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Building thinking classrooms is a rapidly-growing educational approach that aims to help students cultivate critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and active engagement.

It moves beyond the more sage-on-the-stage teaching styles that focus on information transfer, memorization, and passive learning. Instead, the building thinking classrooms movement emphasizes developing students' thinking skills in conversation-centered classrooms.

Teaching to build thinking classrooms means asking questions that deepen students' learning, challenging what Peter Liljedahl has called the fundamental passivity of classroom seating, and purposefully promoting group discussion as a way to inspire iterative thinking.

To build thinking classrooms, build thinking PD

Teachers teach the way they are taught. If we want teachers to teach in ways that build thinking classrooms, they must experience learning through PD that builds thinking classrooms.

As Amy Kinder of Jordan, Utah said on a recent TeachFX webinar, "We tell [our teachers], you should teach like this, but they don't ever get to experience it...We can't simply say to our teachers, 'I want your students to talk more and do more talking.' "

What's more, it can be uncomfortable, or even challenging, to get students willing to share their thinking out loud. But when they've experienced the strategies themselves as learners in PD, they have strategies they're confident to use.

It's been ten years since NCTM's Principles to Actions: Ensuring Mathematical Success for All declared that effective teaching of mathematics "facilitates discourse among students to build shared understanding of mathematical ideas by analyzing and comparing student approaches and arguments."

And yet, TeachFX is rare in providing teachers with engaging, conversational professional development that allows them to experience and try on the teaching styles that they bring back to their classrooms.

That's just what our own Rakiya Brown did in a session she co-facilitated at the recent Building Thinking Classrooms conference, and we're sharing with you here a glimpse of what teachers took away from that experience.

To increase conversation in the classroom, know who's doing the talking in the classroom

A central tenet of the building thinking classrooms movement is creating space for students to engage in thinking out loud.

But how do you know if you're creating more time for student and group talk in your classroom?

In years past, teachers or the instructional leaders observing them have attempted to get a baseline on student talk manually. You might've been that person sitting in the back of the room, using the timer on your phone and a paper and pen to jot down every time a student speaks. These old approaches were inefficient and often inaccurate, and the results so time-consuming to review.

With TeachFX, teachers can see for themselves exactly how much time in any given lesson was teacher talk, student talk, group talk or silence.

The aim in a building thinking classrooms approach is to have more student or group talk time than teacher talk time. And to gauge the quality of that talk, by hearing and seeing the use of academic vocabulary by teacher and students.

Once you can see how the time in your lesson is being split, you can ask yourself: how am I structuring my classroom to support a building thinking classrooms approach?

And...the next time you TeachFX a lesson, you'll know if your student and group talk increased, as well as how academic vocabulary was used.

Ask questions that help students keep thinking towards the answers

The amount of time you spend talking, or creating space for students to talk, is just the beginning.

Creating space for students to think out loud can often start with how you respond to students' comments - and the types of questions you ask.

Immediately responding to a student with whether they're correct stops the thinking. Instead, first celebrate the process and effort involved by building on students' contributions. ( Here are six ways to build on student contributions, and how TeachFX can help you celebrate those moments).

You can also respond to students with questions, rather than answers. What kinds of questions could you ask to keep the thinking going?

Consider these three types of questions for building thinking classrooms and how you might respond to them: proximity questions are asked when a teacher is close to the answer; stop thinking questions are closed-ended questions that stop the thinking short (like: will this be on the test), and keep thinking questions are open-ended questions that will keep students building on their thinking.

Create space for students to explain each others' ideas out loud

Having students explain others' work is so powerful; classroom is a community, not just individual learners; helps deepen understanding to explain work of a group they weren't part of; show multiple ways to solve one question

Engaging students in thinking about their thinking as well as thinking about their peers' thinking, getting students more engaged in the process than the product

With TeachFX, you can see and celebrate both kinds of conversations happening in your classroom, as you continue to explore how to build thinking classrooms for your students.

Building thinking classrooms really means creating more conversational classrooms

By implementing these principles, teachers create an environment that nurtures students' intellectual growth, fosters a love for learning, and equips them with essential thinking skills that can be applied beyond the classroom. Building thinking classrooms empowers students to become lifelong learners, critical thinkers, and active contributors to society.

One really easy way that you can reflect on the impact of Building Thinking Classrooms is by using TeachFX.

TeachFX is super easy to use. Teachers simply press record at the beginning of their lesson and the stop at the end of the lesson. We then analyze the recording and the teacher receives an analysis of the dynamics in their classroom. It's on-demand PD, and driven by the teacher. It's like PD in your pocket. And you can give it a try for free right now.

Building thinking classrooms is a rapidly-growing educational approach that aims to help students cultivate critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and active engagement.

It moves beyond the more sage-on-the-stage teaching styles that focus on information transfer, memorization, and passive learning. Instead, the building thinking classrooms movement emphasizes developing students' thinking skills in conversation-centered classrooms.

Teaching to build thinking classrooms means asking questions that deepen students' learning, challenging what Peter Liljedahl has called the fundamental passivity of classroom seating, and purposefully promoting group discussion as a way to inspire iterative thinking.

To build thinking classrooms, build thinking PD

Teachers teach the way they are taught. If we want teachers to teach in ways that build thinking classrooms, they must experience learning through PD that builds thinking classrooms.

As Amy Kinder of Jordan, Utah said on a recent TeachFX webinar, "We tell [our teachers], you should teach like this, but they don't ever get to experience it...We can't simply say to our teachers, 'I want your students to talk more and do more talking.' "

What's more, it can be uncomfortable, or even challenging, to get students willing to share their thinking out loud. But when they've experienced the strategies themselves as learners in PD, they have strategies they're confident to use.

It's been ten years since NCTM's Principles to Actions: Ensuring Mathematical Success for All declared that effective teaching of mathematics "facilitates discourse among students to build shared understanding of mathematical ideas by analyzing and comparing student approaches and arguments."

And yet, TeachFX is rare in providing teachers with engaging, conversational professional development that allows them to experience and try on the teaching styles that they bring back to their classrooms.

That's just what our own Rakiya Brown did in a session she co-facilitated at the recent Building Thinking Classrooms conference, and we're sharing with you here a glimpse of what teachers took away from that experience.

To increase conversation in the classroom, know who's doing the talking in the classroom

A central tenet of the building thinking classrooms movement is creating space for students to engage in thinking out loud.

But how do you know if you're creating more time for student and group talk in your classroom?

In years past, teachers or the instructional leaders observing them have attempted to get a baseline on student talk manually. You might've been that person sitting in the back of the room, using the timer on your phone and a paper and pen to jot down every time a student speaks. These old approaches were inefficient and often inaccurate, and the results so time-consuming to review.

With TeachFX, teachers can see for themselves exactly how much time in any given lesson was teacher talk, student talk, group talk or silence.

The aim in a building thinking classrooms approach is to have more student or group talk time than teacher talk time. And to gauge the quality of that talk, by hearing and seeing the use of academic vocabulary by teacher and students.

Once you can see how the time in your lesson is being split, you can ask yourself: how am I structuring my classroom to support a building thinking classrooms approach?

And...the next time you TeachFX a lesson, you'll know if your student and group talk increased, as well as how academic vocabulary was used.

Ask questions that help students keep thinking towards the answers

The amount of time you spend talking, or creating space for students to talk, is just the beginning.

