The ABC's High School Teachers Really Need to Know

All students need experience solving problems, making decisions, advocating for themselves, applying skills, and completing assignments under pressure.  It's a crucial instructional approach, that when used in a balanced and productive way, generates better, more meaningful outcomes.  While effective teachers never intentionally humiliate, power struggle, or leave students to drown in the classroom, they also know that pr...

Effective teachers know that action is necessary to make change and positive impact happen.  All too often, we talk too much, make too many excuses, or give in to inaction.  Whether it's in how you manage your classroom, your process, or yourself, don't be afraid to take action.  Don't make empty promises or underestimate your ability.  Trying to improve and grow are extremely important goals themselves and far ...

Excessive negativity and overreaction seems to be creeping into the classroom from all around us.  It can make our jobs seem counterproductive or even impossible.  However, effective educators use philosophical approaches and practical strategies to keep the rot at bay.  Will there always be problem stakeholders and problem situations that come up in the classroom...absolutely.  Can we overcome and minimize thos...

It's amazing how much dysfunction is ingrained in our classrooms, schools, and the education system itself.  Much of it is so prevalent that we have resigned ourselves to accept it as reality.  We can do better.  Effective educators identify normalized dysfunction in their classrooms and then take steps to begin eliminating it.  For things we can't completely control, we advocate for change and  focus on le...

Teachers live a dual existence as very public figures trying to also have a private life.  It is difficult for many educators to understand and achieve a balance between the two.  It's important that we don't let awareness of our public perception become worry or fear.  Also, we can't be scared to be ourselves inside or outside of the classroom.  Being unauthentic reduces your quality of life and the quality of ...

The Octopus Mentality is crucial for any effective educator.  If you're not familiar with it, you should definitely tune in to this week's episode.  It could change your whole perspective on working with your students, your process, and even with yourself.  This is an episode of self-reflection that could lead to real improvement for your students and a longer and more successful career in education for you.   &...

This week's episode is all about challenging ourselves to open our minds to growing and developing as a professional.  Yes, "PD" can be time-consuming and terrible, but it doesn't have to be!  Start advocating and getting involved!  Be a part of the solution and not the problem.  Professional development provided by your school or other organizations should supplement your own efforts to grow as both a content s...

Your students respect and love you...even if they don't show it or even know it yet!  It's hard for secondary teachers to get that much needed affirmation from students in the short-term (which is important for making adjustments in the learning process AND finding confidence and self-worth in our roles).  Trust me though, the signs are there!  Keep your focus on building relationships and reminding yourself you're m...