The Organized Teacher Toolbox — In the Classroom

Classroom Layout 

Classroom layout plays a large role in organization. Not only does it make it easy for you as the teacher to find the materials you need for lessons, but it helps students learn where to find things and where to put things away. This ultimately cuts down on the time it takes to transition students from one activity to another and frees up more time for direct instruction.

An easy way to give students a sense of ownership and pride in their classroom space is by allowing them to help design the layout.

Ask your students for suggestions on how to organize desks or tables. Ask them for input on where office supplies should be stored. See if they have feedback on how to assign roles for classroom jobs. By simply asking students for their thoughts and ideas, students feel valued and respected and will, in turn, show respect to their classroom organization. Ultimately, when a classroom is well organized, students feel safe, and a natural structure is created and cared for.

A Good Filing System

What do you do with all the completed work that comes in during the course of a week? There are several ways to go about organizing student work. For starters, creating a turn-in bin with labeled folders can help you easily check student work and ensure everyone completes their work. These folders are easy to grab and put in your backpack if you plan to save grading for home, as well as help students know exactly where to file the work they’ve completed.

If you prefer to not have another bin sitting around, a different but simple idea is giving each student a fix and finish folder to store in their desk. If students are not done with an assignment when a transition arrives, have them tuck that paper away in their fix and finish folder. Later, when they ask if they can have “free time,” have them check and see that that folder has no incomplete work. This is a simple way to store unfinished items and puts responsibility on the student to make sure they finish all their work.

Utilize Technology 

Working smarter, not harder, is a well-known expression and for a good reason. There is an immense amount of technology out there, so why not utilize a proven system that has already been created. Whether you are looking for a good grade book (ThinkWave), a learning management system that is student friendly (Seesaw), or a way for students to continue their learning after the class period has ended (Flip), technology has a way to stay organized and get work completed.

Additionally, technology often provides an engaging platform for students to interact with, learn from, and easily showcase their work. Whether you openly and eagerly embrace any technology that comes your way or hesitate to change a system that has previously worked for you, technology is worth at least a second thought.

The Organized Teacher Toolbox — Personal Life

Not only is it important to stay organized in your classroom, but the best way to not feel mentally or emotionally weighed down is also to keep an organized personal life.

Prioritizing Tasks

A good start is by learning to prioritize tasks.Create a list of things you need to get done. Then, rank them from the most important or urgent task to the least pressing. At the end of each day, rewrite and re-rank the list so you know where your next day’s energy should be focused on. You may find that just by simply writing down your to-do’s, you already feel more organized. 

Mindful Tech Use

Another way to stay organized in your personal life is to stay mindful of technology use. Technology is great in so many ways but can also drain a lot of time away. It may be helpful for you to have a home base for your phone. If you keep it on the kitchen counter, you will have to make a purposeful choice of getting up to get it. Additionally, instead of picking up your phone when you have just a few minutes to kill before leaving the house, keep a sticky note of tasks that take a short amount of time. Got 5 minutes? Vacuum the kitchen. Have 3 minutes before the chicken nuggets are done? Wipe down a few blinds. It can feel so satisfying to clean just one small area of your house.

Teachers wear so many hats. They teach, they mentor, they learn new technology, and they find a way to stay fulfilled in their personal lives. Staying organized is critical both at school and at home. Teachers can spend more time on instruction by having a thoughtful classroom layout, using a good filing system, and utilizing technology so we can work smarter not harder. At home, prioritizing tasks and being purposeful about technology use and spare moments can help make you feel more mentally present and emotionally healthy. Try out some of these organizational tips in your classroom and home, today!

Educators never stop learning; check out our available graduate degree programs  to hone your skills and promote lifelong learning and academic excellence.

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This guide explores the key benefits of social networking sites for teachers, offering a comprehensive look at how they can be used to acquire information, enhance communication, and build a robust professional network.

Key Benefits of Social Networking for Educators

Here are some of the primary ways educators can benefit from using social media.

Acquiring Information and Insights

Educators can use a social network to gain personalized and accurate information that textbooks simply can’t provide. Platforms like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn connect you with fellow educators worldwide, providing firsthand access to a wealth of knowledge.

• Connect with Experts: If students are learning about a different culture, they can use video chat platforms like FaceTime or Skype to connect directly with an expert from that region. This provides reliable information from a firsthand source, greatly enhancing student understanding.
• Access Diverse Perspectives: By engaging with colleagues from various backgrounds, you can gain a wide array of viewpoints on educational matters. This exposure to diverse perspectives can broaden your understanding and lead to new teaching approaches.

Staying Informed and Up-to-Date

Social networking sites make it easy to stay current with the latest developments in the field of education.

• Monitor Trends: A quick scroll through your newsfeed or participation in professional groups can effortlessly keep you informed about the latest news and trends.
• Discover Opportunities: Social networks are excellent for staying in the know about upcoming professional development opportunities, conferences, and workshops.

