Blogs
Math Student Vital Actions: Guest Blog by Jennifer Hawkins
In this guest blogpost, Jen Hawkins talks about student vital actions focusing primarily in the math classroom, although these vital actions can be applied to any classroom.
Teaching is an Artistic Skill: A Guest Blog Post by Aly Marie Moniz
Aly Marie Moniz, Pilates instructor extraordinaire, explains why teaching is an artistic skill. Make sure to check out podcast episode 87 The Teacher As Pilates Instructor with Aly as well.
Tips for Dynamic Read Alouds
You don't have to be a professional actor to read dynamically to your class. This blog post accompanies Episode 86 where I share tips to make your read alouds more entertaining for your students. Adjusting your pace and/or volume, for example, can make your reading more captivating.
The Teacher As Mover and Shaper: A Guest Blog Post by Jen Hawkins
Math consultant Jen Hawkins shares her thoughts on productive struggle and student independence in math class. Jen was my guest in Episode 85: Zooming In on Math Teacher Talk.
Meaningful Math Games
This blogpost is chock full of math games that were discussed in Episode 81: Meaningful Math Games with Ann Elise Record and Dr. Nicki Newton.
Psychology Based Strategies in the Classroom by Dr. Claire Honeycutt PhD
Dr. Claire Honeycutt, college professor and homeschooler, writes about psychology based strategies that apply to working with students in this guest blog post.
Hover-Free Teaching: Guest Blogpost by Miriam Plotinsky
In episode 76, Melissa chats with educator/author Miriam Plotinsky. In this guest blog post, Miriam shares some of her published work in her area of expertise.
Top Gun Maverick: Reluctant Teacher
Melissa breaks down Lt. Pete Mitchell as a teacher in Top Gun Maverick. Pete, known as Maverick, has his students doing and practicing and he limits his lecture time. He scaffolds skills and works on building a team. He also assesses them along the way. This reluctant teacher crushes it.
The Teacher As Actor Part 6: Actors React
Actors react to their scene partners in different ways. As teachers we have so many ways to react when students are confused and struggling. Focus on empathy and a culture of taking responsibility for our learning.
3 Things Creativity and the Arts Can Do for Social-Emotional Learning: Guest Blog Post by Elizabeth Peterson
Elizabeth Peterson, guest on episode 72 of The Teacher As was kind enough to share more in this guest blog post about the power of creativity and the arts integrated with social-emotional learning.
The Teacher As Actor Part 5: Guest blog by Milton Justice
After their Zoom chat for the podcast, Melissa asked Milton Justice, Emmy and Oscar winner, acting teacher, author, and podcaster, to write a guest blog post and luckily Milton happily agreed. Enjoy!
The Teacher As Actor Part 4: Confidence and Respect
In the fourth blog post in the Teacher as Actor series, Melissa shares two videos about body language and exuding confidence.
The Teacher As Actor Part 3: Speaking to a Legend
Melissa, fresh off her Zoom chat with Milton Justice, reflects about the talk they had. Milton is an Emmy and Oscar winning producer, a well respected acting teacher, as well as the author of a book, I Don’t Need an Acting Class, and the host of a podcast with the same name. Episode 71: The Teacher As Actor with Milton Justice will be available on 11/6.
Keeping Mentally Strong: Guest Blogpost by Michael Studer
Youth runner, Michael Studer, shares some inspiration and motivation in this guest blog post.
The Teacher As Actor Part Two: Listen, Process, React
In this second post about the teacher as actor, I share my thoughts on being in the moment as a teacher, just like actors must be in the moment.
The Teacher As Actor Part One: Plan Tight, but Hang Loose
This post is the first in a series about the teacher as actor. It focuses on the parallels of actor preparation and teacher preparation as well as letting it go and allowing yourself to be in the moment with your fellow actors and audience (your students). Make sure to check out Episode 68 The Teacher As Actor with Jane Cox as well.
Top Ten List of Ways to Get Students Problem Solving and Related Links
Dr. Nicki and Ann Elise Record collaborated to create this Top Ten List of Ways to Get Students Problem Solving. They also shared related recommended resources.
The Impact of MLMs in Schools by Sarah Haidar
Guest blogger, Sarah Haidar shares her thoughts about the impact of MLMs in our schools. Make sure to listen to her on Episode 61 of the podcast as well.
Guest Blogpost: Robert FitzPatrick
Robert Fitzpatrick shares his insights into the possibilities for MLM education in public schools.
Zooming in on Work/Life Balance
Students benefit from teachers who understand the importance of having a work/life balance. In this post, Melissa shares her journey in trying to work smarter, not harder.