TL;DR: We remember what is taught through stories with courageous conversations. Stories help us understand, connect, and give a pathway and multiple opportunities to teaching concepts. Stories resonate with us and are close to our hearts to empower our spirit when there is a safe classroom discussion space. Create safe spaces by incorporating storytelling, reflection, journaling, and using graphic organizers … Read More
What is Translanguaging?
TL;DR: As educators, we must be strategic and intentional in our language instruction. It is crucial to strengthening our students’ language development. The beauty of translanguaging is honoring and elevating the languages of those we serve. QUICK! We’re going to do a quick experiment! Go grab a clear glass of water. Now put in 2 drops of red food coloring. … Read More
Spark Your Passion This Summer!
TL;DR: In order to come back in September feeling excited and happy to return, we need to take time off. There are 10 ways we can spark our passion in the summer: make time for yourself, rethink curriculum, do some planning, learn, be yourself, revisit your why, know you are human, lead and mentor others, build excitement, and maintain trusting … Read More
Three Action Items for Pride Month in Your Classroom (and Beyond!)
TL;DR: Three action items to promote equality and inclusion of LGBTQIA+ community members in the classroom include learning the acronym, teaching and learning LGBTQIA+ history, and expanding your allyship to become a co-conspirator. Make a commitment to teach with pride! LGBTQIA+ Pride Month isn’t just parades and rainbows. It’s about history, celebration, struggle, and love. Students and teachers who identify … Read More
Great Leaders Know When to Get Off Their Soapbox
TL;DR: We all have a soapbox. It may be more important to get off the soapbox than to constantly stand on the soapbox and announce our good intentions. The “Knowing-Doing Gap” is created when school staff know the jargon, but fail to change their practice. Eduspeak is one of the main barriers to supporting more students and transforming teaching and … Read More