Ah, springtime in schools. The flowers are blooming, the sun is shining, and let’s be honest—everyone’s a little antsy. The final stretch of the school year has begun, and with it comes that undeniable burst of energy (and sometimes chaos) we affectionately refer to as spring fever. Students are restless, parents are eager for summer,…
Read moreThe Power of Simplicity in Teaching
As I’ve grown older and more seasoned in my career, I’ve come to realize something that I may have overlooked in my earlier years: we often plan for the elaborate at the cost of simplicity. In education—and in life—we can sometimes become so focused on creating the “perfect” moment that we miss the beauty and…
Read moreEnhancing Classroom Vibes with Structure and Color
We’ve all heard the phrase “students thrive in structure.” And it’s true—clear expectations, routines, and organization create an environment where students feel safe, supported, and ready to learn. But the reality is, structure alone isn’t enough. As one of my colleagues recently said, “We definitely need structure, but we also need color.” That statement stuck…
Read moreDEI is Not a Bad Word: A Classroom Perspective
In recent weeks, the term DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) has been at the center of political debates, funding threats, and strong opinions from all sides. But let’s take a step back and look at this concept purely from an educator’s perspective—without the politics, without the noise, and with only one goal in mind: student…
Read moreHarnessing AI to Enhance Teaching: A Practical Guide for Educators
The role of educators is evolving as technology continues to advance. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer just a futuristic concept—it’s here, and it’s revolutionizing the way teachers plan, instruct, assess, and engage with students. With the right AI tools, teachers can save time, personalize learning, and enhance student outcomes without feeling overwhelmed. This blog…
Read moreUnique Strategies for Landing Your Dream Teaching Job
Attending a teacher recruitment fair is an exciting opportunity to connect with school districts and showcase your strengths as an educator. However, with hundreds of candidates in the room, how do you stand out from the crowd? Here are six specific, unique, and practical strategies that will help you make a lasting impression and increase…
Read moreHow to Make Your District Shine at Recruitment Fairs
As spring approaches, many school districts are gearing up for teacher recruitment fairs, aiming to secure top-tier educators for the upcoming school year. However, with multiple districts competing for the same candidates, the question becomes: What sets your district apart? Teachers today are looking beyond salary; they want supportive leadership, professional growth, a strong school…
Read moreChallenges and Benefits of Mastery-Based Learning Explained
A few years ago, I sat across from a bright, eager third grader who struggled with multiplication. His teacher had moved on to division, but he was still stuck, trying to memorize facts without really understanding them. It wasn’t a lack of effort—he just needed more time. But the pace of a traditional classroom didn’t…
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5 Ways to Reflect and Recharge This Holiday Season
As 2024 ends, the Christmas holidays invite reflection and renewal. Over two decades in education reveal that true rest comes from connecting with loved ones, community, and faith. Embrace kindness, spend quality time, reconnect spiritually, find stillness, and set meaningful intentions for the new year to recharge and cherish what matters.
Read moreSupporting Overwhelmed Principals: A Guide for District Leaders
Over the last week, I’ve had the opportunity to meet with principals to review their budgets and progress toward their goals. While these conversations have been productive, they have also highlighted a critical concern: our principals are overwhelmed. Just like teachers, principals are experiencing increasing workloads and responsibilities. On top of managing their schools, they…
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