Creating space for students to think out loud can often start with how you respond to students' comments - and the types of questions you ask.

Immediately responding to a student with whether they're correct stops the thinking. Instead, first celebrate the process and effort involved by building on students' contributions. ( Here are six ways to build on student contributions, and how TeachFX can help you celebrate those moments).

You can also respond to students with questions, rather than answers. What kinds of questions could you ask to keep the thinking going?

Consider these three types of questions for building thinking classrooms and how you might respond to them: proximity questions are asked when a teacher is close to the answer; stop thinking questions are closed-ended questions that stop the thinking short (like: will this be on the test), and keep thinking questions are open-ended questions that will keep students building on their thinking.

Create space for students to explain each others' ideas out loud

Having students explain others' work is so powerful; classroom is a community, not just individual learners; helps deepen understanding to explain work of a group they weren't part of; show multiple ways to solve one question

Engaging students in thinking about their thinking as well as thinking about their peers' thinking, getting students more engaged in the process than the product

With TeachFX, you can see and celebrate both kinds of conversations happening in your classroom, as you continue to explore how to build thinking classrooms for your students.

Building thinking classrooms really means creating more conversational classrooms

By implementing these principles, teachers create an environment that nurtures students' intellectual growth, fosters a love for learning, and equips them with essential thinking skills that can be applied beyond the classroom. Building thinking classrooms empowers students to become lifelong learners, critical thinkers, and active contributors to society.

One really easy way that you can reflect on the impact of Building Thinking Classrooms is by using TeachFX.

TeachFX is super easy to use. Teachers simply press record at the beginning of their lesson and the stop at the end of the lesson. We then analyze the recording and the teacher receives an analysis of the dynamics in their classroom. It's on-demand PD, and driven by the teacher. It's like PD in your pocket. And you can give it a try for free right now.

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Building Thinking Classrooms...Building Conversational Classrooms - Boosting Student Talk With TeachFX - TeachFX

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Adopting the building thinking classrooms approach? Developing students' thinking skills in conversation-centered classrooms is powerful. First, it's vital to know who's doing the talking, how teacher questioning techniques can help. One really easy way that you can reflect on the impact of Buildin

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With Dan Bowen, Beth Worrall, and Lee Hickin from Microsoft Australia

It's a fortnightly chat about Artificial Intelligence in Education - what it is, how it works, and the different ways it is being used. It's not too serious, or too technical, and is intended to be a good conversation of background information.

Of course, as well as getting it here on the website, you can also just subscribe to your normal podcast service:

"This podcast is produced by Microsoft Australia & New Zealand employees, Lee Hickin, Dan Bowen, and Beth Worrall. The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are our own."

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Lee Hickin, Beth Worrall, and Dan Bowen work in the Microsoft Australia and New Zealand team, they talk about Artificial Intelligence in Education - what it is, how it works, and the different ways it is being used. It's not too serious, or too technical, and is intended to be a good conversation of background information.

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Teachers can use artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT to generate rich math tasks and differentiate instruction.

Patrick George / Ikon Images

While some may be skeptical about the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in education, there are compelling reasons why teachers should consider including generative AI in their math classes.

As STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) professional development specialists, we've been investigating and sharing with our colleagues how generative AI can support teachers with more than just generalized ideas: with research-based mathematics instruction that changes learning outcomes for students.

Seeing the work of the leading thinkers in education and how those practices have changed student outcomes inspired our ideas for effectively utilizing generative AI in our math classrooms. We often refer to and utilize the work of Peter Liljedahl for rich math tasks, Jo Boaler for number sense, and Carol Ann Tomlinson for differentiation.

Some promising AI tools we've been exploring include ChatGPT, Conker, and Canva's Magic Design. In this article we specifically reference ChatGPT.

Keep in mind that the more specific and detailed your input, the better ChatGPT can tailor a response to meet your needs. AI can provide valuable support in generating suggestions, yet it's important to always review and adapt the generated responses to align with the curriculum, students' needs, and instructional goals.

The integration of ChatGPT as a tool in mathematics education presents immense opportunities for teachers to enhance their instructional practices. By leveraging ChatGPT's capabilities, teachers can effectively address the three critical areas of number sense, rich math tasks, and differentiation.

ChatGPT's ability to generate realistic and contextualized math problems enables teachers to foster students' number sense by applying mathematical concepts to real-world scenarios. Moreover, the generation of rich math tasks encourages deep mathematical thinking, problem-solving skills, and critical reasoning among students. Additionally, ChatGPT supports differentiation by providing personalized learning experiences tailored to individual students' needs, ensuring that each learner is challenged appropriately.

Here are three ideas for how AI can support teachers and students in mathematics.

1. Number Sense

ChatGPT can generate examples of number sense activities and offer pedagogy tips and strategies to use in the classroom.

Activities: Ask ChatGPT to generate customized activities to assess or reinforce students' number sense skills. For example, a third-grade teacher working on division could use the language embedded in the standards and instruct ChatGPT to "generate five number sense activities for grade-three students connecting to interpreting whole-number quotients of whole numbers."

Pedagogy and strategies: ChatGPT can also offer pedagogy tips and strategies to support practices relating to number sense. A middle school teacher working on ratios and proportional reasoning, for instance, could ask ChatGPT to "provide a middle school math teacher pedagogy tips to develop number sense in students relating to ratios and proportional relationships."

Additional requests could involve the use of manipulatives, visual representations, or group activities that enhance students' understanding of mathematical concepts. Teachers can also request ChatGPT to generate customized strategies to support number sense. For example, a second-grade teacher could ask ChatGPT to "offer strategies to math teachers to promote number sense for second-grade students." More-focused requests could be specific to number talks or estimation activities.

2. Rich Math Tasks

ChatGPT can also generate real-world applications and low floor, high ceiling problem-solving scenarios.

Real-world applications: Ask ChatGPT to share real-world applications aligned to instructional goals or how math is used in various fields, like science, engineering, finance, or sports. For example, a fifth-grade teacher can request ChatGPT to "create real-world scenarios for fifth-grade math problems on how math is used in engineering." Teachers can narrow the focus and address various domains or skills such as measurement, geometry, fractions, area and perimeter, data analysis, volume, ratios, scaled models, and algebra.

Low floor, high ceiling problem-solving scenarios: Request ChatGPT to share low floor, high ceiling problem-solving scenarios that are open-ended and that allow for multiple solution strategies. Create additional inquiries for ChatGPT relating to problem-solving approaches, metacognitive thinking, extension questions that encourage deeper thinking, and problem variations to challenge students at different levels. Teachers can also ask ChatGPT to provide examples of case studies of how other math teachers have successfully utilized low floor, high ceiling problem-solving scenarios.

3. Differentiation

Use ChatGPT to differentiate instruction in its four areas: content, process, products, and learning environment.

Content (what students need to learn or how to access information): ChatGPT can generate problem sets based on a student's individual needs. Teachers can input a student's level of understanding, and AI can generate math problems that are appropriate for that level.

Process (activities that students engage in to master content): A teacher can request a sequence of instruction strategies for students who may be struggling with a particular math skill. For example, if a student is working toward mastery of fractions, a teacher can tell ChatGPT, "Provide me a list of activities to support equivalent fraction mastery in third grade."

