Archive for April 2025
Use It or Lose It: Why the End of the Year Matters Most
By Dr. Carrie Hepburn As the end of the school year approaches, it’s easy to feel like the finish line is near — but the truth is, the most important work is happening right now. Why? Because our job isn’t just to teach content — it’s to create habits that students will carry with them…
Read MoreDon’t Let Math Slip Away: Sliding Into Fall with Skills Intact
By Constance Hallemeier The school year is winding down. The days are getting longer, the air warmer, and the desire for summer vacation is growing stronger. Images of kids sleeping in, playing with friends, and doing math… what? Wait, doing math, really? While the excitement of a break from routine is intense, there’s often a…
Read MoreThe Power of Book Clubs: A Principal’s Guide to Student Engagement
By Dr. Natalie Fallert Many administrators want to help teachers move beyond whole-class novels and embrace book clubs but worry about the lack of structure. The good news? Book clubs foster student independence, engagement, and deeper discussions—all while ensuring students actually read. If you’re unsure where to start, this guide will walk you through why…
Read MoreMore Than Words: An Autism Journey
By Michelle Kearns A picture is worth a thousand words—except this one. He didn’t have a thousand words. Maybe he did, but he couldn’t express them. Instead, he used his hands—six-year-old hands, flapping as fast as they could, his mouth open wide, eyes locked on the horizon as the sand and ocean met his feet.…
Read MoreELA Test Prep, Reimagined: Practical Tips for Real Results
By Dr. Natalie Fallert Test prep—two dreaded words for both teachers and students. While I firmly believe that the best test preparation is year-round instruction in reading and writing, I also recognize that many schools require dedicated test prep units. If we must do it, let’s do it right. Focus on Priority Standards I have…
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