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3 Ways to Be Proactive Before Your Teacher Sick Days Run Out
I was recently listening to a teacher share how they ran out of sick days in October. Knowing that any future days off would mean taking...

Michelle McDonald
Nov 15, 2022


5 Teacher Tips for Keeping Your Personal Life Organized & Efficient
As a teacher, we quickly realize that the work is never done. This means that we have to be intentional with our time because it's super...

Michelle McDonald
Oct 4, 2022


Shopping for Teacher Outfits on a Tight Budget: Shopping with Sustainability in Mind
When I landed my first teaching job, most of my clothing involved jeans, oversized sweatshirts, and tennis shoes that I wore around the...

Michelle McDonald
Aug 16, 2022


Teacher Communication Workshop: Gain Confidence & The Respect You Deserve
Do you struggle to communicate your needs to your admin, or spend hours trying to draft an email? This was me during my first year of...

Michelle McDonald
Jul 12, 2022


5 Helpful Tips to Overcoming Teacher Overwhelm
How will I make it to the end of the year? This was a question I often asked myself when I felt completely overwhelmed, inadequate, and...

Michelle McDonald
Nov 9, 2021


5 Tips for Fostering a Collaborative and Safe Social Studies Class
One of the most important steps we can take at the beginning of the year is taking the time to build a positive classroom environment where all students feel safe. Fostering a strong social studies classroom community will take time, but laying a sturdy foundation at the beginning of the year is key. Here are some helpful tips. 1. Set Classroom Norms Determine the following: what does your classroom look like, sound like, and feel like? These are great questions to go over wi

Michelle McDonald
Sep 8, 2021


4 Must-Have Back to School Supplies for Every Classroom
Preparing for the school year can be daunting, especially if you are just beginning your teaching journey, or if you are switching grade...

Michelle McDonald
Aug 17, 2021


Helpful Questions First Year Teachers Should Ask at the End of an Interview
The interview process to land a teaching position can be daunting and stressful for both new and seasoned educators. As a new teacher, it...

Michelle McDonald
Jul 20, 2021


Infusing Technology into Social Studies to Stimulate the Brain
I was on a long road trip recently and had quite a bit of time for teacher PD. I have loved listening and learning from Zaretta Hammond,...

Michelle McDonald
Mar 9, 2021


4 Tips for First-Year Teachers: Planning Ahead This Spring
It may be spring, but the end of year is a busy time and quickly approaching. I want to share with you 4 quick tips to help you plan...

Michelle McDonald
Mar 2, 2021


How to Make Significant Reading Gains in Elementary
This might sound counterintuitive, but if we want to see real reading improvement, then we need to cut back on ELA and make more room for...

Michelle McDonald
Nov 23, 2020


How to Batch Your Lesson Plans and Get Ahead
During my first year of teaching, I always felt like my head was barely above water. I was usually just one step ahead of the students....

Michelle McDonald
Oct 12, 2020


How to Make Self-Care a Priority: Tips for New Teachers
During my first year of teaching, I stayed late at school most days of the week. I hate to admit it, but sometimes I was at school as...

Michelle McDonald
Sep 17, 2020


5 Back to School Technology Tips for Virtual Learning
If you feel overwhelmed by new technology, are adjusting your lessons for digital learning, or simply think you’re “not good with tech,” you’re not alone. Many teachers feel the same way! The good news is that you don’t have to be a tech expert to successfully teach online or use technology in your classroom. Here are practical technology tips for teachers to help you feel more confident, organized, and in control this school year. 1. Overcome Impostor Syndrome As the go-to “

Michelle McDonald
Sep 6, 2020


5 Reasons to use Google Voice for Parent Communication
If you are looking for an effective way to communicate with parents that doesn't involve tons of set up or parents signing up for one...

Michelle McDonald
Aug 18, 2020


New Teacher Back to School Checklists
Back to school is an especially busy time. From prepping bulletin boards, laminating activities, analyzing your scope and sequence, plus...

Michelle McDonald
Jul 6, 2020


The First Holidays After Divorce: Tips for Teachers
For students that are experiencing a change in their family system, such as due to separation and divorce, the holidays can trigger anxiety

Michelle McDonald
Dec 12, 2019


Staying the Course: When You Feel Like Giving Up
"A woman is like a tea bag--you can't tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water." Eleanor Roosevelt said these famous words,...

Michelle McDonald
Nov 5, 2019


10 Parent Teacher Conference Tips for First Year Teachers
My first year of teaching, I was definitely a little nervous when it came to parent-teacher conferences. Even though I had participated...

Michelle McDonald
Oct 25, 2019


6 Parent Communication Tips for New Teachers
My first year of teaching, the very thought of communicating with parents gave me nightmares. As an introvert, this was something I just...

Michelle McDonald
Oct 15, 2019
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