Teaching and learning in grades 4-8

School Leadership: Finding the Right People

First, effective school leaders have to hire the right people. Leadership experts and former principals Ron Williamson and Barbara Blackburn share tips about generational characteristics, interview protocols, and the kinds of questions principals shouldn’t ask.

Six Ways to Talk with Students about Politics

Sarah Cooper’s spring U.S. history classes provided a dress rehearsal for the upcoming fall election season. Here are six classroom-tested strategies she plans to use during Constitution studies as her middle schoolers experience America’s often volatile political process first-hand.

Managing Learning in the Active Classroom

Management in the Active Classroom is a unique behavior-oriented resource. Few other books offer specific strategies that help the teacher provide structure while still honoring the dignity of every student. Jodi and Matt Renwick recommend it for every school.

6 Ways Teachers Can Stay Inspired This Year

Taking care of ourselves means finding time to rest, getting enough exercise, and having balance in our lives. It also means being inspired about who we are and what we do. Barbara Blackburn shares six ways she has incorporated inspiration into her teaching life.

Media Literacy in Today’s Social Studies Class

The NCSS revised Position Statement on Media Literacy supports engaging students in inquiry and analysis as well as developing their understanding of media and propaganda. Frank W. Baker shows how students can evaluate the flood of fake news and the Fall election.

A Possible Introductory Ed Leadership Text

Karen L. Sanzo’s book offers ideas for changing the paradigm of leadership development through the use of practical and useful tools that are not difficult to implement. Also see how others are implementing leadership programs, says reviewer Margaret Jones-Carey.

Turn Writers Workshop Into a Maker Space

Angela Stockman’s attitude of respect and awe for students flows from the pages of “Make Writing” and inspires teachers to think differently about their approach to writing instruction. Amber Chandler recommends this easy-to-follow, forward thinking “making” guide.