Products (culminating project to show transfer of learning): ChatGPT can offer a wealth of project ideas for students to demonstrate their understanding of a particular math concept. A teacher can tell ChatGPT, "Provide me a list of culminating project ideas for high school geometry."

Learning environment (the way the classroom works and feels): To support how a student feels in their math classroom, ask ChatGPT, "How can I create an environment to promote a growth mindset in mathematics?" Additionally, ChatGPT can support teachers in how to organize their math classroom to best meet the needs of their learners by simply answering the prompt, "What is the best way to organize my math materials for my students?"

Through the thoughtful incorporation of ChatGPT into teaching strategies, math teachers can inspire a deeper appreciation for mathematics, nurture mathematical proficiency, and prepare students for success in mathematics and beyond.

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How Generative AI Can Support Research-Based Math Instruction

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Ideas for using AI in planning math instruction, with examples of how to generate math problems with ChatGPT.

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In today's data-driven world, being able to effectively tell stories with data is an important skill for students to have. Data storytelling combines the use of data visualization and narrative techniques to present data in a way that is easy to understand and engage with. In this blog post, we will explore how data storytelling can be incorporated into the classroom to teach students valuable skills and help them make sense of the world around them.

Understanding the Concept

At its core, data storytelling is the process of using data visualization and narrative techniques to present information in a way that is easy to understand and engage with. This can be done through a variety of mediums, such as infographics, interactive websites, and presentations. Data storytelling has a wide range of applications, from business and marketing to journalism and education.

The benefits of teaching data storytelling to students are many. It helps students to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and to make sense of the vast amounts of data that are available today. It also allows students to communicate their ideas more effectively and to make data-driven decisions.

Incorporating Data Storytelling into the Curriculum

Data storytelling can be integrated into different subject areas, such as math, science, social studies, and language arts. For example, in math class, students can use data visualization to show patterns and trends in data sets. In social studies, students can create data stories to explore historical events or current social issues. In language arts, students can use data storytelling to present research findings.

To teach data storytelling, teachers can use a variety of teaching strategies and resources. For example, teachers can use videos, tutorials, and interactive exercises to introduce students to the basics of data visualization and storytelling. They can also use project-based learning, where students use data to explore a topic of interest and present their findings in a data story. There are also several tools and platforms available online, such as Tableau, Canva, and Piktochart, that can be used to create data visualizations and infographics.

Student Examples and Case Studies

Examples of student projects that demonstrate data storytelling skills

Student project 1: A data visualization of the relationship between academic performance and absenteeism in a school.

Student project 2: An interactive website exploring the impact of pollution on the environment and public health.

Student project 3: A data story highlighting the effects of poverty on education outcomes in a specific community.

Discussion of the challenges and successes of teaching data storytelling in the classroom

Challenges: Lack of resources and technical expertise, difficulty in finding relevant and engaging data sets, limited time to incorporate data storytelling into the curriculum

Successes: Improved critical thinking and problem-solving skills, increased engagement and motivation among students, better communication and presentation skills

In this blog post, we have explored how data storytelling can be incorporated into the classroom to teach students valuable skills and help them make sense of the world around them. By using real-world examples of student projects and discussing the challenges and successes of teaching data storytelling, we hope to inspire and inform educators looking to integrate this important concept into their curriculum. For those who are interested in learning more about data storytelling in education, there are a number of resources available online, including blogs, articles, and tutorials, that can provide additional guidance and inspiration.

This article was directed by Alvaro Moncada and written by ChatGPT

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Data Storytelling in the Classroom: Teaching Students to Use Data to Tell Stories

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Introduction In today's data-driven world, being able to effectively tell stories with data is an important skill for students to have. Data storytelling combines the use of data visualization and narrative techniques to present data in a way that is easy to understand and engage with.

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Launch Customer-Facing Data Products - Juice Analytics

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This collection of world-class data stories demonstrates how to combine data visualization, interactivity, and classic storytelling. Each of these examples shows the importance of a clear message, supporting data and analysis, and a narrative flow to engage the reader.

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20 Best Data Storytelling Examples (updated for 2023) - Juice Analytics

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Ready to learn from the best? This collection of world-class data stories will show you beautiful, engaging data visualizations and narratives. Updated with some of the greatest data stories from 2021.

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The Burned-In Teacher Podcast is one part burnout and all other parts action, inspiration, and support for teachers dealing with burnout.

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Keys to Successful Professional Learning

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For professional learning to work, it must be relevant, timely, personalized, flexible, multimodal, and socially connected.

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Just so I can dream. I've had my 2nd winter with zero snow and it's depressing me. 

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Just so I can dream. I've had my 2nd winter with zero snow and it's depressing me. 

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As a high school CTE teacher, chances are you've struggled with getting and keeping your students' attention at the beginning of class. After all, with so many distractions available to students, it can be hard for them to focus on the critical material you're teaching.

You may have heard other teachers use bell ringer activities to secure students' attention and transition into a successful class period. But what exactly are "bell ringers," and how can you use them to boost student engagement while saving valuable instructional time?

A bell ringer is a short assessment, activity, or assignment that students complete when they enter class. These warm-up exercises can come in various forms and benefit a diverse population of learners.
In this article, you'll find five time-tested bell ringer activities for high school students:

1. Question of the Day

2. Current Event Activities

3. Warm-Up Surveys

4. Problem-Solving Activities

5. Student Check-Ins

Depending on the CTE courses you teach, some activities may be more effective than others.

After reading, you should be able to identify bell ringers that will help keep your students alert and get them into a daily learning routine in your classroom.

1. Question of the Day

A popular version of a bell ringer is asking a Question of the Day. The Question of the Day is a warm-up query designed to get students thinking, typically about content from the previous day's class. Some teachers also offer questions that preview the content they'll cover during the upcoming class period.

When implementing this bell ringer, it's key that your questions are compelling. A successful Question of the Day shouldn't be so easy that learners can respond with just a few words. Instead, you want to introduce questions that inspire critical thinking or invite a variety of well-considered replies.
Some examples of stimulating question formats include:

Evaluate two responses to a problem. Describe which answer is more effective and why.

Consider a real-life scenario where you would use information used in yesterday's class.

Today's class will cover a new concept. Write what you already know about this topic and your most pressing questions about it.

When students finish answering the daily question, discuss their responses as a class. This conversation will be a great transition to the rest of your lesson.
2. Current Event Activities

Regardless of which CTE Career Cluster they are pursuing, keeping students aware of current events will help them make insightful connections between your course and the world around them.

For an easy current events bell ringer, you can provide your learners with a recent article to read at the start of class. You can also hand the resource to students as they enter your classroom, so they can focus on reading even before the class period begins.

As students finish their reading, ask them to write reflections on how the article connects with a topic you are currently covering. Then, lead your class in a conversation based on their responses. Since every student has reviewed the article, individuals should be able to develop their own perspectives to share with the entire class. You'll also make your material feel relevant and timely.
Current event activities are repeatable and relatable and are a perfect contextual touchpoint to help learners understand the value of your CTE classes.
3. Warm-Up Surveys

Collecting baseline data in your classroom is a great step toward instructional success. When you know beforehand what your students do or don't understand, you'll be better equipped to scaffold your instruction to their individual needs.

A simple way to collect baseline information is to give students a brief survey as a bell ringer exercise. You can do this at the beginning of the school year or when starting a new unit.