Enhancing Communication with Students and Parents

Effective communication with students and parents is vital for successful teaching. Social networks simplify this process, making it easier to connect and share information.

• Effortless Sharing: For parents with demanding schedules, social media provides an easy way to share updates on school events, student progress, or behavior without needing in-person meetings.
• Instant Connection: Today’s digital tools facilitate instant connection, enhancing communication and ensuring everyone stays on the same page.

Building Professional Connections and Fostering Career Growth

A significant advantage of using social networking is the ability to build professional connections that can propel your career forward.

• Expand Your Network: The more individuals in your social network, the better. Platforms like LinkedIn are particularly valuable for this purpose, allowing you to connect with existing colleagues, graduate school cohorts, and new professionals in your field.
• Streamline Your Job Search: Maintaining a wide-reaching network can be a huge asset if you’re looking for a new job or considering a career change.

Sharing Ideas and Resources

Social networking sites provide a platform for educators to share and exchange ideas, teaching techniques, and strategies with one another.

• Collaborate and Learn: Platforms like Facebook and Instagram make it easy to compare notes with other educators, effectively enriching your own teaching experience. Try searching for “teacher groups” on Facebook or hashtags like #teachersofInstagram to connect and share ideas.
• Foster Reflective Practice: By interacting with other educators, you can share and document your experiences, discussing both successes and challenges. This helps you benefit from others’ insights and develop a growth mindset.

Increasing Student Engagement and Collaboration

Social media can be a powerful tool for engaging students and encouraging collaboration.

• Interactive Learning: By incorporating multimedia into lessons, you can create interactive learning experiences. Students can use online forums to share their opinions, ask questions, or participate in discussions.
• Group Projects: Social networking sites can encourage collaboration on group projects, allowing students to share resources and engage in interactive conversations, thereby exposing them to diverse views and expanding their understanding.

Conclusion

Social networking has fundamentally changed how we connect and communicate. For educators, embracing this digital realm offers an abundance of resources, from engaging in exciting conversations with global experts to sharing knowledge with peers and being exposed to diverse perspectives. By immersing themselves in the digital world, teachers can enhance both their professional careers and their personal growth.

You’ve got important career goals — we have the graduate program to get you there. Check out our available graduate degree programs to advance your career today!

*Updated August 2025

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The Importance of Self-Esteem in Students

Self-esteem plays an essential role in the development and success of students. It serves as the foundation on which they build their sense of self-worth. When students have a healthy amount of self-esteem, they are more likely to take risks because they know that any setback is only temporary and that they can get over it. Self-esteem also influences their motivation to learn. When students have high self-esteem, they are more apt to participate in class and share their opinions.

Numerous studies have established a strong correlation between high self-esteem and academic achievement. For example, one study in the Journal of Applied Sciences suggested that a student’s level of self-esteem played a crucial role in shaping their academic accomplishments. Additionally, they found that students who received higher grades had higher levels of self-esteem. Overall, fostering students’ self-esteem is essential for empowering them to reach their full potential both emotionally and academically.

Nurturing Student Self-Esteem

As a teacher, you play a vital role in fostering a student’s sense of self-worth. Here are some specific strategies that you can employ to help nurture students’ self-esteem.

Focus on all Achievements and Success

It is important to focus on all achievements and successes, no matter how big or small. Celebrating achievements helps students develop a positive self-image and a sense of self-worth. It reinforces the belief that they are capable of their achievements. When students see their successes, they become more motivated to take on new challenges. Take the time to value and appreciate each student’s unique strengths and accomplishments, by doing so you will not only boost your students’ confidence and self-acceptance but also help to cultivate a classroom environment of respect.

Set Realistic and Attainable Goals

Help students set realistic goals that match their abilities and provide opportunities for success. When students can achieve their goals, it will give them a sense of accomplishment and boost their confidence. Moreover, when goals are attainable, students learn their hard work pays off. It also gives students a sense of purpose. When they see their objectives are in their grasp, they will be more motivated to learn, which in turn gives them more control over their own success.

Help Foster a Growth Mindset

Teach students about the power of a growth mindset. Help them understand that their abilities are not fixed and can grow and develop over time. Instead of focusing on a student’s grade, talk to them about the value of the learning process. Empathize that they will make mistakes, and there will be setbacks, but that is okay because learning is a journey and once, they learn to value this process, they will become more self-aware and adopt a growth-oriented mindset. Provide students with constructive feedback and encourage them to reflect upon their studies. Share stories of your own failures and growth to help to stress the value of perseverance.

Foster a Positive/Safe Classroom Environment 

A positive classroom environment is crucial in nurturing student self-esteem because it gives them a sense of belonging. When students feel accepted and included it will give them confidence in their abilities. A safe classroom also creates a space for students to feel safe. When they feel safe, they feel free to express themselves, take more risks, share their thoughts, and actively participate which can all help students to develop a positive self-image.

