InspiredTeaching: Recent Episodes
Center for Inspired Teaching
Hooray for Monday is an award-winning collection of resources we share at the start of every week. These resources feature questions, ideas, reflections, and actions we can all take to remodel the school experience for students. Hooray for Monday challenges teachers to hone their skills as Instigators of Thought©, includes instructional ideas from our #Inspired2Learn collection, and provides links to other useful tools and opportunities.
About Us Creating radical change in the school experience — away from compliance and toward authentic engagement. Center for Inspired Teaching envisions a future in which every person is prepared to thrive in and contribute to our complex and rapidly changing world, through an education that teaches students how to think, not what to think.
This week we’re looking at the first of the ABCDEs of Learner Needs: Autonomy. We want to have a say in what happens to us! But this feels like a big ask in school where the expectation of the teacher is to ensure students learn certain things in certain grades well, on time, and in preparation for the learning that comes next. Where can students find choice within those constraints? Today's podcast looks at the small things we can do to start building learner independence.
Brady Maiden shares a joyful exploration of how she brings the ABCDEs into her work with high school students. She also speaks to how this framework shines a light on what she needed and how an amazing teacher met those needs, back when she was a high school student herself.Check out the activity mentioned at the opening of this podcast: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JkuxFVuHKrnGqATVMrjkYgphrebnNbb-/view?usp=sharingSubscribe to Hooray For Monday for weekly resources and info on Inspired Teaching programming and events: inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/
In this episode from our archives, Kaneia Mayo Crumlin shares a wealth of insights and advice for connecting with students in the early days of a new school year, and for creating intentional opportunities for them to learn about themselves and each other.
This week's interview from the archives is a beautiful illustration of what it looks like when a teacher designs everything she does with students at the center and improvisational thinking as her guide. Lacey Hunter forever changed the way we think about the questions we ask young people, especially when it comes to favorite colors!
Chiara Monticelli, teaches Italian at Hardy Middle School in Washington, DC. In this interview from the archives, she talks about what it’s like to teach in a classroom with no desks, a choice she made years ago to change up the learning experience for her students.
In this interview from the archives, Jenna and Meag talk with elementary math teacher Sheena Styles about what it means to create a learning environment where curiosity leads and students are empowered to guide their own discoveries. Subscribe to Hooray For Monday for weekly resources and info on Inspired Teaching programming and events: inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/
As June comes to a close and Pride Month celebrations wind down, we wanted to share a post from our archives that offers suggestions for meeting the ABCDEs of Learner Needs through the lens of gender and sexuality inclusivity.
As the Inspired Teaching team prepares to kick off the next school year of building community and supporting the educators in our community, we're sharing an issue of Hooray For Monday from the beginning of the 2024-2025 Fellowship year. Subscribe to Hooray For Monday for weekly resources and updates on Inspired Teaching programming and events: https://inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/
Subscribe to Hooray For Monday for weekly resources and info on Inspired Teaching programming and events: https://inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/
Reflecting on a recent intergenerational Speak Truth and the lessons to be learned about supporting our students in this moment.Subscribe to Hooray For Monday for weekly resources and info on Inspired Teaching programming and events: https://inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/
The Inspired Teaching team is sharing our picks for the Inspired Summer '26 playlist. Listen on Spotify here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/58QZih9TDjRKYNJRzY0ZUH?si=VJJ4sfopRfO3ZCW3QozoGwSubscribe to Hooray For Monday for weekly resources and information on Inspired Teaching programming and events:
As we look forward to the start of the 2026-2027 Teaching with Improvisation Fellowship this June and a new cohort of teachers starting their Inspired Teaching journeys, we're sharing an episode from 2025 that reflects on the key characteristics of an Inspired Teacher: curiosity, kindness, and critical thought.Revolution in the Classroom: https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1996/08/27/the-revolution-in-the-classroom/46314e20-e8f4-41c4-b5d7-e0bdcba169f3/Subscribe to Hooray For Monday for weekly resources and updates on Inspired Teaching programming and events: https://inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/
Listen for Jenna's conversation with Sabrina Burroughs and Ben Wilhelm. Ben was Sabrina's student-teacher 4 years ago and is now her colleague at John Lewis Elementary School. They share how their relationship has benefited them both, how they nurture curiosity in their kindergarten students, and what community looks like in their school.Subscribe to Hooray For Monday for weekly resources and updates on Inspired Teaching programs and events: https://inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/
This week’s issue of Hooray For Monday is a contribution from an Inspired Teaching Fellow who we’ve worked with for many years now, Kim Kelley. Ms. Kelley is a teacher at Goodwill Excel Center here in Washington, DC, and, as you’ll hear in her conversation with Meag shortly, her high school classroom is a bit unusual:Kim’s students are non-traditional. They’re learners who, for many reasons, did not get their high school diploma on the first go.They range in age from their late teens to their early 80s, and, as Kim shares, that means that in addition to helping them learn the academic material and earn their degrees, she and her colleagues at Goodwill Excel are also tasked with helping their students overcome the educational barriers that kept them from doing so the first time.In her piece for Hooray For Monday, Kim offers a glimpse into how she approaches this work in her Strategies for Critical Thinking class, through art and very intentional efforts at relationship building.Subscribe to Hooray For Monday for weekly resources and updates on Inspired Teaching programming and events: https://inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/
Aleta reflects on more than 30 years of teaching teachers whose work we're grateful for every day, in recognition of Teacher Appreciation Week. Subscribe to Hooray For Monday for weekly resources and updates on Inspired Teaching programming and events: https://inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/Listen to the Hooray For Monday episode with Andrea Durio here: https://soundcloud.com/inspiredteaching/march-30-2026-using-ai-let?in=inspiredteaching/sets/hooray-for-monday#t=0:02
In this week’s Hooray For Monday, Jenna’s conversation with Michael Skinner (Board President of Mott’s Neighborhood Market in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Washington, DC) highlights the many ways the resource of community can be harnessed to make real change—whether that’s in our neighborhoods or in our school buildings. Subscribe to Hooray For Monday for weekly resources and updates on Inspired Teaching programming and events: https://inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/This conversation originally aired as part of Inspired Teaching's Curiosity Challenge. Learn more here: https://inspiredteaching.org/inspired-teaching-curiosity-challenge/
Inspired Teaching Fellow and ESL teacher in Washington, DC Lasharn Rodriguez shares with us her approach to building community and creating learning environments where her students feel safe and seen--inspired by her own childhood growing up in The Bronx.Subscribe to Hooray For Monday for weekly resources and updates on Inspired Teaching programming and events:
Inspired Teaching Fellow and SEL teacher Emily Hall shares her insight into bringing students' feelings to the forefront in learning.Subscribe to Hooray For Monday for weekly resources and updates on Inspired Teaching programs and events: https://inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/
Teachers have access to an infinite resource that is proven, time and again, to not only improve cognitive skills, but to also increase uncertainty tolerance, build community, and nurture an authentic love of learning:Curiosity.When we dig into our own curiosity—and school leaders create professional learning opportunities to support their teachers in this work—we set the stage for classrooms and school communities in which everyone can thrive.Read Aleta's article in the April issue of Educational Leadership magazine here: https://www.ascd.org/el/articles/curiosity-starts-with-usSubscribe to Hooray For Monday for weekly resources and updates on Inspired Teaching programming and events: https://inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/
While we are far from having any certainty with AI use in the classroom, we do have a growing number of examples from educators around the world and researchers to help us navigate that uncertainty--including a conversation with math teacher Inspired Teaching Fellow Andrea Durio about her experience with VR headsets.Subscribe to Hooray For Monday for weekly resources and updates on Inspired Teaching programming and events: https://inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/
Inspired Teaching's Project Manager Meag Campos speaks with teachers at her son's high school -- New Orleans Center for Creative Arts in Louisiana--about a lesson they've created in math and science that teaches to standards and is authentically engaging for students.Subscribe to Hooray For Monday for weekly resources and updates on Inspired Teaching programming and events: https://inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/
Revisit our conversation with Christa Barfield, healthcare adminstrator-turned-urban-farmer, in this interview from July 2023.Subscribe to Hooray For Monday for weekly resources and updates on Inspired Teaching programs and events: https://inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/Learn more about FarmerJawn and the work they are doing in the Philadelphia metro area: https://www.farmerjawn.co/
Aleta speaks with author Maggie Jackson about uncertainty (the title of her latest book!)Maggie Jackson is a long-time journalist whose work has been featured in The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, and NPR among many others and whose 2018 book, Distracted: Reclaiming Our Focus in a World of Lost Attention, led the charge on the conversations we’re having today about technology’s impact—for better or worse—on our lives. She’s won numerous awards for her work and is a leading voice on the rapidly evolving nature of our society.Subscribe to Hooray For Monday to receive weekly resources and updates on Inspired Teaching programs and events: https://inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/
One person who always comes to mind when we think of the observation is Pax Linson, an early childhood educator, longtime friend of Inspired Teaching, and an avid birdwatcher. Before she retired, Pax spent time observing hundreds of classrooms all over Washington DC, both for Inspired Teaching and DC Public Schools. And upon her retirement, she shifted her skills of observation to a different pursuit: birdwatching.Subscribe to Hooray For Monday for weekly resources and updates on Inspired Teaching programming and events: https://inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/Join the Inspired Teaching Curiosity Challenge: https://inspiredteaching.org/inspired-teaching-curiosity-challenge/
In early 2024, Aleta spoke with renowned author, activist, and educator about this extraordinary lifetime of work, including his latest and last book, An End to Inequality.Subscribe to Hooray For Monday for weekly resources and important information on Inspired Teaching programming and events:
We crave understanding. We want to know what things mean. And if we’re getting feedback—good, bad, or in-between—it’s so much better if that feedback is specific and meaningful.Subscribe to Hooray For Monday for weekly resources and updates on Inspired Teaching programming and events: https://inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/
Jenna and Michelle discuss how Groundhog Day the movie is an appropriate metaphor for the work Inspired Teaching has been doing for decades. Subscribe to Hooray For Monday for weekly resources and updates on Inspired Teaching programs and events: https://inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/Download the 2024-2025 Inspired Teaching Annual Report:The World Economic Forum's whitepaper:
, January 5, 2026: https://www.scientificamerican.com/podcast/episode/how-to-keep-your-new-years-resolutions-behavioral-science-tips-that-work/
This week's Hooray For Monday originally aired in January 2024 and features Jenna's insights on new habits for the new year, inspired by the writing of James Clear.Read the written version: https://inspiredteaching.org/archives-reset-room-hooray-for-monday/Subscribe to Hooray For Monday for weekly resources and information on Inspired Teaching programming and events: https://inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/
At the start of a new calendar year, and entering the second half of the school year, how can we help our brains learn new things?Subscribe to Hooray For Monday to receive weekly resources and information on upcoming Inspired Teaching programs and events: https://inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/
While we're making New Years Resolutions, let's consider our, and our students', aspirations and contributions.Subscribe to the Hooray For Monday newsletter for weekly resources and information on upcoming Inspired Teaching programming and events: https://inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/
The Inspired Teaching team shares our hopes, dreams, and aspirations for the organization in the year ahead.Subscribe to Hooray For Monday for weekly resources and information on Inspired Teaching programming and events: https://inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/
Aleta and Michelle discuss how Hooray For Monday came to be, and ends up in your inbox every week, and a few of the 2025 issues they really love.Read all of our--and your-- favorite Hooray For Mondays of 2025: https://inspiredteaching.org/2025-highlights-hooray-for-monday/Join the Inspired Teaching Curiosity Challenge: https://inspiredteaching.org/inspired-teaching-curiosity-challenge/Subscribe to Hooray For Monday for weekly resources and information on Inspired Teaching programming and events: https://inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/
Jenna and Aleta reflect on what they've observed in the classrooms of Inspired Teaching Fellows this fall, and how those lessons can apply to classrooms everywhere.Subscribe to Hooray For Monday to receive weekly resources and updates on Inspired Teaching programming and events: https://inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/
Aleta speaks with journalist, professor, and Associate Dean of Academic Affairs at Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism Dr. George Miller for his insight into watching, reading, and listening to the news today.Subscribe to Hooray For Monday for weekly resources and updates on Inspired Teaching programs and events: https://inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/
Curiosity bridges divides among us, enables us to implement AI productively, and fuels student engagement. This means fueling curiosity should be high on your priority list.Join the Inspired Teaching Curiosity Challenge: https://inspiredteaching.org/curiosity-challenge-2025/Subscribe to the Hooray For Monday newsletter: https://inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/
As you celebrate Thanksgiving, consider the many unique traditions around the country--and celebrate that diversity, as well!Subscribe to the Hooray For Monday newsletter for weekly resources and updates on Inspired Teaching programs and events: https://inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/
Each week at our Inspired Teaching staff meeting, we begin with a brief exercise. This past week, each of us responded to the question: “What are you curious about?” The question connects directly with Inspired Teaching’s work to promote the kind of teaching that fuels—instead of stifles—curiosity.Conversation with Helanius J. Wilkins on curiosity: https://soundcloud.com/inspiredteaching/january-26-2023-curiosity-is-everythingSubscribe to the Hooray For Monday newsletter for weekly resources and information on Inspired Teaching events and programs: https://inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/
Even with the long list of instructional objectives you need to address, each day you spend with your students is just one day out of a whole year of learning. And the whole year you spend with your students is just one out of over a dozen years those students will spend in school.Subscribe to the Hooray For Monday newsletter for weekly resources and information on Inspired Teaching programs and events: https://inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/
Cosby Hunt, Inspired Teaching's Director of Instructional Design and a long-time history teacher in Washington, DC, speaks with Jenna Fournel about teaching history in this city, at this moment in time. He shares his advice for centering student voice and experience.Sign up for the Hooray For Monday newsletter to receive weekly resources and updates on Inspired Teaching programming and events: https://inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/Mentioned in this episode: Mikva Challenge: https://mikvachallenge.org/Speak Truth: https://inspiredteaching.org/youth/speak-truth/Looping: https://inspiredteaching.org/looping/
Jenna and Aleta discuss cultural traditions around, personal experiences with, and classroom approaches to navigating death and loss. Subscribe to the Hooray For Monday newsletter to receive weekly resources and updates on Inspired Teaching programming and events: https://inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/
Revisit Inspired Teaching's October 2024 conversation with Rebecca Winthrop, author of The Disengaged Teen, to understand how young people engage--and how to support them in doing so authentically.
