Today, women make up the majority of students in higher education at 56%. However, women are still underrepresented in leadership positions in the education sector. According too a 2019 report by the American Council on Education, women hold only 30% of college and university presidencies. In this article we are going to highlight inspirational women in education today.
Rita F. Pierson
Rita F. Pierson is an educator of 40 years who has been in and around the classroom her entire life. She is the child and grandchild of educators.
Rita Pierson once heard a colleague say, "They don't pay me to like the kids." Her response: "Kids don't learn from people they don't like.'" A rousing call to educators to believe in their students and actually connect with them on a real, human, personal level.
Olympia Della Flora
Olympia Della Flora, and educator, wants schools to think differently about educating students, by helping them manage their emotions.
To get young kids to thrive in school, we need to do more than teach them how to read and write. We need to teach them how to manage their emotions, says educator Olympia Della Flora. In this practical talk, she shares creative tactics she used to help struggling, sometimes disruptive students. Things like stopping for brain breaks, singing songs and even doing yoga poses all with her existing budget and resources. "Small changes make huge differences, and it's possible to start right now ... You simply need smarter ways to think about using what you have, where you have it," she says.
Shabana Basij-Rasikh
Shabana Basij-Rasikh is the cofounder and president of the School of Leadership, Afghanistan (SOLA), the country's first and only girls' boarding school. In this deeply moving talk, educator Shabana Basij-Rasikh shares the harrowing story of evacuating more than 250 students, staff and family members from the School of Leadership, Afghanistan (SOLA) (the country's first and only all-girls boarding school) to Rwanda after the Taliban took power in 2021. An exceptional story of hope, resilience and dreaming big for future generations of Afghan girls and a challenge for the world to not look away.
Tamara Russel
Tamara is an 3rd grade educator in Florida. When she isn't teaching, she's training other teachers. She is passionate about teaching for high engagement, using standards-based teaching and rubrics to improve growth, and teaching writing. She is the creator of Mrs. Russell's Room, a website where she shares her insights on curriculum and the life of teaching. She also has a very informative Instagram page.
Mrs. Russell's Room - (tamaravrussell.com)
Naomi Simone O'Brien
Naomi is an educator of 11+ years. She has experience with K-2 and K-5 students with Gifted and Talented small groups. She has presented for educators at the Teachers Pay Teachers conferences, Get Your Teach On conferences, and the ReLit conference. She partners with schools and equity teams to help them plan anti-racist lessons and start DEI work at their sites. She is a very vocal anti-racist activist. She is a content creator and the author of "Unpack Your Impact", "Micah's Big Question", "You'll Never Guess What I'm Thinking About", and "You'll Never Guess What I'm Saying".
Home - Naomi O'Brien - Read Like a Rockstar (readlikearockstarteaching.com)
Vera Ahiyya
Vera Ahiyya is a kindergarten teacher, teacher consultant, educational speaker, and creator of "The Tutu Teacher". She's a super fun tutu-wearing, dancing teacher who loves spreading positivity and happiness. Her blog is full of awesome ideas on educating our tiny humans and we love her for it!
The Tutu Teacher – A Blog by Vera
Women have made significant contributions to the field of education and we need to take the time to appreciate them. These are just a few of the many inspirational educators. This Women's History Month, let's celebrate the achievements of women in education and continue to work towards a more equitable and inclusive future for all.
]]>School should be a safe and welcoming place for all students, but unfortunately, many students experience harassment, intimidation, and bullying (HIB) in their school environment. According to the National Center for Educational Statistics 2019, 1 in every 5 students has reported being bullied. This can have a negative impact on their academic performance, mental health, and overall well-being. In order to create compassionate classrooms and a classroom culture free from harassment, intimidation, and bullying, it is important for schools to implement a zero tolerance policy and take a proactive approach to prevent and address these issues.
Before we can address harassment, intimidation, and bullying in schools, it is important to understand what it is. What is harassment? Harassment encompasses any gesture, written or verbal expression, electronic communication, or physical act that a reasonable person should know will harm another student, damage their property, or insult or demean them. What about intimidation? Intimidation involves actions that create fear or apprehension in another student. This can be through threats, coercion, or something that makes someone feel unsafe or anxious. Bullying? Bullying is characterized by repetitive, intentional, and hurtful actions directed at an individual or group. It can be physical, verbal, or relational (such as exclusion or spreading rumors).
A zero tolerance policy means that any form of HIB will not be tolerated and will result in immediate corrective action. This sends a clear message to students that this type of behavior is not acceptable and will not be tolerated in the safe space. It also holds students accountable for their actions.
