Top Tips and Resources for Effective Test Prep Success
Taking tests isn’t at the top of any kid’s list of favorite things to do. Whether it is the annual standardized test or an end
Teacher Tips
My First Year Teacher Story
It was the summer of 1998, and I had attended at least 30 interviews looking for the school where I could establish myself as a
The Perfect Sub Plans: Everything You Need to Get Prepared
Ah, it’s that time of year when germs seem to be lurking around every corner. One minute, you’re feeling fine. The next, you’re waking up
How to Effectively Use Color in the Classroom
If you asked my first year teaching self about the impact of color on my students’ learning, I probably would have given you a generic
Podcast for Teachers: The Teaching Toolbox Podcast
I’m excited to take you on a journey into the world of teacher podcasts. I stumbled upon podcasts quite unexpectedly. You see, I’ve always been
End of Year Celebrations to Engage Your Middle Schoolers
As the year ends, it’s time to plan activities that celebrate students’ accomplishments and the progress made over the past nine months. Recognizing their hard
9 Tips for the Best Sub Plans
I still remember the day I came back to my classroom after being out and realized almost nothing had gone the way I planned. I
The Importance of Teaching Values for Students
I saw something pretty incredible on a Saturday night. It was stunning, beautiful, fun, a little crazy, and surprisingly inspiring. It was Taylor Swift in
A Simple Guide to Classroom Setup at Sixth Grade
By mid to late July every year, I can’t wait to go back to school and begin my classroom setup. I miss grading papers. I
Differentiation and the Brain and Why Curriculum Matters More Than Ever
There is a moment every teacher knows well: You’ve planned a lesson you feel good about. You deliver it clearly, yet you still see wildly
7 Young Adult Books Every Middle School Teacher Should Read
You can know a lot about someone by what they choose to read in their free time. A reader who gravitates toward horror stories may
Pi Day Math Activities: Bringing Fun to the Classroom
Have you ever mentioned Pi Day and suddenly your students are more interested in math than they were five minutes earlier? Maybe it’s the promise