The Blog

As we return to school after the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, we soon realize that there is a long stretch of cold and dark days ahead of us. Our dreams of a white Christmas are on hold until next December and the dirty slushy roads feel more dreary than magical. In anticipation of what might be referred to as the winter blues, we can create a plan to build fun, connection, and play into our days! What are the Winter Blues? Less sunshine, colder temperatures, and

It’s that time of year again, when celebrations abound, it is the season of holidays! For many of us our lives fill up with traditions...

The holiday season is upon us and decorating makes the season even more exciting! Check out these Holiday classroom bulletin board...

Fall is upon us and decorating makes the season even more exciting! Check out these Fall classroom bulletin board decoration ideas to add...

Teaching is highly complex and demanding work. Each grade level and course are given a list of standards that if taught with equal focus...

By April Connelley I am a reader. I view reading as one of my main sources of learning. If I want to understand something on a deeper...

Check out my free one hour session to gain a better understanding of the importance of a solid MTSS foundation and leave with a plethora...

I have the easiest and most excellent Homemade Chicken and Noodle Recipe. It is a 20 minute one-pot recipe. A family favorite! So easy,...

What if someone offered you a FREE 5 minute per day strategy that boasted the following benefits for you AND your students? Would you take it? Read on to learn 7 simple ways to practice gratitude in the classroom.

In many places it is time to gear up for parent teacher conferences. Everyone is also getting close to some kind of break, fall break, Thanksgiving break, winter break. It’s the season when teachers are asked  questions like, “How can I help my child with reading?”. Teachers also hear comments like “I just don’t know how to support my kiddo with reading.” 

Part Two – Decision Making and Problem Solving, Initiative, and Attention to Detail Employability skills are a set of skills outside of technical or academic competencies that are considered imperative to being a successful employee and team member. In an effort to ensure these skills are integrated into academic settings, the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) has arranged these competencies into four categories : mindsets, work ethic, learning strategies, and social emo

Who loves a sale more than educators? Right, no one! Amazon Prime Day is upon us and we can’t wait to add new things to our classrooms,...

As leaders during these difficult times, it can be hard to attract, hire, and retain great teachers. One way to do this is by creating a strong mentoring program at your school.  Teachers want to feel valued, connected, and supported with the difficult work they do every day. Teachers who are new to your school, both new educators and veterans alike, need a high level of support. Providing the right support can ensure that they are successful and remain valuable members

By William Reed Many people think the two most important subjects on the SAT Assessment are English and Mathematics. That is NOT a true...

One of the top ten New Year resolutions each year is to get organized. I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t always on my list of things I’d...

Picture books aren’t just for preschoolers and younger children, readers of all ages enjoy and learn from picture books. I LOVE picture books! They are full of rich language, beautiful illustrations and photographs, and bonus, you can typically read them in one sitting.   

As we end this school year, I am witnessing and experiencing the complexity of feelings among school staff. This school year that started...

Part One: Creating the Conditions, Effective Communication, and Aptitude Awareness   Employability skills are a set of skills outside of technical or academic competencies that are considered imperative to being a successful employee and team member. In an effort to ensure these skills are integrated into academic settings, the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) has arranged these competencies into four categories : mindsets, work ethic, learning strategies, and social em

Once in a great while, I hear someone say, “I Love Math!” or “I enjoyed my math classes,” and it gives me a warm, comforting feeling...

Last December I wrote about prioritizing our adult mental wellness during times of stress and uncertainty. I was hopeful at the time that...