Prevention is key in creating a school environment free from HIB. Schools can implement various strategies to prevent HIB from occurring, such as:
Despite prevention efforts, HIB incidents may still occur. It is important for schools to have a clear protocol in place for addressing these incidents. This may include:
In addition to implementing a zero tolerance policy and prevention strategies, it is important for schools to create a supportive environment for all students. This can include:
By taking these steps, schools can create a safe and welcoming environment for all students, free from HIB. It is important for schools to continuously evaluate and improve their policies and practices to ensure a respectful and inclusive culture for all students.
If you're interested in learning more about creating a respectful culture for your students free of harassment, intimidation, and bullying, check out the professional development course on our site: Creating a School Environment Free from Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying. CE Credits Online offers online professional development courses for K-12 teachers.
]]>Black students are disproportionately identified and placed in special education programs compared to their white peers. Black students are 40% more likely to be identified as having educational disabilities than their peers. Black students are twice as likely to be identified as having emotional disturbance and intellectual disability as their peers.
Among families of students with disabilities, those with lower incomes and who have children of color are less likely than their affluent and white counterparts to access their legal rights under IDEA.
Black students with special needs often attend schools in low-income communities with limited resources and funding. These schools may not have access to resources and support to meet the unique needs of students with disabilities. As a result, many do not receive the necessities to succeed in their academic and personal lives.
To address the disproportionate identification and placement of Black students in special education, schools must implement culturally responsive practices. This includes training educators on cultural competence and providing resources to support the diverse needs of students. Schools should also review their policies and procedures to ensure they are not biased against students of color. Some of the resources can be utilized by teachers are social-emotional learning materials, restorative practices tools, and behavior assessments, plans and supports.
To ensure that Black students with special needs have access to quality education, schools must provide the necessary resources and support. Working with the students' families are a great way to ensure equity in education. Another important part of creating an equitable environment is hiring more diverse staff and allocating resources to schools in low-income communities. Schools should also work with families to create individualized education plans (IEPs) that meet the unique needs of each student. There are also a plethora of professional development opportunities to learn more about black students with special needs. CE Credits Online offers a course called Identifying and Removing Obstacles for Black Students with Special Needs that will help teachers make a difference in the underserved lives of their special needs students.
Teachers should foster a creative environment and address implicit bias to create a welcoming and supportive environment for Black students with special needs. This can be achieved by implementing anti-bias and anti-racist practices, providing diversity and inclusion training for staff, and creating a safe space for students to discuss their experiences.
What does advocacy look like? Advocacy includes gathering information, looking for strengths and needs, understanding the cultural identities of your students, putting aside personal biases for the good of your students, collaborating with families, gathering resources for students to succeed, and adjusting your and your teaching practices to better meet the needs of your students.
CE Credits Online offers online professional development courses for K-12 teachers. Are you ready to make a difference in the lives of underserved Black Students with Special Needs? Change agency begins with awareness, knowledge, and skill. In this self-paced course, teachers and school staff will recognize personal and professional biases, relationships between structures of racism and special education, relate empathy for ignorance to strategies for equity, and relegate evidence-based and privileged best practices to the most marginalized students with special needs: Black students. Check out the course: Identifying and Removing Obstacles for Black Students with Special Needs.
]]>Educators have the responsibility to teach their students about the diverse history of the country. This includes the often overlooked and underrepresented history of Black Americans.
By incorporating Black history and teaching about the experiences and contributions of Black Americans into the curriculum, you promote cultural awareness and understanding. Learning from the struggle of Black Americans in history can also help students develop empathy and respect for all cultures and perspectives. This is especially important in today's society, where diversity and inclusivity are deeply important qualities.
In this article, we will share some resources for teachers to incorporate in their lessons during Black History Month.
The internet is a valuable tool for finding resources to teach Black history in the classroom. Here are a few websites that offer a variety of resources for teachers:
Incorporating books and literature into our lessons is another effective way to teach Black history in the classroom. Here are a few recommended titles:
Introducing students to important historical figures is an effective way to teach about Black history. Many students already know about some of the more well known historical figures, so it may be more interesting for them to learn about more unknown Black American historical figures.
One way to incorporate Black history into your lessons is to integrate it into existing topics. For example, when teaching about the Civil War, you can also discuss the impact of slavery and the experiences of Black soldiers during the war.
When teaching about the Civil Rights Movement, you can also discuss the contributions of lesser-known activists and the ongoing fight for racial equality today.