Promote Independence

Encouraging autonomy in students can positively impact their self-esteem because when students are given opportunities to make decisions and take ownership of their learning, they develop a sense of competence. As they experience success, they develop confidence and their self-esteem increases. Provide opportunities for students to make choices and take ownership of their learning. Encourage them to express their opinions, solve problems, and make decisions, this will help to enhance their sense of competence and self-worth.

Model Resilience

Modeling resilience is an effective way to help students increase their self-esteem because it encourages them to view mistakes and failures as an opportunity for growth. Share stories of your own experiences and setbacks and how you overcame them. This will help students understand that setbacks are a normal part of life and can be overcome with determination and persistence.

Demonstrate your problem-solving skills by talking through your thinking process. As you explore different solutions, model resilience by not giving up until a resolution is found. Be sure to show how you manage and regulate your emotions during this process. Stay calm and composed while talking through your problems as well as demonstrate how you are coping through the process such as through positive self-talk or breathing techniques.

Differentiated Instruction

Differentiating instruction can positively impact students’ self-esteem because you can tailor your teaching methods to meet the needs of each student’s interests, abilities, and learning styles. Providing personalized instruction and support allows students to experience success and feel valued as individuals. This approach not only acknowledges students’ individuality but also builds upon their strengths, supports their challenges, as well as fosters a positive self-perception and self-esteem. Consider providing students with materials that cater to different learning preferences and abilities. Offer a mix of visual, auditory, and kinesthetic resources, such as online videos, hands-on activities, interactive simulations, and written texts. This allows students to engage with content in ways that suit their learning styles, fostering a sense of competence and success.

Nurturing student self-esteem is a vital element for fostering success in education. Educators can play a pivotal role in boosting students’ self-esteem by creating a positive classroom environment, encouraging independence, differentiating instruction, and modeling resilience. When students feel valued, and supported, they are more likely to take risks, embrace challenges, and reach their full potential.

Educators never stop learning; check out our available graduate degree programs  to hone your skills and promote lifelong learning and academic excellence.

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Understand How You Work

Graduate school can be a lot of work, and to keep up with the demands you must understand how you work best. Take some time to think about the time of day that you’re most productive. If you find that you feel the most productive in the early mornings, then use that time to study before your day even gets started. Next, identify your learning style. Think about what way you process and retain information the best. Is it by listening? Reading? Writing? Once you know what style works best for you, you can tailor your study habits to your unique learning preferences. This will help tremendously when trying to incorporate other studying tips.

Read with a Purpose

Undoubtedly, you will be reading a lot in grad school. However, to retain what you are reading from multiple sources you must read with a purpose. This involves thinking about what you are reading, why you need to read it, and what you need to get out of it. Instead of just reading the book or article from front to back, skim it beforehand looking at the chapter headings, bold words, and bullet points. Then, as you read, take notes in the margins, or use Post-it notes to mark important pieces of information.

Manage Your Time

Time management is the key to success in any graduate program. There will most likely be many things for you to juggle during this time, such as work, family, school, etc., so managing your time is crucial. When it comes to your schoolwork, develop a schedule and stick to it. Try using an online tool like a productivity app or calendar and pencil study time in just as you would an appointment. These types of tools can help you stay on track more easily.

Be Accountable for Your Assignments

Assignments in graduate school serve as a crucial component of your scholarly research. Therefore, they are more than just busy work from your professor. When you are vested in what you write about, you’re more likely to devote your time to the task and do more comprehensive work. Try and view your writing assignments as a research opportunity to get feedback from your professor so you know you’re going in the right direction with your graduate studies.

Retain What You Hear

To ensure you can effectively comprehend and apply the knowledge you acquire in your field of study, you must remember what you hear in your lectures. You can do this by actively listening to what the speaker is saying focusing on the main points without surrounding distractions. Try using a laptop to jot down notes as the speaker is talking; this will not only help you pay attention, but it will also help you better understand the main points of the lecture that you can refer to later when you study. Another helpful way to retain what you hear is to practice active recall which is simply reviewing what you’ve learned by testing yourself with flashcards or through summarization.

Stay Organized

Graduate school involves a lot of paperwork so if you want to keep track of everything then you must stay organized. Develop a system that makes it easy to find everything you need. There are many digital tools available that can help you stay organized, such as online calendars, task management apps, and note-taking apps. These tools can help you find the information you need when you need it. Keeping your workspace tidy and free from clutter is also another great way to keep you focused on your studies because the cleaner your workspace, the fewer distractions you’ll have.

Take Breaks

While it’s important to be productive, it’s also equally important to take breaks and give your brain a rest. Incorporating short breaks throughout the day can help you improve focus and prevent burnout. Try taking a brief break from your workspace to re-energize your mind by taking a walk, doing a few stretches, or doing simple yoga poses.

Study with Others

Finding a study group is a great way to keep you motivated and accountable. It’s also a great way to share ideas and gain different perspectives. This can help you see the material in new and different ways, enhancing your understanding of the subject matter. Additionally, studying with a group/your cohort can help you build a network in your field which can be invaluable for your future career.

