Blog
Harnessing the Power of AI Tools for Teachers
By: Teacher.org Staff | Apr 11, 2024
For most teachers, the initial reaction to artificial intelligence was horror. After all, if AI was able to write assignments in an instant, or pass standardized exams, the possibilities for students cheating skyrocketed.
But on reflection, AI has more to offer to teachers and students through legitimate educational uses than illicit ones.
The key challenge for teachers today is to identify those uses and ...
Leadership in Teaching: 5 Reasons to Rise
By: Jon Konen | Mar 17, 2020
“I could never do your job,” is something I hear often. I want to quip back, “Yes, yes you can!”
Leadership is not just about what you do but what you can inspire, encourage and empower others to do.
- Jon Gordon
After reading the Energy Bus, by Jon Gordon, I have ...
Rest and Rejuvenation – Feeling Good About Taking the Time Off You Need to Be at Your Best
By: Mary McLaughlin | Mar 10, 2020
I’m a teacher. I teach a self-contained special education class of second and third grade kids. I have done the work I love for over two decades and there is no other role in which I can see myself.
But sometimes even teachers need a mental break and physical rejuvenation; ok, ...
9 Reasons to Give “THAT” Kid Some Extra Attention
By: Jon Konen | Mar 5, 2020
You know that one student who may drive you nuts, who may test all the boundaries, and who makes you lose sleep at night? Yes, “that” kid!
As a principal, my goal is for teachers to have tools to use with “that” kid in order to keep him or her in ...
8 Reasons Why Blogging Can Support Your Growth as an Educator
By: Jon Konen | Feb 14, 2020
“You don’t start out writing good stuff. You start out writing crap and thinking it’s good stuff, and then gradually you get better at it. That’s why I say one of the most valuable traits is persistence.”
― Octavia E. Butler
We want our students to be good writers. We want them ...
10 Reasons Why You Should Move to Montana to Teach
By: Jon Konen | Jan 30, 2020
Why not promote my state? In fact, why don’t we all create a Top-10 list for why teachers should move to our respective states to work?
I am a little factious here, but I understand that my Top 10 will make you want to move to Montana! If you are a ...
Zugzwang Zigzag: An Educator’s Nightmare
By: Jon Konen | Jan 22, 2020
The current situation in America puts educators at a disadvantage…no matter what move we make to promote increased funding we are dividing our communities. Some communities are further along this continuum. I would like to coin this state of education, “The Zugzwang Zigzag!”
Are you wondering what Zugzwang means yet? It ...
A Slice of Huckleberry Pie At the Crossroads of Public Education
By: Jon Konen | Dec 11, 2019
Public education in America is at a crossroads!
We can argue that these crossroads have paths towards public education or private ventures (vouchers, charter schools, etc.). We can argue this differently in every state, and if it hasn’t come to your state yet, it will!
There is a scarring division over concerns ...
Finding Ways to Persevere – Finding Joy and Remembering Why You Became a Teacher in the First Place
By: Mary McLaughlin | Dec 2, 2019
At every turn over the past week or two, it seemed too many colleagues were contemplating leaving Teaching.
One example is my friend, Lisa. She is a 26-year veteran Special Education Teacher. She has been in talks with a company that writes Individual Education Plan software. Citing the need for her ...
Dealing With The Perpetual Cycle of Giving and Getting Colds at School
By: Mary McLaughlin | Oct 31, 2019
My friend: “I’ve had it. I’m so tired of being sick…and tired. I’m tired of parents sending their sick kids to school!”
Me: “What do you do when your kid is sick?”
My friend: “I have to send them to school. I’m a single parent and I have no one to stay ...
Educating Kids with PTSD
By: Mary McLaughlin | Oct 17, 2019
Some years ago, a student entered my classroom.
It is never unusual for a Special Education Teacher to hear a knock on the door and have a new student and their family member standing there, along with a school representative, waiting to enter your classroom.
Such was the same for this child ...