Starr Sackstein is a secondary educator and school leader in New York. She is the author of several books on education, on topics such as going gradeless, peer feedback, and blogging. This blog is no longer being updated.
Student Well-Being & Movement
Opinion
The Power of Silence: Use Wait Time to Increase Student Thinking
All students learn at a different pace and we need to honor the time it takes for all students to participate and engage with the learning in a way that makes sense to each of them. Let's try not to unintentionally take that opportunity away from them.
Professional Development
Opinion
Teachers Require Timely Feedback If You Want Them to Improve
Admin, spend time setting goals with your teachers. Agree upon what they want to work on and then visit frequently, looking for the specific areas the teachers set goals on. Provide them feedback beyond "that was good". Try to be specific in where they are applying strategies and if they aren't applying any strategies, provide some for them or put them in touch with another teacher who does it well already who can help.
Teaching
Opinion
Know and Embody Your Educational Philosophy
Guest Post by Barbara Silkes
George Matthew Adams, a popular newspaper columnist at the turn of the 19th century, once said, "Every one of us, unconsciously, works out a personal philosophy of life, by which we are guided, inspired, and corrected, as time goes on. It is this philosophy by which we measure out our days, and by which we advertise to all about us - the man, or woman, that we are. . . . It takes but a brief time to scent the life philosophy of anyone. It is defined in the conversation, in the look of the eye, and in the general mien of the person. It has no hiding place. It's like the perfume of a flower -- unseen but known almost instantly. It is the possession of the successful and the happy."
George Matthew Adams, a popular newspaper columnist at the turn of the 19th century, once said, "Every one of us, unconsciously, works out a personal philosophy of life, by which we are guided, inspired, and corrected, as time goes on. It is this philosophy by which we measure out our days, and by which we advertise to all about us - the man, or woman, that we are. . . . It takes but a brief time to scent the life philosophy of anyone. It is defined in the conversation, in the look of the eye, and in the general mien of the person. It has no hiding place. It's like the perfume of a flower -- unseen but known almost instantly. It is the possession of the successful and the happy."
Teaching
Opinion
Want to Give Up Grades? Here's How You Can Get Buy-in
As we consider what is best for students, we must remember that they are more than a number. Let's provide them with the feedback they need to progress, the language they need to reflect on learning and the strategies to keep growing.
Teaching
Opinion
How You Communicate With Learners Is Key to Their Success
There are many ways to communicate learning with students. Whether providing comments on Google docs, sending Voxes or short videos, teachers have many means to effectively communicate with their learners. We need to know our students well enough to select the best means for each one. Know how your students like to hear feedback and then do your best to provide it in that manner.
Education
Opinion
Public Speaking Ignites an Unexpected Spark
In five minutes, with no props or preparation, I shared with passion the direction we need to go to serve all students in education - away from grades, testing, homework and toward a more authentic, experiential, portfolio-based learning experience that prizes all students in an equitable way.
Teaching
Opinion
On Being a Reflective Educator
Being an educator requires constant reflection. Every choice and action should be transparent and thoughtful and connected to the district-wide goals. Accessing my strengths, focusing my energy on being attentive to the needs of those on our team is essential for my continued growth as an educator and person. So I'm just going to keep pushing, keeping the big picture in mind without allowing the daily minutia to get me down. We simply can't sweat the small stuff, just keep moving forward.
Teaching
Opinion
Great Leadership Is Like Gardening
It takes time to grow a garden and to build a team. This year, I wasn't sure that I had made any impact, but now over time, the changes are starting to happen. So lets plant seeds and do whatever it takes to ensure their growth.
Teaching
Opinion
Six Ways Teaching Has Made Me a Better Mom
My early teaching days were littered with crazy mishaps and expectations that often mimicked my perfectionist student ways. Always eager to please and be the best version of myself, I tirelessly worked to be a perfect teacher and (as you can imagine) often failed to meet that mark.
Teaching Profession
Opinion
Appreciate Teachers Every Day, Not Just on One Special Week
Educators should and can be acknowledged and appreciated every day school is in session.
Teaching
Opinion
What Story Does Your Demo Lesson Tell?
When you're interviewing for a new job, remember that leaders are watching everything. Make sure to dress professionally but sensibly. Come prepared and ask a lot of questions. Be visible. Move around a lot and try not to sit for the period. Make sure to show what you know about differentiation and be intentional about how and what you are doing with the students. Be transparent. Don't forget to write a quick thank you for the opportunity.
Teaching
Opinion
Leaders, Reinvigorate By Hanging Out With Kids
So leaders, if you get a chance, go into a classroom, not because you're doing walkthroughs or because you have something to say, but just for the sheer joy of watching students learn and observe their interactions with their peers and their teachers. It will give you a lift.
Professional Development
Opinion
Be Flexible to Meet the Needs of a Group
Looking back on the experience now, I'm glad I was able to provide them an authentic opportunity to collaborate and I could facilitate their getting the work done.
There is nothing I like more as a facilitator than watching a healthy team work together toward a common goal and then achieving the goal with a product that will make their lives easier. That's really what it is all about.
Teaching
Opinion
School Librarians Are Rockstar Resources
School librarians are vital to student learning as early as kindergarten.