We still have time to make this the #BestYearEver

During this time of the school year there are times and tendencies to let our guard down and not focus with the intensity and intentional fervor that we once employed.  Now more than ever we need to remain focused on assuring that our teachers have the resources and support and that our students remain focused on academic endeavors. As the school year begins to draw to a close for schools across the nation, we still have time to make this the #BestYearEver.

In thinking of how to maintain the momentum that each of our schools has developed and maintained throughout the school year, here are a few ways to keep that sustained focus:

In the classroom

·         Bell to Bell Instruction: Remind staff of the importance of taking advantage of every teachable moment.

·         Best Practices: Continue to implement those proven research-based best practices in the classroom.

·         Voice and Choice: This still remains a very positive and engaging practice. Allow students to have voice in the classroom. Watch them soar with voice and choice.

·         Parent Volunteers: Parents can provide support, assistance, and expert advice (based on their background, class content, and nature of the unit of study).

·         Share What works: Teachers can share their exciting end of the year units of study with each other. BreakoutEDU is an educational experience that can be embedded into the classroom all throughout the year. Why not start now?

As Administrators

·         Visibility: Remain visible before school, during passing periods, lunch time, and after school. Both students and staff want and need to see us as “present educators”. Besides, you can have incredible, short casual conversations both several students and teachers during this time.

·         Get into classroom: You may have completed your classroom evaluations, but we still need to be in the classrooms learning alongside our students and celebrating the work of our teachers. This is a great time to take what you’ve learned in the classroom and share with parents and the community.

·         Celebrate: Let your students, teachers, and parents know about the great things taking place in the classroom via your electronic mail notifications and Social Media.

·         Communicate with parents: Keep the channels of communication open during this time of the year. Parents enjoy learning about events, activities and hearing from us.

·         Teach alongside your staff: When getting in the classrooms, your staff may welcome you serving as a classroom leader and take the lead in facilitate learning for a class period or two.

We are so fortunate to be today’s educators. Yes we have increased responsibility, pressure, and accountability, but we also have at our fingertips incredible resources, social media venues, and students willing to take those academic risks to take their learning to the next level.

I am looking forward to hearing how your school year ended, so please share your success stories as the year begins to draw to a close.

Join with me in seizing each day to make this the #BestYearEver.