Connecting While Walking and Working

Erik YoungmanBlog, Connect Better, Self Care Better, Teach Happier

TL;DR: The WALK acronym (Wonder, Assist, Learn, Kindness) provides guidance for enhancing connections while walking and working, particularly for educators. Connecting while walking and working creates opportunities for visibility, accessibility, recognition, and two-way communication, fostering positive interactions and learning experiences. Planning what to read or work on, being aware of how to walk courteously, and considering the use of tools … Read More

Move Out of Your Comfort Zone by Focusing on What You Can Control

Erik YoungmanBlog, Lead Better, Manage Better, Reflect Better, Self Care Better

TL;DR: Moving out of your comfort zone, growth, and change is a process. This blog focuses on how different frameworks connect to help us understand our controllables and the process of change and growth. The goal of this blog is to simplify the framework of moving out of your comfort zone by connecting to other frameworks that can enhance focus … Read More

Using the Expertise of Your School Team

Erik YoungmanBlog, Connect Better, Lead Better

TL;DR: Maximize the impact of school decisions. Have clear communication, an open mind, and a shared vision. Collaborate with others to solve problems, and involve staff, stakeholders, and students. Reach beyond your school for additional ideas and support. Erik joined Dave Schmittou on the Daily Drop In to talk about using the expertise of your school team. Click here to … Read More

Effective Grading Practices That Empower Learning

Erik YoungmanBlog, Grade Better

TL;DR: Evaluate grading practices. Reflect on the use of assessments, feedback, and grades. Make changes to foster a growth mindset in students. Effective grading recommendations made by Thomas Guskey, Rick Wormeli, and Ken O’Connor are ingrained in my beliefs about effective learning and grading practices. However, educators can review grading recommendations through the lens of the impact on students’ growth … Read More

Reflection Guides Continuous Improvement

Erik YoungmanBlog, Reflect Better

TL;DR: Reflection empowers deeper thinking that can guide discussions and continuous improvement. Questions to guide reflection for teachers, students, and both teachers/students are shared. Educators should be commended for empowering hope, optimism, courage, curiosity, and resilience during this unique school year.  This continues to be one of the most complicated and challenging times for education, but also an exciting opportunity … Read More