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The Blog


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.
Audrey Lappe
Aug 11, 20252 min read


INspired Learning Hub: Flexible, High-Impact PD Without the Hassle
No subs, no missed class time—just flexible, high-impact PD. Discover how ILH makes professional learning easier than ever!
Dianne McKinley
Jan 30, 20252 min read


Why Your School Might Need a PBIS Refresh
Here are some common reasons schools find themselves in need of a PBIS reboot—and how INcompassing Education can support you in the process.
Dianne McKinley
Jan 27, 20253 min read


Powerful Learning in Small Bites: The Impact of Frequent Small Group Talk
Small group talk is a critical part of learning for everyone. It’s one of the most beneficial practices to embed in classrooms.
April Connelley
Nov 25, 20242 min read


Revamping Your Curriculum Maps: How to Align with High Quality Curricular Materials
Are you adopting new High Quality Curricular Materials? Are you struggling to determine how to revamp your curriculum maps to align to these
Dianne McKinley
Jun 11, 20241 min read


Boosting Student Attendance: How Schools Can Make a Difference
One of the most critical aspects of a successful education system is ensuring that students attend school regularly. Improved student attendance leads to better academic outcomes and overall student well-being. However, in recent years, absenteeism has been on the rise, posing a significant challenge to both school leaders and teachers. This blog will delve into the causes of increased absenteeism and provide practical strategies for school leaders and teachers to address thi
Tiffany Creager
Nov 15, 20234 min read


The Importance of Quality Professional Development
We all know that teaching is a profession that truly is a calling. Teachers who stay in the profession for a long-time care deeply about the students and the subject they are teaching. I know, I was in the classroom for over 33 years. We also know that the demands on teachers have increased greatly over recent years.
Here in Indiana, this year is especially hard on teachers with a completely new set of academic standards that were adopted in June. There are new high-sta
Dianne McKinley
Sep 17, 20234 min read


6 Tips for Retaining Teachers
Let’s face it. Recruiting, hiring, on-boarding, and training new teachers is time consuming, expensive, and exhausting. Schools with a high turnover rate struggle to maintain a healthy culture. Additionally, the inconsistency in staff leads to gaps in programming, curriculum, and common language and understanding across the building. Teacher retention should be at the top of our to-do list as educational leaders. To help you achieve this goal, we’ve put together some top tips
Dianne McKinley
Sep 5, 20233 min read


Integrating Technology into the Classroom
Integrating technology into the classroom is a great way to engage students and make learning more interactive and interesting. It can also open up new avenues of exploration and collaboration that may not have been possible without technology. By doing so, teachers can create a fun, interactive learning environment that encourages students to think critically, work collaboratively, and learn in new and innovative ways.
Dianne McKinley
Feb 24, 20235 min read


Creating a Strong Mentoring Program
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
Dianne McKinley
Jan 4, 20233 min read


Mathematical Structure- Structure and Context over Process and Procedures!
As I observe math classes, I see processes and procedures being taught! This worries me more and more! Please do not get me wrong, processes and procedures are important. However, if the processes and procedures we are teaching are not attached to any structure or context, it is just memorization! I do not know about you, but my memorization skills have their limitations.
William Reed
Dec 9, 20226 min read


Professional Development for Teachers
Professional development for teachers – why is it important? Education is a never-ending process, not only for students, but for teachers as well. It can’t be stressed enough how vital teachers are in shaping the future of the next generation when it comes to knowledge, philosophies, and values. If you’re a teacher, keep in mind that your students are the next breed of leaders, inventors, doctors, lawyers, engineers, artists, and entrepreneurs.
Dianne McKinley
Nov 4, 20204 min read


Professional Development – Mentoring Teachers in Schools
Experienced educators use teacher mentoring programs to provide knowledge, support, advice, and reinforcement. More importantly, educational consulting can contribute in enhancing the work, skills, career, and professional development of teachers.
Dianne McKinley
Nov 4, 20202 min read


Lesson Planning – How to Create an Effective Lesson Plan
A lesson plan is a teacher’s guide for running a specific lesson. It includes the goal (what students are supposed to learn), the method how the goal will be reached, and measuring how well the goal was achieved (exit ticket, test, homework, etc.).
Lesson planning is a vital component of the teaching process. It keeps teachers organized and on track, allowing them to teach more effectively. As a result, students reach objectives more easily
Dianne McKinley
Nov 4, 20203 min read


Professional Development for Teachers in Indiana
INcompassing Education offers high-quality professional development for teachers in Indiana to help them keep up with the ever-changing need
Dianne McKinley
Mar 6, 20186 min read


The Importance of Mentoring New Teachers
Approximately 50% of new teachers leave the profession within the first five years of teaching. Why are they leaving? There are several reasons, ranging from high stress levels, heavy workload, or poor working conditions.
Many teachers experience physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion, especially those who are working in low-performing schools (where the demands are high, and the challenges are immense). But even in high-performing schools, some teachers experience bur
Dianne McKinley
Jul 14, 20175 min read
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