Listen to this week's podcast episode to learn how to use the Everyday Advocacy framework in the face of book bans and censorship.Subscribe to the Hooray For Monday newsletter for weekly resources and updates on Inspired Teaching programming and events: https://inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/
Every teacher CAN have the agency to take the reins of what’s happening in their schools.Subscribe to the Hooray For Monday newsletter to receive weekly resources and updates on Inspired Teaching programming and events: https://inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/
It's our responsibility—to our students and ourselves—to be the drivers, not the passengers, of educational innovation.
There are no easy answers to the question of if, when, and how to use AI platforms in the classroom. But Inspired Teachers don’t expect easy answers; instead we engage our curiosity and ask good questions.Subscribe to the Hooray For Monday newsletter for weekly resources and information about upcoming Inspired Teaching programs and events: https://inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/Join the Inspired Teaching Curiosity Challenge: https://inspiredteaching.org/curiosity-challenge-2025/
Don't shy away from discussing the day's big--and maybe controversial--moments with your students.Subscribe to the Hooray For Monday newsletter for weekly resources and information on upcoming Inspired Teaching events and programming: https://inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/
There is a lot going on in the world right now. Support your students in navigating this uncertainty.Subscribe to the Hooray For Monday newsletter for weekly resources and updates on Inspired Teaching programming and events:
Jenna speaks with her son Leal, and shares actionable insights for teachers, about the importance of clarity and honesty in communication.Subscribe to the Hooray For Monday newsletter for weekly resources and information on upcoming Inspired Teaching events and programming: https://inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/
Speak Truth serves not only as a demonstration of the Inspired Teaching Approach in action and as an opportunity for students to build and strengthen leadership skills, but also as a space for young people to be physically present with one another. Speak Truth 25-26 citywide seminars: https://forms.gle/BANkfeReCxLYG8cGASubscribe to the Hooray For Monday newsletter for weekly resources and updates on Inspired Teaching programming and events: https://inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/
Orly Friedman, an Inspired Teacher and founder of Red Bridge in San Francisco, shares how the school centers student agency in all things, including determining when they advance to the next level, and how teachers anywhere can incorporate more opportunities for autonomy into their classrooms.Subscribe to the Hooray For Monday newsletter for weekly resources and information on upcoming Inspired Teaching programming and events: https://inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/
Jenna chats with Ben Frazell, an Inspired Teacher from 2011 who today is an instructional coach at Inspired Teaching Demonstration School.Subscribe to the Hooray For Monday newsletter for weekly resources and updates on Inspired Teaching programming and events: https://inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/
As part of our 30th anniversary celebration, we’ve got a special time-travel issue this week and next, in which we get to revisit the 2010-2011 school year. In that school year fidget spinners were making an appearance along with Silly Bandz, Adele’s Rolling in the Deep was the #1 song, and skinny jeans were still a popular thing. But what we’re sharing today goes a little deeper than these trends.Subscribe to the Hooray For Monday podcast for relevant resources and information on upcoming Inspired Teaching events and programs: https://inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/
For 30 years, Inspired Teaching has invested in teachers as the source for transformational change in the education system.30 Years of Curiosity: https://inspiredteaching.org/30-year-anniversary-center-for-inspired-teaching/Subscribe to the Hooray For Monday newsletter for weekly resources and updates on upcoming Inspired Teaching programs and events: https://inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/
All students deserve an authentically engaging learning experience.Download the Closing the Engagement Gap: A Social Justice Imperative white paper: https://www.google.com/url?q=https://e8ujuzejdog.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/Closing-the-Engagement-Gap.-A-Social-Justice-Imperative.pdf&sa=D&source=docs&ust=1752241008736415&usg=AOvVaw1f3CGzFhD9MVvf_eS820u8Subscribe to the Hooray For Monday newsletter for weekly resources and updates on Inspired Teaching programming and events: https://inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/
This week's episode features Aleta's interview on the City Neighbors' podcast, Flip-Ed. They discuss all things engaging education, and why all teachers should be Instigators of Thought. Flip-Ed: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2433198/episodes/17123360Subscribe to the Hooray For Monday newsletter for relevant resources and information on upcoming Inspired Teaching programs and events: https://inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/
Much has changed in 30 years. But much has remained the same. There are still too many schools and classrooms where kids are praised for staying in line and teachers are praised for keeping them there. But today there are thousands and thousands of Inspired Teachers who are driving change.Subscribe to Hooray For Monday for weekly resources and updates on Inspired Teaching programming and events: https://inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/
Jenna outlines how Inspired Teaching's ABCDE of Learner Needs apply to ensuring students and teachers in the LGBTQ+ community are welcomed, supported, and celebrated in schools everywhere, every day.Subscribe to the Hooray For Monday newsletter for weekly resources and updates on Inspired Teaching programming and events: https://inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/
This week's Hooray For Monday features a conversation Jenna and Meag had with Deepa Iyer, a lawyer, activist, and author, who shares the framework she's developed that helps us all find our role in building community and advancing the causes we believe in.Subscribe to the Hooray For Monday newsletter to receive weekly resources and information on upcoming Inspired Teaching events and programming: https://inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/
Revisit this issue from July 2024 as Inspired Teaching prepares to begin the 25-26 Teaching with Improvisation Fellowship in a few weeks!Subscribe to Hooray For Monday for weekly resources and important info on upcoming Inspired Teaching programming and events: https://inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/
Jenna visits the classroom of Inspired Teaching Fellow Sabrina Burroughs and discovers a classroom full of young learners who are comfortable and confident navigating big feelings with their classmates. Subscribe to the Hooray For Monday newsletter to receive weekly resources and information on upcoming Inspired Teaching events and programs: https://inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/
Listen to this week’s Hooray For Monday podcast to hear Susan Coti, longtime Inspired Teacher and the mother of a fallen Marine, share how she keeps her son’s legacy alive through education in Myanmar.Subscribe to Hooray For Monday newsletter for weekly resources and information on upcoming Inspired Teaching programming and events: https://inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/Contact Susan Coti at Gift of Education to learn more about the organization and volunteering virtually: susan@giftofeducationmyanmar.com
This Jewish American Heritage Month, we're sharing a unique perspective and experience: Aleta speaks with Amber to hear her story—rich with history and informed by research—as a Black Jewish American living in Israel. Subscribe to the Hooray For Monday newsletter for weekly resources and updates on upcoming Inspired Teaching programming and events: https://inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/
This issue of Hooray For Monday was originally published on November 2, 2020. While much has changed in the world since then, being kind to one another and modeling kindness for our students remains critical in combatting division and distrust. Subscribe to the Hooray For Monday newsletter for relevant resources and updates on Inspired Teaching programming and events: https://inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/
This week, we're reflecting on the many times we've felt appreciation for the many teachers in the Inspired Teaching community.
Jenna speaks with Sheena Styles, a math teacher in Washington, DC, and Inspired Teaching Fellow. Ms. Styles shares her advice for creating a classroom where students feel empowered to take the lead in their learning.Subscribe to the Hooray For Monday newsletter for weekly resources and important info on upcoming Inspired Teaching programming and events: https://inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/
In celebration of Earth Day, Inspired Teaching shares advice for upcycling work done in the classroom.Subscribe to the Hooray For Monday newsletter for resources and important information on upcoming Inspired Teaching programming and events: https://inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/Join Inspired Teaching's Curiosity Challenge: https://inspiredteaching.org/curiosity-challenge-2025/Scribe's Record Instigator of Thought activity: https://www.instigatorofthought.org/scribesrecord
This episode originally aired on January 30, 2023. We're revisiting it today in honor of Maurice Sykes, an inspiring mentor and dedicated early childhood educator who knew the value of fueling curiosity.Each week at our Inspired Teaching staff meeting, we begin with a brief exercise. This past week, each of us responded to the question: “What are you curious about?” The question connects directly with Inspired Teaching’s work to promote the kind of teaching that fuels - instead of stifles - curiosity.Subscribe to the Hooray For Monday newsletter to receive weekly resources and important updates on upcoming Inspired Teaching events and programming: https://inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/
Libraries serve a unique function in society: hubs of reading, literacy, and knowledge that are also havens for children and families in need; people seeking vital career skills and public health access; and more. And as many others have observed, they are one of the few remaining places where we can go without the expectation of spending money. Libraries are special, and Inspired Teaching has had a front-row seat to just how special the DC Public Libraries are.DigDC Oral History repository: https://digdc.dclibrary.org/do/96cec815-f69e-4e70-89a3-afc05cf96758Subscribe to the Hooray For Monday newsletter for weekly resources and important updates on upcoming Inspired Teaching programming and events: https://inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/
As part of a recent online Inspired Teaching Institute, Jenna and Meag spoke with Mary Brown and Aikta Suri of Life Pieces To Masterpieces (https://lifepieces.org). Mary and Aikta shared strategies, guidance, and real-life examples for conflict resolution and recentering ourselves. Subscribe to the Hooray For Monday Newsletter for weekly resources and important information on upcoming Inspired Teaching events and programming: https://inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/
This interview originally aired as part of Inspired Teaching's Curiosity Challenge. Learn more and join the Challenge here: https://inspiredteaching.org/curiosity-challenge-2025/Xochi Cartland helps to lead Operation Understanding’s year-long Social Justice Fellowship, a program for high school juniors. Throughout this conversation, she offers a lot of valuable insight into supporting young people as they discover their own voices and learn to respect those of their peers’ – a lot of which mirrors the work Inspired Teaching does with our Speak Truth students. And a lot of which adults can apply to their own interactions in the world. Subscribe to the Hooray For Monday newsletter to review resources and important information about upcoming Inspired Teaching programming and events: https://inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/Learn more about Operation Understanding DC: https://oudc.org/
Starting today, Girl Math means seeing the world through curious eyes. It means wondering about how many ways to calculate the right amount of postage on a letter and what the methodical marching patterns of ants can teach us about geometry.Subscribe to Hooray For Monday for weekly resources and updates on upcoming Inspired Teaching programming and events: https://inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/
Even if you’re not going to become a designer of circular things, why matters. Because if we only learn pi as a number that can be plugged into equations to find the radius and diameter of a circle, we’re missing something really interesting and curiosity-producing.Subscribe to the Hooray For Monday newsletter for relevant resources and important updates on upcoming Inspired Teaching programming and events: https://inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/
We cannot expect math and reading scores to improve, or for our young people to grow into capable leaders in the future, if they are not given the opportunity to be curious, compassionate, critical thinkers today.Subscribe to the Hooray For Monday newsletter for resources and important updates on Inspired Teaching programming and events: https://inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/This week's issue: https://mailchi.mp/inspiredteaching.org/hooray-for-monday-march-3-2025
A recent classroom visit inspires a reflection on handshakes, trust, and peace.Subscribe to the Hooray For Monday newsletter for weekly resources and important information on upcoming Inspired Teaching programming and events: https://inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/
An exploration of the city's resilience -- and Mardi Gras -- from Meag Campos.Subscribe to Hooray For Monday for weekly resources and important information on upcoming Inspired Teaching programming and events: https://inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/
Curiosity is fueled by learning content in context, by connecting what we learn in the classroom to our own lives and the world beyond the classroom walls. Subscribe to the Hooray For Monday newsletter for weekly resources and important updates on Inspired Teaching events and programming: https://inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/ The written version of this week's issue: https://mailchi.mp/inspiredteaching.org/hooray-for-monday-february-10-25
We’re redoubling our dedication to making school a place where both teachers and students feel safe, respected, and engaged in their learning.Subscribe to the Hooray For Monday newsletter to receive weekly resources and important information on upcoming Inspired Teaching programming and events: https://inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/
Arts educator, NASA outreach professional, and design thinker Sandra Vilevec shares her thoughts with us.Glucose Studios: https://www.glucosestudios.org/about-9Join the Curiosity Challenge: https://inspiredteaching.org/curiosity-challenge-2025/Subscribe to the Hooray For Monday Newsletter for weekly resources and important information on upcoming Inspired Teaching events and programming: https://inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/
Carrying forth the legacy of Dr. King is as much a call for curiosity as it is for service.Written version: https://inspiredteaching.org/curiosity-dr-king-hooray-for-mondaySubscribe to the Hooray For Monday newsletter for weekly resources and important information on upcoming Inspired Teaching events and programming: https://inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/Join the Inspired Teaching 7-Day Curiosity Challenge, beginning January 21: https://inspiredteaching.org/curiosity-challenge-2025/
Which kind of questions serve to teach us something, and which just make us think we did?+++Learn more: https://inspiredteaching.org/Subscribe to the Hooray For Monday newsletter to receive resources and important information on upcoming Inspired Teaching programming and events: https://inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/Join the 2025 Curiosity Campaign: Sign up for the Curiosity Challenge today!https://inspiredteaching.org/curiosity-challenge-2025/
Jenna shares highlights from her conversation with Inspired Teachers Ada Ezeh and Shay Schoppert -- PreK teachers in Washington, DC -- when they joined the November online Inspired Teaching Institute.Join the 2025 Curiosity Challenge: https://inspiredteaching.org/curiosity-challenge-2025/Subscribe to Hooray For Monday for weekly resources and important updates on Inspired Teaching programming and events: https://inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/
Revisit some of our favorite issues of Hooray For Monday from 2024!Written version: https://inspiredteaching.org/top-10-2024-hooray-for-monday/Subscribe to Hooray For Monday: https://inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/ Curiosity Challenge 2025: https://inspiredteaching.org/curiosity-challenge/Education Experts and Changemakers playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEulY3cS7KvkcmJ3RGcTukwn_w7vNYkh1
Jenna is inspired by game night and a recent article in The Atlantic to explore the benefits of having fun and playing outside our comfort zones. Subscribe to the Hooray For Monday newsletter to receive weekly insights, resources, and updates on upcoming Inspired Teaching programming and events: https://inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/
