# data[].attributes.headline
All the best Ollie, I hope you enjoy this as much as I did.  Sumaya

# data[].attributes.subject
All the best Ollie, I hope you enjoy this as much as I did.  Sumaya

# data[].attributes.headline
Article:  Distinctive qualities of expert teachers

# data[].attributes.subject
Article:  Distinctive qualities of expert teachers

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
This paper attempts to identify the distinctive qualities of successful veteran teachers, referred to as "expert teachers", which separates them not only from novice teachers but more importantly from experienced non‐expert teachers. Based on earlier case studies, this paper maintains that the critical differences between expert and non‐expert teachers are manifested in three dimensions: their ability to integrate aspects of teacher knowledge in relation to the teaching act; their response to their contexts of work, and their ability to engage in reflection and conscious deliberation. The paper further addresses the question of why some teachers become experts while others remain experienced non‐experts by examining the developmental processes of the experienced teachers in the case studies. The findings suggest that engagement in exploration and experimentation in teaching and learning, in problematizing the unproblematic, and in tasks which challenge teachers to extend their competence are crucial to the development of expertise. The implications for teacher development are discussed.

Additional information

Notes

1. Strictly speaking, Marina cannot be considered a veteran teacher in terms of her years of teaching experience. Nevertheless, when the study was conducted, she was one of the experienced teachers in her school who was highly respected by her colleagues and students.

2. Formal knowledge is used in the sense of Bereiter and Scardamalia () which refers to 'publicly represented' and 'negotiable' knowledge (p. 62).

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Distinctive qualities of expert teachers

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
This paper attempts to identify the distinctive qualities of successful veteran teachers, referred to as "expert teachers", which separates them not only from novice teachers but more importantly from experienced non‐expert teachers.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Flip is a video discussion and sharing app, free from Microsoft.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Flip (formerly Flipgrid) is a video discussion and video sharing app, free from Microsoft, built for classrooms and beyond. Learn more.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
85+ Awesome Apps that Integrate with Google Classroom

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Check out this list of over 85 Apps that Integrate with Google Classroom! Did you know that Google Classroom plays well with others? Yep! Google is known for making their applications open to working with third-party applications, and Google Classroom is no exception.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A complete guide to thinking processes, techniques and failures.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
What does it mean to be a leader? How does one become good at it? What does it really take? These are questions that the best leaders ask themselves constantly, and that's probably part of what makes them great. If you're ready to be the best leader you can be, check out 10 of the most inspiring and motivational TED talks on leadership.

Leadership Lesson #1: Lead fearlessly; love hard.

Linda Cliatt-Wayman is a powerful, driven, and successful school principal. Linda says that if you want to be a leader, you have to really lead. In other words, get up off your butt and do things. First, that includes, of course, doing the big jobs that nobody else can do, but it also means doing the little, menial jobs that nobody else is interested in doing. Second, don't focus on excuses or problems; focus on solutions. And third, do it with love. No matter what kind of organization you're leading, a little concern and respect go a long way.

Leadership Lesson #2: Listen and learn from everyone around you.

General Stanley McChrystal is a decorated four-star general, and in my book, that makes him a great source for advice on leadership. I n the video, McChrystal shares an essential value of leadership: Don't be too proud or full of yourself to learn from others because, at the end of the day, we all need one another to get through life.

Leadership Lesson #3: Leadership is not just for extroverts.

In 2012, Susan Cain made a splash with her book Quiet: The Power of Introverts In A World That Can't Stop Talking. Her groundbreaking work on the leadership potential of introverts is expertly summarized in this excellent TED talk. As a culture, we expect leadership in extroverts, but Cain argues that introverts bring empathy and to their leadership. This refreshing take on who the incredible potential of introverts is inspiring.

Leadership Lesson #4: Stay grateful.