Using letters, speeches, and photos from primary sources can provide a more authentic and personal perspective to historical events that your students will appreciate.
In addition to teaching about Black history, it is important to create a safe and inclusive space for students to discuss and reflect on what they have learned. Encourage open and respectful discussions about race, diversity, and equality in the classroom.
You can also assign reflective writing prompts or activities to help students process and internalize the information they have learned.
CE Credits Online offers online professional education for K-12 teachers. You can take the work at your own pace courses anytime and anywhere. CE Credits Online offers courses like:
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 1 in 6 U.S. youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year. Children with at least 1 Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE) are at an even higher risk for mental health problems.
Creating a compassionate classroom can help promote positive mental health by providing a safe and supportive space for students to express their emotions and seek help if needed. This can lead to a decrease in anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues among students.
It's important for students to feel like they belong and are accepted in a compassionate classroom. For some students who may feel excluded or like they don't fit in in other areas of their life it's especially important. When students feel like they belong and are accepted they're more likely to participate in learning and form positive relationships with their peers.
Modeling compassion in the classroom can teach students the value of empathy and kindness. It's not only important for the environment of a classroom but in the future of our society.
Establish a baseline of respect. "Treat others with kindness and respect" and "listen when others are talking" are good starts. Setting basic expectations from the beginning will let students know what is expected of them and how to treat others around them.
You are one of your students' biggest role models. It's important to model compassionate behavior while interacting with students and colleagues. Students are more likely to show respect and compassion when they see it in action.
Mindfulness practices, such as deep breathing and meditation, can help students regulate their emotions and reduce stress and anxiety. By incorporating these practices into the classroom, students can learn to be more present and aware of their thoughts and feelings. This can lead to a more compassionate and empathetic classroom environment.
effective communication is key to a compassionate space. Encourage students to openly and respectfully communicate with teachers and peers. You can do this by teaching students how to express their emotions and how to actively listen. This will help students build stronger relationships in their academic and personal lives.
The CDC reported that children who were discriminated against based on race or ethnicity had higher percentages of physical health conditions and one or more mental health conditions. Diversity should be celebrated and embraced in all spaces. By valuing students' differences, you create a more inclusive and compassionate environment. You can incorporate this into the classroom by offering diverse perspectives and cultures into lessons and activities. You can also celebrate different cultural holidays and events.
Some students will struggle even in the most compassionate classrooms. It's important to provide support and offer resources to these students. This can include having a school counselor or mental health professional available for students to talk to.
Creating compassionate classrooms are vital for promoting positive mental health, creating a sense of belonging, and encourages empathy and kindness among students.
CE Credits Online offers online professional development courses for teachers including courses called: Creating Compassionate Classrooms: Overcoming Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES) and A Mindful Pedagogy: Strategies for Creating Compassionate and Purposeful Learning Spaces. Click on the "Courses" tab above and select your location to get started.
]]>Download this poster for your classroom!
CE Credits Online offers online professional development courses for K-12 teachers in the U.S.
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In this article, we'll highlight some inspirational teachers who are going above and beyond.
Principal Cook from Newark, New Jersey went viral for his dedication to his students. He discovered that many of his students weren't coming to school because they were being bullied for having dirty clothes, so he set up what he calls the "big room". This room has washers and dryers and donated detergent that the students can use before and after school. He often gets to the school early and stays late so that he can help his students in need. He's a huge inspiration to his students, community, and other educators around the country.
@mrpolo69 #mrpolo69 #fypシ゚viral #tiktok #capcut #viralvideo #viral #USA #love #xzyabc #xzyabc #inspire #kindness #fy #princpal ♬ original sound - MrPolo
Mr. Jones' school was one of the schools that got free lunches for the students during the pandemic. However, that only lasted a year and students in his school were struggling to pay for their lunches. Mr. Jones decided to make a 6 second TikTok video to raise money to pay off some of the student lunch debt that had been accrued. Little did he know it would raise over $30,000 in donations. Mr. Jones was honored the Wasatch Education Foundation's Distinguished Educator of the Year last May and is working with a foundation to use the donated money to cover the outstanding lunch fees in his school district.
@cgj205 Kids can’t learn if they’re hungry and don’t deserve to be handed a bill for lunch at a place they have to be. School lunch should be free. #teachersoftiktok #teacher #schoollunch #middleschool #elementaryschool #highschool ♬
This story is well known now as it was told in Home Life Magazine in 1976. Mrs. Thompson was a 5th grade teacher with a student named Teddy Stoddard. He was withdrawn, unpleasant, messy, and didn't do his work. She began to enjoy marking up his papers with a big red marker.