Polarization is the Merriam-Webster Word of the Year; what would it take to make Curiosity 2025's?Subscribe to Hooray For Monday to receive resources, insights, and activities, and important information on upcoming Inspired Teaching professional development programs and events: https://inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/
Aleta speaks with educator, advocate, and author Esther Wojcicki about an array of topics -- from AI in the classroom to the benefits of student-led learning.Subscribe to the Hooray For Monday newsletter for weekly resources and important updates on upcoming Inspired Teaching professional development programming and events: https://inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/
Research shows that when we share our gratitude with others, we boost our own feelings of wellbeing and simultaneously inspire those around us to be more generous, kind, and helpful, as well. This week's Hooray For Monday features the Inspired Teaching staff sharing their gratitude for the teachers who helped shape our lives. Subscribe to Hooray For Monday newsletter to receive weekly resources and important updates and information on Inspired Teaching programming and events: https://inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/
Listen to Olena Poteriaiko, an English teacher in Ukraine, share her experience at the Teaching with Improvisation Fellowship Institute this summer and how she is integrating what she’s learned into her classroom and school community.Subscribe to Hooray For Monday to receive weekly resources and important updates on upcoming Inspired Teaching programming and events: https://inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/
Learn effective and straightforward methods for integrating play -- our brain's favorite way to learn -- into your classroom.Subscribe to the Hooray For Monday newsletter for classroom strategies and resources and important information on upcoming Inspired Teaching programming and events: https://inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/Learn more about Education for Sharing: https://educacionparacompartir.org/en/who-are-we/
As good as it feels to be surrounded by those who think the way we do, we can’t build bridges using only one side of the riverbank. Let’s DIVE in and figure out what’s on the other side.Subscribe to Hooray For Monday newsletter for weekly resources as well as important updates on Inspired Teaching professional development programming and events: https://inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/
The mission that has fueled Inspired Teaching for over 29 years is to change the school experience for students from one that prizes compliance and obedience to one that promotes engagement. We embrace that mission because we believe every child has a right to a meaningful education. Children need to be engaged in school so that they will know how to be engaged for the rest of their lives. Voting is the ultimate expression of engagement.In this week's episode, Aleta shares ways teachers can help all students -- even and especially those unable to vote themselves -- understand the importance of voting and its impact in this moment.Subscribe to the Hooray For Monday newsletter to receive weekly resources and important information on upcoming Inspired Teaching professional development and programming: https://inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/
Aleta speaks with parenting expert and researcher at Brookings, Rebecca Winthrop, about Rebecca's upcoming book, The Disengaged Teen, and the four modes of engagement her research uncovered.Subscribe to Hooray For Monday for weekly resources and important updates on Inspired Teaching programming and events: https://inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/Pre-order The Disengaged Teen (out January 7): https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/726142/the-disengaged-teen-by-jenny-anderson-and-rebecca-winthrop/
Inspired by the words of Lin Manuel Miranda, Aleta explores Inspired Teaching's definition of Intellect, the first of the 4I's, via empathy, curiosity, and joy.Subscribe to the Hooray For Monday newsletter to receive important information and updates on Inspired Teaching professional development programming and one-of-a-kind resources:https://inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/
Collection and review of resources is an important first step in supporting our students when they find an issue they are curious about. In this week's episode, Jenna shares insight and resources for exploring the history and significance of this Monday's holiday -- whether it's Columbus Day, Indigenous Peoples Day, or otherwise -- with your students. Subscribe to Hooray For Monday: https://inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/
Aleta and Jenna discuss the need to ask questions -- for our students and ourselves -- in learning more about the stories we aren't being told.Subscribe to Hooray For Monday for resources and important updates on Inspired Teaching programming and events: https://inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/
Meag Campos, Project Manager, speaks with Cosby Hunt, Director of Youth Programming, history teacher, and Real World History instructor, about the program and the lessons all teachers can take from its approach to teaching and learning.Subscribe to Hooray For Monday: https://inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/
This week's Hooray For Monday features a preview of a recent interview Aleta did with Creativists in Dialogue, a podcast lead by artists and educators Elizabeth Bruce and Michael Oliver, that dives deep into how creativity shapes us. Listen to the full episode: https://creativists.substack.com/p/an-innovators-artists-and-solutions-15bSubscribe to Creativists in Dialogue: https://creativists.substack.com/podcastSubscribe to the Hooray For Monday newsletter to receive resources and important information on upcoming Inspired Teaching programming and events: https://inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/
Director of Teaching and Learning Jenna Fournel speaks with Kaneia Mayo Crumlin, long-time Inspired Teaching collaborator and teacher at Beauvoir School in Washington, DC. Kaneia joined Jenna for the recent Inspired Teaching Institute, which focused on supporting students as they build and strengthen relationships in the classroom. Watch the Inspired Teaching Institute here: https://youtu.be/_cGkaFkqVN4Subscribe to the Hooray For Monday newsletter to receive curated Inspired Teaching resources and important updates on upcoming professional development programming: https://inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/
What does our classroom set up tell our students -- and others -- about what to expect when learning with us?Watch Sabrina Burroughs, kindergarten teacher in Washington, DC, share how she makes her classroom a welcoming space for students: https://youtu.be/Pe8EfZNa0nYSubscribe to the Hooray For Monday newsletter for resources and important info on upcoming Inspired Teaching programming and events: https://inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/
It's not easy to support students in having difficult conversations -- but it is possible!Subscribe to the Hooray For Monday newsletter to receive resources and important information about upcoming Inspired Teaching events and programming: https://inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/
In this special episode, Judge Tatel speaks about his recently published memoir, Vision, in which he describes growing up in the DC region; talks about becoming blind and, in later life, welcoming his guide dog Vixen into his family; and offers life lessons that pertain to our work as educators.Subscribe to the Hooray For Monday newsletter for Inspired Teaching resources and information on upcoming professional development programming and events: https://inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/
Aleta shares how a long-time Inspired Teaching professional development exercise helps teachers shift their perspectives on the concept of discipline.Subscribe to the Hooray For Monday newsletter for resources and updates on upcoming Inspired Teaching programming and events: https://inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/
Jenna shares how a malfunctioning thermostat inspired a new Inspired2Learn activity that plays a pivotal role in helping teachers build relationships in the classroom.Subscribe to the Hooray For Monday newsletter for resources and updates on Inspired Teaching professional development programs and events:https://inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/
Inspired Teaching's Meag Campos speaks with Julita Geer, a long-time educator and current PE teacher from Louisiana, about the importance of play and the lessons students can learn from watching the Olympics.Subscribe to the Hooray For Monday newsletter for more resources and information on upcoming Inspired Teaching programming and events: https://inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/
Just a few hours ago, President Joe Biden announced he is withdrawing from the race for President. This post explores the kinds of questions we might ask our students in this historical moment - and the ways we might begin thinking about the work ahead as we start a new year in this uncharted territory. Web Version: https://inspiredteaching.org/uncharted-territory-hooray-for-monday/How to register to vote: https://www.usa.gov/register-to-voteSubscribe to the Hooray For Monday publication to receive additional resources and important details on upcoming Inspired Teaching programming and events: https://inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/
As you rest and rebuild your strength this summer, reflect on the ways in which you have been connected to your colleagues and your studentsSubscribe to the Hooray For Monday publication to receive additional resources and important details on upcoming Inspired Teaching programming and events: https://inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/
In this week's Hooray For Monday, Aleta shares the universal truths of an inspiring advice columnist, and encourages educators to incorporate them into their classrooms.Subscribe to the Hooray For Monday weekly publication: https://inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/
Listen to the 2024-2025 Teaching with Improvisation Fellows share the beliefs that were strengthened -- and those that are changing -- after their time at the three-day Institute last week.Subscribe to Hooray For Monday for full resources and information on upcoming Inspired Teaching programming and events: https://inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/
Aleta explores the relationship between happiness and hard work, inspired by a recent Gipsy Kings concert.Subscribe to the Hooray For Monday newsletter for resources and information on upcoming Inspired Teaching events and programming. https://inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/
This week, hear the conversations Jenna and Aleta had with educators and historians in Rappahannock, VA, about the recent history of their community and why it matters to students today.Subscribe to the Hooray For Monday newsletter to receive resources and information on upcoming Inspired Teaching events and programming: https://inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/
This week we hear from Real World History student Eleanor, who shares her experience in the class and why she'd recommend it to all DC high school students.Learn more: https://inspiredteaching.org/youth/real-world-history/Subscribe to the Hooray For Monday newsletter: https://inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/
Listen for Jenna’s conversation with Vicki Bullock, a longtime Inspired Teacher and 23-24 Teaching with Improvisation Fellow. They discussed Vicki's new role as math coach and the power of observing and recording what we notice in our classrooms. 24-25 Teaching with Improvisation Fellowship: https://inspiredteaching.org/teaching-with-improvisation-fellowship/Subscribe to Hooray For Monday for the weekly newsletter including resources and information on upcoming Inspired Teaching events and programming: https://inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/
Celebrate the unofficial start to summer this Memorial Day with an Inspired Summer playlist -- a Spotify playlist of tunes curated by members of the Inspired Teaching staff!Listen: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5OEjwtIP30aDyfqs262bTl?si=660b078d56044e95 Share your recommendations: https://forms.gle/iBP3sCVZFEfgTMzHASubscribe to the Hooray For Monday newsletter for resources, insights, and information on upcoming Inspired Teaching events and programs: https://inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/
Jenna speaks with PreK Program Manager and 23-24 Teaching with Improvisation Fellow Joangelee Hernandez about transitioning into a leadership role, and the lessons she's learning along the way.Apply for the 2024-2025 Teaching with Improvisation Fellowship: https://inspiredteaching.org/teaching-with-improvisation-fellowship/Subscribe to the Hooray For Monday newsletter to receive weekly insights, advice, and resources: https://inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/
Listen to Jenna speak with Kim Kelley, a teacher at Goodwill Excel Center in Washington, DC and 23-24 Teaching with Improvisation Fellow, about the places she finds joy in her classroom -- and how she builds into each lesson.Apply for the 2024-2025 Teaching with Improvisation Fellowship:https://inspiredteaching.org/teaching-with-improvisation-fellowship/Subscribe to Hooray For Monday newsletter to receive additional resources and information on upcoming Inspired Teaching programming and events: https://inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/
We have a critical opportunity, and responsibility, to teach students – from our youngest children to teenagers about to graduate from high school – how to step outside of their comfort zones.Subscribe to receive Hooray For Monday in your inbox every Sunday -- complete with resources and information on upcoming Inspired Teaching events and programs.https://inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/
Six things we wish for teachers as the school year nears its end.Resources mentioned:Teaching with Improvisation Fellowship: https://inspiredteaching.org/teaching-with-improvisation-fellowship/Inspired Breathing for Inspired Teaching guidebook: https://simplebooklet.com/inspiredbreathingforinspiredSubscribe to Hooray For Monday for full resources and more information on upcoming Inspired Teaching programming and events: https://inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/
This week's Hooray For Monday features Aleta's conversation with Amanda Rose, founder of Timecounts, a volunteer management platform. Amanda shares her insight and advice for teachers and parents who need help nudging young people to find valuable volunteer opportunities -- and to start their community service hours early.For more of Amanda's advice on engaging classroom volunteers, resources, and information on Inspired Teaching programming and events, subscribe to Hooray For Monday: https://inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/
Aleta speaks with Pax Linson, long-time educator and Inspired Teaching mentor about hospitality in the classroom, teaching vs. testing, and much more!For resources and information on upcoming Inspired Teaching programming, subscribe to the Hooray For Monday newsletter: https://inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/
This week's Hooray For Monday focuses on Nobel Prize Winner Daniel Kahneman, who recently passed away, and his policy of "adversarial collaboration" -- actively seeking out differing opinions to get to the root of what's accurate. Listen for insight from Jordanian teacher-educator Amani, a participant in this week's Inspired Teaching Institute, on the power of students' questions. Subscribe to the Hooray For Monday newsletter for additional insights, advice, and resources: https://inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/Right Question Institute: https://rightquestion.org/
Aleta, Jenna, Maria, and Michelle share their memories of a time when school felt unexpectedly joyful. Subscribe to Hooray For Monday for this week's blog from Jenna, about the power of reframing our definition of Joy. Subscribe: https://inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/
Aleta shares the origin of Purpose, Persistence, and Action as one of Inspired Teaching's 5 Core Elements and Jenna offers insight into creating authentically engaging education for young people.Written version: https://inspiredteaching.org/speaking-purpose-persistence-action-hooray-for-monday/Subscribe to the Hooray For Monday newsletter for more information on Inspired Teaching resources and programs: https://inspiredteaching.org/subscribe-hooray-for-monday/
This week's episode features the thoughts of high school students and Speak Truth participants as they discuss how adults can help support them as they discover and build their expertise.Hooray For Monday post: https://inspiredteaching.org/speaking-students-experts-hooray-for-mondayResources:Let Students Be Teachers https://www.instigatorofthought.org/letstudentsbeteachers5 Closing Activities to Give You Feedback https://inspiredteaching.org/5-closing-activities-to-give-you-feedback-on-your-lesson/Inspired Teaching Institutes https://inspiredteaching.org/inspired-teaching-institute/ Teaching with Improvisation Fellowship https://inspiredteaching.org/teaching-with-improvisation-fellowship/Speak Truth https://inspiredteaching.org/youth/speak-truth/ Real World History https://inspiredteaching.org/youth/real-world-history/
