Instruction Should Be Everyone’s Thing

From the Couch of Monica… Sometimes in education, in the day-to-day grind, we forget that reflection is a powerful starting point and an invaluable tool when we think about what kids need from us in the classroom. It is an easy thing to do these days, when there are many responsibilities and tasks imposed on…

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Reporting from Real Rooms: Math Stations

Because of the nature of coaching teachers, our team is fortunate enough to be in classrooms on a regular basis. This affords us the opportunity to not only offer our expertise, but also watch some important transformations that happen in schools. One effective practice we are glad to be noticing more and more is incorporating…

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The Bigger Picture

From the desk of Carol C…   When you look into your children’s future what do you see?  Successful individuals? What does that mean? Chances are, you are not just thinking about your child’s past educational record.  More than likely you’re also imagining them as self fulfilled individuals with positive relationships with others. You are…

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Great Expectations

From the desk of Leigh Ann . . . I watched a master teacher at work on the soccer field the other day.  As a great debate ensued over the fairness of game rules, she quietly walked over to mediate.  She asked the children to explain what was going on and quickly realized that not…

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Finding Fulfillment Again

From the desk of Carol C… Where will you keep your focus this year? Most of us went into teaching to make a difference in the lives of children and therefore, a difference in our world.  Remember the excitement (and fear) we felt at the beginning of each school year our first years in the…

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Why We Need More Coffee Shops and Less Teacher Lounges

From the desk of Alice… Every now and then I like to splurge for a latte at a locally owned coffee shop instead of heading straight to my office.  While sipping on my favorite latte, I like to read and write and people watch.   I have found that the change of scenery is perfect to…

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Reflect and Revitalize

          From the desk of Leigh Ann . . . Teaching can be an incredibly fulfilling and exhilarating experience, but it can also be one that leaves you feeling defeated and exhausted.  When you unwind and finally have time to reflect on your teaching day, where do your thoughts go?  Do…

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Expected Versus Unexpected

From the desk of Carol C… How do you spend your day?  Are you rushing from activity to activity?  Most of us are so busy hurrying from one thing to the next we don’t seem to have enough time to do anything other than move at dangerous speeds.  Now it would serve to reason in…

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Enlarge Your World

From the desk of Leigh Ann . . . “There are many ways to enlarge your child’s world.  Love of books is the best of all”   – Jacqueline Kennedy One of the most important things we can do to help instill a love of learning in our students is to read to them every day.…

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