Let's be honest: it can be easy to forget that we are lucky people with great jobs. In this legendary talk, positive psychologist Shawn Anchor describes the key to happiness at work: gratitude. Instead of worrying constantly that we are doing the right thing, Anchor suggests that we'd be much happier if we remembered how fortunate we are to be here in the first place. This is the TED talk to watch when you need a reset.

Leadership Lesson #5: Leaders face their biases.

In this hard-hitting TED talk, Verna Myers poses essential questions about hot-button issues that many leaders shy away from. Leading with authenticity, Meyers argues, is the path toward personal and institutional change. Instead of glossing over difference, Myers asks people to confront bias by facing it head-on. "Stop trying to be good people," she says. "We need real people."

Leadership Lesson #6: Motivate properly.

Part of the job of a leader is to motivate people to succeed. One of the most common methods society generally uses to get people moving is incentive. But motivational speaker Dan Pink is teaching us some fascinating findings about motivation. Turns out, most of the time when we use rewards to motivate people, they actually end up doing more damage than good!

Leadership Lesson #7: A little encouragement goes a long way.

Simon Sinek has lots of great inspiration and advice for anyone who wants to be a great leader. In this talk, Sinek shows that your mission statement motivates, and that your why is more important than your what or how.

Leadership Lesson #8: Empower more women to lead.

The gender gap is alive in well in leadership positions across industries, and education is no different. As women aspire towards leadership, they often encounter imposter syndrome and self-doubt that keeps them from pushing themselves forward. Sandburg's offers pragmatic advice to help keep women from undercutting their own aspirations.

Leadership Lesson #9: Learn to leverage the genius of the group.

It's great when organizations can innovate once, but what forces convene to make a team into a wellspring of creativity? Instead of relying on the talents of one individual, Harvard Professor Linda Hill describes how to use the creativity of the collective to reach greatness.

Leadership Lesson #10: Micromanagement is the enemy of growth.

In this hilarious TED talk, Chieh Huang, CEO of Boxed explains how micromanagement impedes organizational growth. The best ideas, Huang argues, come from employees who have the latitude to push the organization in new directions. And that can't happen when leaders are afraid of failure.

Leaders have the ability to make significant changes, touch people, and shape the world, but they have to be good leaders to accomplish those goals. Luckily, we have some of the most successful, powerful, and influential leaders in the world as our teachers.

Join the great conversations going on about school leadership in our Facebook groups at and High School Principal Life .

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
10 Leadership Videos You Won't Want to Miss This Year

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
What does it mean to be a leader? How does one become good at it? What does it really take? These are questions that the best leaders ask themselves constantly, and that's probably part of what makes them great.

# data[].attributes.body
I think this says it all! Much happiness to you in your new life xxx

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
All I Need to Know I Learned In Kindergarten

# data[].attributes.headline
Proactive design to reach all of your students

# data[].attributes.subject
Proactive design to reach all of your students

# data[].attributes.body
Universal design for learning - theory and practice can be found as a free resource:
http://udltheorypractice.cast.org/login

The guidelines can be found at
http://udlguidelines.cast.org/

Everything that you wanted to know about CAST and UDL
http://www.cast.org/our-work#.XQdfzIgzbIU

Always here to support
jayne.pletserdent@ibo.org

Enjoy Jayne!

# data[].attributes.headline
10 Tips for Surviving and Thriving in Your First Year Teaching

# data[].attributes.subject
10 Tips for Surviving and Thriving in Your First Year Teaching

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Dear New Teachers,

This blog post is for you. Perhaps you've heard that your first year will be "sooo hard." I want to offer you another possibility. Your first year might just be awesome. You might not only survive it but you could even thrive.

Here are some suggestions to help you have a fantastic first year in the classroom.

1. Build Community

Your relationships with others will keep you strong, and they might be the key to fueling your energy to persist through challenges. Build strong relationships with your colleagues and administrators and with your students and their parents. If you're shy, now is the time to pick up some strategies for making connections with others. Ask questions, knock on doors, and invite people into your classroom. Your community will be a buoy when times get hard.