Hear from Aleta, Jenna, and Cosby as they discuss the insights their time at SXSWEDU inspired.Written version: https://inspiredteaching.org/big-questions-inspired-sxswedu-hooray-for-monday/Resources:The State of Teaching, Education Week: https://www.edweek.org/the-state-of-teachingBuild: https://build.org/ClioVis: Visualizing Connections: https://cliovis.com/Code.org: http://code.org/Technology as a Bridge: https://www.eschoolnews.com/sel/2023/09/29/relationships-technology-student-success/Speak Truth: https://inspiredteaching.org/youth/speak-truth/Real World History: https://inspiredteaching.org/youth/real-world-history/Inspired Teaching Institutes: https://inspiredteaching.org/inspired-teaching-institute/Teaching with Improvisation Fellowship: https://inspiredteaching.org/teaching-with-improvisation-fellowship/
This week's Hooray For Monday features insights from high school students during a recent Speak Truth event. They shared their thoughts on the role schools play -- and should play -- in addressing students' mental health and overall well-being. Written version: https://inspiredteaching.org/speaking-of-mutual-respect-hooray-for-mondayResources:Speak Truth Guidebook: https://inspiredteaching.org/academy/speak-truth-guidebook-2/Speak Truth: https://inspiredteaching.org/youth/speak-truth/Real World History https://inspiredteaching.org/youth/real-world-history/Inspired Teaching Institute: https://inspiredteaching.org/inspired-teaching-institute/Teaching with Improvisation: https://inspiredteaching.org/teaching-with-improvisation-fellowship/
In this week's episode, Aleta speaks with educator, activist, and author Jonathan Kozol about his new book, inequality in education, and -- most importantly -- how educators can combat it. Written version: https://inspiredteaching.org/interview-jonathan-kozol-hooray-for-mondayResources:Preoroder An End to Inequality here: https://thenewpress.com/books/end-inequality Check out the rest of Mr. Kozol's books here: https://www.jonathankozol.com/booksInspired Teaching Institutes: https://inspiredteaching.org/inspired-teaching-institute/Teaching with Improvisation Fellowship: https://inspiredteaching.org/teaching-with-improvisation-fellowship/Speak Truth: https://inspiredteaching.org/youth/speak-truth/
In this week's Hooray For Monday, Jenna speaks with Inspired Teaching colleague and history teacher Cosby Hunt about the importance of making students active participants in learning. Written version: https://inspiredteaching.org/doers-and-makers-of-history-hooray-for-mondayResources:Real World History: https://inspiredteaching.org/youth/real-world-history/Speak Truth: https://inspiredteaching.org/youth/speak-truth/Inspired Teaching Institute: https://inspiredteaching.org/inspired-teaching-institute/Teaching with Improvisation Fellowship: https://inspiredteaching.org/teaching-with-improvisation-fellowship/
In this week's Hooray For Monday, Jenna and Aleta discuss the importance of checking in on your classroom at the midpoint in the year -- even and especially when you think things are going well!Written version: https://inspiredteaching.org/time-for-checkup-hooray-for-monday/Resources:Profile Pages: https://www.instigatorofthought.org/profilepagesABCDE of Learner Needs: https://inspiredteaching.org/abcde-learner-needs/Poster Analysis: https://www.instigatorofthought.org/posteranalysisInspired Teaching Institute: https://inspiredteaching.org/inspired-teaching-institute/Speak Truth: https://inspiredteaching.org/youth/speak-truth/
In this week's Hooray For Monday, marketing and communications specialist Michelle explores what makes a school "good" as she and her husband begin the search for their toddler. Written version: https://inspiredteaching.org/what-makes-school-good-hooray-for-mondayResources:Resilient Children Handbook: https://inspiredteaching.org/inspired-teachers/resilient-children-handbook/ABCDE of Learner Needs at-home worksheet: https://inspiredteaching.org/wp-content/uploads/ABCDE-of-Learner-Needs-2-1.jpgInspired Teaching Institutes: https://inspiredteaching.org/inspired-teaching-institute/Teaching with Improvisation Fellowship: https://inspiredteaching.org/2023-teaching-with-improvisation/Speak Truth: https://inspiredteaching.org/youth/speak-truth/
In this week's Hooray For Monday, we hear from Sarah Lydia, a high schooler in DC who shares her thoughts on Speak Truth and advice for teachers.Written version:Resources:Speak Truth Events: https://inspiredteaching.org/youth/speak-truth/Speak Truth Guidebook: https://simplebooklet.com/speaktruthteacherguideInspired Teaching Institutes: https://inspiredteaching.org/inspired-teaching-institute/Teaching with Improvisation Fellowship:https://inspiredteaching.org/2023-teaching-with-improvisation/
In this week's Hooray For Monday, Aleta explores the tension between perfection and accuracy, and how mastery lends itself to flexibility.Written version: https://inspiredteaching.org/perfection-vs-accuracy-hooray-for-monday/Resources:How and Why Bridges are Supposed to Move: https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/a18757126/how-and-why-bridges-are-made-to-move/Zone of Proximal Development: https://inspiredteaching.org/finding-the-zone-of-proximal-development/Say "Yet": https://www.instigatorofthought.org/sayyetJanuary Inspired Teaching Institute: https://inspiredteaching.org/inspired-teaching-institute/Teaching with Improvisation Fellowship: https://inspiredteaching.org/2023-teaching-with-improvisation/Real World History Application: https://forms.gle/p6RqFm93m4Uhnpd26Speak Truth events in February: https://inspiredteaching.org/youth/speak-truth/
As we honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King today, Jenna reflects on the role complicated stories have played in her education and the implications for students today.Written version:Resources:https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/125507.The_True_Story_of_the_3_Little_Pigshttps://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/114998https://mattdelapena.com/books/last-stop-on-market-street/https://jacquelinewoodson.com/product/each-kindness/https://inspiredteaching.org/learning-history-from-those-who-lived-it/Inspired Teaching Institute: https://inspiredteaching.org/storytelling-across-the-disciplines-january-23/Teaching with Improvisation Fellowship: https://inspiredteaching.org/2023-teaching-with-improvisation/Real World History: https://forms.gle/p6RqFm93m4Uhnpd26Speak Truth:January 16: https://inspiredteaching.org/speak-truth-online-january-16/January 22: https://inspiredteaching.org/speak-truth-america-january-22/
This week's Hooray For Monday features Aleta's reflection on how small steps add up to big changes. Written version: https://inspiredteaching.org/small-steps-matter/Elevating Resolutions for the New Year Inspired by Some of Humanity’s Greatest Minds (The Marginalian) https://www.themarginalian.org/2016/01/04/resolutions-2016/Inspired Breathing Resources: https://inspiredteaching.org/inspired-breathing-for-inspired-teaching/Inspired Teaching Institutes: inspiredteaching.org/inspired-teaching-institute/Real World History: inspiredteaching.org/youth/real-world-history/Speak Truth: inspiredteaching.org/youth/speak-truth/
This week's Hooray For Monday features Jenna's insights on new habits, inspired by the writing of James Clear. Make sure to read the written version for the full list of resources for your New Year's intentions!Written version: https://inspiredteaching.org/reset-the-room-hooray-for-monday/Inspired Breathing Resources: https://inspiredteaching.org/inspired-breathing-for-inspired-teaching/Inspired Teaching Institutes: https://inspiredteaching.org/inspired-teaching-institute/Real World History: https://inspiredteaching.org/youth/real-world-history/Speak Truth: https://inspiredteaching.org/youth/speak-truth/
In this week's Hooray For Monday, Aleta shares an overview of the Best of 2023 Hooray For Mondays. Check them out in the written version here: https://inspiredteaching.org/best-of-2023-hooray-for-mondayInspired Breathing workshop resources: https://inspiredteaching.org/inspired-breathing-for-inspired-teaching/Inspired Teaching Institutes: https://inspiredteaching.org/inspired-teaching-institute/Speak Truth: https://inspiredteaching.org/youth/speak-truth/Real World HIstory: https://inspiredteaching.org/youth/real-world-history/Subscribe to the Hooray For Monday email: https://inspiredteaching.us14.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=b82ba57eebd6ac2ac331f5104&id=2e045db702
In this week's Hooray For Monday, Aleta shares insights from Ayurvedic yogi, neuromuscular therapist, and breathwork expert, Catherine Dahlman, following a special workshop for educators Catherine led with Inspired Teaching.Written version: https://inspiredteaching.org/i-already-know-how-to-breathe-hooray-for-monday/Resources:Inspired Breathing for Inspired Teaching resources: https://inspiredteaching.org/inspired-breathing-for-inspired-teaching/Do Just One Thing: https://inspiredteaching.org/do-just-one-thing-the-power-of-presence/4 Ways to Start Class with Breathing and Mindfulness:https://inspiredteaching.org/4-ways-to-start-class-with-breathing-and-mindfulness/Sign up for the Hooray For Monday newsletter for a full list of programming links!
Make space for conversation around a universal question and open the door for deeper learning in this week's Hooray For Monday.Written version: https://inspiredteaching.org/candle-question-hooray-for-monday/Speak Truth: https://inspiredteaching.org/youth/speak-truth/Real World History: https://inspiredteaching.org/youth/real-world-history/ Inspired Teaching Institute: https://inspiredteaching.org/inspired-teaching-institute/
In this week's Hooray For Monday, Jenna shares a conversation she had with Cosby Hunt, Inspired Teaching's Director of Youth Programming, Real World History instructor, and teacher at Roosevelt HS in Washington, DC. They discuss a recent event headlined by Dr. Khalil Muhammad and the importance of trusting our young people.Written version: https://inspiredteaching.org/trusting-students-with-truth-hooray-for-monday/For full resources and information on Inspired Teaching programming and events, subscribe to the Hooray For Monday newsletter: https://inspiredteaching.us14.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=b82ba57eebd6ac2ac331f5104&id=2e045db702
In this week's Hooray For Monday, Aleta shares how a recent trip to the dentist inspired gratitude.Written version: https://inspiredteaching.org/i-dont-need-root-canal-hooray-for-monday/To subscribe to the Hooray For Monday newsletter, with full resources, programming details, and more: https://inspiredteaching.us14.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=b82ba57eebd6ac2ac331f5104&id=2e045db702
In this week's Hooray For Monday, Aleta and Jenna discuss what happens to those around us when we share our appreciation with them, inspired by two recent school visits in Washington, DC. Written Version: https://inspiredteaching.org/is-gratitude-contagious-hooray-for-monday/Subscribe to the Hooray For Monday newsletter for full resources and information on Inspired Teaching programming:
In this week's Hooray For Monday, Aleta shares thoughts on awe and its role in the classroom.Written version: https://inspiredteaching.org/awesome-ways-help-students-hooray-for-monday/For full resources, subscribe to the Hooray For Monday newsletter: https://inspiredteaching.us14.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=b82ba57eebd6ac2ac331f5104&id=2e045db702
This week, Jenna explores the fifth and final Rule of Inspired Teaching Improv: Embrace Mistakes -- featuring first-hand insight into how this rule helps in a classroom of three-year-olds from teacher Candace Spencer.Written version: https://inspiredteaching.org/embrace-mistakes-hooray-for-monday/ABCDE of Learner Needs selected for HundrED Global Collection 2024: https://inspiredteaching.org/abcde-learner-needs/ For full details on Inspired Teaching programming and resources, subscribe to the Hooray For Monday newsletter:
In this week's Hooray For Monday, Aleta discusses why "play" and "work" should not be considered antonyms as she explores the fourth rule of Inspired Teaching Improv: Play Big.Written version: https://inspiredteaching.org/play-big-hooray-for-monday/ For resources and more information Inspired Teaching events and programming, subscribe to the Hooray For Monday newsletter: https://inspiredteaching.us14.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=b82ba57eebd6ac2ac331f5104&id=2e045db702
In this week's Hooray For Monday, be inspired to tap into your own curiosity after hearing from Inspired Teaching's Teaching with Improv Fellows.Written version: https://inspiredteaching.org/stay-curious-hooray-for-monday/Subscribe to Hooray For Monday for full resources: https://inspiredteaching.us14.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=b82ba57eebd6ac2ac331f5104&id=2e045db702
In this week's Hooray For Monday, Aleta offers her thoughts and resources for addressing curiosity, wonder, and critical thought in the midst of war and conflict.For links to all resources and references, see the written version here: https://inspiredteaching.org/if-not-now-when-hooray-for-monday/
In this week's Hooray For Monday, Jenna shares a reflection on censorship, Columbus Day, and Indigenous People’s Day.Written version: https://inspiredteaching.org/freedom-wonder-hooray-for-mondayResources:American Library Association resources: https://www.ala.org/advocacy/bbooks/bannedbooksweek/ideasandresources/freedownloads Learning for Justice "Why do we (still) learn about Columbus Day?": https://www.learningforjustice.org/classroom-resources/lessons/why-do-we-still-celebrate-columbus-day National Museum of the American Indian/Teaching for Change resources: https://www.teachingforchange.org/2022-indigenous-peoples-day-teach-in-highlights?hilite=2022+indigenous+peoples+day Inspired Teaching Institutes:Wed. Oct. 11, 7pm EST: https://inspiredteaching.org/october-2023-inspired-teaching-institutes-oct-11/Tue. Oct. 24, 7pm EST: https://inspiredteaching.org/october-2023-inspired-teaching-institute-october-24/Early Childhood ABCDE of Learner Needs Workshops:Tue. Oct. 17: https://inspiredteaching.org/abcde-of-learner-needs-oct-17-workshop/Thurs. Oct. 26: https://inspiredteaching.org/abcde-of-learner-needs-oct-26-workshop/Speak Truth call for educators: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfr5njF5nmC9YPh3I2N62qHOvAa4c88DjCgXKQ-u0QsgLFC_g/viewformOct. 20 In-person Speak Truth student registration: https://inspiredteaching.org/speak-truth-friday-october-20/Real World History application: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdaa7d6bvI1BO3YPxWI8nrhvMPnoD7wvo_IjMlcZt_t6uSieg/viewform?usp=sf_link
This week's Hooray For Monday focuses on the third rule of Inspired Teaching Improv, Know Your Goal.Written VersionResourcesInteresting, Important, Useful: https://inspiredteaching.org/interesting-important-useful/What Will They Learn? https://www.instigatorofthought.org/whatwilltheylearnOctober Inspired Teaching InstituteOct 11: https://inspiredteaching.org/october-2023-inspired-teaching-institutes-oct-11/Oct 24: https://inspiredteaching.org/october-2023-inspired-teaching-institute-october-24/Early Childhood ABCDE of Learner Needs WorkshopsOct . 17: https://inspiredteaching.org/abcde-of-learner-needs-oct-17-workshop/Oct. 26: https://inspiredteaching.org/abcde-of-learner-needs-oct-26-workshop/Speak Truth October 20: https://inspiredteaching.org/speak-truth-friday-october-20/Speak Truth America Call for Educators: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfr5njF5nmC9YPh3I2N62qHOvAa4c88DjCgXKQ-u0QsgLFC_g/viewformReal World History: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdaa7d6bvI1BO3YPxWI8nrhvMPnoD7wvo_IjMlcZt_t6uSieg/viewform
In this week's Hooray For Monday, Jenna explores the second Rule of Inspired Teaching Improv: Say Yes! And... using examples from the recent September Inspired Teaching Institute.Written Version: https://inspiredteaching.org/say-yes-and-hooray-for-monday/Resources:"Yes But vs Yes And": https://inspiredteaching.org/yes-but-vs-yes-and/Ways to Welcome Students in the Door:https://inspiredteaching.org/4-ways-to-welcome-students-in-the-door/October Inspired Teaching Institutes:Oct. 11 - https://inspiredteaching.org/october-2023-inspired-teaching-institutes-oct-11/Oct. 24 - https://inspiredteaching.org/october-2023-inspired-teaching-institute-october-24/ABCDE of Learner Needs Early Childhood Workshops:Oct. 17 - https://inspiredteaching.org/abcde-of-learner-needs-oct-17-workshop/Oct. 26 - https://inspiredteaching.org/abcde-of-learner-needs-oct-26-workshop/
Jenna explores the first Rule of Inspired Teaching Improv.Written version: https://inspiredteaching.org/respect-what-others-create-hooray-for-monday/Resources:4 Ways to Welcome Studentshttps://inspiredteaching.org/4-ways-to-welcome-students-in-the-door/Word at a Time Stories https://inspiredteaching.org/word-at-a-time-stories/Random Walk https://inspiredteaching.org/random-walk/Sept. 19 Inspired Teaching Institute https://inspiredteaching.org/september-2023-inspired-teaching-institutes/Real World History Application https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdaa7d6bvI1BO3YPxWI8nrhvMPnoD7wvo_IjMlcZt_t6uSieg/viewform?usp=sf_link
Jenna Fournel speaks with Dana Mortenson, cofounder and CEO of World Savvy, about building school connectedness. World Savvy’s approach to learning is based on the belief that students learn best when they are engaged in relevant and important issues that impact their communities and the world.https://www.worldsavvy.orgWritten Version: https://inspiredteaching.org/learning-vulnerable-hooray-for-monday/Resources:Belonging Barometer: https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/research/the-belonging-barometerSeptember Inspired Teaching InstitutesTuesday, Sept. 19, 7pm EST: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/677066483077?aff=oddtdtcreatorReal World History Application: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdaa7d6bvI1BO3YPxWI8nrhvMPnoD7wvo_IjMlcZt_t6uSieg/viewform?usp=sf_link
This week's Hooray For Monday features Aleta's conversation with Ann B. Friedman, founder and CEO of Planet Word Museum in Washington, DC. Aleta spoke with Ann for the second in Inspired Teaching's series of conversations on building School Connectedness.
