Teacher Goal Setting Part 1: Organization
When I think of goals, I often think of lofty ideas that start off well-meaning yet peter out 1-2 weeks after I set the goal. As a teacher it was easy to set goals over the summer, when I was … Continued
Category: blog
Discipling Students as Jesus does by Meeting the Unique Needs of Each Learner
By: Erin Thigpen- Exceptional Student Services Director at Desert Christian Schools Have you ever sat down over a cup of coffee and listened to someone share how Jesus captured their heart? I am blessed to have sat with many who … Continued
A Strong Start: Setting the Tone the Minute Kids Walk In
The tone of a class is set well before students walk in the door. This is true for all grades and ages. Yet, it is easier to talk about than put into practice. I would like to provide you with … Continued
Coaching is for Everyone: Lifelong Learning as a Teacher
By Kailene Coffin As Christians, we see the “coaching process” occur in many areas of our life. Typically, we see this as discipleship in our churches and small groups. As teachers and Christian educators, coaching and discipleship are very similar … Continued
Beyond the First Week: Making Teambuilding Part of your Schedule
The first week of school is known for its fair share of icebreakers. Name games, Find Someone Who…, and other get-to-know-you activities seem to take up our time, yet, are never heard of again once weeks 3 or 4 hit. … Continued
Secondary to Primary: Encouragement for those Switching Grade Levels
I had planned to teach high school social studies. In 2014, I was 24 and had recently completed my master’s in secondary education. I did my student teaching in an 11th grade American History classroom. I was young and daunted … Continued
The Name Game: Engaging Secondary Students on the First Day of School
What if you flipped the script on the first day in a secondary classroom? What if this was the year you chose not to go over the syllabus UNTIL the 3rd or 4th day? Does this scare you or seem like … Continued
What Matters Most: Relationships over Things
I admit, I have not always been a less-is-more sort of person. In middle school, my bedroom was filled with posters, color, and random objects that I collected. One night, though, the objects in my room felt as if they … Continued
An Administrator’s New Best Friend
Written by Kailene Coffin Ok, fellow admin friends. Let’s chat. Our job is difficult! We keep the school running, do a lot of behind-the-scenes oiling of gears, and poke fingers in the holes of the ship so that we … Continued
A Letter to First-Year Teachers
Dear First-Year Teacher, Welcome to a profession where you are about to embark on the most creative, challenging, rewarding, and emotionally exhausting journey. I know, I was you almost a decade ago. There was so much to learn and … Continued