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The Blog


Professional Development for Teachers: Bringing SEL Into Practice
Schools everywhere are recognizing the urgent need for strong Social and Emotional Learning (SEL), not as an extra initiative, but as a core part of academic success, behavior management, and student well-being. Yet even with the best intentions, many educators feel unsure how to bring SEL to life consistently in their classrooms.
Dianne McKinley
Jun 173 min read


The Role of Social Emotional Learning in Building Stronger Schools
Schools today face a growing set of challenges—rising behavior concerns, increased mental health needs, widening academic gaps, and classrooms filled with students who bring diverse backgrounds, stressors, and strengths. In this landscape, one approach consistently helps schools create safer, healthier, and more academically vibrant environments: social and emotional learning (SEL).
Dianne McKinley
Jun 104 min read


The Top Professional Development Programs & Providers for Teachers
High-quality professional learning is one of the most powerful ways schools can support, develop, and retain great teachers. But with so many professional development programs for teachers available today, ranging from online platforms to in-person coaching to national organizations, it can be hard to know where to begin. The good news? Whether your school needs help with instructional strategies, behavior systems, MTSS, literacy, SEL, special education, or leadership develop
Dianne McKinley
May 133 min read


Continuing Education for Teachers: Earning Credits Online
Teaching is a profession built on lifelong learning. As standards, strategies, and student needs evolve, so must the educators guiding them. That’s why continuing education for teachers is so important; not just for maintaining licensure, but for staying confident, current, and effective in today’s classrooms. Thankfully, with the growth of high-quality virtual learning options, educators now have more flexible ways than ever to earn teacher continuing education credits onlin
Dianne McKinley
May 54 min read


Leadership Matters: Coaching School Leaders to Support Mathematics and Literacy Growth
Strong leadership is the foundation of every successful school. Principals, assistant principals, and instructional coaches guide instructional priorities, nurture teacher growth, and create a culture where both numeracy and literacy thrive. When school leaders receive targeted leadership coaching, they gain the skills and systems needed to drive student achievement in both mathematics and literacy. Why Leadership Coaching Matters Even the most dedicated school leaders can’t
Dianne McKinley
Jan 283 min read


Building Strong Classrooms: How Behavior Management and Curriculum Support Work Together
Classrooms are the heartbeat of schools — where instruction, engagement, and relationships all come together. But building strong classrooms requires more than just great lessons; it also requires effective systems for behavior management, aligned curriculum, and meaningful assessment practices
Dianne McKinley
Jan 73 min read


Student Motivation: Can't Do vs. Won't Do
Before assuming non-compliance, gather comprehensive evidence about the student's abilities. This step requires careful observation and documentation:
Has the student successfully completed similar tasks before?
Was the task completion consistent and fluent?
Did they demonstrate mastery multiple times?
Can they complete the task in different settings or with different people?
Do they show consistent performance across similar assignments?
Dianne McKinley
Dec 8, 20253 min read


Supporting Productive Struggle in Reading
In classrooms everywhere, teachers face a tough decision: when students struggle with a text, should we lower the Lexile level to “meet them where they are”? On the surface, it feels compassionate. But lowering the text too far risks keeping students from the very experiences that build reading strength.
✅ The challenge is not whether students can access grade-level texts. The challenge is how we help them get there.
Dianne McKinley
Dec 1, 20253 min read


4 Ways to Make Entrance and Exit Tickets Matter
With just a few intentional shifts, entrance and exit tickets can become powerful tools for real-time instructional decisions. When used well, they help you teach responsively and strategically—without adding more stress to your day.
Here are four practical ways to make entrance and exit tickets truly work for both you and your students.
Dianne McKinley
Nov 3, 20253 min read


Developing High Ability Curriculum with Depth and Complexity:
Concept-Based Instruction: Building Units with Depth and Complexity, which emphasizes designing units that promote both rigor and relevance, while focusing on thinking over task completion and transfer over recall.
Dianne McKinley
Oct 27, 20254 min read


5 Big Benefits to Writing Across the Curriculum
Writing helps students retain knowledge and make stronger connections across content.
In this first post of a 4-part series, I’m breaking down five powerful reasons why daily writing belongs in every K–12 classroom—from reading to music. Whether you're just getting started or ready to take content area writing to the next level, these benefits will show you why it matters.
Dianne McKinley
Oct 13, 20252 min read


Family Engagement:
6 Low-Cost, Low-Stress, Family Events Your Community Will Love
Dianne McKinley
Sep 15, 20253 min read


Beyond Suspension:
Suspensions are a big problem.This challenging reality underscores why it's crucial for educators and administrators to delve into the complexities of student suspensions and collaborate on effective solutions, especially when the current situation feels overwhelming.
Dianne McKinley
Sep 8, 20254 min read


The Power of Repair: Shifting from Punitive to Restorative in Schools
Across the country, schools are making a powerful shift from punitive discipline to restorative practices and the results are transformative. Research shows that schools using restorative approaches see fewer behavioral issues, stronger relationships, and improved school climate. But the true power of this shift lies in what students are learning: how to communicate, resolve conflicts, build empathy, and take ownership of their actions.
Dianne McKinley
Sep 1, 20252 min read


Back-to-School Guide: Top 5 Ways to Build a Positive Digital Environment
Here are five focus areas for fostering a positive digital environment in your classroom.
Dianne McKinley
Aug 18, 20252 min read


Why Restorative Practices Begin with the Adults
Restorative practices only work when adults lead by example first. If we want schools to be spaces where students feel safe, connected, and accountable, we must first build that same culture among the adults.
Dianne McKinley
Aug 11, 20252 min read


8 Practical Ways to Transform Your Classroom Management
The power of positive interactions in education isn't just a feel-good concept – it's backed by extensive research.
Dianne McKinley
Aug 4, 20252 min read


Helping Families Navigate Indiana’s 3rd Grade Retention Law
The recent changes to Indiana’s 3rd grade retention law are prompting important conversations between schools and families.
Dianne McKinley
Jul 24, 20251 min read


Your Summer AI Toolkit : Supporting Your AI Journey
Summer break is the perfect time for special education educators to recharge, but it's also a fantastic opportunity to explore new tools and strategies for the upcoming school year. One area that's rapidly evolving and offering immense potential for special education is Artificial Intelligence (AI). It can all feel very overwhelming especially with the constant evolution of new and improved technology. Below are some tips to guide you as you begin, or continue on your AI jour
Dianne McKinley
Jul 14, 20253 min read


Building Better Behavior
Creating effective classroom behavior expectations can feel overwhelming. While most educators understand the importance of solid classroom management, establishing rules that actually work requires a strategic approach. Here are six proven steps to transform your classroom management experience.
Dianne McKinley
Jun 23, 20252 min read
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