Transcript: https://inspiredteaching.org/words-connect-us-hooray-for-monday/
Planet Word Teacher Resources: https://planetwordmuseum.org/for-educators/ Participatory Museum: https://participatorymuseum.org/
Inspired Teaching September Institutes Wed. Sept 6, 7pm EST https://www.eventbrite.com/e/warming-up-with-improvisation-tickets-677064567347
Tue. Sept 19, 7pm EST https://www.eventbrite.com/e/677066483077
Real World History application: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdaa7d6bvI1BO3YPxWI8nrhvMPnoD7wvo_IjMlcZt_t6uSieg/viewform?usp=sf_link
This week's Hooray For Monday features the conversation on School Connectedness, originally streamed live on Inspired Teaching's Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube, between Aleta and Trabian Shorters. Trabian is a social entrepreneur and expert on asset-framing.
Transcript: https://inspiredteaching.org/prime-the-brain-hooray-for-monday/
Conversations on Connection livestream series: https://inspiredteaching.org/conversations-on-connection-livestream-series/
Resources: Trabian's Website: https://trabianshorters.com/ BMe Community: https://bmecommunity.org/ Donors Choose: https://help.donorschoose.org/hc/en-us/articles/360013012094-How-to-describe-your-classroom-using-asset-framing Asset-Framing Pledge: http://assetframingpledge.org/
August Inspired Teaching Institute: Aug. 22 @ 7pm EST https://www.eventbrite.com/e/677063393837
Real World History Application: https://inspiredteaching.org/youth/real-world-history/
In this week's Hooray For Monday, Aleta asks why really return to the classroom and shares information on the upcoming Inspired Teaching livestream event series, Conversations on Connection.
Written version: https://inspiredteaching.org/why-we-go-back-to-school-hooray-for-monday/
Resources: ABCDE of Learner Needs Guidebook https://inspiredteaching.org/abcde-learner-needs-guidebook/
Professional Development: Tuesday, August 22 Inspired Teaching Institute, 7pm EST https://www.eventbrite.com/e/677063393837
Vote for Inspired Teaching at SXSW: https://panelpicker.sxsw.com/vote/137950
Real World History 23-24 Application: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdaa7d6bvI1BO3YPxWI8nrhvMPnoD7wvo_IjMlcZt_t6uSieg/viewform?usp=sf_link
In this week's Hooray For Monday, Aleta introduces Inspired Teaching's The ABCDE of Learner Needs Guidebook -- a must-have tool for teachers, administrators, and parents to begin the new school year.
Download the Guidebook: https://simplebooklet.com/theabcdeoflearnerneedsguidebook
August Inspired Teaching Institute: Wednesday, August 9, 7pm EST: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/677015701187
Tuesday, August 22, 7pm EST: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/677063393837
Conversations on Connection Livestream Event Series: https://inspiredteaching.org/conversations-on-connection-livestream-series/
Real World History '23-24 Application: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdaa7d6bvI1BO3YPxWI8nrhvMPnoD7wvo_IjMlcZt_t6uSieg/viewform?usp=sf_link
In this week's Hooray For Monday, marketing and communications specialist Michelle Welk speaks with Christa Barfield, founder and CEO of FarmerJawn Agriculture, about organic, regenerative farming and pursuing your curiosity despite fear.
Transcript: https://inspiredteaching.org/do-it-afraid-hooray-for-monday/
Resources: Pennsylvania Horticultural Society: https://phsonline.org/ Rodale Institute: https://rodaleinstitute.org/visit/organic-stewardship-awards/ FarmerJawn Agriculture: https://www.farmerjawnphilly.com/
August Inspired Teaching Institute Wednesday, August 9, 7pm EST: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/677015701187 Tuesday, August 22, 7pm EST: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/677063393837
Real World History application: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdaa7d6bvI1BO3YPxWI8nrhvMPnoD7wvo_IjMlcZt_t6uSieg/viewform?usp=sf_link
Inspired Teaching continues our exploration of curiosity with this conversation between Aleta and Marcus Lee, a former professional football player who now owns a yoga studio in Maryland.
Written Version: https://inspiredteaching.org/what-makes-yogi-curious-hooray-for-monday/
Resources: Word-at-a-Time Stories: https://inspiredteaching.org/word-at-a-time-stories/ Automatic Writing: https://inspiredteaching.org/automatic-writing/ Once Upon a Time: https://inspiredteaching.org/once-upon-a-time/
Professional Development: August Inspired Teaching Institute Wednesday, August 9, 7pm EST: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/677015701187 Tuesday, August 22, 7pm EST: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/677063393837
Youth Program: Real World History Application: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdaa7d6bvI1BO3YPxWI8nrhvMPnoD7wvo_IjMlcZt_t6uSieg/viewform?usp=sf_link
This week, Jenna speaks with Dr. Cecilia Behn, a mathematician at Colorado School of Mines, about what makes her curious!
Transcript:
Resources: Society for Mathematical Biology: https://www.smb.org/
Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics: https://www.siam.org/
Sync: How order emerges from chaos in the universe, nature, and daily life: https://www.stevenstrogatz.com/books/sync-the-emerging-science-of-spontaneous-order
Real World History Application: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdaa7d6bvI1BO3YPxWI8nrhvMPnoD7wvo_IjMlcZt_t6uSieg/viewform?usp=sf_link
Whether you are in the classroom this summer or experiencing the rest of a break, this week's Hooray For Monday encourages you to consider the importance of finding joy in teaching -- and in the moment.
Written version: https://inspiredteaching.org/you-cant-joyful-yesterday-hooray-for-monday/
Resources: Word-at-a-Time Stories: https://inspiredteaching.org/word-at-a-time-stories/
July Inspired Teaching Institute: Wed. July 12, 10am, In-person, National Arboretum: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/571041419257 Wed. July 12, 7pm EST, online: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/435767080067
Real World History application: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdaa7d6bvI1BO3YPxWI8nrhvMPnoD7wvo_IjMlcZt_t6uSieg/viewform?usp=sf_link
Today we’re sharing the Rules of Inspired Teaching Improv. They outline an approach to teaching and learning that you can practice this summer. They also map beautifully to our 5 Core Elements (https://inspiredteaching.org/inspired-teaching-approach/)!
Written Version: https://inspiredteaching.org/rules-of-inspired-teaching-improv/
Resources: Seven Bikes: https://inspiredteaching.org/seven-bikes/ Automatic Writing: https://inspiredteaching.org/automatic-writing/ What Stories Are Hiding in the Junk Drawer: https://inspiredteaching.org/what-stories-are-hiding-in-the-junk-drawer/
Summer 2023 Resource Guide: https://simplebooklet.com/summerresources2023
July Inspired Teaching Institute: July 12, In Person (National Arboretum), 10am EST: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/571041419257 July 12, online via Zoom, 7pm EST: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/435767080067
Real World History 23-24 Application: https://inspiredteaching.org/youth/real-world-history/
In recognition and celebration of Juneteenth, Jenna and Aleta discuss the importance of documenting history and making connections between the past and our present.
Written Version: https://inspiredteaching.org/learning-history-from-those-who-lived-it/
Resources:
Kelly Elaine Navies Summary video: https://youtu.be/QdFX3AaqppM Juneteenth Reflection: https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/stories/what-juneteenth Soul Talk: https://youtu.be/z5XQ1XyNhHI
Profile Pages: https://www.instigatorofthought.org/profilepages Listening with Someone Else's Ears: https://inspiredteaching.org/listening-with-someone-elses-ears/ Document History with First-Person Accounts: https://inspiredteaching.org/document-history-with-first-person-accounts/
Inspired Teaching Institute July 12, 10am ET, In person: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/571041419257 July 12, 7pm ET, online: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/435767080067
A sense of belonging is a core need we all share. We long to be seen and heard. And we learn to be part of a community and to value others in it when we are taught to be open, to instead of afraid of, difference, and when we exercise curiosity instead of judgment.
Written Version: https://inspiredteaching.org/proud-to-belong/
Resources: Activities to Connect with Families: https://inspiredteaching.org/3-closing-activities-to-connect-with-families/
Seeing with Different Eyes: https://inspiredteaching.org/seeing-with-different-eyes/
Poster Analysis: https://www.instigatorofthought.org/posteranalysis
Developing LGBTQ-Inclusive Classrooms: A toolkit from GLSEN https://www.glsen.org/sites/default/files/2019-11/GLSEN_LGBTQ_Inclusive_Curriculum_Resource_2019_0.pdf
Actions LGBTQ Parents/Guardians Can Take to Support Their Children in Elementary School A toolkit from the Human Rights Campaign https://welcomingschools.org/resources/actions-lgbtq-parents-guardians-can-take-to-support-their-children
Best Practices for Serving LGBTQ Students A toolkit from Learning for Justice https://www.learningforjustice.org/sites/default/files/2018-09/TT-LGBTQ-Best-Practices-Guide.pdf
Know Your Rights: Students and LGBTQ Rights in Schools A guide from the Southern Poverty Law Center https://www.splcenter.org/know-your-rights-students-lgbtq-rights-school
The Trevor Project The Trevor Project’s mission is to end suicide among LGBTQ young people https://www.thetrevorproject.org/explore/?_gl=1bpoqyd_gcl_au*MTEzODk0ODY0OS4xNjg2MzI1NzQy
Professional Learning Inspired Teaching Institute: July 12, 10a IN-PERSON, National Arboretum: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/planning-with-the-end-in-mind-in-person-national-arboretum-tickets-571041419257?aff=odcleoeventsincollection July 12, 7p ONLINE: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/planning-with-the-end-in-mind-online-tickets-435767080067?aff=odcleoeventsincollection
Speak Truth: The First Step Screening & Discussion https://inspiredteaching.org/youth/speak-truth/
In this week's Hooray For Monday, we share the Inspired Teaching staff's summer reading recommendations, as well as thoughts from Jenna and Aleta on making the most of the summer months.Summer Resource Guide: https://simplebooklet.com/summerresources2023#page=1Inspired Teaching InstituteMon. June 5, 3p ET: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-power-of-reflection-looking-for-wide-ranging-evidence-of-learning-tickets-571036494527Wed. June 7, 7:45p ET: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/435764562537Speak Truth: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfgjqwEqCb4agqKKRvIoAN-7HuLFqcjualM4KVALKResA4yeg/viewform?usp=sf_link
In early May, Aleta hosted a LinkedIn Live interview with Dr. Tangy Millard, principal at West Potomac High School, about the importance of school connectedness. In that discussion, Dr. Millard shared her appreciation for the challenges all of us in education face right now which exist alongside a strong desire to get back to normal. But maybe normal isn’t where we should be setting our sights. Written Version:Resources:Interesting, Important, Useful: https://inspiredteaching.org/interesting-important-useful/Yes, But vs. Yes, And...: https://inspiredteaching.org/yes-but-vs-yes-and/What would make you look forward to coming to school? https://inspiredteaching.org/what-would-make-you-look-forward-to-coming-to-school/Inspired Teaching Institute:Online, Monday, June 5, 3:45p ET: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/571036494527Online, Wednesday, June 7, 7p ET: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/435764562537Speak Truth virtual seminars: https://forms.gle/L4PuPKLpf3iC2AMEAReal World History: https://inspiredteaching.org/youth/real-world-history/
Aleta speaks with Jill Vialet, Co-founder, and Erin Ruegg, Director of Teaching & Learning, at Substantial Classrooms (https://substantialclassrooms.org) -- a nonprofit dedicated to improving the substitute teaching situation for everyone. Aleta, Jill, and Erin discuss the myths around subs, the role teachers can play in creating welcoming environments, and more.Written Version: https://inspiredteaching.org/disrupting-the-egg-carton/https://inspiredteaching.org/disrupting-the-egg-carton/Resources:Warming Up with Mutual Respect: https://inspiredteaching.org/warming-up-with-mutual-respect/ Scribe's Record: https://www.instigatorofthought.org/scribesrecordEmotion Continuum: https://www.instigatorofthought.org/emotioncontinuumJune Inspired Teaching Institute:ONLINEMonday, June 5, 3:45p ET: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/571036494527Wednesday, June 7, 7p ET: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/435764562537
This week, Inspired Teaching Director of Teaching and Learning Jenna Fournel speaks with Sarah Elwell, Assistant Director of Professional Learning at the American Federation of Teachers. Sarah shares her insight into the necessity for professional development, its impact on her teaching career, and the importance of being open to every learning opportunity.Written version: https://inspiredteaching.org/taking-it-to-the-next-level/ Resources:Make Praise Meaningful: https://www.instigatorofthought.org/makepraisemeaningfulPoster Analysis: https://www.instigatorofthought.org/posteranalysisWalk the Walk:https://www.instigatorofthought.org/walkthewalkTeaching with Improvisation summer fellowship program:https://inspiredteaching.org/2023-summer-inspired-teaching-institute/May Inspired Teaching Institute:ONLINE, Wednesday, May 17, 7pm ET: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/435762717017June Inspired Teaching Institute:ONLINEMonday, June 5, 3:45p ET: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/571036494527Wednesday, June 17, 7p ET: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/435764562537
In celebration of Teacher Appreciation Week, Inspired Teaching shares insights from a newcomer to the. Bella Cavicchi is a former colleague at Inspired Teaching who moved to London and last year, became a teacher. Her story is a beautiful reminder of why we do this work. Written Version: https://inspiredteaching.org/reflections-from-a-first-year-inspired-teacher/ Resources:Random Walk: https://inspiredteaching.org/random-walk/Seven Bikes: https://inspiredteaching.org/seven-bikes/Finding Smiles: https://inspiredteaching.org/finding-smiles/Teaching with Improvisation Summer Fellowship: https://inspiredteaching.org/2023-summer-inspired-teaching-institute/May Inspired Teaching InstitutesMonday, May 8, 3:45p ET https://www.eventbrite.com/e/571033505587Wednesday, May 17, 7p ET https://www.eventbrite.com/e/435762717017Real World History application: https://inspiredteaching.org/youth/real-world-history/