In graduate school your study skills will be put to the test, skimming assignments, or waiting before the day an assignment is due will no longer be an option (if that was something that got you through your undergraduate years). Graduate school involves a lot of research and analyzing information which often means more responsibility and putting in the hours to study. If you understand how you work the best and know how to manage your time and stay organized, and utilize study tips, then graduate school will be a success.

Educators never stop learning; check out our available graduate degree programs  to hone your skills and promote lifelong learning and academic excellence.

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Student standards can differ from state to state and district to district, but public schools typically rely on state learning standards.

Proficiency-based learning is also known as:

• Competency-based learning
• Mastery-based learning
• Outcome-based learning
• Performance-based learning

The main goal of proficiency-based learning is to ensure that more students truly master the skills that they’re being taught by their teachers before they are allowed to advance to the next grade or receive a diploma. Proficiency-based learning is the opposite of the traditional grading scale that relies on letters (usually “A-F”) to determine which students pass and which ones do not. The problem with the traditional system is that students who earn grades “A-D” are all considered passing, but students who receive an “A” have clearly mastered the material better than those who receive a “D.” And yet, they’re all allowed to move forward in their education. Is that fair? Is it right? Proficiency-based learning can help identify and remove these gaps in students’ education.

Many colleges and universities are working towards this style of learning and assessment and away from traditional credits and grades. This means that elementary, middle, and high schools must also incorporate standards-based learning to prepare their students for higher education.

Why Is Proficiency-Based Learning a Necessity?

Research has shown that, especially since the pandemic, there has been an increase in students completing below-grade-level work. Teachers are struggling to meet students’ individual needs, and the gap among these needs is even greater due to the lack of in-person instruction stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. Some schools have tried to make up for this gap by accelerating instruction as opposed to focusing on remediating topics that students have not mastered, and students and schools alike are struggling with this approach.

Some students are falling behind, whereas others are not being given appropriately challenging assignments. Either way, we’re failing to prepare our kids for their future. One way we can start to repair this problem is by incorporating proficiency-based learning into school districts nationwide.

Benefits of Proficiency-Based Learning

There are numerous benefits to these proficiency-based learning and standards-based learning approaches, so it’s no wonder it has become increasingly popular in the educational world. Some (but not all) of the benefits include:

1. More students will learn what they’re supposed to. There will be less of a range of competency; either the student has mastered the skill, or they haven’t.
2. This style of learning allows students to take ownership of their education, which in turn is more motivating for them. They have more control over how they learn the material and how they prove their mastery of it.
3. Standards-based learning provides teachers with specific details on individual students’ learning progress. It’s not a “one size fits all” approach.
4. Proficiency-based learning doesn’t incorporate irrelevant factors like age, grade level, or attendance when it comes to assessing a student’s mastery of a skill.
5. It allows for increased flexibility, both for the students and the teachers.
6. It makes it easier for teachers to differentiate instruction so that students can learn at their own pace and have their education tailored to their individual needs.
7. The assessments can (and should) also be differentiated. Students should be encouraged to submit videos, papers, PowerPoints, portfolios, projects, etc. based on their personal learning styles and comfortability with a topic.
8. Standards-based learning is a more cost-effective way to assess student learning than standardized testing, which can cost anywhere from $7-$73 per studentand comes with a degree of uncertainty regarding test quality and validity.

Proficiency-Based Learning Strategies for the Classroom

The best way to incorporate mastery-based learning into your curriculum is to conduct a pre-assessment before beginning a new unit. Assess students’ current knowledge on a topic so that you can meet them where they’re at in terms of their skill set. This will prevent you from teaching information that they already know, as well as teaching standards that are beyond their current comprehension. Some other ways you can incorporate proficiency-based /standards-based learning and assessment into your classroom are by including one or more of the following strategies:

• Student surveys
• Student feedback
• Choice boards
• Exit tickets
• Learning targets
• A variety of choices for assessment based on various learning styles
• Encourage students to incorporate technology into their evaluations if they’re comfortable with it

Proficiency-based learning has single-handedly changed the language we use regarding student achievement. It’s a transformative approach to teaching and learning that can improve students’ educational experiences so that they are accurately prepared for their future careers and any higher education they decide to pursue. Some may be hesitant to incorporate it into their classrooms because it’s so different from what we’re used to seeing in education, but the results speak for themselves. It’s worth the extra time and effort it may take to master this approach when you see how many students are meeting their educational goals.

Teachers never stop learning; check out our available graduate degree programs  to hone your skills and promote lifelong learning and academic excellence.

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Classroom Discussion and Examination of Test Prompts

Possibly the best way to help students learn from their tests is to go over the tests with the students in class. While this might seem obvious, it does take some important steps to be executed correctly. To begin with, the test must be graded in a timely fashion. Now, for some disciplines, this might be a matter of course. For other disciplines, however, this could present a real challenge for the teacher.

