Dear Tired Teacher...

We're heading for the last few days of June, so we're in what for me is the weird limbo time of reflecting over last year and thinking ahead to what I want to try next year. Some days, I felt like my classroom management was 🔥. Other days, not so much. And just to be clear, I don't mean classroom behavior management . I mean workflow and how we move through the class period smoothly. I'm still working on understanding how some days were great and other days...well, maybe not. Here are some tips to consider for planning next year's class structure. (Yep, talking to myself here.) Routines -  Starting the class period off right can set the tone for the rest of the time together. Greeting students at the door lets them know you're present that day, prepared and ready to work, and that your expectations start at the door. Have a simple, engaging task ready for students as soon as they walk in. It could be a journal prompt, a math problem, or a test-prep review ques...

Teachers give so much of themselves to their students, the school community, their own families, and other social obligations. That's a lot of output, and it can leave us feeling physically, mentally, and emotionally drained. I have made it a habit of listening to podcasts and audiobooks to support my mental and emotional well-being and to sustain my personal and professional growth.  Here's what I've been listening to lately. I hope these podcasts will be as helpful to you as they have been to me. (New links will be posted at the top of the list.) "Adding Rigor to Your Daily Teaching" from Professional Development Sessions "Brene with Emily and Amelia Nagoski on Burnout and How to Complete the Stress Cycle" from Unlocking Us  (Note: Y'all know Brene will say anything , so I'd listen to most of her podcasts with headphones.) "Why Students Give You the Blank Stare, and What to Do About It" from The Cult of Pedagogy Podcast "Two Effe...

As educators, one of our goals is to provide students with the tools they'll need to succeed, both academically and socially, in an uncertain future, and one of the most effective strategies in achieving this goal is through fostering a collaborative classroom environment. Encouraging collaboration among students not only enhances their learning but also lightens the load for teachers. Sounds like a win-win for tired teachers: make your job a little easier while at the same time boosting student engagement and preparation for future endeavors. Collaboration is a vital 21st-century skill, and it's never too early (or too late) to start having students learn to collaborate. Here are eight practical tips to help you promote a cooperative environment in your classroom. 1. Create a collaborative classroom culture Start by building a classroom culture that values partner work and teamwork. Make it clear that collaboration is an essential part of learning. Remind students frequently t...