Happy Teacher Appreciation Month to everyone in our Hooray For Monday community. Know that at Inspired Teaching we remain committed to providing teachers with quality learning experiences that honor their Intellect, Inquiry, Imagination, and Integrity. This is how we show our deep respect for all you do.Written Version:https://inspiredteaching.org/hooray-for-pd/ResourcesInspired Teaching Institute Booklets: https://inspiredteaching.org/inspired-teaching-institute/#institute-resourcesInstigator of Thought Challenge https://www.instigatorofthought.org/ Hooray For 2023: https://inspiredteaching.org/hooray-for-2023/Teaching with Improvisation Fellowship: https://inspiredteaching.org/2023-summer-inspired-teaching-institute/May Inspired Teaching InstitutesMon. May 8, 3:45p ET: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/10-ways-to-end-the-school-year-with-joy-online-tickets-571033505587Wed. May 17, 7p ET: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/435762717017Real World History '23-24 Application: https://inspiredteaching.org/youth/real-world-history/
In this week's Hooray for Monday, we share insights into children's mental health for teachers, from a medical professional. Inspired Teaching's marketing & communications associate Michelle Welk speaks with Dr. Sarah Ash Combs, an attending physician in the ER department at Children's National Hospital in Washington DC. Written version:Safe and Happy and Healthy: https://inspiredteaching.org/safe-and-happy-and-healthy/Resources:ABCDE of Learner Needs: https://sites.google.com/inspiredteaching.org/abcde/homeZoom Out: https://inspiredteaching.org/zoom-out/American Academy of Pediatrics: https://www.aap.org/en/patient-care/school-health/mental-health-in-schools/Teaching with Improvisation fellowship application: https://inspiredteaching.org/2023-summer-inspired-teaching-institute/May Inspired Teaching InsituteMonday, May 8, 3p ET: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/571033505587Wednesday, May 17, 7p ET: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/435762717017
Students feel connected both to their learning and to one another when they have the opportunity to discuss things that matter to them. AI matters to all of us. When we discuss, debate, and problem-solve together, we strengthen our connections to one another. And of course, we learn a great deal along the way.Written Version:https://inspiredteaching.org/can-ai-bring-us-together/Resources:Don't Ban ChatGPT in Schools. Teach with it: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/12/technology/chatgpt-schools-teachers.html6 Ways to Use ChatGPT to save Time: https://www.edutopia.org/article/6-ways-chatgpt-save-teachers-time/How Teachers Can Harnass ChatGPT for Good: https://www.chalkbeat.org/2023/1/6/23542142/chatgpt-students-teachers-lesson-aiTeaching with Improvisation Fellowship program: https://inspiredteaching.org/2023-summer-inspired-teaching-institute/May Inspired Teaching Institutes:Monday, May 8, 3:45p EST: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/571033505587Wednesday, May 17, 7p EST: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/435762717017
A WITH approach to teaching is both supportive and grounded in clear expectations. When we use a with approach we’re shifting from “It’s my job to do things for students,” to “It’s my job to engage with students because I truly value what they bring to our community.”Written Version: https://inspiredteaching.org/to-not-for-with/Resources:Creating a classroom that is student, not teacher, driven: https://www.edutopia.org/article/creating-classroom-student-not-teacher-driven/3 Ways to Check the Mood of the Room: https://inspiredteaching.org/3-ways-to-check-the-mood-of-the-room/Warming up with Mutual Respect: https://inspiredteaching.org/warming-up-with-mutual-respect/Teaching with Improvisation Summer Fellowship Program: https://inspiredteaching.org/2023-summer-inspired-teaching-institute/April Inspired Teaching Institute:Monday, April 10, 3p ET https://www.eventbrite.com/e/571026354197Wednesday, April 12, 7p ET https://www.eventbrite.com/e/435761433177
What would it take for every single child in every single school to feel in their bones that someone is on their side - that they can count on someone having their back no matter what?Written Version: https://inspiredteaching.org/you-are-not-alone/.....Resources:Interesting, Important, Useful: https://inspiredteaching.org/interesting-important-useful/Poster Analysis: https://www.instigatorofthought.org/posteranalysisCelebrating Your School's Cultural Diversity: https://www.edutopia.org/blog/celebrating-your-schools-cultural-diversity-clare-roachTeaching with Improvisation Fellowship: https://inspiredteaching.org/2023-summer-inspired-teaching-institute/April Inspired Teaching Institute:April 10, 3:45p ET: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/571026354197April 12, 7p ET: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/435761433177
For the past several weeks we’ve been talking about school connectedness after a report from the CDC found that just 61% of high school students feel connected to someone at school. Today we’ll take a peek inside a school where on a recent EmpowerK12 survey 98% of students said they feel a sense of belonging. Jenna Fournel, Director of Teaching & Learning, speaks with Monisha Karnani. Monisha is the director of demonstration and outreach at the Inspired Teaching Demonstration School in Washington DC. Written version: https://inspiredteaching.org/we-find-connection-in-the-process/Resources:Inspired Teaching Demonstration School Virtual Learning Showcase; https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/e/2PACX-1vSly5ZqkFuhFEe9dkinLn_FEHrEeGWCs6o_jOKJwH9T9ViCGVeyvF3EhbswWhJ8WDztUXM2E-3rdn40/pubWalls that Talk: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1quQuQ5W2ijYWD12LbIjIdq2Fg7oeNrr5/viewMuseum of Me: https://inspiredteaching.org/what-would-you-see-in-a-museum-of-me/Teaching with Improvisation Summer Inspired Teaching Institute: https://inspiredteaching.org/2023-summer-inspired-teaching-institute/April Inspired Teaching InstituteApril 10, 3:45pm ET: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/571026354197April 12, 7pm ET: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/435761433177
Adults are almost always outnumbered in schools. So it's easy, particularly at the end of a long day, to feel that the students and their problematic behaviors are what get in the way of school connectedness. But what if they actually know things we don’t about how to solve the problems? See what happens this week if you ask your students for help. .....Resources:Rethinking Classroom Jobs: https://www.cultofpedagogy.com/classroom-jobs/Make Praise Meaningful: https://www.instigatorofthought.org/makepraisemeaningfulScribe's Record: https://www.instigatorofthought.org/scribesrecordInspired Teaching Institutes:Monday, April 10, 3:45p ET: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/571026354197Wednesday, April 12, 7p ET: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/435761433177?aff=odeimcmailchimp&mc_cid=1314def7aa&mc_eid=UNIQID
This week, as you think through your lessons, look for those spots where students can share their expertise - with you, with each other, with their families, with the broader community.Written Version: https://inspiredteaching.org/create-connection-by-sharing-student-expertise/......ResourcesScribe's Record: https://www.instigatorofthought.org/scribesrecordInteresting, Important, Useful: https://inspiredteaching.org/interesting-important-useful/Let Students Be Teachers: https://www.instigatorofthought.org/letstudentsbeteachersApril Inspired Teaching Institutes:ONLINE, Monday, April 10 @ 3:45p ET: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/571026354197ONLINE, Wednesday, April 12 @ 7p ET: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/435761433177
Humans thrive on being seen and heard, and the reflection shared in this week's Hooray For Monday often pushes us to think of new ways to see and hear our students more. Written version: https://inspiredteaching.org/curiosity-and-school-connectedness/Resources:Sunshine vs. Up All Night Reflection Sheet: https://mcusercontent.com/b82ba57eebd6ac2ac331f5104/files/5a3ad1f4-2f8e-dbbc-4968-9d668627bb55/Sunshine_vs._Up_All_Night.pdfFinding the Zone of Proximal Development: https://inspiredteaching.org/finding-the-zone-of-proximal-development/What Would Make You Look Forward to Coming to School: https://inspiredteaching.org/what-would-make-you-look-forward-to-coming-to-school/Professional Learning: March 8 Inspired Teaching Institute: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/435759878527March 11 Inspired Teaching Institute: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/512528134447
If we deepen our relationships with our students and let learner needs inform every approach we take to strengthening connections, we’ll improve the school experience and well-being of the children in our care, and ourselves as well. Written version: https://inspiredteaching.org/the-urgent-need-to-increase-school-connectedness/ResourcesEmotion Continuum: https://www.instigatorofthought.org/emotioncontinuumWarming Up with Mutual Respect: https://inspiredteaching.org/warming-up-with-mutual-respect/8 Closing Activities to Build Classroom Community: https://inspiredteaching.org/8-closing-activities-to-build-classroom-community/Articles to share with parents:https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/20/well/family/mental-health-teens-parents.htmlhttps://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/02/15/teen-girls-mental-health-suicide/https://theconversation.com/how-to-help-teen-girls-mental-health-struggles-6-research-based-strategies-for-parents-teachers-and-friends-200052
Whether you’re an adult flying a helicopter or a child learning the skills you’ll need to fly on your own one day, it’s good to keep your curiosity in shape. Our continued growth as learners is fueled by our capacity to figure things out.Written Version: https://inspiredteaching.org/when-the-helicopter-is-going-down/ResourcesExploring the power of curiosity and deeper learning: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1nPlHM5jXda0OOGdoHUU0p?si=8323907c91b04020&mc_cid=5694e94423&mc_eid=UNIQIDMarvelous Math ActivitiesFinding Pi: https://inspiredteaching.org/finding-pi/?mc_cid=5694e94423&mc_eid=UNIQID25 Math Explorations: https://inspiredteaching.org/25-math-explorations/?mc_cid=5694e94423&mc_eid=UNIQID 25 More!https://inspiredteaching.org/25-more-math-explorations/?mc_cid=5694e94423&mc_eid=UNIQID
When we increase the occasions in which our students experience moral beauty, we build our collective capacity to feel and create awe and joy. As teachers we have the opportunity to nurture the moral beauty that already exists within every child, and every adult as well. Written Version:https://inspiredteaching.org/moral-beauty/ResourcesJenna's Source of Curiosity: Origami Heart Design: https://origami.guide/origami-hearts/origami-heart/?mc_cid=277e13a10f&mc_eid=UNIQIDHow Awe Can Help Students Develop Purpose:https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_awe_can_help_students_develop_purpose?mc_cid=277e13a10f&mc_eid=UNIQIDFinding Smiles: https://inspiredteaching.org/finding-smiles/?mc_cid=277e13a10f&mc_eid=UNIQIDWhat's the Most Common Source of Awe: https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/whats_the_most_common_source_of_awe?mc_cid=277e13a10f&mc_eid=UNIQIDMarch Inspired Teaching Institute:Wednesday, March 8, 7pm ET: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/435759878527?aff=odeimcmailchimp&mc_cid=277e13a10f&mc_eid=UNIQIDSaturday, March 11, 9am ET: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/512528134447?aff=odeimcmailchimp&mc_cid=277e13a10f&mc_eid=UNIQID
Young children have a lot to teach us about concentration, about focus, about how to be fully present. Yes, we can turn to apps and books and other more “sophisticated” tools. Those certainly have their place in teaching us how to be present. And, we can sharpen our curiosity muscle and wonder about what it’s like to be a young child, a true master of being in the moment.Written version:https://inspiredteaching.org/learning-from-the-masters/ResourcesOnce Upon a Time: https://inspiredteaching.org/once-upon-a-time/?mc_cid=0fabc54dca&mc_eid=UNIQIDWhat's in the Bag?: https://inspiredteaching.org/whats-in-the-bag/?mc_cid=0fabc54dca&mc_eid=UNIQIDCreating with Materials:https://inspiredteaching.org/creating-with-materials/?mc_cid=0fabc54dca&mc_eid=UNIQID
Each week at our Inspired Teaching staff meeting, we begin with a brief exercise. This past week, each of us responded to the question: “What are you curious about?” The question connects directly with Inspired Teaching’s work to promote the kind of teaching that fuels - instead of stifles - curiosity. Written Version:https://inspiredteaching.org/the-opposite-of-curiosity/Resources:Random Walk: https://inspiredteaching.org/random-walk/Finding Yourself on the Line: https://inspiredteaching.org/finding-yourself-on-the-line/Interesting, Important, Useful; https://inspiredteaching.org/interesting-important-useful/February Inspired Teaching Institute: InsPIre CuriosityWednesday, Feb. 8 at 7p ET: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/433481373457Saturday, Feb. 11 at 9a ET: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/512526980997
On Thursday, January 26th, Center for Inspired Teaching will host a special, online, Speak Truth event. Speak Truth is a student-led series of respectful conversations, themed around both current events and larger social issues. Student-facilitators work with teachers to prepare, and then each Speak Truth session is run for and by students. Adults are welcome to attend - to observe, listen, and learn.Thursday evening’s event is titled “Talking Across Dividing Lines,” It will be an opportunity to understand how and why to engage with people whose experiences, perspectives, and opinions differ from our own. It will feature a wonderful guest speaker, Helanius J. Wilkins. Helanius is a performance artist, choreographer, and changemaker whose own work is dedicated to bridging the differences that separate us.Inspired Teaching’s Director of Teaching and Learning, Jenna Fournel, interviewed Helanius for more insight into his story, his art, and his passion for curiosity. We hope you find his thoughts as joyful to listen to as we did!Speak Truth: Talking Across Dividing Lines registration: https://forms.gle/aPAHP1cC2B5L8yjy7More information on Helanius J. Wilkins and his work: https://www.helaniusj.com/