An ELA teacher, for example, who assigns an essay component to the test might take longer to return the exams as opposed to say, a math teacher who may be able to use a scantron sheet to grade the majority of the test or who does not have as long of an assessment to grade. By reviewing the tests with all students, it provides immediate feedback and allows students to gain a better, more thorough understanding of the topics they were assessed on as well as the misconceptions they had with the material.

Once the tests are corrected and returned to the students, the teacher needs to take time going over each question, specifically focusing on those questions that had the most incorrect answers. Although this may be tedious and time-consuming, it is truly beneficial to the students. When going over the test, the teacher can have the students put all writing instruments away and have students simply listen and pay attention to the corrections.

Or the teacher may require that the students fill in the correct answers and make the corrections during the review of the test and remind students that many of the questions may appear again in the future such as on a midterm or final exam. This behooves students to not only write down the correct answers, but to also make sure they have a full understanding of why they may have answered incorrectly on the exam.

Go Over Answers as a Class

Another way students may learn from a test is for the teacher to point out the answers to certain questions that were revealed on the test itself. Oftentimes, by the nature of the exam, answers are embedded within the questions. Savvy students, with help, can begin to ascertain how to find many answers to test prompts that are often revealed in the test itself. Once the exam is handed back, a teacher can point out areas of the exam that reveal answers to other questions.

If a teacher models that strategy enough, a student may begin to learn how to find answers to difficult questions right under their very noses. This can help students to not only relearn the material that was assessed upon on the assessment but also to develop better critical reading or problem-solving skills. These skills will be used in the future and help prepare students for their next assessments.

Student Reflection

Another way teachers can help student learning from reviewing tests is by providing a reflection component of some sort to the review. A reflection component can help students to identify the errors they made and learn from those mistakes. Some teachers might do this reflection component by having students do corrections in which they will redo the components of the assessment in which they lost points. Some teachers might even give points back to the students for doing this, which could be a motivator for some students. Other teachers might assign test corrections as part of a homework assignment.

Either way, by having the students take a second look at their original work and compare to what they were taught and what they have in their notes can help them to learn from their mistakes – a major part of education and life. Other ways that students can reflect on work is by having them identify what they did incorrectly and what would have been correct. This could be discussed at a time with the teacher in an independent setting or done on a separate sheet of paper in a journal-style format. Again, having the student take a second glance can help them to recognize the few mistakes that they made or the misconceptions that they had.

Review Assessments with Students

Reviewing assessments with students helps them to not only understand the topics but also the overarching concepts and themes that will help them with future topics. By developing a strong skill sense, it helps the students to understand skills are needed as well as when and how to best apply them. It also helps students to continue to better themselves and their learning. Students can start to develop a sense of what works for them in preparing for an assessment and what does not.

By reviewing an assessment, students learn the course’s crucial aspects and what is needed to succeed. Students can, then, take this information and use it to better themselves and their learning while studying for the assessment. It can help students to create a game plan in which they are preparing as best as they can based on what they have learned in the chapter/topic area as well as from past assessments and assignments. Again, it allows students to reflect and learn from their mistakes.

The ultimate reason to review assessments with students is to provide critical feedback to help improve the students’ learning and performance in the class. Receiving feedback, whether positive or constructive, can help any person to gain a better understanding of what is right and what is wrong/what is good and what is bad. It is a way to help the students develop a sense of what they know and what they are missing as well as the in-between. It is a way for students to gain a better understanding of how they learn in each class and how to prepare in each class.

Reviewing formative and summative material with students helps them to retain the information better by constantly reviewing concepts that they will continue to use throughout the course. Reviewing helps students to understand what they have learned and continues to reinforce the learning as the course goes on.

Teachers never stop learning; check out our available graduate degree programs  to hone your skills and promote lifelong learning and academic excellence.

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Knowing where students are academically is the foundation for effective teaching and learning. Observers can readily ascertain that effective classroom instruction is on the horizon when an ongoing measuring stick for student academic success is present. Hence, the importance of formative assessments. Having formative assessments embedded throughout instruction prevents teachers from teaching in the dark with regards to student readiness.

Why Are Formative Assessments So Important?

When used effectively, they answer the question: “Are my students getting it?” They are powerful tools when planning next steps in the teaching learning cycle. In fact, the cycle is broken when formative assessments are not present. Fore, it is unrealistic to believe that teachers have a grasp on students’ mastery of learning targets without their presence.

Formative assessments are foundational in terms of planning lessons that hit the mark for student mastery. In fact, one could say that they are the stoplight for progressing through a learning target. Student failure of the formative assessment coincides with the red light in that it means stop and regroup with new teaching strategies. Borderline passing mirrors the yellow light. It says proceed with caution because based on the results it is not clear if the students fully understood the material. Mastering the assessment is like getting to the green light and knowing that it is safe to proceed as student mastery is clear.

