
Preparing for a Virtual Screening Interview
It’s that time of the year – when job openings are popping up! This year, some districts are conducting the screening interview virtually – with the candidate sending in a video responding to pre-made questions from the district. It is safe to assume that districts may be screening more candidates for positions, so it’s importantContinue reading “Preparing for a Virtual Screening Interview”

Creating Strategies for the Elementary Classroom
I have some exciting news! My latest article, Creating Strategies: Designing Lessons for the Elementary Classroom, was recently published in the Montana English Journal. This article discusses the creative literacy strategies that preservice teachers designed and implemented for the elementary classroom. Like many teachers, when preservice teachers enter my course, they want to know whatContinue reading “Creating Strategies for the Elementary Classroom”

Gearing up for Teaching Interviews? Three Ways to Get Prepared for Interview Season
It’s that time of the year again – when teaching positions are opening up and being posted. This year, I have noticed more job openings posted than usual (at least that’s the case at the districts near me). It’s important to put your best foot forward and be prepared, so here are a few suggestionsContinue reading “Gearing up for Teaching Interviews? Three Ways to Get Prepared for Interview Season”

It’s That Time of Year – Parent Teacher Conferences!
It’s that time of the year again! The time for parent-teacher conferences. Conferences can be intimidating for both teachers and parents. Teachers tend to be nervous about conferences because they fear how parents will react if they hear something that they disagree with or might not want to hear. However, conferences provide an opportunity forContinue reading “It’s That Time of Year – Parent Teacher Conferences!”

Planning Fun Moments
It’s still winter in the northeast and while the sun has been peeking out more often, it is still cold outside and there is a good amount of snow that remains on the ground. In addition, COVID-19 continues to be an issue that requires testing and quarantining. I often begin my classes by asking howContinue reading “Planning Fun Moments”

Ideas for Including Teacher-Directed Writing into Your Teaching
After last week’s post, I received a few questions about when it is a good time to include teacher-directed writing into writing instruction. One argument for teacher-directed writing is the standardized tests that students need to take and the need to prepare them to respond to the types of prompts that will be on thoseContinue reading “Ideas for Including Teacher-Directed Writing into Your Teaching”

The Danger of Teaching Writing Through Prompts
Writing prompts are one of those enduring teaching practices that seem great in theory, but in practice do not support young writers. This is a teaching practice that I continue to see in lesson plans as well as in the classroom during writing time. Prompts give the feeling of control over what is being taughtContinue reading “The Danger of Teaching Writing Through Prompts”

Be Concrete About What You Want to Accomplish
A new semester is about to begin. This is often an exciting time for my students because they are looking forward to their new classes and more opportunities to learn about teaching and work with and learn from elementary students. This semester marks another that will look different than usual – with classes being heldContinue reading “Be Concrete About What You Want to Accomplish”

Interactive Read-Alouds for the Primary Grades
I love reading aloud to students! It is truly one of my favorite lessons to plan regardless of the age of the students. Read-alouds are appropriate for any age or grade level – because, after all, who does not enjoy hearing a book read aloud?! However, they are essential if you are teaching students whoContinue reading “Interactive Read-Alouds for the Primary Grades”

Setting Goals for a Stronger Beginning
2020 has been a crazy year and many people are looking forward to the new year as a reset or a clean slate for new beginnings. Even if COVID is still around, turning to a new calendar year brings renewed hope and possibilities. After 2020, some would argue that it is not worth making goalsContinue reading “Setting Goals for a Stronger Beginning”
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