Dear colleague, A couple months ago, I was asked at a PD workshop I was leading whether or not teachers should sit behind their desks while students work independently on their learning. Let’s talk a little bit about this. So first of all, it’s important we create classroom cultures where our students are sometimes independently […]
Are We Becoming Grumbles?
Dear colleague, Recently I came across this article in my archives from 2017 and found it very helpful, in that it both convicted and encouraged me. Gotta say — it’s uncomfortable for me to read at this point in my life, afflicted as I often am with concerns regarding rapidly advancing AI, the student motivation […]
Busy About the Business
Dear colleague, An important promise I make to myself and to my students is that we will never do busywork in my classroom. We’ll be busy, for sure. Time is precious, the fruits of learning are priceless, and you only learn by doing work with care. But it won’t be busywork. Here it’s helpful to […]
Focused Finish: MGCs Aimed at Purpose, Goals, and Growth
Dear colleague, Thanks for those who’ve supported my work via registering for the Focused Finished Seminar (details/registration here). It makes what I do possible — truly. Recently I took a day off school to visit Ravenna, OH. While there, I led colleagues through the student motivation/engagement methodology found in The Will to Learn. Whenever I […]
Let’s Finish the Year Together
Dear Colleague, In my last article, I asked what your Focused Finish might look like for this school year. And y’all are wise, sane people — so many of you are seeking that sweet spot between limping to summer and overwhelming yourselves with All The Things. Based on these conversations, I’m pumped to unveil my […]