For the survey, have students answer questions about a topic. Be sure they know this isn't a graded test; you are just checking to see what they already know. Their answers will give you a reasonable understanding of your learners' knowledge of the subject. When you analyze the survey, you'll be better equipped to evaluate your instructional plans and cover any weak spots.

As a bonus, you can also use warm-up surveys to monitor progress in the middle of a unit. When students can't recall what you have already taught, you can adjust your instruction to review and reteach critical content.
By offering bell ringer surveys, you'll better understand where your CTE students are and ensure you maximize your instructional time.
4. Problem-Solving Activities

Another easy-to-use bell ringer activity for high school is introducing problem-solving sessions to use at the beginning of class. Students are often inclined to talk and work in groups, but assigning learners a problem to solve as a group can work to minimize distractions at the beginning of class and focus your students on the subject you're teaching.

To use this bell ringer, give your students an assignment at the beginning of class and offer five to ten minutes to come up with a solution.
There are many different ways you could structure your activity, including:

Provide a worksheet with a problem and questions to answer in the allotted time.

Create a puzzle related to your subject that requires teamwork to solve.

Have students solve a problem based on homework or content from a previous day's class.

Complete a vocabulary exercise to help students memorize critical terms.

As an alternative, you can have students work with partners or as individuals. Simply adjust the parameters of your assignments to suit.
Regardless of the problem or puzzle your students will solve, you'll be able to center their attention on the course content as well as hone their analytical thinking and collaboration skills.
5. Student Check-Ins

One more way to prepare students for your class is by privately asking them simple questions about their well-being. You can do this through paper notes or, if your students are in front of a computer, using a digital resource such as Google Forms.

Jacqueline Prester is a CTE teacher at Mansfield High School in Massachusetts. She uses Google Forms to encourage her students to communicate how they are doing and understand any potential learning obstacles they may be facing outside of class.

Before class, Prester asks students to complete a Google Form asking how they have slept, about their breakfast or lunch, and how they are doing outside of school on a scale of one to five. Her students also have the chance to share anything they'd like Mrs. Prester to be aware of. Over time, she uses the results of the surveys to analyze student performance in her classes.

Prester sees great value in using these surveys in her classroom:

"Building relationships and earning the trust of my students is an important part of my teaching. I want to deliver my subject material in an effective manner, but if my students aren't in the proper mindset to receive the new content in my classroom, then no amount of good teaching will reach them."

Jacqueline Prester

For Prester, student check-ins are a simple but powerful way to show her students how much she cares about them.
Student check-ins are easy to adapt and implement. This makes these surveys a straightforward way to collect feedback from your students. When you use them regularly, these check-ins can build community within your classroom.
Help Students Stay Engaged in Your CTE Classes

Regardless of which activities you choose, bell ringers are a simple yet powerful tool you can use to help students focus and learn. If you use them at the beginning of class, each exercise offers a smooth transition to the content you're covering. When you use bell ringer activities effectively, you'll be able to learn more about your students and better plan for future classes.

But warm-up exercises aren't the only way to promote engagement in your classroom. You'll need multiple instructional methods and techniques to keep students focused long-term.
Are you looking for more ways to keep your students motivated in CTE? Download your free student engagement guide to discover even more strategies to boost engagement in your classes:

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5 Best Bell Ringer Activities for High School

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Want better ways to start class? Discover the best bell ringer activities for high school. Bell ringer activities for CTE are sure to engage your students.

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Teaching is a rewarding yet demanding career. With long hours and a heavy workload, it's easy to fall prey to teacher burnout. Without proper support, teachers are in danger of being overworked and not taking care of their own mental and physical health needs.

What Is Teacher Burnout?

Psychology Today describes burnout as "a state of chronic stress that leads to physical and emotional exhaustion, cynicism, detachment, and feelings of ineffectiveness and lack of accomplishment." Teachers are usually high achievers who like to work hard and are always looking for ways to improve. These traits are commendable but can mean that educators fall prey to perfectionism and don't leave enough time for rest and recuperation.

In her new book, The Weekend Effect, Katrina Onstad argues that we live in a "cult of overwork," and being a workaholic is often celebrated as a virtue when it shouldn't be. Teachers, especially, need to be reminded that they're more than their job. While teaching does become part of your identity, you still need to nourish the other parts of yourself that demand attention and care.

Further reading: 5 Tips Guaranteed to Make You a Happy Teacher

Signs of Burnout

True burnout is much more than simply feeling tired or overwhelmed, and can lead to serious depression. That's why it's so vital to be vigilant about the warning signs.

Fatigue and sleep issues: A full day of teaching is enough to make anyone feel tired, but if you're experiencing fatigue before you even get to school, you may need a break. However, those experiencing burnout often struggle with insomnia, which can turn into a vicious cycle.

Repeated periods of forgetfulness and intense trouble concentrating: Burned-out teachers may find it hard to complete normal tasks and have trouble concentrating on their work. A lack of sleep can amplify these symptoms even more.

Appetite and weight issues: Any drastic weight loss or gain should be investigated by your doctor, as this is often a sign that you need to focus on your overall health.

Depression and anxiety: If minimized or ignored at the early stages, teacher burnout can intensify into feelings of anxiety and depression. Always speak to your doctor if feelings of sadness or anger are affecting your daily life.

How to Avoid Burnout

To avoid becoming a victim to teacher burnout, educators need to build balance into their lives. One way to do this is by setting clear work boundaries. Perhaps that means you won't check your emails after 6 p.m., or you'll only grade papers until a favorite TV show starts, or maybe you'll never work on Sundays. Whatever schedule you set for yourself, stick to it to ensure balance in your life.

Further reading: Getting Help Is One of the Best Classroom Management Techniques

Another way to avoid burnout is to take time off. Onstad suggests that we need to reclaim our weekends and remember that a full life includes time for recreation, hobbies, personal relationships, and downtime. Make sure you have some time every weekend where school is the last thing on your mind. Each year, aim to take a vacation, even if you're staying at home. And take some of that much-deserved time off to catch up with friends, go on a date, or just hang out without thinking about school. (As a side note, if you're sick, call in sick and take the day off. Don't be a martyr-your students will be fine, so take care of yourself.)

The American Medical Association recently reported on a resurgence of doctors' lounges and how they can be used to battle burnout. Teachers, who also work in people-focused occupations, should look to build a sense of community and solidarity by using their teachers' lounges in a similar fashion. Time spent there can be a chance to recharge and reconnect with colleagues.

The act of teaching is giving opportunities, ideas, knowledge, and guidance to students. But you can't do this effectively if you're running on empty. Take care of your needs, balance your life for optimum health, and regularly check in on your own mental wellness. That's the best system for beating burnout-or avoiding it entirely!

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Teacher Burnout: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention

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Teaching is a rewarding yet demanding career. With long hours and a heavy workload, it's easy to fall prey to teacher burnout. Without proper support, teachers are in danger of being overworked and not taking care of their own mental and physical health needs.

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With a wide range of topics and perspectives, education podcasts provide valuable insights and practical advice for educators looking to enhance their teaching practices. In this article, we explore some of the best education podcasts available today.

1. MindShift by KQED

MindShift by KQED is one of the best education podcasts for several reasons. Firstly, the podcast covers a wide range of topics related to education, such as teaching strategies, educational technology, student wellbeing, and equity in education. vThey present actionable ideas and strategies that educators can implement in their own classrooms or educational settings.