She was required to review each student's history with previous teachers. She started with kindergarten. The teacher said he was bright and happy. Then second grade. The teacher said that he was bright and wonderful but that his mom had a terminal illness, and he was struggling at home. Third Grade. That teacher said he was struggling over his mother's death and his father didn't take much interest in him. As you can imagine, his fourth-grade teacher's notes were the worst yet saying he was disinterested in school and often falling asleep in class.
She felt guilty for how she had dealt with Teddy and decided to show interest in him. During the holidays each student brought her a gift. The other children laughed when she opened Teddy's gift in front of the class and inside was a bracelet missing stones and a half full bottle of perfume. She happily put on the bracelet and perfume and Teddy stayed after class long enough to say "Mrs. Thompson, today you smelled just like my mom used to."
As she worked with Teddy throughout the year, his mind came alive, and he became the happy child he used to be. He became one of the brightest students in class. A year later she found a letter under her door from Teddy saying she was the best teacher he had ever had. 6 years later Teddy sent her a letter that he had finished school 3rd in his class. 4 years after that she recieved a letter that he powered through college and was graduation with the highest honors and that she was still his favorite teacher. 4 years after that he sent her a letter that he got his bachelor's degree signed Theodore F. Stoddard, MD. One last letter was sent. He told her he had met a woman and was getting married. He explained that his father had died, and he wanted to know if she would sit at the wedding in his mother's place. She accepted and wore the bracelet and perfume Theodore gave her in 5th grade.
These are just a few of the many teachers who have made a difference in their students' lives. These educators can inspire us to find ways to make a change in our students' lives.
CE Credits Online offers online professional development courses for K-12 teachers in the U.S..
]]>Habits are behaviors that are done automatically without much thought. Habits can either help you or hinder you in achieving your goals. By creating good habits, you can develop a plan and routine that will support academic success. Good habits can also help you stay motivated and focused, even when you face challenges.
Set a goal. These goals should be clear and achievable. Setting goals helps you to stay motivated and focused. Take time to think about what you want to achieve in your academic career. Do you want to maintain a certain GPA, get into a specific college, excel in a particular subject, finish all your homework on time, or improve your study habits? Once you have a clear goal in mind, break it down into smaller, achievable steps. This will make your goal more manageable and give you a sense of progress as you work towards it.
Creating a schedule is paramount to managing your time effectively. It can be easy to get overwhelmed by the workload. By creating a schedule, you can make sure you manage your time effectively to finish all your work. Don't be afraid to add breaks and time for self-care in your schedule to avoid burnout.
This is probably one of the most important aspects of being a successful student. When all your notes and assignments are all over the place it's hard to find what you need and can take up more of your time. Declutter your space and utilize folders and notebooks so you can reduce your stress and find what you need when you need it. Make it fun! Use different fun folders for each class.
Time management is probably the most difficult to master even for the most organized students. A good technique is the Pomodoro method. This is when you work hard for 25 minutes and then take a 5-minute break to let your brain and body relax. This will help avoid burnout and leads to better brain function.
Staying motivated is hard, especially when you're not particularly passionate about the subject you're learning. Some techniques to increase motivation can be positive self talk, visualization, and giving yourself rewards for achieving your goals.
Taking care of yourself is important for academic success. Being stressed and overwhelmed 24/7 can lead to burnout which can snowball until you've got way too much on your plate to handle. You can practice self-care by taking breaks and doing your favorite hobbies, spending time with friends, or exercising.
We live in a world where staying focused and not getting distracted is incredibly difficult. Staying focused is essential for academic success. Try turning off your phone and finding a quiet place where you can work. If you find it very difficult to stay focused try the "5 more" rule. This is where you tell yourself "5 more minutes and then I can take a break". This can help you stay focused and get your work done.
Developing positive habits is a necessity for student success. By setting clear goals, creating a schedule, staying organized, practicing time management, using motivation techniques, practicing self-care, and staying focused, you can set yourself up for academic success. You most likely won't be perfect right off the bat but be patient and keep trying. Celebrate the little achievements and focus on your ultimate goals. You can achieve your goals and set yourself up for a successful future.
CE Credits Online offers online professional development courses for K-12 teachers in the U.S.. Work at your own pace and at your own place.
