By Jami Courson Virtual learning revealed to the world what educators have known for decades: teacher-student relationships matter. Research shows that student achievement increases and questionable behavior decreases when students believe that their teacher cares for them. As Dr. Jon Eckert writes in his book Just Teaching, “We have learned that being present and in relationship matters for each student. Learning in person increases student morale and student achievement. Having teachers who care improves student […]
Tag: teachers
A F.E.W. Just Words
By Bing Parks A RAP LESSON My students’ favorite music genre is rap. We will analyze the messages in rap lyrics and discuss the impact of the rapper’s diction. Sometimes the students wonder why we are spending so much time on the lyrics and ask if they could just listen to the song and move on. They argue that they are just words, after all. So, one day I told them I was the best […]
Maximizing Commitment in a Season of Change
By Anna H. Surratt A Season for Change There is a season for every activity under the heavens (Ecclesiastes 3:1) and we are in the throes of one of the most crucial seasons of our school year – the beginning of the year. As school leaders, we are setting the course for the year with purpose-driven goals, high expectations for faculty and staff, and deep hopes for positive student outcomes. If there is a time […]
Creating a School Culture That Fosters Intrapreneurs
By: Stephen Carter Few things are more important than crafting a culture. The culture established in a school (or business or church) is a key indicator of the organization’s overall health and is directly connected to student learning. It is wildly important and, unfortunately, widely overlooked. Given the choice, most school leaders would rather focus on the newest and flashiest “innovative” programming rather than take the time (and energy) to invest in culture. If, however, […]
To the Future Mrs. Estrellas and Mr. Pigdens
By Joel Hazard In January, I had the extraordinary opportunity to reconnect with my dear second-grade teacher, Mrs. Estrella. For years, I had tirelessly searched for her online, but to no avail. So, when my best friend conveyed that he believed she had passed away years ago, my heart sank. Yet, as fate would have it, divine intervention stepped in, and I was elated when my mother informed me that Mrs. Estrella was not only […]