Secondly, the podcast features a diverse range of guests, including educators, researchers, and thought leaders in the field of education. It's engaging and well-produced, making it an enjoyable listening experience.

Finally, the podcast is committed to exploring innovative and creative approaches to education, making it a valuable resource for educators who are looking to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and ideas in the field.

2. Too Dope Teachers and a Mic

Too Dope Teachers and a Mic is an engaging and insightful show that offers a unique perspective on education. The podcast is hosted by two experienced teachers, Christina and Kia, who share their experiences, knowledge, and expertise on a wide range of topics related to education.

The hosts are relatable and funny, making the podcast enjoyable to listen to. The podcast covers a range of issues related to education, including classroom management, equity, and social justice. The hosts provide practical advice and strategies that educators can implement in their own classrooms.

3. The Creative Classroom

The Creative Classroom podcast is a valuable resource for educators who are looking to incorporate creativity and innovation into their teaching practices. Hosted by John Spencer, an educator, author, and designer, the podcast explores the intersection of creativity, technology, and education.

The podcast features interviews with educators, thought leaders, and innovators in the field of education. The topics covered in the podcast include project-based learning, design thinking, maker education, and student-centered learning. The podcast provides practical advice and strategies for educators who are looking to implement these approaches in their own classrooms.

4. Teachers on Fire with Tim Cavey

Teachers on Fire with Tim Cavey is one of the best education podcasts because of its engaging and informative format that features interviews with educators from around the world. Hosted by Tim Cavey, an 8-th grade teacher, blogger, and speaker, the podcast explores a wide range of topics related to education, including teaching strategies, educational technology, professional development, and teacher well-being.

The guests on the podcast are passionate educators who share their experiences, insights, and advice with listeners. The podcast provides practical ideas and resources for educators to improve their teaching practices and stay up-to-date with the latest trends and ideas in education.

5. Teachers Off Duty

Teachers Off Duty podcast is an insightful and relatable podcast for teachers who need self-care, professional development, and personal growth. Hosted by two experienced teachers, this podcast tackles a wide range of issues that teachers face, such as work-life balance, burnout, and mental health.

The podcast provides practical advice, strategies, and tips that educators can implement to improve their well-being and teaching practices. The hosts are engaging, funny, and honest, making the podcast enjoyable and easy to listen to.

6. Angela Watson's Truth for Teachers

The Angela Watson's Truth for Teachers podcast is an inspiring and practical podcast for educators who want to improve their teaching practices and find joy in their profession.

Hosted by Angela Watson, a former classroom teacher and current consultant and author, the podcast offers advice, encouragement, and tips for educators on a wide range of topics, including classroom management, work-life balance, and teacher self-care.

The podcast provides actionable strategies and insights to help teachers become more effective and fulfilled in their careers. The podcast also features interviews with educators who share their experiences and perspectives on various educational issues.

7. Google Teacher Podcast

The Google Teacher Podcast is a helpful and informative podcast for educators who want to learn more about using Google tools in their classroom. Hosted by two experienced educators, Matt Miller and Kasey Bell, the podcast covers a wide range of topics related to Google for Education, including Google Classroom, Google Forms, and Google Drive.

The podcast features interviews with educators who share their tips and best practices for using Google tools effectively in the classroom. The hosts provide practical advice and ideas for educators to improve their workflow and productivity using Google tools.

8. TeacherToolkit

The Teacher Toolkit podcast is an educational podcast that focuses on providing practical and evidence-based advice to teachers and educators around the world. The podcast covers a wide range of topics related to teaching and learning, including classroom management, teacher well-being, educational technology, assessment, and more.

The podcast is hosted by Ross Morrison McGill, a leading educational consultant and former school leader in the UK, who interviews a range of experts in the field of education, as well as teachers and other practitioners who share their experiences and insights.

The aim of the podcast is to provide teachers with the tools they need to develop their practice, improve student outcomes, and make a positive impact on the education system as a whole.

9. The Teaching Space

The Teaching Space podcast is one of the best educational podcasts because it focuses on helping teachers and other education professionals develop their teaching skills, stay up-to-date with the latest trends in education, and improve their overall well-being. .

This podcast covers a wide range of topics related to teaching, learning, and productivity, including time management, self-care, technology, classroom management, and more. The podcast is hosted by Martine Ellis, a former teacher and education consultant who shares her own experiences and insights, as well as interviews with other education professionals and experts in the field.

10. The Cult of Pedagogy Podcast

The Cult of Pedagogy podcast is an educational podcast hosted by Jennifer Gonzalez, a former middle school language arts teacher and instructional coach. The podcast covers a variety of educational topics, including teaching strategies, classroom management, technology integration, and professional development.

Gonzalez offers practical advice and resources for teachers that are grounded in research and evidence-based practices. She also invites guest educators, authors, and experts to share their insights and experiences, providing a diverse range of perspectives on teaching and learning.

The podcast has gained popularity among educators due to its engaging host, research-based content, and practical advice that can be easily implemented in the classroom.

11. The Shake Up Learning Show

The Shake Up Learning Show is an educational podcast that focuses on providing educators with practical tips, strategies, and resources to help them integrate technology effectively into their teaching practice. The podcast is hosted by Kasey Bell, a former teacher and educational technology consultant, who shares her experiences and insights, as well as interviews with other educators and experts in the field. The podcast covers a wide range of topics related to educational technology, including Google tools, digital citizenship, online learning, and more.

12. Two Mr. Ps in a Pod(cast)

Two Mr. Ps in a Pod(cast) is an educational podcast hosted by two experienced educators, Peter Cincotta and Peter Moutzanakis. The podcast covers a wide range of topics related to teaching and education, including classroom management, instructional strategies, technology integration, and more.

What sets this podcast apart is the hosts' engaging and humorous approach to discussing these topics, making it a fun and enjoyable listen for educators. They also frequently invite guests, including fellow educators and experts in the field, to share their experiences and insights.

13. The Learning Scientists

The Learning Scientists podcast is hosted by a group of cognitive psychologists who share their expertise on how to improve learning and retention. The podcast offers practical tips and strategies based on research findings and is geared towards educators and students alike.

The hosts cover a wide range of topics, including memory techniques, effective study habits, and the science of motivation. They also provide summaries of research articles and discuss their implications for teaching and learning.

The podcast is known for being informative, accessible, and engaging. The hosts present the information in a clear and concise manner, making it easy for listeners to understand and apply the concepts discussed. The show also features interviews with experts in the field, providing listeners with a variety of perspectives on learning and teaching.

14. The TeacherCast Podcast

The TeacherCast podcast is a popular education podcast hosted by Jeff Bradbury, a former teacher and educational technology coach. The podcast covers a wide range of topics related to teaching and learning, including technology integration, classroom management, and professional development. The show features interviews with education experts and innovators, providing listeners with insights and ideas to improve their practice.

The podcast also offers resources and support for educators, including online courses, webinars, and a community of like-minded educators. The TeacherCast podcast is a valuable resource for anyone looking to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and best practices in education.

15. TEDTalks Education

TEDTalks Education is a podcast-format series of inspiring and informative talks on education-related topics. The talks are delivered by educators, researchers, and innovators from around the world, who share their ideas and experiences on topics such as teaching, learning, and technology in education.