2. Find Hopeful, Positive Mentors

There are veteran teachers who are sad and cynical, and there are others who are wise and hopeful. If you find yourself amongst the cynical (I found them congregating in the staff lunchroom), leave. Stay far from that negativity. You need mentors who can share their wisdom and expertise and who can remind you at the end of October that things will get easier. If you can't find any in your school, look in other schools in your district. They are there, and many will happily mentor you. Ask.

3. Ask for Help and Demand Good Professional Development

Yes, I do suggest that you demand good professional development (PD). You have so much to learn as a new teacher (and I know you know that), and you can't do it alone. Ideally, you need an instructional coach (coaching is a form of PD), but if you can't get a coach, then at least you need some high quality PD. Ask other teachers to recommend workshops, online courses, and conferences. Your administrators don't expect you to be perfect. They know you have a lot to learn -- so ask for support (persistently) to close those gaps.

4. Observe Other Teachers

Ideally, observe really effective teachers in your school or other schools. Even if they don't teach the same thing you do, you'll learn a great deal. Pick one thing to pay attention to so that you don't get overwhelmed. For example, pay attention to routines and procedures, the pacing of a lesson, how questions are asked, or the different ways that students are engaged. Ask your administrators for a release day so that you can do this. If they say no, then at the very least, take ten minutes a few times a month to poke your head into another teacher's classroom during your prep period. You will learn so much from observing your colleagues.

5. Do Home Visits

Visiting the homes of just a few of your students will provide unique insight and perspective into your students. You could visit just about any of your students' homes and this would be the case. Visit the home of a student you are concerned about, as well as the home of a student you're confident is doing well. This is easiest to do in the first few weeks of school when you're building relationships with families, and you can explain that you want to learn more about your students. Use the visit as an opportunity to listen to parents -- to ask about their child's interests, family, friends, and so on. Be curious. It's not a time to share your concerns or complaints.

6. Write Down Your Vision for Yourself as a Teacher

What do you see as your goal or purpose as a teacher? Can you distill that into a short paragraph or a few sentences? Creating a personal vision or mission statement can help anchor you when times get hard. It can serve as a guidepost when challenges come up. You don't need to make it too complicated or fancy. You don't need to share it with anyone. This is for you.

7. Don't Neglect Your Body

Sleep. Rest. Eat well. Exercise. You've heard it before. It really matters during your first year of teaching when the stress -- plus all the new germs -- depletes your immune system. Don't wait until you get the flu in January to commit to taking care of yourself -- start now. Sleep.

8. Do Something Non-Teaching Related

Once a week, at least, do something for yourself. Take a Saturday pottery class or a Brazilian dance class. Run marathons. Join a romance book club. Do something that engages other parts of your being. It's easy and tempting to get sucked into all teaching, all the time during your first year, but you need a mental break from it.

9. Catalogue Every Single Success in the Classroom

Write them down. Make lists of what's going well. Identify your successes; include every single tiny one: Alfredo smiled today when he walked into class; James remembered his book; Jackie said goodbye to her mom and didn't cry; I ate lunch; my lesson plan is done for tomorrow. If you don't do any of the other tips on this list, but you do this one thing every day, I can almost guarantee that you'll have a great year.

10. Take a Day Off

Most teachers get personal days. Plan ahead, get a sub, and take them. Take them and catch up on laundry, go to the dentist, sleep, or go for a walk. Use them. You need days off. It's okay.

Your first year doesn't have to be hard -- nor do subsequent years. These strategies can help you thrive in your first year and build the kind of resilience that will carry you through the many challenges we face as teachers.

By the way, welcome to the teaching profession. You're embarking on a wonderful, wonderful journey.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
10 Tips for Surviving and Thriving in Your First Year Teaching

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Dear New Teachers, This blog post is for you. Perhaps you've heard that your first year will be "sooo hard." I want to offer you another possibility. Your first year might just be awesome. You might not only survive it but you could even thrive.