It is too common for teachers to get to the end of a unit and discover that their students have not mastered the content. The students’ lack of mastery is usually justified by statements such as, “I taught it, but they didn’t get it.” I believe that occurrences such as this indicate instruction that is not saturated with formative assessments. By the end of a unit, as a result of administering formative assessments, the process of remediating and enriching should have occurred in such a manner that teachers know students’ success rate prior to the results being revealed.

Likewise, formative assessments are just as instrumental to administrators. End-of-year state-mandated assessments should not be the only tool used to determine teacher effectiveness. Administrators must use ongoing conversations surrounding formative assessment data to determine a teacher’s effectiveness in the classroom. The level of support that administrators provide to teachers should be birthed from those conversations. This in the moment support provides teachers with tools needed to pivot to ensure student success.

Ways to Incorporate Formative Assessments

I have found that planning must occur to guarantee that formative assessments are a part of the teaching learning cycle. Planning ways to check for understanding before teaching the lesson increases the potential for success. I have found the following formative assessments examples and methods to be effective in terms of incorporating formative assessments.

Exit Ticket

Exit tickets are short quick checks that students submit as they exit a class or close out a content. Typically, exit tickets are comprised of a few questions that allows the teachers to determine if the students grasped the material. They can be used in several ways.

Exit tickets can be used to differentiate student learning needs. Being able to provide differentiated instruction is the best way to close learning gaps and meet students where they are. Exit tickets help to facilitate this by providing information on students’ areas of strengths and weaknesses. Teachers take this information and group students accordingly. Instruction is then tailored to meet the needs of each group.

Exit tickets also force students to think about what they have learned on any given day. It requires them to analyze the information and regurgitate it to show their level of understanding. Since well-crafted exit tickets require the students to do the thinking, it is more likely that they are doing the learning.

Stop Jot Share

“Stop, Jot, Share” is a formative assessment strategy that I have found successful when requiring students to stop and think before they speak. This strategy is simply an extension of the familiar stop and jot. It requires students to share out with a partner after they have written their responses. This allows teachers to assess students’ understanding through verbal and written replies. It also provides the students an opportunity to hear the thought process of their peers. This gives them a chance to process the material through a lens other than their teachers’. The students will be doing the bulk of the work and learning since this approach requires them to write and talk about the concepts.

Gaining insight into each students’ thought process on the presented content is a strength of this strategy. Teachers are able to ascertain if students can verbally respond to the material, even if they struggled through the written portion. Thus, providing opportunities to tap into students’ learning styles reveal the best way to present material. Based on students’ responses from “stop jot share”, teachers are equipped with data that will allow them to formulate a plan for proceeding with instruction.

Thinking Chart

Thinking charts are another way that pushes students to process the learning. I believe that they are one of the most underutilized formative assessment strategies. They require students to use higher order thinking skills to formulate their responses. Analysis, synthesizing, drawing conclusions, and making predictions are often required when completing thinking charts. All of the skills mentioned above aid students in making sense of their learning. The students’ responses on the charts allow teachers to quickly identify deficits and strengths in the learners’ attainment of the material. Furthermore, their responses can be used to determine the lesson structure in terms of time spent on the various parts of each unit.

Quickly reviewing students’ responses provides teachers with information on the depth of students’ understanding. As with the previously shared strategies, teachers are given an opportunity to identify content that may need revisiting and those that may need enriching. With this information a plan for results driven instruction can be developed. Personalized instruction that meets the needs of every student can occur because the teacher has in-the-moment data that drives teaching and learning.

Teachers never stop learning; check out our available graduate degree programs  to hone your skills and promote lifelong learning and academic excellence.

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Use Positive Language

The first thing to remember when writing your syllabus, is that the language you use will set the tone for your classroom and the relationships you will form with your students. Many educators make the mistake of using a detrimental tone in their syllabus. Whether that be sarcastic remarks regarding your homework policy, digs at student effort, or negative talk regarding previous classes, students will notice, and they will quickly form the impression that you either: 1. Don’t like them, or 2. Don’t believe they will be successful in your class.

Rather, you should structure your syllabus using positive language that lets students know you not only believe they can be successful in your class, but you expect they all will be! Your students need to understand you are working as a team, and your syllabus is your first chance to impress this upon them. Use your syllabus as an opportunity to let your students know that you are on their side, and you are here to help them. You don’t want students to fail in your classroom, in fact, you will work with them in whatever way they need to ensure they do not.

Outline Classroom Expectations Clearly and Simply

The outlining of classroom expectations is the most important part of your syllabus. Your students’ minds should be clear about how your classroom works, how to earn full credit for assignments, or what to do in case of late work or a missing assignment. Your syllabus is your chance to cover everything they need to know, but it’s important to do so using clear and simple language that students can easily understand. A simple syllabus is usually the way to go. Not only that, but make sure your syllabus is inclusive of all that enter your classroom. Students should feel that your classroom is a safe place, and your syllabus is your first chance to ensure all feel they are welcome, and all feel that they can be successful.

