Leaders Leave Too: The Unspoken Crisis of School Leaders Resigning
Leaders Leave Too: The Unspoken Crisis of School Leaders Resigning There’s a lot of talk about teachers leaving the classroom and the education field altogether. Many people are more or less aware that America is experiencing a teacher shortage. Although their personal reasons vary, the current teacher shortage typically falls into three categories: overworked, underpaid, […]
G.A.M.E.S. for the Classoom
G.A.M.E.S. for the Classoom I recently attended a professional development session where the presenter intentionally used the word “play” in the presentation. For years this was an unspoken no-no in our district. Yes, students used educational games but we never said that word because students were learning not playing. There has been a sudden shift […]
Gaming in Classrooms
Gaming in Classrooms As I was writing this piece, I had multiple flashbacks to the 1980s, the decade I first experienced game based learning. To this day, I attribute these gaming experiences as integral to my understanding of my favorite subject – history. However, although the games I was playing were directly related to content, […]
Gaming in Higher Education
Gaming in Higher Education Many have seen game-like exercises in K-12 classrooms, but expectations for those pedagogies typically stop at the gates of higher education. Not anymore. On many campuses across the globe, games are also becoming a learning resource at the college level. Although gaming is typically viewed as a pastime or a fun […]
The Shift Towards Non-Traditional Education Models
The Shift Towards Non-Traditional Education Models ascascascas If I was writing this article in the 20th century, “non-traditional” schooling would reference alternatives to public schools like Montessori education, charter schools, or Expeditionary Learning programs. All three represent both the historical trend to offer variety in the way schooling happen and, through their growth, the normalizing […]
Is Elementary Education Shifting Towards Non-Traditional Education Models?
Is Elementary Education Shifting Towards Non-Traditional Education Models? Last week we celebrated National School Choice Week. This is a week where parents are encouraged to learn about all educational options available for their child. Over the past several years, many parents sought other educational school settings for their children. There are a variety of factors […]
Is There Room for AI in Elementary School?
Is There Room for AI in Elementary School? Growing up I watched Saturday morning cartoons. Two of my favorite families were the Flintstones and the Jetsons. At the time, I enjoyed the humor and funny antics. Looking back, I marvel at the stark contrast of their time periods. They were both living their best lives […]
AI in the Classroom
AI in the Classroom I was recently asked by a member of my Professional Learning Network (PLN) how my district is addressing artificial intelligence (AI) in our school. Her school system is starting down the road of exploration of AI; specifically, the implications and applications of this game changing technology. As we have started down […]
Artificial Intelligence and Higher Education
Artificial Intelligence and Higher Education The discussion of AI and its place in Higher Ed is on the table nationwide. Higher education institutions are joining other companies and organizations in several ways to embrace artificial intelligence for educators and students alike. First things first, what is AI? Thanks to media influences, consumers have varying ideas […]
The Swinging Pendulum of Elementary Education
The Swinging Pendulum of Elementary Education When I first began teaching 25 years ago I heard the phrases “the pendulum swings” or “same idea, but different name.” Now I understand what those teachers meant because I too have seen trends come and go. Whether you are working with a new educator or a veteran teacher, […]
First Year Teachers vs. Veteran Teachers: The Secondary Edition
First Year Teachers vs. Veteran Teachers: The Secondary Edition We all have our influential core convictions regarding education. Whether the topic is classroom management, instructional practices, or year long schooling, our beliefs are the collection of our experiences. To specify, by “experiences” I am referring to things like the content (reading, podcasts, videos) we engage […]
Where is Higher Education Headed?
Where is Higher Education Headed? Like every other education sector, the landscape of Higher Education has had to pivot several times over the last four years. Undoubtedly, COVID-19 caused change in schools and the need to modify and adapt just about everything. However, education trends have also changed, and technology has certainly contributed to a […]
First Year Teachers vs. Veteran Teachers: The Elementary Edition
First Year Teachers vs. Veteran Teachers: The Elementary Edition As a stakeholder, knowing the perspectives of various educators will help you target your marketing to better meet the diverse needs of educators. Last year my future daughter in law, Hailey Carlson, was gearing up to do her student teaching. She has since graduated and started […]
Options for Educators Outside of the Elementary Classroom
Options for Educators Outside of the Elementary Classroom There are a variety of reasons educators are leaving the profession. However, post-pandemic research regarding the turnover in the teaching profession includes an interesting insight. They indicated that educators are leaving their previous job, but staying in education and some hold different jobs within the same district. […]
Accommodating Special Needs Learners in Higher Education
Accommodating Special Needs Learners in Higher Education How does special education factor into higher education? Special education has a home in higher ed. However, it looks completely different than the K-12 sector. One significant difference is that there is no special education placement or an IEP in higher education. The IEP process only applies to […]
How to Combat the Challenges of Understaffed Elementary Schools
How to Combat the Challenges of Understaffed Elementary Schools It’s November and many school districts are still limping along with unfilled teaching positions. These positions are often referred to as critical shortage areas. On the top of the list has always been openings in special education. Other positions include speciality areas such as math, science, […]
Social Emotional Consideration from a School Counselor’s Perspective
Social Emotional Consideration from a School Counselor’s Perspective The high school counselor position is one of the most interesting groups of I work with. Their influence on a student’s experiences happens throughout schooling and beyond. To that end, counselors must be able to nurture relationships with students despite not having a set class schedule. Moreover, […]
Social Emotional Considerations at an Elementary Level
Social Emotional Considerations at an Elementary Level The school counselor is a vital staff member at all grade levels. The student needs differ in elementary, high school, and higher education settings. However, their impact on the social and emotional well-being of students is tremendous. This past year, in the state of Montana, the accreditation committee […]
Social Emotional Considerations for Higher Education Students
Social Emotional Considerations for Higher Education Students Social-emotional learning aims to enhance student’s self and social awareness and relationship skills. These skills help students of all ages work effectively with others while strengthening their self-regulation and decision-making abilities. Adult learners, in particular, face various life challenges while making significant decisions, starting at 18! Social-emotional learning, […]
The ABC’S of Differentiation in Education
The ABC’S of Differentiation in Education Differentiation has always been an instructional model for educators. Basically, educators need to make changes in content, process, product, and environment to meet the diverse needs of their students. This is especially important because the elementary standards provide the building blocks of future learning. At an elementary level, typically, […]
Can We Have Your Attention, Please?
Can We Have Your Attention, Please? Let’s talk about attention spans. Are they shortening? Studies suggest that attention spans have shortened considerably over the last few decades. Why is that? Think about it: as adults, when was the last time you had an entire day completely free from digital distractions? No text messages, email notifications, […]
How to Engage Students with Shorter Attention Spans
How to Engage Students with Shorter Attention Spans In today’s vast and varying world of education, there are a few topics in which teachers in any school or district will find common ground. As you think about what items may be on this list – teacher pay, school safety, the use of technology – I […]
Elementary School Students & Their Attention Spans
Elementary School Students & Their Attention Spans Over the past 25 years, I have seen attention spans drastically decrease. These changes are both physical, social, and academic. In short, it is hard for young learners to sit and listen for long periods of time. However, elementary students have always had short attention spans. There are […]
What is Microlearning?
What is Microlearning? Microlearning is one of the latest buzzwords in education. When implemented correctly it can be used to help students become more engaged in their learning. By understanding the basics microlearning is and how to incorporate it into a classroom, you can better help those clients who are still on the fence regarding […]