# data[].attributes.headline
Stay young, fresh, imaginative just like your students. Do not allow yourself to become a dull insensitive adult!

# data[].attributes.subject
Stay young, fresh, imaginative just like your students. Do not allow yourself to become a dull insensitive adult!

# data[].attributes.body
When the going gets tough remember that
A screaming song is good to know in case you need to scream!

# data[].attributes.body
A quick polish up on topics for you and your students!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
After polling teachers, checking box office numbers, critical reviews and teacher forums, we've compiled a list of the Top 12 must see teacher movies.

They appear in no particular order.

Dead Poets Society (1989)

Robin Williams gives a shockingly understated, touching portrayal of a teacher who brings inspiration to the lives of his straight-laced prep school students. A little saccharine but mostly sincere, Dead Poets Society is guaranteed to infuse poetry into the most prosaic days.

Teachers (1984)

Teachers taps into the realities of teaching with over-the-top satire, including disappearing desks, a brawl over the copy machine and a star substitute who is actually an escaped mental patient. Nick Nolte stars as the slacker hero who brings heart to this spoof.

Half Nelson (2006)

In this intense, indie drama, a friendship forms between a well-intentioned, drug-addicted teacher and his 13-year-old student who is trying to escape her convict brother's fate. After she catches him smoking crack, the two alternately try to save the other while their own lives spiral out of control. Unlike most feel-good teacher movies, Half Nelson is about real people with real problems, but also maintains a tangible sense of hope.

Stand and Deliver (1988)

Based on a true story, Stand and Deliver depicts a rebellious math teacher who transforms his seemingly hopeless, apathetic students into the top-scorers in the state. Their achievement is so remarkable that the school board accused the Latino students of cheating. Just imagine this story in our test-obsessed age of NCLB.

To Be and To Have / Être et avoir (2002)

This French documentary transcends with trite world of hokey, inspiration fiction. To Be and To Have follows teacher Georges Lopez and his 12 students (ages 4-12) in their rural schoolhouse. Peter Rainer of New York Magazine wrote that "it demonstrates without overreaching what an actual teacher can do to shape lives."

Mr. Holland's Opus (1995)

Classical musician Glenn Holland assumes that teaching will leave him plenty free time to compose his classical masterpiece. Instead, he finds his life's passion in musical education. Mr. Holland's Opus reminds us that, even when it seems frustrating and futile, teaching will can change lives - both your students and your own.

Remember the Titans (2000)

As two single-race Virginia high schools are forced to integrate in 1971, football coach Herman Boone (Denzel Washington) must transform his divided black and white players into a united team. Boone's team faces prejudice and resistance at every turn, but they manage to find a common ground while tearing up the turf. Just as teachers shape students beyond the classroom, coaches shape who players become on and off the field.

Lean on Me (1989)

Morgan Freeman has played a limo driver, a U.S. president, a prison inmate and even God, but he takes on his most challenging role in Lean on Me. Freeman's radical principal wanders the halls with a baseball bat, locks troublemakers out of school and refuses to accept any excuses. His extreme approach shocked teachers, students and the school board, but ultimately changes the lives and learning of his students. (Trivia: Freeman also had a small role in 1984's )

School of Rock (2003)

After getting kicked out of his band and threatened with eviction, wannabe rockstar Dewey Finn (Jack Black) fakes his way into a sub job at a private school. Dewey taps into his fifth-graders' talents for his rock n' roll comeback. In a surprisingly heartwarming, screwball comedy, School of Rock also manages to slip a lesson on the value of art education under the radar.

October Sky (1999)

When everyone else in a kid's life is pointing them in one direction, a teacher may be the only one who helps them blaze their own path. That's the case in October Sky. A young Jake Gyllenhaal stars as an outcast teen with a passion for rocket launching in a 1950's close-minded, coal-mining town. With the support of his teacher, he follows his passion to the state science fair, to college and eventually to NASA.

