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 ...
Working with Paraprofessionals in Special Education: A Teacher’s Guide
By: Mary McLaughlin | Dec 5, 2018
Working with paraprofessionals in special education starts with clear, written role expectations, not assumptions. Set expectations early, communicate directly rather than through gossip, and remember that the classroom's final call is yours. A veteran special education teacher shares what she learned managing a team of aides across three different roles ...
School Custodian Appreciation Ideas: The Toilet Paper Caper
By: Jon Konen | Nov 6, 2018
The best school custodian appreciation ideas cost almost nothing: student thank-you notes, a staff assembly, a social media shoutout, or an administrator pitching in on safe routine tasks the custodial team approves. National Custodian Day falls on October 2, but recognition only sticks when students and staff also stop making ...
7 Reasons Why I Am Humbled to Win the NDP Award as told By My Elementary Students – Part 1
By: Jon Konen | Oct 12, 2018
Humbled to say the least – let me start out by saying there are much better principals out there than me…many in my own school district. I recently was honored to win the 2018 National Distinguished Principal (NDP) Award from the National Association of Elementary and Middle School Principals (NAESP).
One ...
A 5th Grade Teacher’s Guide to Surviving October
By: Amy Konen | Oct 10, 2018
It is October and I sit here wondering if I am doing enough for my students. Am I providing enough for them to be ready for 6th grade by the end of this year? Am I giving them knowledge, strategies, friendships, and hopefully, good memories of this year?
My own reflections ...
Twice Exceptional Students: Understanding What Makes Them Unique and What Will Help Them Connect
By: Mary McLaughlin | Oct 1, 2018
Some storms are expected…
Hurricane Florence has dominated the news for the past few weeks.
Florence was expected to dump up to 40 inches of rain. Wind damage and flooding were projected to be residual with an extreme physical and financial toll for victims.
Hurricane winds were projected to be upwards of 100+ ...
11 Ways Football is Your Classroom
By: Jon Konen | Sep 25, 2018
If you love football and you love teaching like me, I tend to find similarities at every turn. This article is meant to encourage discussion during any football or educator gathering. This article is not meant to make you a football expert, or an armchair quarterback, but it can be ...
How an Old Teacher Learned to Survive in a New Position Where Cattiness and Cliques Rule
By: Mary McLaughlin | Sep 13, 2018
My good friend Marti had a very nice job in a district near her home. She was a Special Education Teacher in a self-contained classroom. Her ten students were moderately to mildly disabled. Two of her kids were medically fragile but in stable health.
Marti was very connected to her students’ ...
8 Things to Think About As You Start the School Year
By: Jon Konen | Sep 4, 2018
As you start school this year, do you feel you are more efficient than last year? What makes us feel better after we get more years under our belt?
Starting my second decade of education…I can’t believe it. Many of you have been around longer than then that, but most of ...
7 Reasons You Have the Best Community for Education
By: Jon Konen | Aug 16, 2018
What makes some communities better than others for education? Much like creating the perfect pizza with cheese, meat, and vegetables, successful communities have the right mix of ingredients. One person may be able to correctly put these ingredients together, but a team can do it more effectively and efficiently. These ...
When Special Educators Find New Jobs
By: Mary McLaughlin | Aug 1, 2018
The Builders Tried To Build
My parents were born in the 1930’s. They are stereotypical of the Builder Generation in every aspect of their being.
They are hard workers.
They saved a lot of money from their middle class working years to enjoy a lovely retirement. They held their family to a high ...