Instructional coaching and teacher leadership are among the most impactful roles in a school. Done well, they improve teaching practices, student outcomes, and school culture. Yet many coaches and teacher leaders struggle to make a meaningful difference. They may feel reactive, overextended, or unsure how to empower teachers effectively. This guide provides a comprehensive roadmap…

I absolutely love using table points as a simple yet effective way to motivate kids in lower elementary school classrooms. What most K-2 teachers need is a streamlined, no-fuss classroom management strategy that will teach kids classroom expectations. While we want our students to have intrinsic motivation to succeed, the reality is that most kids don’t develop…

At my elementary school, our word walls have to meet very specific requirements because we follow a dual-language program called Gomez and Gomez. But guess what? These word wall ideas for the classroom will support any kid – not just English language learners. The main thing is that a word wall should not be treated like…

As a former classroom teacher and current instructional coach, I can help you set up your classroom for success. The right supplies in your classroom can make a huge difference in your mindset.  It can be tempting to focus on classroom decorations and bulletin boards (and let’s face it – that’s the fun part for…

There’s nothing more fun than a classroom pet to bring a bit of joy to your school day and an extra dose of learning for your kids. But teachers have enough to do already, so you need to be careful as you make a decision about what to bring into your room. Any animal that…

In our school district, we are only offered $100 each year to pay for the next year’s classroom improvements. Plus, we have to use overpriced approved vendors!  Since $100 is not likely enough to pay for a classroom rug, most of us have to make due with our own pocket money, but at least we…