It’s comforting to have people agree with us. And this desire to “be right” leads to motivated reasoning which ultimately leads to finding comfort in our own bubbles. Internet search engines and social media algorithms have been fine tuned to feed into this aspect of human psychology. But there is value in intentionally seeking out people with different viewpoints. We grow, intellectually and emotionally, when we engage our empathy and strive to learn what people with different life experiences have to say. And we lose a lot - as individuals and as communities - when we avoid challenging ourselves to listen to folks whose life experiences have led them to very different conclusions than the ones we hold.Sign up for Speak Truth: https://inspiredteaching.org/youth/speak-truth/?mc_cid=804dab4bcc&mc_eid=UNIQIDBlog Post: https://inspiredteaching.org/talking-across-dividing-lines/Resources:Emotional Intelligence For Students And Educatorshttps://culturesofdignity.com/blog/blog-cultures-of-dignity/emotional-intelligence/Anti-Bias Educationhttps://www.teachingforchange.org/educator-resources/anti-bias-educationDo Something Performance Taskshttps://www.learningforjustice.org/classroom-resources/student-tasks/do-somethingFebruary Inspired Teaching Institutehttps://inspiredteaching.org/inspired-teaching-institute/
It takes a lot of people to create and sustain a movement. And Hooray For Monday is part of Inspired Teaching’s movement to create a radical shift in the school experience for every child, away from compliance and toward engaging, curiosity-based learning. Written Version:https://inspiredteaching.org/gratitude/Resources:Games that Build Student Expertise Institute Resource Guidebook: https://simplebooklet.com/gamesthatbuildstudentexpertise?mc_cid=804dab4bcc&mc_eid=UNIQID#page=1Speak Truth: Talking Across Dividing Lines (Jan. 26, 6p ET):https://forms.gle/aPAHP1cC2B5L8yjy7?mc_cid=804dab4bcc&mc_eid=UNIQIDInspired Teaching Institute: Growing Student Expertise Through InquiryWed. Feb 8, 7p ET:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/433481373457?aff=odeimcmailchimp&mc_cid=804dab4bcc&mc_eid=UNIQIDSat. Feb 11, 9a ET: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/512526980997?aff=odeimcmailchimp&mc_cid=804dab4bcc&mc_eid=UNIQID
Children spend a lot of time with us in schools. One of the most useful things we can teach them is how to build the skill of turning worry into action.Written Version: https://inspiredteaching.org/action-as-antidote-to-worry/Resources:Making Re-Solutions: https://inspiredteaching.org/making-re-solutions/?mc_cid=bc2ce5ac0f&mc_eid=UNIQIDMake Way for the Monarchs: https://inspiredteaching.org/make-way-for-the-monarchs/?mc_cid=bc2ce5ac0f&mc_eid=UNIQIDZoom Out: https://inspiredteaching.org/zoom-out/?mc_cid=bc2ce5ac0f&mc_eid=UNIQIDSpeak Truth: Talking Across Dividing Lines, Jan. 26 at 6p ET: https://forms.gle/aPAHP1cC2B5L8yjy7?mc_cid=bc2ce5ac0f&mc_eid=UNIQIDHooray For 2023 Desk Calendar: https://inspiredteaching.org/hooray-for-2023-calendar-request/?mc_cid=bc2ce5ac0f&mc_eid=UNIQIDJanuary Inspired Teaching Institute, Wed. January 11 @7p ET:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/433474392577?aff=odeimcmailchimp&mc_cid=bc2ce5ac0f&mc_eid=UNIQID
For many of us, the New Year is a time when we make resolutions – promises or commitments to ourselves or to others toward positive change. The word resolve means determination to get something done, and that’s an important goal for all of us to take into the New Year.But if you add a beautiful hyphen, the word resolve becomes re-solve, and that means to solve something again. And the word resolution becomes re-solution, meaning another, or different, solution.Written Version: https://inspiredteaching.org/new-years-re-solutions/Lesson Planning Guide: https://inspiredteaching.org/making-re-solutions/?mc_cid=1efa1bd498&mc_eid=UNIQIDJan. 26 Virtual Speak Truth, ft. Helanius Wilkins: https://forms.gle/aPAHP1cC2B5L8yjy7?mc_cid=1efa1bd498&mc_eid=UNIQIDHooray For 2023 Desk Calendar:https://inspiredteaching.org/hooray-for-2023-calendar-request/?mc_cid=1efa1bd498&mc_eid=UNIQIDJanuary Inspired Teaching Institutes:Jan. 7: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/484315359277?aff=odeimcmailchimp&mc_cid=1efa1bd498&mc_eid=UNIQIDJan. 11: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/433474392577?aff=odeimcmailchimp&mc_cid=1efa1bd498&mc_eid=UNIQID
There’s something about the end of the year - holidays filled with dazzling light, reflections on months gone by and the new beginnings that lie ahead - that stirs our emotions. This stirring can be complicated, but also awe inspiring.Written Version:Resources:Speak Truth: Talking Across Dividing Lines registrationhttps://forms.gle/aPAHP1cC2B5L8yjy7?mc_cid=8cce182e7e&mc_eid=UNIQIDHooray For 2023 Desk Calendar request: https://inspiredteaching.org/hooray-for-2023-calendar-request/?mc_cid=8cce182e7e&mc_eid=UNIQIDJanuary Inspired Teaching Institutes: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/394070313917?aff=odeimcmailchimp&mc_cid=8cce182e7e&mc_eid=UNIQID
When we have the opportunity to step away from a challenge – whether it’s a word puzzle or a lesson that’s not clicking or a student who’s hard to reach - we tend to come back to it refreshed. Time away offers the gift of new eyes that help us see solutions we couldn’t when we were in the thick of things.Written Version: https://inspiredteaching.org/vacation-and-brain-incubation/Resources:"Why Do You Teach?" Aleta's article in ASCD: https://www.ascd.org/blogs/why-do-you-teach?mc_cid=83e1b28f61&mc_eid=UNIQIDSee With Fresh Eyes: https://www.instigatorofthought.org/seewithfresheyes?mc_cid=83e1b28f61&mc_eid=UNIQIDCan Taking a Break Lead to 'Aha!' Moments?: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-refugee-experience/202103/can-taking-break-lead-aha-moments?mc_cid=83e1b28f61&mc_eid=UNIQID#:~:text=Researchers%20call%20these%20breaks%20from,solution%2C%20try%20taking%20a%20breakStudy Shows How Taking Short Breaks May Help Our Brains Learn New Skills: https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/study-shows-how-taking-short-breaks-may-help-our-brains-learn-new-skills?mc_cid=83e1b28f61&mc_eid=UNIQID
What might happen if we asked our students to define the words interesting, important, and useful? What might happen if we asked our students to list things that are interesting, important, and useful in their lives right now?Link to Blog Post: https://inspiredteaching.org/makeup-space-exploration-politics/Link to Activity: https://inspiredteaching.org/interesting-important-useful/
Imagine engaging students in a lesson that is so compelling, that sparks their curiosity so deeply that they find it stirring! Written Version: https://inspiredteaching.org/stirring-up-curiosity/Resources:Tap into the Senses: https://inspiredteaching.org/building-sensory-awareness/?mc_cid=672ff055e9&mc_eid=UNIQIDConsider Different Perspectives: http://%20https//inspiredteaching.org/zoom-out/Move and Explore Materials: https://inspiredteaching.org/creating-with-materials/?mc_cid=672ff055e9&mc_eid=UNIQID
In anticipation of Giving Tuesday, we take a moment in this post to reflect on what it means for an organization to have an impact. How does an organization know if it's helping? This reflection is similar to what Inspired Teachers do when thinking about the impact they have on their students.Blog Post:https://inspiredteaching.org/hooray-for-helping/Donation Page: https://inspiredteaching.org/donate/Upcoming Institutes:https://inspiredteaching.org/inspired-teaching-institute/
What if we taught our students with the expectation that they have the capacity to access everything they need to succeed in our classes? Written Version:https://inspiredteaching.org/accessing-our-strength/Resources:Finding the Zone of Proximal Development: https://inspiredteaching.org/finding-the-zone-of-proximal-development/?mc_cid=dd057faf69&mc_eid=UNIQIDSay Yet: https://www.instigatorofthought.org/sayyet?mc_cid=dd057faf69&mc_eid=UNIQIDSupport Inspired Teaching: https://inspiredteaching.org/donate/?mc_cid=dd057faf69&mc_eid=UNIQID
What will you do this week, and in the weeks ahead, to go beyond telling? How will you engage your students? Written Version: https://inspiredteaching.org/telling-vs-teaching/Resources:4 Ways to Welcome Students in the Door: https://inspiredteaching.org/4-ways-to-welcome-students-in-the-door/?mc_cid=68f9a1904d&mc_eid=UNIQIDUse the Senses: https://inspiredteaching.org/building-sensory-awareness/?mc_cid=68f9a1904d&mc_eid=UNIQIDFind the Zone of Proximal Development: https://inspiredteaching.org/finding-the-zone-of-proximal-development/?mc_cid=68f9a1904d&mc_eid=UNIQIDCapabilities & Competencies: https://sites.google.com/inspiredteaching.org/abcde/competence?authuser=0&mc_cid=68f9a1904d&mc_eid=UNIQID
We need stories about how effective teaching and learning work, so the public gets more invested in creating policies and providing funding to keep it working. When we raise our voices, we don’t have to point fingers at everything that is wrong. Instead, we need to elevate stories of what we’re doing right, how we make that happen, and what is required to take good work to scale. Every time we put a story into the world about engagement-based learning in our schools, we make the case for making that the norm and not the exception. Brief Survey on "Why You Teach:" https://us14.list-manage.com/survey?u=b82ba57eebd6ac2ac331f5104&id=9b3063cd08&e=|UNIQID| Written Version:https://inspiredteaching.org/vote-then-share-your-voice/Resources:Scribe's Record: https://www.instigatorofthought.org/scribesrecord?mc_cid=ae1575e4b6&mc_eid=UNIQID
This week, Jenna speaks with Hakim Johnson. Hakim is principal at Inspired Teaching Demonstration Charter School in Washington, DC and shares with us his insights into the power and importance of feedback.Written version: https://inspiredteaching.org/grades-dont-provide-much-feedback/Resources:5 Closing Activities for Student Feedback: https://inspiredteaching.org/5-closing-activities-to-give-you-feedback-on-your-lesson/Finding the Zone of Proximal Development: https://inspiredteaching.org/finding-the-zone-of-proximal-development/Say "Yet" More: https://www.instigatorofthought.org/sayyet
In this week's episode, Jenna Fournel (Director of Teaching and Learning) speaks with Kulsum Omer. Kulsum is a long-time teacher who shares her insights into the power of observation in the classroom. Resources: https://inspiredteaching.org/observing-instrinsic-joy/Written version: https://inspiredteaching.org/observing-instrinsic-joy/21 Ways to End School Days: https://inspiredteaching.org/inspired-teaching-institute/21-ways-end-school-days/ November ONLINE Inspired Teaching Institute: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/meeting-the-social-and-emotional-need-for-mutual-respect-online-tickets-394056663087?aff=odeimcmailchimp&mc_eid=UNIQID&mc_cid=e31f75b407November IN PERSON Inspired Teaching Institute: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/meeting-the-social-and-emotional-need-for-mutual-respect-in-person-tickets-394057846627?aff=odeimcmailchimp&mc_eid=UNIQID&mc_cid=e31f75b407
This week, guest host Jenna Fournel speaks with Lacey Hunter. Lacey is a PreK3 teacher at Inspired Teaching Demonstration School in Washington, DC. She shares with Jenna her approach to classroom interactions, which means using open-ended questions and helping students learn how to think, not what to think. Read this issue here: https://inspiredteaching.org/colorful-language-hooray-for-monday/Resources:Why I Don't Ask My Students Their Favorite Color: https://inspiredteaching.org/why-dont-i-ask-whats-your-favorite-color/?mc_cid=dbd5e36e7c&mc_eid=UNIQIDRotten Pumpkin video: https://vimeo.com/760835567
Teaching has always been social and emotional. The good news is we don’t have to choose between teaching students’ heads and teaching their hearts. As thoughtful, respectful, engaging teachers, we can teach their whole selves.Resources:4 Ways to Start Class with Breathing and Mindfulness: https://inspiredteaching.org/4-ways-to-start-class-with-breathing-and-mindfulness/?mc_cid=64775ab0cb&mc_eid=UNIQID3 Ways to Check the Mood of the Room: https://inspiredteaching.org/3-ways-to-check-the-mood-of-the-room/?mc_cid=64775ab0cb&mc_eid=UNIQIDProfessional Learning:October 12 ONLINE Institute: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/394040474667?aff=odeimcmailchimp&mc_cid=64775ab0cb&mc_eid=UNIQIDOctober 14 IN PERSON Institute: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/394046723357?aff=odeimcmailchimp&mc_cid=64775ab0cb&mc_eid=UNIQID
Cultivating curiosity is one of the most important things we do as teachers.Read this week's issue here:ResourcesGraffiti Wall: https://www.instigatorofthought.org/graffitiboard?mc_cid=cb1f7f1652&mc_eid=UNIQIDYes, But vs. Yes, And: https://inspiredteaching.org/yes-but-vs-yes-and/?mc_cid=cb1f7f1652&mc_eid=UNIQID
“Enjoyment appears at the boundary between boredom and anxiety, when the challenges are just balanced with the person's capacity to act…The best moments usually occur when a person’s body or mind is stretched to its limits in a voluntary effort to accomplish something difficult and worthwhile.”Resources:Make Way for the Monarchs: https://inspiredteaching.org/make-way-for-the-monarchs/?mc_cid=e330fda15a&mc_eid=UNIQIDCreating with Materials: https://inspiredteaching.org/creating-with-materials/?mc_cid=e330fda15a&mc_eid=UNIQIDONLINE October 12 Inspired Teaching Institute: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/394040474667?aff=odeimcmailchimp&mc_cid=e330fda15a&mc_eid=UNIQIDIN PERSON October 15 Inspired Teaching Institute:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/394046723357?aff=odeimcmailchimp&mc_cid=e330fda15a&mc_eid=UNIQID
