, and colleagues. When this happens, no one in the conversation is trying to show off how much he or she knows but trying to engage socially with like minds. Engaging socially is healthy for one’s mind, body and spirit. So, why is it so difficult to get a healthy dose of conversation and show how much knowledge and wisdom one possesses. Continue reading →