Chalk (2006)

In the style of Christopher Guest, this mockumentary provides a dry, yet poignant portrait of teaching. The film follows a handful of teachers at fictional Harrison High, comically showing the struggles they face without making teachers the butt of the joke. You're sure to recognize some painfully familiar classroom encounters.

Dangerous Minds (1995)

Despite the Coolio connection (or maybe because of it), Dangerous Minds has become an iconic movie for the fish-out-of-water teacher. Ex-marine Louanne Johnson wins over her rebellious students with candy bars, karate and Bob Dylan. It may be trite, Hollywood and a cliché of "the great white hope," but it is also shows compelling connections between a teacher and her students. Either way, no list of teacher movies would be complete without it.
They say I gotta learn, But nobody's here to teach me. If they can't understand it, how can they reach me? That's why I know my life is out of luck, foo! Honorable Mentions: Schooled, The Karate Kid, Freedom Writers, Children of a Lesser God, Hoosiers, Sister Act II, To Sir With Love, Pay It Forward, Finding Forrester, The Emperor's Club, Akeelah and the Bees What is your favorite teacher movie? Share in the comments section!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
After polling teachers, checking box office numbers, critical reviews and teacher forums, we've compiled a list of the Top 12 must see teacher movies. They appear in no particular order. Robin Williams gives a shockingly understated, touching portrayal of a teacher who brings inspiration to the lives of his straight-laced prep school students.

# data[].attributes.headline
Most likely to succeed. Thought provoking doco based on the research of Tony Wagner/ Ted Dintersmith

# data[].attributes.subject
Most likely to succeed. Thought provoking doco based on the research of Tony Wagner/ Ted Dintersmith

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Most Likely To Succeed is a thought-provoking documentary feature film that reveals the growing shortcomings of conventional education methods in today's innovative world. The film explores compelling new approaches that aim to revolutionize education as we know it, inspiring school communities to reimagine what students and teachers are capable of doing. To date, MLTS has screened for thousands of audiences around the world, igniting conversations and empowering change along the way. Share the film with your community to activate change now.

From Director Greg Whiteley (Last Chance U, Mitt,) and Executive Producer Ted Dintersmith (author, Most Likely to Succeed).

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Most Likely To Succeed - Ted Dintersmith

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Most Likely To Succeed is a thought-provoking documentary feature film that reveals the growing shortcomings of conventional education methods in today's innovative world. The film explores compelling new approaches that aim to revolutionize education as we know it, inspiring school communities to reimagine what students and teachers are capable of doing.

# data[].attributes.body
E.g. https://ww2.kqed.org/education/collections/in-the-classroom/
for inspiration on creativity in the classroom.
see also: https://ww2.kqed.org/quest/

# data[].attributes.body
A lively team of cognitive psychological scientists on a mission to make research on learning more accessible to students, teachers and parents. Recent episodes explored attention, memory and learning, executive function, and technology and the brain. With free downloads and presentations to boot!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Learning Scientists Podcast - The Learning Scientists

# data[].attributes.body
[From Jayne]
Universal design for learning (UDL) is a framework to improve and optimize teaching and learning for all people based on scientific insights into how humans learn.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
CAST: About Universal Design for Learning

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Universal design for learning (UDL) is a framework to improve and optimize teaching and learning for all people based on scientific insights into how humans learn.

# data[].attributes.body
Free resources from the Right Question Institute on how to teach students to question. Includes divergent, convergent, and metacognitive thinking processes.

# data[].attributes.body
Some really thoughtful blogs on edtech and 21st century learning.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The History of the Future of Education Technology

# data[].attributes.headline
Common Sense Media's Best Science Teaching Sites

# data[].attributes.subject
Common Sense Media's Best Science Teaching Sites

# data[].attributes.body
As a rule, love on Common Sense Media! The whole site is a wonderful resource.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Terrific Websites for Science | Common Sense Education

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Terrific Websites for Science is a Top Picks list of 46 apps and websites curated by Common Sense Education edtech editors.

