Thank you for your dedication to and mastery of educational equity through differentiated instruction. I’ve watched you take our school-wide priorities and initiatives seriously. You poured your heart into our collaborative learning system in which our teachers develop deliberate unit plans designed to differentiate instruction based on all students’ needs. Whenever doubt creeps into my head about whether we will ever truly serve ALL students, give ALL students equitable access to rigor, I walk myself to your classroom. I have plopped myself down in the corner of your room and can’t fend off a smile from enveloping my face as I watched you customize your lesson.
‘Tis the Season for Reflection by: Megan Crombie, Florida State University School 2020 Teacher of the Year
The whistle blows and it’s halftime! For most teachers it is not a whistle in a football game, but a glorious bell on an afternoon December that marks our halfway point in the school year. We made it! Whether you are closing the first semester winning by two touchdowns or struggling to stay in the game, the second semester is a wonderful time to reignite your passion for your students and subject matter. It might be time to make some changes or even pull out a few trick plays that will catch everyone by surprise in the second half. Whatever your situation, this time of year is perfect for the three R’s... Reflection, Reinvention, and Reconnection.
Key to a Successful School Year: Providing a Safe Space to Fail by: Dr. Nikki Mosblech
High school was a difficult time for me, one of intense personal growth as I dealt with the loss of a parent. Yet, when I reminisce on my days as a high school student, I immediately remember the moments in my classes when I was provided the opportunity to grow academically and personally—feeling secure enough to try new experiences while knowing that my teachers were always there to support me in times of failure. I always felt that science and art were safe spaces for me to explore, and in large part, this was due to the teachers I had in those subjects.
Listen. Imitate. Add on! by Steven Sanders
When I think about how teachers get better, I recall my first jazz improvisation lesson. I walked into the room, and my instructor said nothing. He pulled out his saxophone and played the first 8 notes of a blues tune called Moanin’. I looked at him; clearly confused. He played it again and still I had no idea what he was trying to have me do. Finally, he played it one more time simultaneously raising an eyebrow toward my instrument. Suddenly it clicked!
The Most Important Day of the Year by Joy Prescott
The brand new school year is drawing near and you probably have a thousand questions racing through your head: What will my students be like? Will they enjoy being in my class? What ways will I encourage them to reach their full potential? While these are all good questions, they are ones that can be put on the back burner. Your focus right now should be on the most important day of the year: The First Day of School. This day is crucial because it sets the tone for the rest of the year.
Making a Change by Joy Prescott
Engaging Families with... Homework? by Jessica Solano
The House System by Elisa Hall
The House System was one of the many strategies I observed at the Ron Clark Academy and immediately knew I wanted to implement it in my classroom. The system encouraged friendly competitions, school spirit, and a comradery that was built as students strived to help each other succeed.