The ABC's High School Teachers Really Need to Know

This week's episode is a good old fashion reminder of some key classroom management mistakes.  If you are the teacher that "throws" or the teacher that "quips" with your students, or you know someone who is, you better listen up.  

Effective teachers regularly ask themselves, "What do kids need?" in order to understand their own teaching philosophy and measure effectiveness.  It's difficult to improve outcomes if you don't know what you actually value as an educator and subsequently set goals to achieve it.  

In this week's episode, we look at some commonly confused words that have huge implications for the education system, and most importantly, our students.  Effective educators must understand these words, as well as how they impact their teaching philosophy and academic process.  

In this episode, we discuss 5 things that can transform your classroom from "good" to "great" when it comes to grading and giving feedback.  Don't miss this opportunity to improve mastery and outcomes for your students!

Diversity, exploration, curiosity, innovation, and motivation are all on the opposite side of the spectrum from standardization.  From instruction and assessment to student and colleague interactions, effective teachers are brave enough to be different and individually impactful.  

Please listen to this episode for your students, for your school, and for yourself.  In order to be successful, educators MUST look backward as much as they look forward.  This is one of the most crucial aspects of classroom success, but unfortunately, it is also one of the most overlooked and underutilized.  This combination is devastating to learners.   

We have said it many times.  Educators have to focus on understanding where students are on their academic journeys and building consistency BEFORE driving improvement, starting a new unit, etc.  Consistency, comprehensive/cumulative approaches, and a firm foundation of knowledge and skills will allow for enduring learning.  

In this episode, we talk about the importance of advocating for students and teachers beyond our classroom walls.  We are important in creating policy, driving positive change, and improving academic outcomes.  Educators know that...we just wish the rest of the world knew it.  

If you are looking for a way to bridge gaps in learning or extend learning opportunities for your students, you should absolutely take the time to listen to this week's episode.  Effective teachers know that when it comes to student ownership and success, individualized learning is key.  

We are back for Season 7!  Sometimes we look in the mirror and get down about the wrinkles and scars we see.  In this episode, we talk about the importance of those wrinkles and scars in who you are as a person and as an educator.  They tell an amazing story.  Be proud of that story.  Our kids need you, and you need you.  Thank you for being a teacher.  

Do you remember being a teenager?  The struggle is real for them.  How are we supposed to get them to focus on things like algebra, Spanish, and biology with all of THAT going on in their heads?  The good news is that the answer really comes down to what teaching has always been about:   coaching, empathizing, and leading by example.  

XL educator egos have no place in a classroom.  They undermine relationships, productivity, and learning.  They also make for bad colleagues and lifelong learners.  Instead, learn with your students and model the behaviors you want to produce.  

Watching others teach is the number one way to grow as an education professional.  Unfortunately. too many teachers and administrators fail to make it a priority.  If you don't observe others, you miss out on valuable perspective, ideas, and growth.  You also inevitably underserve your students.  

For educators, a few things in this world are certain - death, taxes, and the undeniable teacher truths mentioned in this week's episode.  Remember, as an educator, you are never alone.  Connect and collaborate with the amazing people in our field.  In addition to making you better at your job, it will also help you find support.