Engaging Families: A New Teacher's Guide to Building Strong Relationships
Shinair Francis Shinair Francis

Engaging Families: A New Teacher's Guide to Building Strong Relationships

Starting your teaching career is exhilarating, but it also comes with challenges. One of the most crucial, yet often overlooked, aspects is building strong relationships with your students' families. Effective family engagement can significantly impact a student's academic success and overall well-being. This blog post will provide you with actionable tips and strategies to foster these essential connections.

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The Impact of Competitive Salaries in Halting the Educator Exodus
Shinair Francis Shinair Francis

The Impact of Competitive Salaries in Halting the Educator Exodus

The impact of fair compensation extends beyond individual teachers. When teachers are paid what they deserve, they are more likely to feel valued and motivated in their roles. This, in turn, leads to higher job satisfaction, improved teaching quality, and better student outcomes. In essence, investing in our teachers is an investment in the future of our society.

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How Mentoring Programs Can Reverse the Educator Exodus
Shinair Francis Shinair Francis

How Mentoring Programs Can Reverse the Educator Exodus

As we continue our "Educator Exodus" series, we now focus on another powerful tool in combating teacher attrition: mentoring programs. These programs provide new teachers with the guidance, support, and professional development they need to thrive in their careers.

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The Crucial Role of Teacher Induction Programs in Combating Educator Exodus
Shinair Francis Shinair Francis

The Crucial Role of Teacher Induction Programs in Combating Educator Exodus

The high turnover rate among new educators has become an alarming trend that threatens the stability and effectiveness of educational institutions. With four out of ten teachers leaving the profession within their first year, it’s clear that this "Educator Exodus" is a pressing issue that demands our attention.

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The Spectrum of teaching: effective, ineffective & bad
Shinair Francis Shinair Francis

The Spectrum of teaching: effective, ineffective & bad

Classrooms are dynamic ecosystems, and educators, like all learners, constantly evolve. Some teachers may be brand new to the profession, brimming with enthusiasm, but perhaps need guidance on translating that into effective practice. Others might have been teaching for a while but are encountering challenges in lesson planning or classroom management.

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Don't Let Turkey Day Turn into a Teaching Adieu: A Lighthearted Guide to Surviving Your First Year as an Educator
Shinair Francis Shinair Francis

Don't Let Turkey Day Turn into a Teaching Adieu: A Lighthearted Guide to Surviving Your First Year as an Educator

According to a study conducted by the National Center for Education Statistics, a staggering 44% of teachers leave the profession within the first five years. This alarming statistic can be particularly daunting for new teachers, who may be dealing with a variety of difficulties ranging from classroom management to curriculum implementation and even parent-teacher conferences that feel like interrogations.

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Tips for creating emergency sub-lessons
Shinair Francis Shinair Francis

Tips for creating emergency sub-lessons

Educators recognize the importance of being available to their students, but there may be occasions when they are unable to attend school due to various reasons such as illness, professional development, personal well-being, or family emergencies. In these instances, it becomes imperative for teachers to ensure that substitute teachers or fellow colleagues can seamlessly conduct engaging lessons in their absence.

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anti-blackness in our schools
Shinair Francis Shinair Francis

anti-blackness in our schools

It is not productive to simply call a teacher a racist. While there is no obligation to do the social and emotional lifting for someone's actions, it is important for "Enlightened Educators" to provide support to their colleagues by offering the next steps. How could you guide your colleague in the right direction? What resources might be available? Ask yourself, how can I enlighten my colleague's understanding of how their behavior is detrimental or harmful to a student and their learning?

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lateral career moves: unlocking the path to career advancement
Shinair Francis Shinair Francis

lateral career moves: unlocking the path to career advancement

Many people aim to advance their careers as it signifies success and achievement in their professional lives. While the traditional idea of career advancement involves moving up the hierarchy within an organization, this notion is now being questioned. Experts acknowledge that lateral career moves can also lead to higher positions and should be considered (Aboko et al., 2016). Before assessing our career success, we should consider the role of such moves in our career transitions.

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establishing classroom norms & procedures
Shinair Francis Shinair Francis

establishing classroom norms & procedures

Establishing a proper entry routine is essential in setting classroom norms and procedures. It ensures a smooth transition into the learning environment, creating a sense of structure and stability for the students. The routine must be consistent and predictable, and as the teacher, you should teach it explicitly at the start of the school year and reinforce it consistently throughout the year. This sets the tone for each class and helps students adapt to the learning environment.

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establishing classroom rountines: grouping students
Shinair Francis Shinair Francis

establishing classroom rountines: grouping students

Grouping students incorrectly can have a detrimental impact on the learning environment and decrease instructional time. The slightest mishap can drastically change the effectiveness and dynamics of a lesson and discourage teachers from engaging students in group activities. Grouping provides students an opportunity to engage in collaborative learning and fosters the development of important social and teamwork skills. Additionally, it increases the engagement of your lesson and allows students to experience various learning opportunities in the classroom.

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