Teacher Education Articles for Teachers

In our rush to cover all aspects of the standards, we are constantly under pressure to produce tangible results. We want our students to turn in something that will impress our department heads, look good in student portfolios, or satisfy parents and enable us to check a box. Back to Basics Wit...

When you sit down and look at a list of the standards that need to be taught in a school year, it can get rather overwhelming. Some school districts give their teachers a pacing guide with a year’s worth of curriculum laid out. For me, this seems like a mixed blessing. It’s a great tool if you’re...

Sometimes trying to get students to read can be challenging. One of the reasons students give for not wanting to read is that that they can’t find books that they find interesting. Teachers can provide a list of books that they think students might like, but this might not do the trick. Here are ...

In the politically correct environment of the 21st Century, teachers are coming under fire for doing and saying things in the classroom that previously did not cause any problems. I know a teacher who was reprimanded for playing the classic game Hangman in her class, because a parent thought that...

It’s easy to get into a routine in which you give students the same type of homework each week. There’s usually a spelling packet and math worksheets involved. While these types of homework assignments serve a purpose, there are ways to incorporate additional activities to make learning at home a...

Teachers often have their students participate in goal setting activities. While it’s true that it is a good idea to learn how to set goals, and meet them, from a young age, it’s also a splendid idea for teachers to do the same. Even if you teach the same grade every year, and the standards don’t...

Valentine’s Day is a day to celebrate friendship in your classroom. Everyone usually brings in treats and Valentine cards for the rest of the class. Here are some ways to properly prepare for the big day, keep your classroom organized and parties running smoothly. The first thing to do is to sen...

Positive communication is the foundation for every successful relationship. Therefore, the relationship a teacher has with students and their parents has to be based on good communication in order to flourish. Here are some ways to successfully keep that line of communication open and to create g...

As teachers, we don't just teach students about math, science, and language, we also teach them how to become functional adults. One of the lessons that we teach on a daily, and sometimes hourly, basis is how to get along with others. Conflicts often occur outside at recess or lunch, but the effe...

When you are getting ready for parent/teacher conferences, you should keep in mind that communicating with parents about student progress can be tricky. Some parents take criticism and suggestions in stride, others do not. Therefore, when you hold conferences, it is important to be sensitive. Put...

As teachers, we are used to being in control of what happens in our classroom. How our lessons are taught, the length of time that they take, how discipline issues are handled, and the way student progress is monitored are usually all under our control. However, when we are out of the classroom, ...

In order to get to know other people, you have to relate to them in a personal way. This is particularly important when you are working with children. There are many ways to do this that can be fun and enjoyable for everyone. Here are some ways to quickly bond with the students that are in your c...

If another adult made you upset at a social event, would you go up to them in front of a crowd, yell at them, put them down, and embarrass them in front of your peers? I would hope not. As teachers we should not do that to students as we discipline them either. Disciplining with dignity is someth...

The adult that children see most often, besides their parents, is their teacher. Therefore, the partnership between the teacher and the parent needs to be one of positive interaction and open communication. All students, especially the ones who have difficulties in the classroom, need both the pa...

The eighth grade language arts standards help prepare students for more advanced writing to be done in high school and college. With the help of PowerPoint presentations, students can more easily organize their writing, take advantage of graphic organizers and incorporate technology into content....