Teacher Voice

Stories from Educators — Welcome to the latest edition of the Stories that Inspired Us newsletter, where we take a look back at some stories that had a strong impact on us and our readers. This month we’re taking a look at stories written by PreK-12 educators, for PreK-12 educators. The Art of Teaching…

Start Meeting. Admit All. “Cameras on please. Unless you have a camera waiver, I need to see your face. Not your forehead. Not your ceiling, although I love the lamp, Michael. There we go. Eyebrows do not a face make, Kyle. Can you bring your screen down? There he is.” …

I turned 36 recently. The day after I woke up with what felt like a head cold. Immediately I took a covid test, because these are the times we are living in. It was negative. I have since taken two more, one at home and one at a clinic. All…

When you break up for the summer, you are initially full of hope. You’ve got 6 weeks ahead of you with no school required. You can get up whenever you fancy it (or at least have a mini lie in compared to school days…). Yet, inside you feel rubbish. You…

By Carey Crows, Music Teacher, Mary Tapia, Arts Educator, and Alison Keller, Instructional Innovation Specialist — In typical times, the K-2 students at Lyon Elementary School in Glenview, IL would have two in-person performances throughout the school year. These performances are developed with and by the students using an inquiry process to distill themes and messages the students care about, and to find ways to use…

By Ashley Cuthbertson, M.Ed, NBCT — First designated in 1979 as Black Music Month by President Jimmy Carter, Black Music Month was officially declared by presidential proclamation in 2000. In President Joe Biden’s 2022 Proclamation, he notes that “The music created by Black artists continues to influence musicians of all persuasions, entertain people of all backgrounds…

By Brittany Murro, iSTEM and Gifted & Talented Teacher — Spring is a magical time in our little town of Tabernacle, located right in the heart of the New Jersey Pine Barrens. With spring comes the promise of beautiful weather, a rebirth in nature, and the hope of more time spent in the great outdoors. …

By Nicole Jamerson, 7th Grade Civics Teacher — Project-Based Learning (PBL) is one of those educational buzzwords we hear so often. You may have also heard of problem-based learning, inquiry-based learning, or even place-based learning. My experience focuses on Project Based Learning (PBL), which can be defined as “a teaching method in which students gain knowledge and skills…

A 5-Part Lesson Strategy for In-Person, Virtual, and Hybrid Classes — By Laura Boyd, Educator I have adapted teaching my content in a very strategic way by breaking up my lesson into five parts. This has allowed me to transition from in-person teaching to hybrid and virtual at ease. Each of these lesson parts provides multiple ways for my learners to…