]]>Using a student questionnaire can provide you with an abundance of information about your students that may not be obvious. It can give you a look into their personal lives, academic abilities, social skills, and emotional well-being. Here are some of the key benefits of using a student questionnaire:
By getting information about your students' interests, hobbies, and learning styles, you can tweak your lessons to better meet their individual needs. This individualized strategy can increase their engagement and understanding of the lesson. For instance, if you know that a student is passionate about sports, you can incorporate sports-related examples or activities into your lessons to make them more interesting and relatable for that student. Similarly, if you know that a student learns best through visual aids, you can make sure to include more diagrams, charts, and images in your teaching.
A student questionnaire can help you build a connection with your students by showing them that you are interested in getting to know them as people. This can create a sense of trust and rapport, which is important for a compassionate learning environment. When students feel that their teacher understands and cares about them, they are more likely to be open, cooperative, and motivated to learn. They are also more likely to feel comfortable asking for help or sharing their ideas and opinions.
A well-designed student questionnaire can help you pinpoint any challenges or barriers that your students may be facing. For example, if a significant number of students say that they struggle with a particular subject or have difficulty with time management, you can address these issues. You can provide extra support or resources for those students, adjust your teaching methods, or even seek advice from other educators.
Transitions can be challenging for students, whether they are transitioning to a new grade, school, or even a new country. A student questionnaire can help you understand their concerns and provide the necessary support to ensure a smooth transition. For instance, if a student is moving from elementary school to middle school, they may have concerns about the increase in homework, the change in environment, or the social changes. By knowing these concerns, you can provide appropriate guidance and reassurance to help them adjust to the new situation.
To help you get started with using a student questionnaire in your classroom, we have created a downloadable student questionnaire PDF. This questionnaire is designed to gather information about your students' backgrounds, interests, and any challenges they may be facing. You can download the PDF link-to-downloadable-pdf.
Getting to Know you Questions for Students
The questionnaire includes a variety of questions that cover different aspects of your students' lives. Some example questions include:
Feel free to customize the questionnaire to fit the specific needs of your students. You can add or remove questions as necessary to gather the information that is most relevant to your classroom. For instance, if you are teaching a specific subject, you may want to include questions about their previous experiences or their confidence level in that subject.
Once you have downloaded the student transition questionnaire PDF, you can distribute it to your students. Depending on the age and preferences of your students, you can have them complete the questionnaire online or in a printed format.
It is important to create a safe and non-judgmental environment for your students to complete the questionnaire. Assure them that their responses will be kept confidential and that the purpose of the questionnaire is to help you better understand their needs and provide the necessary support. Encourage them to be honest in their responses, and reassure them that there are no right or wrong answers.
After collecting the completed questionnaires, take the time to review the responses. Look for common themes or patterns that can inform your teaching strategies and classroom management techniques. Consider using the information gathered to create individualized learning plans or to address any challenges that may arise. For instance, if several students express a lack of confidence in a particular subject, you may want to spend more time reviewing that subject or providing additional resources. If several students express a need for more hands-on activities, you may want to incorporate more experiential learning into your lessons.
Getting to know your students is an essential part of being an effective educator. It's not just about improving your teaching methods or your classroom management. It's about building relationships, fostering a positive learning environment, and supporting your students in their academic and personal growth. Using a student questionnaire can provide you with valuable insights into your students' backgrounds, interests, and learning styles. By understanding your students on a deeper level, you can create a personalized learning environment that supports their individual needs. Download the student questionnaire PDF provided in this article and start getting to know your students today. Remember, every student is unique, and the more you know about them, the better you can support them in their learning journey.
CE Credits online offers online professional development courses for K-12 teachers featuring a wide range of enriching topics to improve teaching.
]]>Flexible seating gives student choice in the classroom in how they work and learn. It isn't about letting students roam around the classroom and not pay attention. Flexible seating allows students to choose what's right and comfortable for them. Here are some popular seating ideas for the classroom.
Bean bag chairs
Couches
Floor cushions
Balance balls
Balance ball chairs
Kore wabble chairs
KidsErgo seat
The Surf portable lap desk
Learning lap desk
Scoop rocker
Nesting Stools
Dragonn Ergonomic Kneeling Chair
Red stimulates the adrenal glands. Red can help increase student energy and creativity to activate learning. Using red in places where students engage in repetitive or detailed oriented tasks can help students.
Yellow also activates creativity. It also is the color to use when you need to grab your students' attention. Display important study assets on yellow boards.
Orange helps with critical thinking and memory. It also boosts enthusiasm and mood. Orange has been linked to an increase in appetite, so it may be a good idea to keep some snacks around!
Green is calming and relaxing. It can foster long term concentration and mental health.