The talks are typically around 15-20 minutes long and are accompanied by visual aids such as slides or videos. TEDTalks Education aims to spark conversations and inspire action in the field of education, making it a valuable resource for anyone interested in improving the way we teach and learn.

16. The 10 Minute Teacher

The 10 Minute Teacher with Vicki Davis is a podcast focused on providing quick and practical tips for educators. Hosted by Vicki Davis, a teacher and educational technology consultant, each episode of the podcast is around 10 minutes long and covers a specific topic related to teaching and learning.

The podcast features interviews with education experts and teachers from around the world, who share their insights and strategies for success in the classroom. The show is known for its engaging and accessible format, making it a great resource for busy educators who want to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and ideas in education.

17. Empowered Principal Podcast

The Empowered Principal Podcast is a resource for school principals looking to develop their leadership skills and build thriving school communities. Hosted by award-winning principal and author Angela Kelly Robeck, the podcast provides practical tips and strategies on topics such as communication, teacher development, and school culture. The show features interviews with experts and educators, and is designed to empower school principals to create positive change in their schools.

The Best Education Podcasts for Teachers

As you can see, there are a wide variety of education podcasts available that can help listeners stay informed and engaged with the latest trends and best practices in the field of education. From interviews with experts and thought leaders to discussions on specific topics and issues, these podcasts offer valuable insights and ideas for educators, students, and anyone interested in the world of learning.

What do you think are the best education podcasts? Let us know in the comments.

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The 17 Best Education Podcasts to Make You a Better Teacher | Castos

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The best education podcasts provide valuable insights and practical advice for educators looking to enhance their teaching practices.

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For Immediate Release: November 22, 2023
Contact: communications@doe.virginia.gov
Todd.Reid@doe.virginia.gov

110 School Divisions have submitted ALL In plans to address high-intensity tutoring, literacy implementation, and fight chronic absenteeism

RICHMOND - Committing to help students struggling with learning loss from extended pandemic closures, over 80 percent of Virginia school divisions have begun their ALL In efforts to assist students with the academic support they need through high-intensity tutoring, implementation of the Virginia Literacy Act, and reducing chronic absenteeism at all levels. These 110 school divisions cover all regions of the commonwealth and represent large school divisions such as Fairfax County and Virginia Beach, as well some of the smallest such as Highland County schools.

"Virginia's superintendents and school divisions are making major efforts to find specific and meaningful ways to help their students tackle learning loss," Superintendent of Public Instruction Lisa Coons said. "They have embraced proven methods for tackling these issues, and we anticipate that Virginia students will begin to catch up and get a step ahead as they progress through this school year. I'm appreciative of Governor Youngkin and the General Assembly's leadership and funding to support local school divisions' efforts."

The Governor and the General Assembly dedicated $418 million of flexible funding in this year's budget specifically for the implementation of the Virginia Literacy Act and learning loss recovery.

In September 2023, the Virginia Department of Education released the 2022-2023 Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL) assessment results accompanied with the announcement of the ALL In initiative, including resources such as an action plan focused on Attendance, Literacy and Learning, as well as a division playbook of best practices and effective strategies to help jumpstart high-intensity tutoring for school divisions. Results from the SOL show that more than half of Grade 3 through 8 students (334,687 students) were at risk or failing to meet grade level expectations in reading, and two thirds of Grade 3 through 8 math students (327,598 students) were at risk or failing to meet grade level expectations.

Additionally, many students in Grades 3 through 8 are struggling to meet the same performance as their pre-pandemic peers, with students in grades 3 through 8 continuing to be 6 points behind their pre-pandemic peers in reading and 15 points behind their pre-pandemic peers in math.

As of today, approximately 110 school divisions have submitted ALL In spending plans. Currently submitted ALL In plans have been posted online: ALL In Spending Plans | Virginia Department of Education

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News Releases | Virginia Department of Education

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For Immediate Release: November 22, 2023 Contact: communications@doe.virginia.gov Todd.Reid@doe.virginia.gov 110 School Divisions have submitted ALL In plans to address high-intensity tutoring, literacy implementation, and fight chronic absenteeism RICHMOND - Committing to help students struggling with learning loss from extended pandemic closures, over 80 percent of Virginia school divisions have begun their ALL In efforts to assist students with the academic support they need through high-intensity tutoring, implementation of the Virginia Literacy Act, and reducing chronic absenteeism at all levels.

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It's no secret that teachers have a lot on their plates. One thing they'd like to unload?

"Mandatory [professional development] that isn't helpful," responded at least one teacher to an informal Education Week online poll this summer.

Others concur. "PD is controlled by the district & is one-size-fits-all," wrote an educator in response to a survey in Education Week's Savvy Principal newsletter. "Much of it is not applicable to me or my colleagues."

It's not that teachers don't want professional development. Their online behavior suggests that they are actively seeking out informal PD they find useful.

Case in point: A recent study that examined the popularity of TikTok videos created by various professionals between 2016 and 2023 found teachers are highly engaged on the social media platform. TikTok videos linked to the hashtag #teacher garnered 61.3 billion views. Popular videos include snippets of teachers managing sensitive situations with students, sharing strategies for teaching kids with ADHD, and offering tips for staying calm in a crisis. Their engagement on social media points to teachers' desire to connect with learning opportunities in ways that are authentic, convenient, and teacher-driven.

Despite the continuation in many districts of mandated PD that's not always widely relevant, greater voice and choice in professional learning does appear to be a growing trend-one that teachers are eager to embrace. Some models include schoolwide coaches and teacher-driven PD conferences.

PD quality varies widely

But for now, the type of PD offered to teachers continues to vary widely.

"It's hard to say, nationally, 'this is where we stand [on PD],'" said Holly Boffy, a high school principal at W. D. & Mary Baker Smith Career Center in Lafayette, La., and a former program director of teacher development for the Council of Chief State School Officers. "It all goes back to who's leading. From school to school, it's different."

Boffy did, however, point to an increasing number of schools incorporating professional learning into the daily work schedule.

"Instead of paying thousands of dollars for an outside speaker, some schools are using a built-in coaching cycle," said Boffy. These educator coaches, often referred to as instructional strategists, work at the school level and focus on teacher growth, she explained. The two primary areas of support they offer teachers are classroom management and content knowledge.

Teachers taking the reins on PD

Some districts have taken the idea of "in-house" learning a step further, using their own teachers and educational leaders to develop and facilitate PD sessions.

"You have some educators who are so good at their work that they can't help but share it," said Boffy. "I think it's incredibly powerful when there is an outlet for that to happen for educators."

But teacher-led PD is not happening widely, according to Taylor Wallace and Morgan Mercado, twins and 4th grade teachers at the same south Louisiana school that the sisters attended as children. They describe their mandatory, back-to-school professional development as consisting mostly of redundant curriculum-based topics that serve, at best, as a review.

"We could get so much more out of it if it was about classroom management, how to reach underachieving students, how to engage students, reach students with dyslexia, things like that," said Mercado. "Things we haven't been taught or were taught 10 years ago in college and don't remember."

The 4th grade teachers describe a desire to grow in their profession and have discovered they're not alone. They launched DoubleDutyTeachers, a multichannel online platform established as a forum where educators can exchange teaching strategies. To date, they've developed an Instagram following of 10,000-plus.

