11 Things I Forgot As a Teacher Over Winter Break

1. My Daily Routine: The structured schedule that I had grown accustomed to throughout the fall seemed like a distant memory. With days filled with holiday cheer and relaxation, it was easy to forget the routine of waking up early, attending meetings, and planning lessons. 2. The Importance of Being Prepared: Over the break, I enjoyed having opportunities to be spontaneous and carefree. However, returning to school reminded me of the crucial balance between being flexible and having a well-laid plan for the day. 3. Classroom Management Techniques: Spending time away from my classroom made me realize how important certain …

6 Celebratory Ways to End the School Year with Students

As the school year comes to an end, it’s essential to find ways to celebrate the hard work and achievements of students. The following six celebratory methods can help educators and students alike enjoy a memorable conclusion to the academic year. 1. Host a virtual awards ceremony Organizing an awards ceremony is an excellent way for teachers and administrators to acknowledge exceptional accomplishments by students throughout the year. Include categories such as best in academics, sports, or extracurricular activities. Ensure every student is celebrated through inclusive categories like ‘most improved’ or ‘best energy.’ For a more light-hearted touch, add some …

Help! My Student Cheated—Why Am I the One in Trouble

In today’s highly competitive academic environment, cheating is unfortunately all too common. While educators and institutions have a responsibility to discourage cheating and punish those caught, it’s disheartening when the blame gets shifted onto the teacher instead. So, why does this happen? And what can teachers do to protect themselves and maintain ethical teaching environments? The Pressure to Succeed One factor driving the increase in cheating is the intense pressure students face to succeed academically. They often view good grades as a ticket to acceptance at a top-tier college, a lucrative career, and ultimately a successful life. This pressure can …

These Outrageous Parent Requests of Teachers Will Make Your Brain Explode

Introduction: Being a teacher is no easy feat, especially when dealing with overbearing parents who seem to have unrealistic expectations or outrageous requests. Here are some eyebrow-raising parent requests that teachers had to deal with, making the education sector a whole new bag of challenges. 1. Can You Babysit My Child After School? One parent had the audacity to ask a teacher if they would babysit their child after school hours. Not only is this request inappropriate, but it also disregards the boundaries between professional and personal life. Teachers are not babysitters, they are educators doing an important job. 2. …

15 Everyday Incidents That Make Even the Strongest Teachers Cry

Introduction: Teaching is a noble and rewarding profession, but it can also be challenging and emotionally draining. Educators face daily struggles and often fall victim to moments that break their hearts, despite their dedication and resilience. In this article, we share 15 everyday incidents that make even the strongest teachers cry. 1. When a student gives up on themselves Seeing a talented, promising student lose hope in themselves is utterly heartbreaking for a teacher who has invested time, energy, and passion in their success. 2. Dealing with parents who don’t value education When parents are disinterested in or dismissive of …

My Top 5 Secrets for Making Classroom Supplies Last

As a teacher, managing classroom supplies is essential for maintaining an organized and efficient educational environment. The importance of making those supplies last cannot be overstated. With budgets often being stretched thin, it’s crucial for teachers to be resourceful in order to maximize the life of everyday materials. In this article, we’ll explore five secrets that every teacher should know about how to make their classroom supplies stand the test of time. 1. Proper Storage The first secret to ensuring the longevity of classroom supplies is proper storage. Materials like paper and markers can become easily damaged or dried out …

Help! My Students Call Me by My First Name and Now My Colleagues Are Offended

We live in a rapidly evolving world, where lines of formality and respect are constantly evolving. One such area that is witnessing a cultural shift is the educator-student relationship. Traditionally, it has been considered polite for students to address their instructors by their last name or using a title, showing respect for their authority and experience. However, as educational institutions evolve, some prefer to forego traditional formalities for a more personal approach. In this article, we will address the challenges faced by educators who find themselves caught between the desire for fostering an open and relaxed classroom environment and maintaining …

Teachers, We Have Got To Stop Falling for “Future” TikTok Challenges

The viral nature of social media has given birth to various trends and challenges that seem impossible to escape. Some of them are harmless, fun, or even educational. However, the “Future” TikTok challenges have taken an increasingly concerning turn for educators worldwide. As teachers, it’s crucial that we recognize these challenges and resist participating in them for the sake of our students’ wellbeing and maintaining a professional environment. What Are “Future” TikTok Challenges? “Future” TikTok challenges refer to a series of pranks or destructive acts that often encourage participants to engage in risky behaviors, vandalize property, or harass others. These …

Free Poster: 7 Questions Students Should Ask Before Saying ‘I’m Done’

Introduction: As students progress through their academic journey, they often rush to complete assignments and declare themselves “done” without thorough self evaluation. To help students invest more time in self-assessment and reflection, we have developed a free poster outlining 7 essential questions they should ask before considering their work complete. 1. Have I read the instructions carefully? Before claiming to be done, students should always review the assignment instructions to ensure they have understood and followed each guideline. This allows them to identify areas where they may have deviated from the given task and rectify any discrepancies. 2. Did I …

Help! My Students Won’t Listen To Me! (Like, Ever) – Outbreaks

As a teacher, it’s inevitable that you’ll encounter moments of frustration with your students. One of the most challenging situations to handle is when your students refuse to listen. Despite your best efforts, you can’t help but wonder if there’s some mysterious “outbreak” preventing effective communication. In this article, we will explore why students may not be listening in class and various strategies for regaining control and promoting active involvement. Why Students Don’t Listen 1. Lack of interest: If the subject matter doesn’t intrigue the student, they are less likely to pay attention. 2. Distractions: With the ever-increasing influx of …