Keeping a clean classroom is important to creating a pleasant classroom. Here are a few ways to keep a clean classroom.
Creating a calming learning environment will boost student learning. Here are a few ways to do that:
Arranging a classroom can be tough, especially if you're not blessed with a huge room. Here are some classroom setup ideas to help you get started:
Having a safe and pleasing classroom will not only have a positive impact on your students but will help you be your best self. Our environment affects us greatly and being proud of your classroom will improve teaching and learning.
CE Credits Online offers online professional development courses for K-12 teachers in the U.S.. We offer a variety of courses on topics ranging from mindfulness practices and teaching English language learners to teaching neurodivergent students. Check them out today!
]]>Benefits of a Self-Contained Classroom
Benefits and Challenges
Creating a Successful Self-Contained Classroom
Building a Supportive Environment
Individualized Instruction and Differentiation
Collaboration and Communication
Ongoing Assessment and Progress Monitoring
Professional Development and Support
A self-contained classroom provides a valuable learning environment for students with diverse learning needs. By creating a supportive and inclusive classroom culture, individualizing instruction, fostering collaboration, and continuously assessing student progress, educators can make a self-contained classroom successful. WIth purposeful strategies and support, students can thrive in a self-contained classroom.
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Reflection is an important part of learning and student growth, and it's especially important for students. We will review essential reflection questions that students can ask themselves in order to get valuable insight into their learning process. Reflection will help them make the most of their education. Encouraging student reflection is one of the important learning strategies to implement to enhance student achievement.
Reflective learning is actively considering your own thoughts, feelings, knowledge, abilities, and performance to improve your process and outcomes. Reflection is a way of looking back and evaluating your experiences, behaviors, and feelings to understand yourself and develop self-awareness.
Check out the online professional development courses for k-12 teachers provided by CE Credits Online.
]]>In this article, we discuss five benefits fostering your students' creative development.
Regardless of whether a student feels like they are a creative person or not, improving on the skills and learning techniques of creative thinking will help them to bring in a new perspective to their problems. Some ways to foster creative learning can be brainstorming sessions, role-play, and mind mapping. In an ever increasing world, a broader horizon never hurts.
Check out the online professional development courses for k-12 teachers provided by CE Credits Online.
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Download and print these classroom posters!
Check out CE Credits Online’s online professional development courses for K-12 teachers.]]>Brave Every Day by Trudy Ludwig – Ages 4-8
A little Spot of Feelings by Diane Alber – Ages 4-8
Shy Ninja by Mary Nhin – Ages 3-11
No, David! By David Shannon – Ages 2-5
What if Everybody Did That? By Ellen Javernick – Ages 3-7
The Whatifs by Emily Kilgore – Ages 4-8
Adulting for Beginners by Matilda Walsh – Ages 15+
The Social Success Workbook for Teens by Barbara Cooper – Ages 13+
The Introvert Advantage: How Quiet People Can Thrive in an Extrovert World by Marti Olsen Laney – Ages 16+
The Essential Stress Management Handbook for Teens by Richard Meadows – Ages 14-17
Life Skills for Teenage Girls by Pathways Press – Ages 12-15
Building Academic Success on Social and Emotional Learning: What Does the Research Say?
Planting Seeds: Practicing Mindfulness with Children By Thich Nhat Hanh
Gentle Hands and Other Sing-Along Songs for Social-Emotional Learning By Amadee Ricketts
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Chatbots aren’t perfect. They shouldn’t be used in every situation and the answers they give should be vetted. The answers are only as good as the resource it’s taken from, however chatbots are an awesome resource. With teacher burnout being so prevalent in the workforce it’s a great tool to work smarter not harder.
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Teach students to assess media
Students need to be taught how to distinguish truthful media from manipulative media. Teachers should discuss bias and sources and show students how media changes depending on who is producing it and who the target audience is.
Show students where to find reputable resources and databases
Teachers should provide students with honest resources and databases for trustworthy content. There are many databases designed for students.
Weigh out various media sources
Purposefully show examples of media altering photos or stories. Teach students to question what they’re reading or seeing at face value.
Diagnose the “truth” in advertisements
Have students figure out what ads are trying to sell and what “promises” or ideas they’re using to convince you to buy the product.
Have students create media
This can be altered depending on the grade level. Students can create movie posters, presentations, videos, or websites.
Showing students how media is altered is important. For example, showing students how photographs in magazines are edited can change how students look and feel about themselves. In a world full of information at our fingertips, it’s easy to get swept up in flashy headlines and conspiracy stories. It’s imperative that the future generation know how to navigate through the maze of information so they can make smart decisions and have an unbiased belief system.