With encouragement from their social media following, support from former college professors, and a grant from the Pugh Family Foundation, Mercado and Wallace enlisted their colleague Andre Deshotel and together the three educators designed and ran Teach Out Loud, a daylong conference for teachers that took place in March and was hosted by the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, College of Education and Human Development.

Mercado and Wallace, veteran attendees of PD conferences, endeavored to develop an experience that incorporated "teacher-friendly" features. They sent surveys to teachers well in advance of the conference, asking what they wanted to learn more about and allowing responses to guide their session topics. They handpicked presenters from among a network of educators who have inspired them. They kept the conference small (they sold out all 250 tickets) and inexpensive, at $20 per attendee-including lunch and a free T-shirt. Popular sessions included those on student engagement, behavior management, and a panel on special education.

In addition to planning for their second annual conference for next March, for which they hope to double attendance, Mercado and Wallace are in the process of formalizing the organization while they begin a new school year. Said Mercado, "I don't think we'd ever quit our [teaching] jobs." Right now, they express more interest in inspiring fellow teachers in ways they say traditional PD too often doesn't.

"Teachers are down in the dumps lately about a whole lot of things," said Wallace. "It doesn't help when you see PD sessions that aren't what we need."

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Professional Development That Matters: What Teachers Say They Want

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Teachers often say their PD is lame and irrelevant. Some are working to change that.

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Center for the Professional Education of Teachers

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Making Time for What Matters: Self-Care for Busy Teachers

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Happy teachers tend to be wonderful teachers.

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When I think about my first year as a high school teacher, I have a strong, sensory memory. I'm lying on the cold, thinly carpeted, concrete floor in my tiny office. It's lunchtime; my door is locked, and the lights are out. I am hiding-and I'm totally overwhelmed. The darkness provides a little comfort and calm, yet I am starkly aware of my head-to-toe exhaustion, and a deep, pervading sense of loneliness. That year, my principal visited my classroom once or twice, and I rarely interacted with other teachers.

New teachers' primary strategy for stress management is hunkering down and working harder-rather than reaching out for help and support. We educators are often at the center of large groups every day, which requires a lot of emotional labor. "Leave your problems at the classroom door," we're told. (Mask your own needs on behalf of those students you love.) Perform, perform, perform.

In that sense, it's natural to crave quiet moments to reconnect with ourselves and reboot our taxed nervous systems. Maybe, like me, you also worry about burdening others when everyone is already struggling. Yet those moments alone, if one feels emotionally exhausted, can extend into hours and days-and a greater sense of isolation and apathy. And if we're not sharing our experiences with others, it can further alienate us.

Despite these tensions, research clearly points to the benefits of social connection. Studies also tell us that social support plays a role in lessening the impact of job demands and emotional exhaustion on teachers, specifically. Right now, we can all benefit from considering the social component of social and emotional learning. Rather than giving you a long list of time-consuming social "to-dos" to add to your "self-care" list, I want to share a few research-based, low-lift strategies for connection that are practical and feasible and can be easily integrated into an educator's busy life.

1. Share appreciation for your colleagues

One of the simplest things you can do to feel more socially connected at work is recognize and acknowledge the goodness around you. Gratitude is a relationship-strengthening emotion. In fact, a 2022 study reveals its stress-relieving benefits to both the expresser and the receiver.

Imagine that you and a colleague down the hall are paired up for a six-minute task (designing a bike and creating a marketing plan). Next, each of you must make a three-minute sales pitch to an expressionless audience. (My heart rate is revving up just thinking about this.)

In this research study, some "expressers" simply described their day to their partner before giving their sales pitch, while others shared their appreciation for their partner. In the end, both members of the gratitude pair demonstrated superior cardiovascular responses to stress.

In other words, a little bit of appreciation for your colleagues can potentially reduce tension for both of you as you each navigate the difficult tasks you face each day.

Whether you seek out your colleagues formally or informally, simply acknowledging and appreciating each other can reduce the stress you are feeling in your body. For example (and this is sincere), "To my GGSC colleague, Mariah, thanks for calling to check in with me last week. Sharing our struggles with each other helped to normalize it all for me. And I hung up the phone feeling a little more grounded."

For a more formal approach to sharing appreciation, incorporate a Gratitude Circle into your small or larger staff meetings. Carve out a few minutes for colleagues to say "thank you" to each other for simple kindnesses. Ask them to speak directly to the person they are thanking and to be specific: "Thank you to my GGSC colleague, Maryam, for the '80s Spotify playlist you sent to me when I had to drive my youngest daughter to college. As a mom yourself, you know how difficult it was for me to say goodbye to her, and you know that '80s music brings me joy. Your thoughtfulness made me feel more connected to you."

If you could share appreciation for a colleague right now, who would you choose and what would you say? Express it, rather than just think it. That's the key to this practice.

2. Identify your support system

Research tells us that social support, the experience of being cared for, valued, and part of a mutually supportive human network, benefits our mental and physical health. You may be comfortable sharing appreciation for someone on your team, but after a few years in and out of your COVID cave, you may also be asking yourself who is actually available for support right now.

Take five to 10 minutes this weekend to consider your people (near and far) and write down their names. Then, make a quick note of the ways they can support you. Researchers identify the following categories of social support:

Informational support: advice or feedback (people you can ask, "How should I handle this difficult conversation with my student?")

Emotional support: sympathy, empathy, and an understanding of your experience ("No wonder you're exhausted. I get it.")

Esteem support: recognition of your skills and abilities through compliments and validation ("You've got this-you're a strong leader with a lot of grit.")

Social network support: accessible, online, community-based resources, including discussion forums and people available to check in and chat about your interests or dilemmas ("We're here for you! Share your questions and comments with us.")

When I find myself spinning at a hamster-wheel pace, I tend to forget who might be available for some quick advice (my colleague Vicki), a funny text or joke (my old college buddies, Kerri and Lisa), a walk (my neighborhood friend, Debbi), or a reassuring phone chat or Zoom conversation (my colleague Kira). Most of my people live far away, but they are out there.

What about you? Who is in your circle-in little ways and bigger ways? If you find yourself struggling to identify your potential supporters, now is a great time to consider reaching out to (re-)establish a few connections.

3. Call, text, or meet one person this week

Friendships can give us greater purpose and meaning, better health-and even longer lives. However, when you're busy (and tired), they require a little planning and a commitment to show up. One of the best strategies we have in our wellness toolkit is something called behavioral activation. It comes from the world of cognitive behavioral therapy, and it's annoying (when one feels exhausted and grumpy), but it works.

Behavioral activation is doing "the thing"-even if you don't feel like it-which often leads to a more positive emotional state. For example, getting up and going to that exercise class with your friend or accepting your colleague's invitation to meet for drinks-even though you'd rather be on your couch watching Netflix. No doubt you can think of a time when saying "yes" to social connection lifted your spirits and even energized you.

So, don't wait for an invitation. Take a few minutes to reach out to at least one person this week (e.g., a text, email, phone date, a cup of tea or coffee, a walk after school-whatever works for you). And if you're feeling extra motivated, make a commitment to nurture one specific relationship over the coming month. Schedule time to meet (online, phone, or in person).

Consider the following: Who will you choose to connect with during the week (or across the month?) Why? What did you notice in yourself before, while, and after you reached out? How does this experience influence your motivation to continue pursuing social connections?

