’Tis the season of giving , and what better way to spread a little joy than by surprising the social studies teacher in your life with something thoughtful and practical? Whether you’re a colleague, partner, or friend, this 2025 Gift Guide includes ideas that teachers will love—both in and out of the classroom. If you can find meaningful gifts by thrift shopping (my personal favorite), I believe that's always a great place to start, but here are some ideas. Every item featur

Teachers make so many decisions each and every day. Some say that teachers make more decisions in a day than a brain surgeon. With teachers wearing many different hats and needing to make split-second decisions, it can easily lead to decision fatigue. I can think of one year in particular--my fifth year of teaching that led to burnout. After a full day of teaching, I just wanted to come home and lie on the couch. Between being in a new school and learning the ropes of new sys

If you are new to teaching social studies, or are maybe looking for some fresh ideas, this free resource kit is for you! I've designed...

Did you know that every U.S. state has outlined its own set of social studies standards? And we're not talking about the Common Core...

If you are looking for meaningful end-of-year social studies activities to keep your students engaged, check out these great ideas!

Since 2012 I've been sharing social studies resources that I've created either for my own classroom or have been the result of teachers...

I don't know about you, but I was one of those teachers who struggled to take my sick days. Creating lesson plans to leave for a...

Are you a new teacher on a rollercoaster ride of emotions? If that resonates with you, I completely understand! Balancing teaching and...

As the back-to-school season approaches, teachers everywhere are juggling lesson plans, classroom setup, and personal goals. Maybe this is the year you finally pack lunches the night before, or commit to leaving school by 4:30. While you’re setting goals for a smoother school year, don’t overlook these four small but powerful habits that can help you stay organized, reduce stress, and create more balance. 1. Discuss Household Responsibilties Before School Starts If you live w

I'm so excited to share that registration is open for the 2023 First Year Teacher Summit! This is the first virtual event of its kind...

If you are a new teacher or maybe a teacher working in a new building, having a good rapport with your colleagues might be new waters to...

Are you tired of assigning tests for your social studies units? I want to share an easy-to-implement end-of-unit project that gets...

Preparing for your first interview can be nerve-wracking and it's one of the most commonly asked questions within the First Year Teacher...

I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase, “teachers do it for the outcome, not for the income.” I want to take a moment to dismantle this concept...

Have you ever considered how much your prep time is really worth (in dollars)? One of my biggest teaching hurdles was figuring out how to...

Do you have sticky notes covering your computer screen or all around your desk? Maybe you have a long to-do list that feels overwhelming and you aren't sure where to even begin. I've been there, and the feeling of being pulled in multiple directions while never seeming to get ahead can lead to burnout quickly. I'm glad you're reading, because this teacher productivity hack is a game-changer. The Urgent Importance Quadrant As teachers, we quickly find out that the work is neve

Are you a first-year teacher drowning in work, feeling like you are being pulled in multiple directions, and struggling to find that...

As we start a new year, this is a great time to consider goal setting. Even if you are reading this and it’s the middle of June, there’s...

Small group discussions are a great concept, but they can quickly get out of hand if we simply release our students without guidance....

Let’s talk about holiday gift-giving. First, there is absolutely no requirement to give your students a holiday gift before winter break....