Make sure to lay out exactly how you expect things to run in your room. Make sure it’s clear.

• What is your policy on late work?
• How should students proceed when they may need more time on an assignment?
• When they need help with something?
• How do you prefer to be contacted when they are not in your classroom?

Having a plan in place for each scenario and sharing that plan with your students through your syllabus is the best way to leave no space open for misunderstanding. This also makes students feel safe when they can understand exactly what to expect right off the bat.

Read Through the Syllabus with Students

Reading through the syllabus on the first day of class with your students is essential. This allows them the chance to ask questions, and begins a conversation about how your classroom runs, and what students will need to do to be successful. Encourage your students to write on their syllabus as you go through it, and mark areas where they don’t understand something or could use a bit more clarification.

Not only does this allow them to ask specific questions, but it also gives you feedback on places where you could make your syllabus easier to understand. Students will return to your classroom the following day feeling confident knowing they are beginning the year with the end in mind. There should be no surprises because everything has been outlined in the syllabus and discussed on the very first day of class.

Prepare a Simple Syllabus Quiz

Another idea is to prepare a syllabus quiz. This could be given the day after you discuss the syllabus with students. This shouldn’t be a surprise, students should be aware that it is coming, which allows them extra time to review the syllabus after class and encourages them to look more closely at assignments, due dates, or how you award points in your classroom.

While students may zone out during a syllabus discussion, knowing a quiz is coming encourages them to pay close attention to the information or to even give it another look later. The quiz itself refreshes their memory regarding the information in the syllabus, especially if they looked at many syllabi in multiple classes on the first day of school. This is just another opportunity to make sure your students are well-prepared and set up for success in your classroom.

Reference Frequently

Lastly, make sure to reference syllabuses frequently. It should not be something given on the first day of class and never discussed again. When questions arise, you can refer students back to the syllabus where that information is covered. This encourages students to check their syllabus frequently when working through coursework or when working on something when you are not present. At the beginning of a large assignment, you could have students pull up their syllabus and review the expectations and point values outlined. There are multiple ways to make sure the information in your syllabus is being utilized and to encourage students to take responsibility for their own success.

Teachers never stop learning; check out our available graduate degree programs  to hone your skills and promote lifelong learning and academic excellence.

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Well-Known Companies That Offer Teacher Discounts

Because you deserve every perk you can get, we’ve created a list of some of the most popular companies that offer teacher discounts. Happy shopping!

Classroom Supplies

Did you know that teachers spend an estimated $750 a year of their own money on classroom supplies? To help offset the money you’re spending on your classroom, these companies offer teachers a discount.

Staples

With Staples teacher discount, enroll in the Classroom Rewards program and earn five percent back in classroom rewards and five percent back in Staples rewards. Once you enroll you can let your classroom parents know so when they go shopping for supplies, they can donate five percent of their purchases as long as they use your name as the recipient.

Michaels

Join Michaels rewards program for their Michaels teacher discount and use your verified educator ID to receive a 15% teacher discount every time you shop in-store or online.

Joann

Save 15% on all purchases at Joann’s craft store when you enroll in their Joann teacher discount program. All you need is your current credentials showing you’re a teacher.

Office Depot/Office Max

Purchase qualifying school supplies at either store so your school will receive 5% back in qualifying credits. All you have to do is enter your school’s ID at checkout. Once your school has earned more than $10 in credit (quarterly) your school will get a merchandise certificate to use at the store.

Costco

With the Costco teacher discount, you will receive a $20 Costco shop card when you first join Costco. All you have to do is click the teacher’s offer that’s located at the bottom of the enrollment page when you apply for a new membership.

Books and Subscriptions

These companies understand that educational materials and subscriptions can get costly, that’s why they’ve provided teachers with a special discount.

Barnes and Noble

Once you become a B&N educator you will save 20% as a part of their Barnes and Noble teacher discount on all purchases for classroom use (books, toys, games), and 25% off during educator appreciation days. All you have to do to get the discount is sign up at your local Barnes and Noble store.

USA Today

USA Today has a special offer for educators which is full digital access for just $4.99 a month. This subscription includes full access to subscription-only content for the classroom which can be viewed on all devices. You can try it out for $1 for three months.

Half Price Books

Half Price Books supports teachers by giving them a 10% discount all year long on books and educational materials. Apply for an educator discount card and show your current school ID or paystub to start saving on all of your purchases.

Washington Post

Teachers are eligible to save 90% with the Washington Post’s academic rate. For $1 per month, you will have unlimited access to the website and app. To get this discount, you must go through their online verification process.

Books a Million

To receive a 20% discount, you must apply for Books-a-Million’s educators discount program by filling out this online application. Once approved, you are eligible for a discount and free shipping from Books-a-Million.

Electronics

As a teacher, you can take full advantage of discounts on electronics by simply verifying your teacher status at all of the following companies.

