If demoralizing teachers worked, then our educational system would already have reached a state of perfection. Instead, says reviewer Jenni Miller, policymakers can find a true roadmap for change in Richard DuFour’s “In Praise of American Educators And How They Can Become Even Better.”
The difficulty students have in writing clearly can be traced to many factors, says literacy consultant Sarah Tantillo, from muddled pre-CCSS standards to weak teaching practices. Here she offers concrete suggestions to correct persistent writing problems in the secondary grades.
This large collection by educators covers important ground, says classroom tech leader Kevin Hodgson. Discussions of how technology impacts our writing and reading, media literacy principles, and social justice are “important and well worth the time.”
Literacy expert Laura Robb offers her research-based argument for refocusing American school reform on strategies to strengthen support for teachers and promote opportunities for all children to become creative, divergent thinkers and problem solvers.
While we want students to fall in love with reading through text choices that excite them, says literacy consultant Sarah Tantillo, teachers must also address challenging skills and content and make sure students grow their background knowledge base. Tantillo shares ideas about finding the balance.
Kids on the Cusp / Passion-based Learning
by Mary Tarashuk · Published 04/27/2014 · Last modified 12/15/2019
Upper elementary teacher Mary Tarashuk – who has always viewed “teach” as an action verb – is learning to step back and let students pursue their interests and passions more often, with the help of laptops & content-specific anchor activities.
The Teaching Life / Working Draft
by Kevin Hodgson · Published 10/21/2013 · Last modified 12/05/2019
In their K6 building, Kevin Hodgson & his 6th grade teammates often feel like middle school teachers in elementary teacher bodies. Mostly, they make it work.
This newly revised, idea-packed guide offers novice teachers detailed support as well as opportunities for reflection, says teacher educator Amanda Wall.
STEM By Design / STEM Teaching Practices
by Anne Jolly · Published 06/30/2013 · Last modified 12/15/2019
MiddleWeb’s STEM Imagineering blogger Anne Jolly applies her expert knowledge about effective professional learning teams to STEM PD.
Connected coaches are social artists “immersed in collaboration in online spaces” says expert and retired middle grades teacher Lani Ritter Hall in our interview.
