For many educators, lesson planning feels like a “bad word.” It’s often perceived as a tedious task that takes time away from the heart of teaching—engaging students in meaningful learning. While school leaders may require extensive lesson plans to ensure accountability, we have to ask: Are these plans really serving their intended purpose? Lesson plans…
Read moreEmpowering Strengths: Inspiring Growth in Our Teachers
Leadership in education goes far beyond managing tasks or meeting goals. At its heart, it’s about uplifting others, helping them recognize their unique strengths, and creating an environment where they feel valued and empowered. Our teachers are on the front lines, shaping young minds every day. When we focus on nurturing their strengths, we foster…
Read moreIncreasing Student Engagement: Tailored Strategies for Every Age Range
Student engagement is essential for effective learning, but it varies by age. Here are targeted strategies for each educational stage: lower elementary, upper elementary, middle school, and high school. Lower Elementary Engagement (Grades K–2) 1. Play-Based Learning 2. Guided Discovery with Sensory Activities 3. Simple, Interactive Stories Upper Elementary Engagement (Grades 3–5) 1. Problem-Solving Challenges…
Read moreEnhancing Student Understanding with Effective Questioning Techniques
In the dynamic environment of the classroom, one of the most effective ways to assess student understanding in real time is through questioning. Thoughtful questioning techniques can act as quick formative assessments, giving teachers valuable insight into how well students are grasping the material and allowing for immediate adjustments to instruction. By assessing understanding on…
Read moreSaturday Teacher Tips: Improving Classroom Management After the First Term
The first term has come and gone, and now is the perfect time to reflect on your classroom management strategies. If things haven’t gone as smoothly as you hoped, don’t worry—this is a common challenge for many educators. The key is recognizing that it’s never too late to make adjustments. Whether the initial plan wasn’t…
Read moreSaying One Thing, Doing Another: A Constructivism vs. Instructivism Dilemma
I recently had an eye-opening conversation with an educational colleague in Brazil that left me reflecting deeply on our teaching practices. During our discussion, he shared an interesting yet concerning reality about Brazilian schools. According to him, Brazilian schools are supposed to be practicing constructivism—an educational philosophy that emphasizes student-centered learning, hands-on activities, and collaborative problem-solving. The…
Read moreLessons in Flexibility: When Going Off-Plan Leads to Greater Learning
One of the most valuable roles a principal has is to observe teachers and provide meaningful feedback to support their growth. Observations are meant to be opportunities for teachers to reflect and refine their practice. However, I’ve noticed a common trend among educators—they often feel pressured to stick to their lesson plans during observations, even…
Read moreUnlocking Student Success with My Favorite Teaching Strategies! 💡
Over the years, I’ve discovered that teaching is truly a dance—a blend of art and science that requires us to be both flexible and intentional. If you’ve been in the classroom long enough, you know that no single strategy works for every student, every day. That’s why I’m a fan of mixing things up and…
Read moreThe Power of Differentiation for Both Students and Teachers 🌟
We all know the benefits of differentiation when it comes to helping students succeed. Tailoring lessons to meet the unique needs of each learner ensures that every student, whether they need extra support or more of a challenge, can thrive in the classroom. But here’s something we don’t talk about enough: just as students need…
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