“I witnessed a young teacher do something today I have never seen. While reading a story, she said: ‘Stand up if you know the term ‘refugee.’ OK, each of you go to someone who is seated and explain the term to them. We will keep doing this until all are standing.‘ Brilliant!”
—Educator Danny Steele
“Know your students’ stories before you teach them. And don’t forget to tell yours. Humanizing the teacher for students builds connection.”
—Educator Dorina Sackman-Ebuwa
“A long time ago, someone suggested that I mark papers with green in – look for what students have right and give them credit for that. I still have to explain it to my students. I want them to see that I’m looking for what they CAN do.“
—Teacher Elizabeth Jones
“For tests, I dedicate the first five minutes to let students hold the tests and talk to their group about strategies – without pencils. This lowers their test anxiety, and when you walk around, you hear some of the richest.”
—Educator Howie Hua
“I took Brené Brown’s advice and asked a student, ‘The story I’m telling myself about why you’re behaving this way or not doing the work is _____. Where am I getting it wrong?’ And, her response changed the trajectory of our whole interaction and plan moving forward. Take the time to ask.”
—Educator Amy Fast
“I have a ‘what’s on your mind’ bucket in my classroom. Kids have said I speak too fast, so I slowed down. Some have said there are too many notes, so I worked to shorten them. And some kids complained about seating, so I worked on that. I cannot always fix it – then I explain why and work with the kids. Sometimes a student will say they really need a minute to talk with me, so I find a minute to chat. My favorites are the positive notes I get. Those I save.”
—Teacher Heather Fish
“Tip for teachers with a lot of kids: Print a copy of your rosters every Monday. Track who you check in with each period, and any important information, on that page. On Friday morning highlight names of kids who you haven’t talked to yet, and any who need a second check-in.“
—Educator Courtney Brackmann
“RUN. I don’t mean run from teaching, but run toward the teachers who support, mentor and build up. The key to staying in the profession is finding teachers who love their jobs.”
—Educator Lisa McDougal
“I think we find balance when we remember to be data-informed, but student-driven. I need data to make the best educational decisions for my students. But it’s our students and their success that drive me.”
—Educator Greg Moffitt
“Say, ‘Good morning’ and ‘Have a great day!’ Ask about their extracurricular activities, and show up whenever you can. Give authentic, specific feedback and praise… Genuinely care about them as people, not just as students, and make sure they know it.”
—Teacher Hannah Sapp
Did we miss one of your favorite pieces of #BiteSizedPD? Let us know in a comment!
