The New Leader on Campus: Importance of Building Relationships

Ashley HubnerBlog, Connect Better, Engage Better, Lead Better, Manage Better

TL;DR: There are many ways to get to know your team as a new building leader: staff survey, meet and greet time, over lunch, and collaborative planning. Be visible, notice and name the great things you see by being specific in your language. Show appreciation by understanding the 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman. Building relationships with new staff can … Read More

Build Better Relationships: 3 Foundational Mindset Shifts

Livia ChanBlog, Connect Better, Engage Better, Lead Better, Manage Better, Reflect Better, Teach Happier

TL;DR: Relationships matter. Being connected is important for our overall happiness and well-being. There are foundational 3 mindset shifts that will help you build better relationships: (1) See relationships as gifts. (2) The relationship you have with yourself is also a gift. (3) Treat every interaction as an opportunity to improve your connection as building blocks. We can cultivate our … Read More

Learning Through Exploration

Teach Better TeamBlog, Engage Better, Lesson Plan Better

TL;DR: Exploration taps into a student’s natural curiosity. It provides a way to use the content vocabulary authentically. Exploration encourages sharing and further discovery. It’s a great way to intentionally structure your instruction for your students. Beginning of the Year It is the beginning of the school year and students are returning to classrooms full of hope, excitement, and nervousness. … Read More

Teaching Through the Circles: Previewing the Standards

Carrie LaRueBlog, Engage Better, Lesson Plan Better, Manage Better, Reflect Better

TL;DR: A great idea can be transferred to many different applications. Don’t be afraid to put your spin on a great idea. Give credit where credit is due. Teach Better Team I am honored to be part of an incredible community of teachers through the Teach Better team, my own district, and several teaching groups via social media. A little … Read More

Making the First Day Last

Jennifer WaldvogelBlog, Connect Better, Differentiate Better, Engage Better, Lead Better, Manage Better, Reflect Better

TL;DR: Leverage first week get to know yous for long-term relationships. Mini challenges are a great way to observe group dynamics. Create seating charts and small groups based on collective strength. Bring transparency and group sharing to PLCs and admin teams. As teachers, we learn so much about our students in the first six weeks of the school year. We … Read More