Apple

With the Apple teacher discount, teachers can save on a new Mac, iPad, or accessories with Apple’s special education pricing. However, please note that these prices are only on select devices.

Microsoft

Teachers are eligible for a year-round special discount of 10% off select products and specific surface devices at Microsoft.

Samsung

When you join Samsung’s education program, you’ll receive extra savings as long as you sign up using your educator’s email address. Once enrolled you can get up to a 30% discount when shopping directly on Samsung’s website.

HP

At the HP education store, you can get up to a 40% discount plus free shipping when you register with your educator’s email account.

Canva

If you’re currently a K-12 certified teacher, you can access Canva for free. All you need is proof of employment or certification, and you’ll be on your way to creating lesson plans, infographics, and more. You just have to re-verify your credentials every three years to keep your free membership.

Clothing

Professional clothing can be expensive, especially in the realm of teaching where you’re spending a chunk of your teaching salary on classroom supplies; that’s why these companies wanted to work with teachers by giving them discounts.

Adidas

You don’t have to be in the military or a nurse or medical professional to get a discount, they have an Adidas teacher discount too! All you have to do to get the discount is to get verified through Id.me and you’ll get 30% off online or in-store and 20% at their factory outlet locations.

J.Crew

When you shop with a valid ID that shows you are a credited teacher, you can get a J. Crew teacher discount of 15% off online or in-store up to four times per month.

Under Armour

Under Armour teacher discount has extended 20% off all purchases so that teachers are now eligible. To get this offer you must have your credentials verified through Id.me marketplace.

Columbia

Verify your teacher status at Id.me and you can get a 10% discount at Columbia all year round. However, this discount can’t be combined with other discounts and purchases won’t qualify for their rewards program.

Vera Bradley

Vera Bradley proudly offers teachers a special 15% discount as long as they show proof of their teaching credentials through Id.me.

Teachers never stop learning; check out our available graduate degree programs  to hone your skills and promote lifelong learning and academic excellence.

The post Where to Find Teacher Discounts appeared first on Graduate Programs for Educators.

It’s essentially your chance to showcase yourself and your skills and show how those skills can benefit the school district you’re applying for. Before you hit the ground running, follow these tips to ensure you have the best teacher cover letter that will help you move to the next step, an interview!

How to Write a Great Cover Letter

Short and Sweet

The first step to writing an excellent cover letter is to make sure it’s short and to the point. According to an ex-Amazon recruiter as told from CNBC, you only have about six seconds to capture the attention of a hiring manager when they are looking over your resume. Now imagine how much time they spend looking over your cover letter. Just like your resume, your cover letter should be formatted so it’s easy to read. Take this time to convince them why you are the best candidate for the job.

Why Are You a Great Match?

Emphasize what makes you the best contender for the job. Read the job description closely and match your expertise to what they are looking for. For example, if you’re applying for a middle school teaching position and the job description reads “communicates regularly with parents” and you’ve recently used a communication app that you love while student teaching or in a previous job position, then now is the time to talk about that.

Individualize Each Resume Cover Letter

Do your research. If you’re applying for a teaching position at three different school districts, then you need to write three different cover letters. You must tailor each cover letter to each school district to which you are applying. You can use specific examples that you know apply to their school district, culture, philosophy, or demographic. Market yourself as a candidate that can address their school district needs or demonstrate how your experience can help contribute to their school culture inside and outside the classroom.

Format Correctly

Since you only have a few seconds to capture the job recruiter’s attention you need to ensure your teacher cover letter is formatted correctly. A typical cover letter is three to four paragraphs and never exceeds a page. Make sure your font style and size are consistent throughout the letter as well as use the same type of paper as your resume. Try to capture the reader’s attention by starting the letter off with something more eye-catching: “It is with great excitement that I submit this letter…” then discuss the position you are applying for. Then close the letter with something like: “Thank you for your consideration, I will eagerly await an opportunity to discuss this role…” followed by a professional closing like, “sincerely” or “best regards” and then your name, email, and phone number.

Proofread and Edit

The last thing you want to do is not a job because you forgot to proofread your cover letter. Even the smallest typo may prevent you from getting an interview. Therefore, you must take the time to edit your cover letter. Simply putting it through spellcheck will not do the trick, because it can miss things like “you’re” versus “your.” You can use a program like Grammarly, but reading it aloud a few times, then handing it off to several people to give it a double check is your best bet to having an error-free cover letter.

To recap, your teacher cover letter for resume should highlight your qualifications. This means showcasing your skills and experience that are relevant to the specific job description you are applying for. If you are applying to several different school districts, tailor each cover letter to each specific job description.

You only have a few seconds to capture the hiring managers’ attention to be sure to format your letter, so it’s easy to read and free of errors. Lastly, try and demonstrate your passion and enthusiasm for teaching by giving your soon-to-be employer a sense of your personality through your writing style.

Teachers never stop learning; check out our available graduate degree programs to hone your skills and promote lifelong learning and academic excellence.

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