TL;DR: Teach problem-solving through engaging challenges in middle school career technical education. Daily prompts require students to restate problems in their own words before attempting solutions. Shift from large projects to 1 to 2-day mini-challenges, enhancing student engagement and managing activities more effectively. One of the skills I’ve noticed that many students struggle with is problem-solving. Often, when you give … Read More
Mastering The Grid Method in 7 Steps
TL;DR: Master Grid Method basics for teaching success. Plan, engage, set expectations, and differentiate. Use assessments, reflect, and refine for classroom mastery. Can you feel the excitement in the air as we dive into the new year? This is the perfect time to shake things up in your classroom. And what better way to do it than with Mastery Learning … Read More
Recharge, Reflect, and Rejuvenate
TL;DR: Unplug from work and set boundaries for personal time. Recharge with hobbies and reflect on the past semester. Rejuvenate with mindfulness, healthy habits, and quality time with loved ones. It is time to recharge, reflect, and rejuvenate! Teaching is a rewarding yet demanding profession that often leaves educators mentally and physically exhausted when the holidays roll around. The break … Read More
What On Earth Is Career Technical Education?
TL;DR: Career Technical Education (CTE) explores interests & builds skills for students in middle and high school. CTE offers diverse electives and prepares students with certifications for various careers. Encouraging CTE allows students to explore passions beyond traditional college paths. So often when you meet new people one of the most common questions is, “What do you do?” Usually, I … Read More
Food for Thought: Brussels Sprouts and Change
TL;DR: Just as Brussels sprouts changed, so can people and ideas. Don’t be so quick to dismiss something or someone because of one bad experience. Give grace to students, staff, parents, and the community. It isn’t very often that I can pinpoint, to the exact day, the very first time I tried a particular food for the first time. But … Read More