Whether you choose to nurture a relationship inside or outside of work, keep in mind that teachers' working relationships at school can be the most effective at preventing burnout. A recent study indicates that educators who perceived more social support from colleagues (rather than friends and family) had lower levels of burnout and greater emotional intelligence. Why? Perhaps because our colleagues are best at helping us solve work-related challenges, the researchers suggest.

However, we may also feel more connected to colleagues who share similar experiences because we can understand each other's work struggles-big and small-from the pile of grading in front of us to an unjust and ineffective discipline policy. Further, we can validate those struggles while affirming each other in moving forward to address them.

More importantly, if we can experience a "we're all in this together" sense of team support and belonging, we are likely to feel more empowered and less stressed.

4. Join a supportive community

If you're struggling to identify people in your support network at school, you might also consider joining a wellness group for educators. It's likely to involve a monthly commitment of one to two hours a month-but it's an investment in the kind of "meeting" you can look forward to. And studies suggest that when teachers participate in groups that feature well-being practices, including mindfulness and other strategies for navigating emotions, they report improvements in personal well-being and their ability to provide more emotional support in their classrooms.

Over the past few years, large, energized teacher-support programs have been growing in number. For example, Happy Teacher Revolution promotes the mental health and wellness of teachers by preparing educators to lead support groups in their own communities. ​ Cultivating Awareness and Resilience in Education helps teachers handle their stress and rediscover the joys of teaching in a range of different group settings, while the goal of the Transformative Educational Leadership Program is to cultivate the inner transformation of educational leaders in service of outer transformative change in the field of education.

You may also be aware of communities of practice in your area. According to educational theorist Etienne Wenger, who coined the term, " communities of practice" are "groups of people who share a concern or a passion for something they do and learn how to do it better as they interact regularly." When you are part of a community of practice (as a social learning system), you can "share your experiences and knowledge in free-flowing, creative ways that foster new approaches to problems." In fact, Wenger and researcher William B. Snyder claim that the strength of a community of practice is that it can be "self-perpetuating." As members share wisdom and generate knowledge, they "reinforce and renew" their passion and expertise.

Further, because teaching is not a solitary activity, both research and theory suggests that we can gain a stronger sense of self-efficacy-that "I can do this!" sense of ourselves-when we accept and receive collegial support. In fact, when teachers strongly identify with their school and feel a sense of teamwork, they tend to find their workload more manageable, which lowers stress. In other words, we need each other to move forward with confidence and hope.

At the Greater Good Science Center, we are excited to be hosting a new monthly community of practice (CoP) focused on educator and student "wellness." Launching this January, our CoP's purpose is to envision, experience, and co-create learning communities that are caring, compassionate, and connected. We have three primary goals: to deepen our understanding of social and emotional well-being, to experience greater well-being as adult learners in community, and to share ideas and best practices for supporting our students, colleagues, and ourselves. We invite you to check out our invitation and learn more.

As a co-facilitator of our new CoP, I still reflect on my concrete-floor moments as a new teacher. I remember the sense of alienation (and the driving perfectionism) that knocked me down. I still encounter lonely and overwhelming moments, but I also know that we educators can't do this work alone.

Greater Good wants to know: Do you think this article will influence your opinions or behavior?

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Here are four simple ways to find social support as an educational professional.

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Mathematics SOLs are changing! Check out the changes here.

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Mathematics SOLs are changing! Check out the changes here.

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Mathematics | Virginia Department of Education

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September 14, 2023 - The Virginia Board of Education adopted the 2024 Mathematics Textbook Review Process.

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When I am facilitating professional learning days or facilitating a conference workshop, one of the questions that I get asked most often is,

"How do we get "the other teachers" on board?

Basically, this question is asking how to move people forward. There is an increasing desire to shift practices to create more learner-centered experiences and learning environments so that all kids in their school or district to have similar opportunities. It's encouraging to see this movement, and while I feel an incredible sense of urgency as I know many of you do too, when we label people as resistant to change, veterans, stuck in their ways etc. we isolate people and create more barriers to the change we want to see.

I was reminded of why we often struggle to change behavior in education (and in many areas of life) when I was reading Melinda Gates new book, The Moment of Lift. She describes how she realized that to make the impact she wanted, it was less about the technological advances that were being made, although they were groundbreaking, and that instead it is more about "the delivery system." What she acknowledges and is important for all of us to remember, is that just because something might be better, and even life saving, doesn't mean that people will automatically change their behaviors.

"You have to understand human needs in order to effectively deliver services and solutions to people."
Melinda Gates- The Moment of Lift

Creating the new innovations is great but if you can't encourage people to use them in ways that can improve lives, it won't matter. The lesson for all of us looking to change the practices or behaviors of others is this:

"Their cup is not empty; you can't just pour your ideas into it. Their cup is already full, so you have to understand what is in their cup. If you don't understand the meaning and beliefs behind a communities practices, you won't present your ideas in the context of their values and concerns, and people won't hear you."
Melinda Gates- The Moment of Lift

If we really want to move people forward, first we have to understand them.

Given this, here are five practices that I often encourage people to consider when connecting with colleagues after coming back after a conference and want to share new ideas or when they are encouraging others to try shift practices.

1.Be clear on what your goals are

Too often when you go to a conference or see a cool idea on Twitter or Instagram, we can jump in without really knowing the goal or how it will impact learners. Make sure that the idea you are spreading is really worthy of time spent with kids and learning and not just the latest and greatest trend on social media.

2. Connect to their goals and beliefs

I have yet to meet an educator who isn't committed to the success of the learners they serve. However, our practices and beliefs are deeply connected to our experiences. Uncovering their goals and beliefs can help you better understand them and the path forward.

3. Engage others in the learning process

Remember that if you just spent 3 days at a conference immersed in learning opportunities and connecting with others that most people that you are working with have not had the luxury of this time. Be mindful about coming back and telling others what to do (or even asking) without providing opportunities for learning, conversation, and growth that you benefitted from as a learner.

4. Share your process

If you are one that is typically willing to try new things first and are often leading the way, share your process. The majority of people are not "Early adopters" and need more time, models, and support to try new ideas. When you share the process, including the challenges, successes, and thinking along the way, you can create the breadcrumb trail that will help others be more willing and able to try something new. To create a culture of learning, we need to make the learning process more transparent.

5. Celebrate the positive

The educational system is inherently deficit based. Too often we focus on what is wrong with someone and how to fix them rather that starting with what is working well. Instead, when we seek out ways to celebrate others and show what is working, we validate people and can build off of their strengths.

What I was reminded of reading The Moment of Lift is that behaviors are hard to change, and in education, just like all other human endeavors, it's not about the program, it's the delivery method that matters. To shift practices, we need to be clear about our goals and why they matter, understand and honor people's beliefs, provide opportunities for connection, learning and new experiences, and ensure that we celebrate what is working. The reality is that you can't make other people change, but you can create the conditions and provide examples to inspire and encourage people to shift practices and work together toward a common goal.

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5 Practices that Inspire Others to Shift Practices

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When I am facilitating professional learning days or facilitating a conference workshop, one of the questions that I get asked most often is, "How do we get "the other teachers" on board? Basically, this question is asking how to move people forward.

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How to Extend Grace to Yourself and Your Kids

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Extending grace is easier said than done. But, learn ways you can show grace to your kids & yourself at home, school, & in your homeschool.