Middle school principal of 11 years, co-founder of 16 Lyrics, Teachers’ Cup of Coffee Podcast host, heart attack survivor, basketball coach, and family man
Springfield, MA
Joined May 2010
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Classroom Meetings, from @MisterMinor, offer a fast, fun way to connect with students and build real community. No scripts. No circles. Just simple moves that work. In 10 minutes, we unpack a practice that can transform your classroom vibe. podcasts.apple.com/us/podcas…
In this episode, I share 3 tricks we can use in our planning and teaching to ensure that students practice deep learning in our classroom. 10 minutes could change your teaching all year! podcasts.apple.com/us/podcas…
Drawing is a powerful way to improve teaching, learning, and assessment. It leads to a lot of brain work and deepening of learning. In under 10 minutes, I go over the why/how/what of bringing drawing into our classrooms. podcasts.apple.com/us/podcas…
In a few weeks, many of us will be responding to students who have experienced trauma. Let's open our school year using some simple PROACTIVE measures to support challenging students right from the jump! podcasts.apple.com/us/podcas…
At the end of each lesson, have students rate their engagement from 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). Do this every lesson for a month. Analyze the feedback. And your lessons will become more engaging.
Tomorrow is the last Friday in April. I plan to take a deep breath at school, have some fun conversations with kids, and remind teachers of how awesome they are. We’re fully in the homestretch now!
9 months ago today I was on life support in Boston following a widow-maker heart attack. Today I held two school assemblies, went to many productive meetings with teachers, re-opened recess, and tonight am headed to a school concert. Life is good!
It’s been a while! Good to be back discussing education! podcasts.apple.com/us/podcas…
I feel like the best schools realize that the adults set the tone and the mood of the school. Positive, optimistic, and energetic adults leads to upbeat and happy kids. And in turn, a positive school culture.
Perfect!
Anyone who says this was a “lost school year” hasn’t been around a teacher the past 14 months. They’ve worked their tails off to make the impossible possible!! Much love to all the teachers grinding away every day! It hasn’t gone unnoticed!!#TeacherAppreciationWeek #FLHornets
Tomorrow, find one kid that you don’t know much about. Have a one minute conversation with the kid. Ask questions. Listen. Remember his or her name. And finish the moment with some encouraging words.
It will be the best minute of your day.
April vacation is so important for educators. Especially this year. But heading into the homestretch tomorrow is also exciting. It’s our last chance to do everything we can to teach, support, and love kids. They need us to be positive.
Let’s do this!
I totally agree! As school leaders, we need to fight for these programs. It’s our responsibility to kids. Well said @DrBradJohnson
Thanks for this coverage of my tweet @Melissa__Hanson “The one problem that’s been pointed out w/ my tweet, which I agree with, is this worked for my daughters because my daughters are privileged. We’re middle class, they’re safe in the house, there’s food in the house.”
With remote learning during COVID, some students have learned life skills like technology and cooking trib.al/upXMsLw
Yes, my 8th grader has definitely demonstrated an adult-like ability when it comes to "work-life balance and self-structuring." In fact, as much as she misses the social side of school, she is dreading the lack of autonomy in her schedule upon return.
I totally agree with you. And now I wonder how schools can continue to nourish these same skills without simply slipping right back to focusing only on standardized testing.
Our current grading systems are not equipped to measure the new skills our students have mastered this year. Many if not most “office” jobs will stay remote and will need self-motivated personnel who can grow in that environment. Our students are ready for that! @njasa