Commit to Lead Browse Random ideas

Numerous studies highlight the importance of free, unstructured play in the healthy development of children. In Finland, students have a 15 minute recess break after every 45 minutes of academic instruction and their students rank at the top academically.
Yet more and more schools in the U.S. have moved away from permitting regular recess for their elementary and middle school students in an attempt to gain more instructional... more »

In order for students to meet the demands of college and career readiness, they must be computer literate. Many schools have addressed some technology training for teachers but professional development for teachers is always a challenge to school schedules. Tech buddies is a simple answer to creating opportunities for teacher leaders to share with teachers and student leaders to share with other students. Much like the... more »

There is a need to create a PLC (Professional Learning Community)of veteran teachers who are able to provide novice teachers with the best practices to use when effectively communicating with parents in difficult situations. Although educators attend teacher prep programs to obtain the proper tools on becoming teachers, there is a lack of best strategies provided to these novice teachers on how they can effectively communicate... more »

In a time of educational flux, it seems as if there is no better time for opportunity than the present for educators to become teacher leaders. One does not need to do work at the district level in order to become a teacher leader. Teacher leaders are individuals open to change and are proactive in sharing their knowledge, leading collaboration meetings, grade level discussions, community involvement, and/or any additional... more »

Computational thinking and coding is the new literacy that is needed for students in order for them to create innovative ways of expression and to solve complex problems that face society. Through explicitly connecting the computational thinking process to problem solving, students learn to decompose complex problems, look for patterns, and come up with solutions. This connects well with the eight Standards for Mathematical... more »

Bringing your leadership skills into your grade level collaboration meetings will set a positive framework for the many changes that are upon us as we embrace the Common Core Curriculum. It is important to have at least one teacher leader in a grade level to maintain balance, listen to concerns, and guide the change process. Teacher leaders should present change with an open mind and be prepared to hear ideas from all... more »

I’m a CORE teacher (English and social studies, back-to-back, with the same group of students). English and social studies complement each other very well. For example, as a CORE teacher I can select novels for English class that are set in the particular historical period and locale the students are studying in social science class. I believe this model could be equally effective with English and science CORED. For... more »

What would grading look like when assessing the 21st century skills such as collaboration, communication, creativity, and critical thinking? Can this be done, will standard based grading need to happen, and if so how will schools, parents, and higher ed establishments adapt to this?
21st century skills are becoming part of the classroom especially in STEM. These skills are very important in becoming college and work... more »

Every day there are amazing things happening in our classrooms. One of my goals is to ensure that there are opportunities for my teachers to observe one another, share strategies, and collaborate. I would often hear talk of peers wanting to observe one another but rarely was there ever follow through.

My instructional coach and I created "Classroom Connections", the opportunity for our teachers to make a connection... more »

I don't think educators typically have leadership skills. They need to learn how to think and act strategically when it comes to new ideas, changing practice, and learning together. There is lots of research available in this regard and if teachers learn how to advocate and lead, they not only will impact schools with greater skill, but they will also model these leadership skills for the students they teach.

Sometimes beginning teachers do not have the support system of a mentor, or a PLC, or an immediate colleague, to help them create innovative teaching. Immediate inspiration could be achieved by the "I.N.S.P.I.R.E. Nation Network" and could be the uncomplicated resource to help new teachers find the help they need, immediately. District Professional Learning departments simply create a "go-to" online site on their main... more »

What are some creative and fun ways to implement PBIS in primary/elementary school setting?

One of the biggest struggles for increasing AP access is providing first-time AP students with sufficient support. We can use technology platforms like Google Hangouts to increase resources for first time AP students. For students in schools with limited AP enrollment, this tool can let students have the collaboration with peers that is part of a rigorous learning environment. It can also help new AP teachers learn... more »

It is no surprise that the topic of classroom clip charts has proven to be controversial for students, parents and educators alike. While clip charts offer a visually appealing tracking system for behavior in the classroom, what do they really tell us?

I make it my mission to focus on the positive in the classroom so upon implementing a behavior chart I was not one to use the bottom half. Instead of clipping down in... more »

Literacy skills have been emphasized in the Common Core as skills that cross disciplines; however, many teachers seem uncomfortable with their own understanding of these skills and/or are proceeding by simply attaching a standard to activities they've always done instead of placing the skills of the standards first and collaborating with teachers for both horizontal and vertical scaffolding. How can we reshape our thinking... more »