# data[].attributes.headline
15 Mistakes I Made My First Year Teaching (and what I learned making them)

# data[].attributes.subject
15 Mistakes I Made My First Year Teaching (and what I learned making them)

# data[].attributes.body
Stuff your mentor won't tell you!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
I've had the pleasure of working with a lot of new teachers the past six years, and I've seen many of the same mistakes I made during my first year teaching repeated over and over. Teaching was difficult my first year, but I actually loved it and was not too overwhelmed most of the time. Needless to say, I did have my fair share of "rookie" mistakes!

I've learned that the best way I can help out new teachers is by sharing my story, and what teaching was like for me that first year. The best part of making mistakes is learning from them, so even if you make some of the mistakes listed below, it's all part of the process!

1. Never leaving school

It's your first real job and you want to do the best possible work. But staying at school till the custodian's lock-up is not the solution. Talk to your colleagues. Plan with a partner. You don't need to reinvent the wheel when it comes to preparing your lessons and activities. Above all, focus on being efficient, instead of just working hard, the latter leads to teacher burnout fast.

2. Missing out on all of the extra-curricular events

I remember so many people giving me the advice to take the first year and only focus on my teaching. Awful advice. Part of teaching is being part of the community and getting involved in extra-curricular activities and events. It's also important for your students to see you in other roles besides teacher. I took on the school newspaper and started coaching lacrosse in the spring...best two decisions I made in my first year.

3. Writing an email when a phone call would be better

This one may seem obvious to most veteran teachers, but as a new teacher, I would pour hours into crafting perfectly written emails to parents, co-workers, and administrators. In most cases, a phone call would have worked just as well, and would have saved me hours. Also, some things (especially if it involves emotion or two-sides to a situation) are better off spoken, and not written.

4. Making a phone call when a face-to-face conversation would be better

Ever heard of cabin fever? I think I had "classroom fever" at one point in my first year. I spent WAY too much time in that classroom. When I got up, went for a walk, and talked to some people face-to-face, it would help.

5. Focusing on that "one kid"

I don't know many teachers that haven't focused on that "one kid" at some point in their careers. Hey, it happens to the best of us, and there really isn't anything wrong with trying to help as much as possible. But, this "savior" mentality takes an emotional toll. It also blinds us to the other 20-some kids in the classroom who need our support and encouragement. Try to find the balance even when you are pulled in one direction.

6. Trying for a "well-managed" classroom

This is a biggie. Most of what they taught me in college made me view my job as a teacher close to one of a manager. Therefore I spent way too much time trying to make my classroom and my students "well behaved" so I could check "classroom management" off the list of things I had mastered. What was lost in all of this focus, was that my students needed to be engaged. And if the room looked a bit crazy, that did not matter as long as they had " high commitment and high attention " towards the learning activity. I did not learn this lesson till the middle of the year during a crazy debate filled class that was highly engaging and just the type of learning I wanted to replicate!

7. Too many summative assessments

I was worried early on that my students would not be focused in class unless there was a summative assessment in the near future. Please do not make this mistake. Creating a forced focus because of looming assessments is one of the worst ways to instruct and engage. A better way is through formative assessments...

8. Not enough formative assessments

I missed out on this one big time. Formative assessments are the best way to see whether students understand what you are doing in class. When you check for understanding as a teacher, the results can truly inform your instruction, instead of guessing where students may be in their understanding. Check out this awesome resource from Edutopia.

9. Too much homework

Again, I thought "rigor" was giving challenging homework. Why? Probably because when I was in high school the most challenging courses had more homework assigned. I had to shift this thinking when my grades started to reflect who did their homework instead of who demonstrated true understanding of the concepts and mastery of the skills we were covering. I'm not one to say we need to "get rid" of all homework (sometimes this makes sense), but I did have to rethink what my purpose was for sending work home with students.