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Science Websites
Books
On the Basis of Sex – PG-13, Age 12+
Hidden Figures – PG, Age 10+
Made in Dagenham – R, Age 16+
Battle of the Sexes – PG-13, Age 14+
The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson – TV-MA, Age 16+
The Glorias – R, Age 14+
Selma – PG-13, Age 13+
He Named Me Malala – PG-13, Age 12+
Confirmation – TV-14, Age 15+
The Help – PG-13, Age 12+
Little Women – PG, Age 10+
Suffragette – PG, Age 13+
‘The Secret History of Wonder Woman’ by Jill Lepore
‘Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Tales of Extraordinary Women’ by Elena Favilli – Age 7+
‘We Should All Be Feminists’ by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
‘Women in Science: 50 Fearless Pioneers Who Changed the World’ by Rachel Ignotofsky – Age 10+
‘My Own Words’ by Ruth Bader Ginsburg
‘The Glass Universe: How the Ladies of Harvard Observatory Took the Measure of the Stars’ by Dava Sobel
‘No One is Too Small to Make a Difference’ by Greta Thunberg
‘Becoming’ by Michelle Obama
‘Bad Feminist: Essays’ by Roxane Gay
‘Brown Girl Dreaming’ by Jacqueline Woodson – Age 10+
‘She Persisted: 13 American Women Who Changed the World’ by Chelsea Clinton, Alexandra Boiger – Age 4+
‘Love, Hate and Other Filters’ by Samira Ahmed
‘Shrill’ by Lindy West
‘The Hate U Give’ by Angie Thomas, Amandla Stenberg – Age 13+
Women Who Dared to Dream Poster - All
Rosie the Riveter Coloring Page – Second Grade
Space Explorers: Christina Koch, Jessica Meir, and… YOU? – Kindergarten / First Grade
Rosa Parks: Historical Heroes – Second Grade
Katherine Johnson Mini Book – Kindergarten / First Grade
Graphic Organizer: Research an Influential Person – Fourth Grade / Fifth Grade
Trace & Write Women in Sports: Simone Biles - Kindergarten
Women’s History Month Choice Board for Elementary Grades – Grades 2-5
Gender Wage Gap Mini Project – Grades 3-8
4 Women’s History Month Bulletin Board Posters for Celebrating in Your Classroom – All-
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Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monae
Whoopi Goldberg, Danny Glover, Margaret Avery
Will Smith, Aunjanue Ellis, Jon Bernthal
Viola Davis, Emma Stone, Bryce Dallas Howard
Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender, Benedict Cumberbatch
Chadwick Boseman, Nicole Beharie, Alan Tudyk
Forest Whitaker, Oprah Winfrey, John Cusack
David Oyelowo, Tom Wilkinson, Carmen Ejogo
Denzel Washington, Viola Davis, Stephen Henderson
Tessa Tompson, Ruth Negga, Andre Holland
Jennifer Hudson, Forest Whitaker, Marlon Wayans
Carey Mulligan, Jason Clarke, Jason Mitchell
Idris Elba, Naomie Harris, Tony Kgoroge
Viggo Mortensen, Mahershala Ali, Linda Cardellini
Brie Larson, Michael B. Jordan, Jamie Foxx
Cuba Gooding, Terrence Howard, Nate Parke
Daniel Kaluuya, LaKeith Standfield, Jesse Plemons
Cynthia Erivo, Janelle Monae, Leslie Odom
Will Smith, Alec Baldwin, Gugu Mbatha-Raw
Danielle Deadwyler, Jalyn Hall, Frankie Faison
Will Smith, Ben Foster, Charmaine Bingwa
Have the students join the class’s Facebook group and the teacher can post updates. Students can also comment any questions or concerns they have. We recommend that you make the group private so that random people on Facebook don’t try to join.
When using social media for education it’s imperative that you keep a professional boundary. Teachers should not send friend requests to students. Email both parents and students a direct link to the Facebook group for access.
Lets be real, those school calendars you printed out most likely are at the bottom of a backpack. Let parents and students know what’s coming up in the school or classroom by posting to twitter. Again, don’t use a personal twitter. Create a new classroom account.
Have students create their own blogs for essays or any form of writing assessment.
Instructors can create a board for each of their classrooms and save pins that are relevant to the lessons. You can also post how-to’s for assignments.