When we stop delivering information and start asking more questions, we begin putting children in charge of their own learning. That's vital to their success beyond our classroom, and it opens up space for our students to teach us. Full issue:Resources:The Surprising Power of Questions: https://hbr.org/2018/05/the-surprising-power-of-questions?mc_cid=aa27864b10&mc_eid=UNIQIDTrack the Questions You Ask: https://www.instigatorofthought.org/trackthequestionsyouask?mc_cid=aa27864b10&mc_eid=UNIQIDInspired Teaching October Institutes:Online: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/394040474667?aff=odeimcmailchimp&mc_cid=aa27864b10&mc_eid=UNIQIDIn person: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/394046723357?aff=odeimcmailchimp&mc_cid=aa27864b10&mc_eid=UNIQIDMaking School Worth It Toolkit: https://inspiredteaching.org/resources-for-teachers/making-school-worth-it-22-23/?mc_cid=aa27864b10&mc_eid=UNIQID
If we commit to incorporating movement into the learning process – for our students and ourselves – we’ll be taking a great step forward in increasing learning and well-being. And we’ll make school a better place to be for all of us.Read the full issue here:Resources:25 More Math Explorations: https://inspiredteaching.org/25-more-math-explorations/?mc_cid=08440fb1e8&mc_eid=UNIQIDHands and Feet Stories: https://inspiredteaching.org/hands-and-feet-stories/?mc_cid=08440fb1e8&mc_eid=UNIQIDHow Vigorous is My Heart: https://inspiredteaching.org/how-vigorous-is-my-heart/?mc_cid=08440fb1e8&mc_eid=UNIQIDWalk the Walk: https://www.instigatorofthought.org/walkthewalk?mc_cid=08440fb1e8&mc_eid=UNIQIDONLINE October Inspired Teaching Institute: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/394040474667?aff=odeimcmailchimp&mc_cid=08440fb1e8&mc_eid=UNIQIDIN PERSON October Inspired Teaching Institute: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/394046723357?aff=odeimcmailchimp&mc_cid=08440fb1e8&mc_eid=UNIQIDSpeak Truth Fellowship application: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf5uY29bv1AgavE3gX62bnqvhs_YjC_4sMqkvwVJ7w4dPMJPA/viewform?usp=sf_link&mc_cid=08440fb1e8&mc_eid=UNIQID'22-23 Making School Worth It Toolkit: https://inspiredteaching.org/resources-for-teachers/making-school-worth-it-22-23/?mc_cid=08440fb1e8&mc_eid=UNIQID
We want our students to be right, do things the right way, and get the answer right. But can being right get in the way of learning?For the full text, read the issue here: https://inspiredteaching.org/making-good-mistakes/Resources:"Where Am I?" Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqzYDZAqCI&mc_cid=aef1adfa25&mc_eid=UNIQIDBuilding a Paper Tower: https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/buildingbig/educator/act_tower_ho.html?mc_cid=aef1adfa25&mc_eid=UNIQIDAutomatic Writing: https://inspiredteaching.org/automatic-writing/?mc_cid=aef1adfa25&mc_eid=UNIQIDFinding Pi: https://inspiredteaching.org/finding-pi/?mc_cid=aef1adfa25&mc_eid=UNIQID
Investing in a school community is one of the best ways to let students know they matter, they are seen, and they are starting the school year in a place that wants them to thrive.Read the full issue here: https://inspiredteaching.org/we-learn-better-when-we-are-known/Resources:Why Teacher-Student Relationships Matter: https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/why-teacher-student-relationships-matter/2019/03?mc_cid=7d51fd2c5c&mc_eid=UNIQIDTeacher and Student Relationships: The Power of Trust Trauma: https://www.massadvocates.org/news/teacher-and-student-relationships-the-power-of-trust?mc_cid=7d51fd2c5c&mc_eid=UNIQIDFriendships in Middle School: Influences on Motivation and School Adjustment: https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2004-95233-001?mc_cid=7d51fd2c5c&mc_eid=UNIQIDTo What Extent Do Teacher-Student Interaction Quality and Student Gender Contribute to Fifth Graders' Engagement in Mathematics Learning? http://researchgate.net/publication/273482083_To_What_Extent_Do_Teacher-Student_Interaction_Quality_and_Student_Gender_Contribute_to_Fifth_Graders'_Engagement_in_Mathematics_Learning?mc_cid=7d51fd2c5c&mc_eid=UNIQIDThe Importance of Friendships for Grade School Students: https://www.publicschoolreview.com/blog/the-importance-of-friendships-for-grade-school-students?mc_cid=7d51fd2c5c&mc_eid=UNIQIDProfessional Development:Sept. 7 ONLINE Inspired Teaching Institute: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/398681476027?mc_cid=7d51fd2c5c&mc_eid=UNIQIDSept. 10 IN PERSON Inspired Teaching Institute: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/398685879197?mc_cid=7d51fd2c5c&mc_eid=UNIQIDSpeak Truth Fellowship; https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf5uY29bv1AgavE3gX62bnqvhs_YjC_4sMqkvwVJ7w4dPMJPA/viewform?usp=sf_link&mc_cid=7d51fd2c5c&mc_eid=UNIQID
The pressure of making up for learning loss and covering much-needed academic content can push us into consumption mode, where we cram in as much “learning” as we can between Monday and Friday. But what might happen if we allow ourselves and our students to pause and really savor what makes them curious and captures their imagination? In our current educational context, being intentional about savoring might be considered an act of rebellion.Read the full blog post here: https://inspiredteaching.org/consuming-vs-savoring/
At Inspired Teaching, we believe a thoughtful teacher can use any activity to teach any skill. Your goal shapes the way you teach an activity, and it shapes the skills and content students learn.As you plan the what of community building this fall (and see below for some great activities to try), remember to focus on the how as well. And even if you use some activities you’ve done many times before, remember, this is the first time you are engaging in this activity with this particular group of students. So be present. Listen authentically. Engage your curiosity, and invite students to engage theirs. Resources:Getting to Know You activities: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1cvdHwHfIjRiS2IemC4xl5drRFTUm-cx-sKo2jyGQouY/edit?usp=sharing&mc_cid=3b6da67ab4&mc_eid=UNIQID&urp=gmail_link
The start of the school year offers an important moment to create expectations that will last the whole year. But how do you know if you are challenging your students…the right amount?Read the full issue here: https://inspiredteaching.org/the-power-of-might/ Resources: Finding the Zone of Proximal Development: https://inspiredteaching.org/finding-the-zone-of-proximal-development/Making School Worth It toolkit: https://inspiredteaching.org/resources-for-teachers/making-school-worth-it-22-23/
When you reflect on your own “Why I became a teacher” story, where are the places you find your passion? Read the full issue here: https://inspiredteaching.org/what-inspired-you-to-teach/Resources:One Word: https://oneword365.com/Making School Worth It toolkit: https://inspiredteaching.org/resources-for-teachers/making-school-worth-it-22-23/
Just this past week, the January 6 hearings are wrapping up (or, at least, gearing up), Covid cases are back on the rise, and our country continues the painful struggle to come to some kind of agreement on how to protect ourselves from gun violence. What could be more important than teaching our young people how to engage in discourse – on issues large and small – with “grace,” “respect,” and “empathetic listening.”Read the full issue on our website:Speak Truth Guidebook: https://inspiredteaching.org/academy/speak-truth-guidebook-2/Seeing with Different Eyes: https://inspiredteaching.org/seeing-with-different-eyes/Listening with Someone Else's Ears: https://inspiredteaching.org/listening-with-someone-elses-ears/
This week’s Hooray For Monday – the 100th issue!! – explores the importance of wonder. What does a classroom look like when students are allowed to wonder without the obligation of mastery? What might the world look like?+ four ways to have a wonder-full week and more information on upcoming professional development and youth program opportunities!Read the issue with full resources here: https://inspiredteaching.org/100-wonder-ful-weeks-hooray-for-monday/
Fun is an essential human need, but as busy, responsible adults, it's often the one we allow to fall by the wayside. This week's Hooray For Monday explores "Fun" and offers ways to help prioritize it for yourself this summer.This week's issue:Resources:Inspired Teaching July Institute: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/inspired-teaching-institutes-94779Speak Truth Fellowship: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScw1zx_xYsn3mdvel01E_ktCLkvRP0HPxH4lUX9WIrYsWeCqw/viewform?usp=sf_link Real World History application: https://inspiredteaching.org/youth/real-world-history/
A new study highlights how when adults listen to students it impacts their academic success. This summer, what can you learn from reflecting on what you heard your students say this year? This podcast explores how Inspired Teaching's Observe, Plan, Instigate Teacher Cycle uses such reflection to shape instruction.
Being a reflective practitioner means being intentional about your choices as a teacher. As summer break begins, and you strive to slow down your own heartbeat, see if you can find some time to think about the whys, whats, and hows of your practice.Read the issue: https://inspiredteaching.org/being-intentional/Resources: An Inspired Teacher Is... https://inspiredteaching.org/academy/Ask so what? https://www.instigatorofthought.org/asksowhatWhat drives you? https://www.instigatorofthought.org/whatdrivesyou
As you support your students in cleaning out their desks and lockers, as you make sure they return their textbooks and overdue library books, I encourage you to carve out a few minutes to ask, “What are you taking with you?”Read the issue: https://inspiredteaching.org/what-are-you-taking-with-you/Resources:Say Yet: https://www.instigatorofthought.org/sayyet?mc_cid=e7498c28a0&mc_eid=UNIQIDWhat Drives You: https://www.instigatorofthought.org/whatdrivesyou?mc_cid=e7498c28a0&mc_eid=UNIQIDTrusting Our Ability to Make Change:https://inspiredteaching.org/our-ability-to-make-change/?mc_cid=e7498c28a0&mc_eid=UNIQIDBuilding Stamina: https://inspiredteaching.org/building-stamina/?mc_cid=e7498c28a0&mc_eid=UNIQID
As we look toward summertime, with the opportunities it offers to reflect on our practice, how might we see our students differently - as dancers, mathematicians, historians - and most importantly, as essential parts of our learning community? This Week's Issue:https://inspiredteaching.org/essential-community-membersResourcesDance Clips: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iTsy16DQvik&mc_cid=86429b65ab&mc_eid=UNIQIDSpeak Truth Fellowship:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScw1zx_xYsn3mdvel01E_ktCLkvRP0HPxH4lUX9WIrYsWeCqw/viewform?usp=sf_link&mc_cid=86429b65ab&mc_eid=UNIQIDInspired Teaching Institutes: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/inspired-teaching-institutes-94779Butterfly Garden: https://inspiredteaching.org/make-way-for-the-monarchs/?mc_cid=86429b65ab&mc_eid=UNIQID
The work we do as teachers is HARD, and summer is when parents get a little taste of the difficulty. Inspired Teaching has just created a compact but useful Resilient Summer Handbook that incorporates our approah into a series of short articles and learning activities parents can use with children of any age.The latest issue: https://inspiredteaching.org/teaching-parents-our-secrets-hooray-for-monday/?mc_cid=7d2f0d026c&mc_eid=UNIQID Resources:Resilient Summer Handbook: https://mcusercontent.com/b82ba57eebd6ac2ac331f5104/files/fb3ea98f-f8a6-2f98-179a-f1f5ba8deb76/Resilient_Summer_Handbook_2022.pdf?mc_cid=7d2f0d026c&mc_eid=UNIQID
Walking at our students’ pace means willing ourselves toward forward momentum. It’s the antidote to helplessness. It’s the hope at the heart of our profession.Read the latest issue: https://inspiredteaching.org/walk-at-their-pace/?mc_cid=4906077f7a&mc_eid=UNIQIDResources:What Would Make You Look Forward to School: https://inspiredteaching.org/what-would-make-you-look-forward-to-coming-to-school/?mc_cid=4906077f7a&mc_eid=UNIQID SpeakTruth Fellowship: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScw1zx_xYsn3mdvel01E_ktCLkvRP0HPxH4lUX9WIrYsWeCqw/viewform?usp=sf_link&mc_cid=4906077f7a&mc_eid=UNIQID Parenting Workshop: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/parenting-resilient-children-tickets-314503858507?mc_cid=4906077f7a&mc_eid=UNIQID Inspired Teaching June Institute: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/168363031359?mc_cid=4906077f7a&mc_eid=UNIQID
Could our efforts to help our kids be getting in the way of their learning? This week's Hooray For Monday features insights and resources for helping our children become more resilient. Read it: https://inspiredteaching.org/resilient-children/ Resources:Nobody Learns Quite Like You: https://inspiredteaching.org/nobody-learns-quite-like-you/?mc_cid=ddc2476743&mc_eid=UNIQID Professional Development:Parenting Resilient Children workshop: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/parenting-resilient-children-tickets-314503858507?mc_cid=ddc2476743&mc_eid=UNIQIDSpeakTruth Fellowship: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScw1zx_xYsn3mdvel01E_ktCLkvRP0HPxH4lUX9WIrYsWeCqw/viewform?usp=sf_link&mc_cid=ddc2476743&mc_eid=UNIQIDInspired Teaching Institute:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/168363031359?mc_cid=ddc2476743&mc_eid=UNIQID
Imagine a classroom in which students greet their teacher at the door, enter the room, grab a mat, and take a seat in a circle on the floor, then engage in a warm-up that involves clapping or jumping or stretching – every day, in every class period. Aleta speaks with Chiara Monitcelli, an Italian language teacher, about her approach to teaching -- sans desks and chairs. Read the latest issue:ResourcesHow Vigorous is My Heart:https://inspiredteaching.org/how-vigorous-is-my-heart/?mc_cid=c209cb4e96&mc_eid=UNIQIDHands and Feet Stories: https://inspiredteaching.org/hands-and-feet-stories/?mc_cid=c209cb4e96&mc_eid=UNIQIDMake Way for the Monarchs: https://inspiredteaching.org/make-way-for-the-monarchs/?mc_cid=c209cb4e96&mc_eid=UNIQID
It is our job to teach students how to make choices thoughtfully, weighing the facts and the evidence, and thinking ahead to possible outcomes.Hooray For Monday: https://inspiredteaching.org/a-is-for-autonomy/ABCDE of Learner Needs: https://sites.google.com/inspiredteaching.org/abcde/autonomy?authuser=0Poster Analysis: https://www.instigatorofthought.org/posteranalysisInspired Teaching Institute: https://inspiredteaching.org/institute/
In celebration of Teacher Appreciation Week, this episode is all about gratitude. Aleta shares thoughts on how we can all show express our appreciation for the teachers in our lives and, as always, offers a couple of activities to try. Subscribe to Hooray For Monday for full details!https://inspiredteaching.org/academy/hooray-for-monday/