Cultivating ‘Courageous Classrooms’ in a Modern Setting

One of the greatest pleasures in teaching is the joy that comes from being a part of our students’ journey … of witnessing creativity, fostering curiosity and the success borne of struggle. In the past few years, I have noticed a shift in the demeanor of my students. Generally, they are more emotionally fragile than they have been in the past. In the post-COVID years, we, as educators, find ourselves compensating

How Can We Build Student Confidence?

We, as educators, have the unique opportunity to help our students build their self-confidence within our classrooms. Imagine the impact we could make if we focused on ways to improve our students’ self-awareness and how they view themselves. Could improving their positive self-talk, their ability to make decisions in their learning, and allowing them opportunities to take risks improve the student’s confidence level? I believe it could.

Finding SEL In and Out of the Classroom

In this month’s blog, 2023-24 Michigan Teacher of the Year Candice Jackson talks about the three important ways students can pick up essential social-emotional learning skills: school, parents/caregivers and communities (at home or after school). Teachers can include SEL skills in their curriculum, but it takes more to make sure kids are on the path to success.

Focusing on Self-Awareness Ourselves in the SEL Model

Becoming a teacher is a noble profession. It is a profession in which we help shape the lives of our youth. In the past few years, teaching has become about more than teaching content. Teachers support students in achieving their goals and dreams, and they work to ensure students have sound social-emotional well-being. Since the pandemic, it has become extremely important for teachers to incorporate social-emotional learning (SEL) activities for students into the classroom.

Countdown: Top 10 End-of-Year Ideas for Administrators

I think nearly every educator I spoke with last week offered an unsolicited count down for this school year. The realities of the past nine months have left folks weary and ready for a truly restful and well-earned break. While you are closing out the school year, consider how you might message to your students, staff and families that although it has been a year of challenges, it has been another year of growth and learning. Yes, each one takes an investment of time, but an hour or two spent on one of these can pack a powerful punch of positive energy while you are counting down.

Why Be an Educator Now?

Whether you’re a teacher, an administrator or a superintendent, we can all agree that our positions have lost their luster amongst young people entering the workforce. The desire to enter this realm of education has subsided in recent years and now we face a shortage or high turnover. Teaching is difficult. We all know it to be true. However, looking at the big picture, who is suffering the most?

Spring Fever: Maintain Work-life Balance When Life Is “Life-ing”

Spring Fever is in full bloom, and teachers everywhere are looking forward to the end of the school year. Educators shape the future, but the demands of lesson planning, grading and classroom management can be exhausting. Balancing teaching with family obligations means meticulous planning, effective time management and prioritizing self-care amidst the profession’s demands.

Pros and Cons of Flexible Seating in the Classroom

Flexible seating in the classroom has gained popularity in recent years as educators realized the potential benefits of creating a dynamic and comfortable student-centered learning environment. I began implementing flexible seating in 2017, and I am continuing to use it today in my second- grade classroom; however, next year I will likely be making some changes. In this blog I will talk about the advantages and disadvantages of flexible seating from my perspective.

Service Learning in the North

I have taught at Manistique Area Schools for 43 years, and I have always had a passion for volunteering in the community of Manistique and at Manistique Area Schools. I have served on numerous boards and nonprofit agencies in Manistique. I have always given my students numerous volunteering opportunities. I believe as a teacher, one aspect of education should be producing caring, empathetic and productive members of our society.

Choosing Joy: How New Teachers Can Start the New Year with Positivity and Intention

As the days get shorter and the back-to-school sales beckon, many families and educators turn their attention to the inevitable start of a new school year. Sometimes it can be overwhelming, especially if you are in the first five years of your teaching career.

Make the Most of Parent-Teacher Conferences

The first round of parent-teacher conferences in a school year can inspire a lot of emotions from teachers, especially new teachers, that can range from anticipation to stress to downright fear. However, there are practical ways to prepare for these meetings that will help new teachers feel prepared, calm and even excited to have these crucial conversations with the families they serve.

Strategies to Help Foster Meaningful Student Engagement

Today, many students prefer interactive and visually stimulating apps or videos over traditional methods, such as reading articles or solving math problems. On top of that, their constant connection to social media also competes with their focus on schoolwork. This makes it tough for teachers, who must find ways to keep students interested and engaged despite these distractions.