Make it easier for students and parents to find your classroom social media accounts by linking them to the school website. This way you won’t have students asking you a million times where the account is.
A social media account could come in very handy in a crisis situation. Most schools have automated messaging alerts but being able to provide your classroom and your students’ parents with instructions during a crisis would be highly appreciated.
Cautions:
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96% of teachers purchase school supplies for their classroom. Adopt a classroom is a free resource for teachers that allows for teachers to set up a fundraiser for their classroom. AdoptAClassroom doesn’t take any fees from donations made to teachers and the funds donated are available to spend immediately.
Millions of students are living in hunger in the United States. Food is so important for student achievement. Without food students are tired and distracted by hunger and cannot concentrate on their education. No Kid Hungry funds schools directly through grants that help them get resources such as trucks, refrigerators, cooler bags and carts for delivering meals. No Kid Hungry supports and invests in school meal programs that play a critical role in feeding children.
Interested in Applying for a No Kid Hungry Grant?
First Book believes that education is the best way out of poverty for children in need. First Book has distributed more than 225 million books and educational resources to programs and schools serving low-income students in all 50 states. First Book brings new books and educational resources to children in need.
Get support for your classroom through donations for classroom projects.
Here’s a short video on DonorsChoose
]]>Find out more by looking up the hashtag #ntchat on Twitter. These chats happen on the first and third Wednesday of each month at 5 PM PST. These chats allow new teachers a chance to connect, pose questions, and ask for advice.
Lesson Planning Websites
TeacherVision’s Teacher Toolkit for New Teachers
New Teacher Starter Toolkit – Tips and Templates for New Teachers
This site was created by teachers for teachers and covers a plethora of topics.
This site has teaching materials for all grades. Some of the material ties in with PBS shows.
TikTok
TikTok has an immense amount content by teachers. From OOTDs to classroom décor TikTok can be a great way to get extra teacher content in your life.
This site specializes in showing teachers how to use video clips to enhance their lessons. It’s $11.99 per year and teachers get learning guides and lesson plans for over 300 movies.
This website contains step by step directions for crafts for elementary school children.
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Sharing a fellow colleague’s secrets, gossiping, or talking bad about administrators is a straight show to ruining your trust with your coworkers.
Make every adult on campus feel seen by getting a small group together to acknowledge their birthdays. Commit to getting a card and a small gift like a snack or a coffee gift card.
You don’t want to come across as a know-it-all in conversations or work meetings. It’s important to express yourself and ideas but be careful of your delivery.
Asking questions when you need help or you don’t understand something is a great way to build relationships with other teachers. Also ask them questions about their personal life! You never know, you may have the same hobbies!
Supporting your colleagues work shows you care about their interests and you’re willing to show up when they need you. You can also support them by trying out their lesson plans and taking their surveys.
If you have a special talent or skill, use that to help others.
Teaching is stressful. Many teachers may confide in others or take a lunch in silence by themselves. If you see a teacher needs a break, just let them take their time.
Be honest and be yourself. That’s the best way to make genuine friendships.
Create memories with your coworkers. Teachers are always going out together or going to school events together.
At staff meetings or when talking to teachers try to share a positive experience. No one likes a negative Nancy.
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MindShift’s premise is to explore the future of learning outside the confines of just grades, test scores, and extracurricular activities.
Listen to MindShift on Apple Podcasts
Listen to Mindshift on Spotify
Kevin Adams and Gerardo Muñoz were the only black and brown teachers in their school. They became BFFs and created a super awesome podcast about how race, power, and education play a part in education.
Listen to Too Dope Teachers and a Mic on Apple Podcasts
Listen to Too Dope Teachers and a Mic on Spotify
Looking for a way to spice up your classroom space? Learn what it takes to make it a reality.
Listen to The Creative Classroom on Apple Podcasts
Listen to The Creative Classroom on Spotify
Jennifer covers a lot of ground on the subject of teaching. If it’s got to do with teaching, she’s talking about it.
Listen to The Cult of Pedagogy Podcast on Apple Podcasts
Listen to The Cult of Pedagogy Podcast on Spotify
TikTok teachers share their stories and experiences from the classroom.
Listen to Teachers Off Duty on Apple Podcasts
Listen to Teachers Off Duty on Spotify
Being an educator can be frustrating and exhausting. Get energized for the week ahead with this podcast!
Listen to Truth for Teachers on Apple Podcasts
Listen to Truth for Teachers on Spotify
Two UK teachers and brothers share funny stories from the classroom.
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Arguing is an important skill to have in the world. Help your students learn to argue successfully.
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