10. Contacting parents with only negative news

I saw parents at back-to-school night and then the next time I spoke to most of them was when I had to call home or email about an issue in class. I was lucky that this did not happen very often, but looking back I'm ashamed of my negative reasons for reaching out to parents/guardians. I quickly learned that sending home good news is one of the best ways to build a good relationship with parents/guardians and the community.

11. Trying to write the same lesson plans you did in college

Remember those 4-5 page lesson plans that you had to type up in college? You are going to burn yourself out real fast if you try to write that kind of lesson plan for each class every day... Also, depending on what is in the "lesson plan" it really doesn't connect to the learning during class, but instead "what activities you are going to do" in class. Check out this post on learning plans and try for a shorter (but specific) approach instead.

12. Failing to think about your classroom design

Class design is more than just moving away from "desks in rows" or seating charts. This has taken me the longest to understand, but how you set up your learning space really impact the type of collaboration and communication that goes on in the classroom.

13. Thinking about technology as something separate and special

It is important to understand technology's role in learning. If you make technology something we are "going to do" as a class, then it becomes a special event. The problem with this thinking (and I did this with almost every project/activity in my first year) is that technology is no longer a "special event" in our daily lives. We use it seamlessly as an integral part of how we communicate, collaborate, create, learn, consume, and connect. So when we make technology a separate piece of learning, students get the impression that technology is only used for certain things at certain times, instead of having it available always as a resource but using it for a true learning purpose.

14. Not reaching out for enough help

If you are like me then you probably think you can do it all. I did (still do sometimes). I'd spend hours and hours working on a lesson or activity when I could have created a better lesson/activity in less time with the teacher next door. I rarely reached out to administrators for help, thinking they would see me as weak for not "knowing" how to do everything myself. Now I ask for help all the time. And guess what, people like helping other people! It is not an inconvenience especially when you can bring a new idea or way of thinking to the discussion.

15. Thinking project-based learning is too hard

It's hard as a new teacher to teach one lesson, at one pace, and keep all of the students engaged. But we wrestle with classroom management as if this is the only option. The issue is students are at all different levels of understanding and ability, and if you "teach to the average" you are actually not reaching any of the students ( great video here that explains the thinking.) Project-based learning, on the other hand, seems really difficult: How can I give a PBL experience that tailors my instruction and content for the wide variety of learners in my classroom?

Here's the thing, just like anything else, it is very hard to conceptualize without a step-by-step process to getting started. It is difficult to picture until you have seen it in action.

Call to Action

This is one of the many reasons I wrote my new book, The PBL Playbook. In the book, we share countless examples of how real teachers in real classrooms (right now) are using project-based learning to reach every kid in their class. The book is being released this Memorial Day weekend. But, until then, check out the FREE Epic Guide to Student Ownership that you can sign-up for here  - and see the five PBL experiences that changed my life as a teacher.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
15 Mistakes I Made My First Year Teaching (and what I learned making them)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
I've had the pleasure of working with a lot of new teachers the past six years, and I've seen many of the same mistakes I made during my first year teaching repeated over and over. Teaching was difficult my first year, but I actually loved it and was not too overwhelmed most of the time.

# data[].attributes.body
Lots of really great mathematics ideas, many of which could even be useful for physics!

https://www.numberphile.com/

# data[].attributes.body
Do not smile until your second year.

Rule the classroom with an iron fist.

Never, never, never drink on a school night. If you are ever hungover or even slightly under the weather,  they will sense it and attack you like a pack of ravenous wolves.

Remember, you are not teaching children, they are demons unleashed from the bowels of hell sent to torment you and ensure you earn your money.

Have fun!

# data[].attributes.body
This podcast is succinct and accessible... good for on-the-go PD!