STEM teaching: The key to the future can be a challenge for teachers

(Photo Credit © Kerkez via iStock) It’s hard to have any conversation about education today in which STEM teaching doesn’t come up. The acronym, used to refer to “science, technology, engineering, math,” pops up on education blogs, websites, teacher newsletters and career boards everywhere. Visionaries see bold, flexible ...

Neurodiversity in the classroom: Managing the challenges

(Photo Credit © Ivanastar via iStock ) We use the word “spectrum” all the time, but have you ever actually looked at a photograph of a color spectrum? The reality is that you cannot draw clear lines between colors. It is impossible to do. The transition from red to orange to ...

The Challenges of Students With ADHD, Autism and More…

(Photo Credit © Vchal via iStock) A fourth-grade girl daydreams extensively, gazing out the window during lessons. It’s hard to get her attention to have her participate in class. But she’s quiet, so she can sometimes escape notice. Another student has difficulty staying seated, and can be disruptive ...

Educational Outreach: Be a Teacher-Leader

Educational Outreach is about representing fellow teachers. That includes in negotiations with school administration and districts. As a teacher representative it is the job of an educational outreach associate to recruit and retain members and bargain on their behalf. Therefore, it is critical that anyone in this role be a ...

Pixar for SEL: Infinity and Beyond

Started by Star Wars creator George Lucas and later acquired by Apple's Steve Jobs, Pixar, now owned by Disney, has been a groundbreaking CG animation studio since 1979. Feature length films include "Toy Story", "Finding Nemo", "Cars", "Monsters, Inc." and "Up". But what ...

Inquiry-Based Education Awakens Innovation

Inquiry-based education awakens curiosity, wonder, and purpose in students. It elicits the evidence that we need to demonstrate students’ skills and their understanding of new standards. For teachers that means it is necessary to learn how to create classrooms that instill in students the drive for inquiry ...

Why Not Make Math Easy?

Students have a natural ability to learn, but sometimes math is intimidating. But it doesn’t have to be. Make math easy and fun. Why not? It can be done and once you break down that wall your kids will really enjoy it. As a teacher you want your students ...