Imagine you’re in a kitchen, preparing a meal. Some recipes are simple, like scrambled eggs, while others require more focus, like preparing a soufflé. Like cooking, learning most often involves managing complexity. Cognitive Load Theory (CLT), proposed by John Sweller, explains that our brains have a limited working memory capacity. This theory categorizes the mental […]
Cooking in the Classroom with Cognitive Load Read More »
As educators, we bring an undeniable fire into our classrooms every day. We strive to unlock the potential in every learner, pushing them to become their best selves. But what if we took that same passion—the relentless drive to help our kids succeed—and brought it to supporting our fellow educators? If we truly want to
Putting Passion into Our Peers Read More »
I once heard this in a professional learning session, “Just get them talking,” the presenter said, “and they’ll be learning.” It sounds simple enough. We might ask our kids to “Turn and Talk” to their partner about the reading they just finished and expect fireworks—deep conversations, insights flying across the room. But what we might
Crafting Classroom Conversations: Maximizing Meaningful Peer Talk Read More »
Differentiation has long been characterized by an analogy that paints a daunting, almost impossible picture for educators: A single doctor stands in front of 30 patients, all with different ailments, and is expected to treat each one. It’s an analogy that resonates with many because it accurately reflects the overwhelming nature of trying to meet
A Different Take on Differentiation: From the Doctor’s Office to the Coach’s Playbook Read More »
For years, we’ve been chasing learner engagement like it’s some elusive treasure—something that will magically appear if we just give the right pep talk or create a fun activity. But here’s the truth: engagement isn’t something we wait to happen. It’s something we must intentionally design for. When we talk about learner engagement, we’re really
Engagement by Design, Not by Chance Read More »
In our classrooms, the labels we assign to learners often become invisible chains, limiting their potential and shaping their futures in ways we can’t always see. These labels, whether they stem from learning disabilities, behavioral issues, or socio-economic backgrounds, are all too often seen as defining characteristics. But what if we chose to see beyond
Labels: Good for Folders, Not for Learners Read More »
I sat at a red light the other day, and my mind wandered as it tends to do in these moments of waiting. Looking around, I watched all that surrounded me at some random stop light on a typical city street on a day just like any other. Cars rolling by, buildings on either side
Red Light Revelation: Teachers are AWESOME! Read More »
The new school year is here. School leaders, you are tasked with creating an environment that fosters growth, collaboration, and success for both staff and students. Effective leadership goes beyond mandates and directives; it requires a deep connection with those you lead. How do we, as school leaders, prioritize meaningful interactions and build strong relationships
Leadership is About People, Not Position Read More »
We recently celebrated the 4th of July, our nation’s Independence Day. Behind all the picnics and parties, the fireworks and frankfurters, lies the historial the journey of the early American colonies. The founders realized that compliant and passive obedience to the crown was not working. The country needed the ability to make decisions on its
It’s Time for a 4th of July in the Classroom Read More »
Looking over my 25 years in education, I find we’ve made what we do far more complicated than it has to be. It can be so easy to get lost in the myriad of interventions and support strategies designed to help struggling learners. However, before we dive into specialized tiers of support, we must first
Solid Gold Tier 1: The Way We Improve Read More »
