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Browse by Topic: Inspiration

Food for Thought: The 16 Characteristics of an Effective and Amazing Middle School

Every one and every school has a story made up of ingredients. When I taught Basic English in Harrisonburg, Virginia, I often had food on my mind. It wasn't because I was particularly hungry or because I was creating...
Author: Dru Tomlin
Number of views (3610)/Comments (0)/
Topics: InspirationLeadershipMiddle School Concept
Tags:

For decades, the battle between true middle level education and financial shortcuts has raged. Isn't it time that what's best for kids wins this battle?

The conflict between doing more with less and doing what is right and just for young adolescents is a difficult one for middle level educators to confront. For example, when district leaders determine that program...
Author: Tom Burton
Number of views (4600)/Comments (0)/
Topics: InspirationLeadershipMiddle School Concept
Tags: Tom Burton
Embracing the Journey: Five Leadership Principles

Embracing the Journey: Five Leadership Principles

Bringing effective leadership to a new school in Luxembourg.

When Atert-Lycèe Redange, a middle-secondary school in Luxembourg, opened its doors in 2008 to 360 students, Claude Boever's dream became a reality. Today, the school serves 1,200 students on a pristine campus...
Author: Michael Chirichello
Number of views (4951)/Comments (0)/
Topics: InspirationLeadershipSchool Culture/Climate
Tags: School Improvement
Becoming a Teacher

Becoming a Teacher

Finding your niche and keeping the passion.

Do you remember your first day of college? I do. It was fall 2011 and I had arrived at Bowling Green State University to major in adolescent to young adult education, which covered grades 7–12. I showed up...
Author: Delaney F. Buechner
Number of views (7270)/Comments (2)/
Topics: InspirationProfessional PreparationTeaching
Tags: Teacher MotivationPreservice TeachersNew Teachers
Leading with the Student Voice

Leading with the Student Voice

Recently, in response to a group of middle school students who asked about my journey to becoming a school leader, I recalled my 23-year journey to being awarded my Ph.D. in 2004 and my mother's sage advice. I...
Author: Nikki Woodson
Number of views (5522)/Comments (0)/
Topics: InspirationLeadership
Tags: Student EngagementStudent Motivation
Avoiding Face Plants: Communicating for Understanding

Avoiding Face Plants: Communicating for Understanding

Have you ever fallen flat on your face?

In 2013, a video of a father and two daughters doing a trust fall went viral. In and of itself, a trust fall—when you close your eyes and fall backward, trusting the person/people behind you will catch...
Author: Tom Burton
Number of views (2148)/Comments (0)/
Topics: InspirationLeadership
Tags:
New Teacher on the Block: How to Transition into a New School

New Teacher on the Block: How to Transition into a New School

Five tips for finding teaching success in a new school.

Transitioning to a new school after 10 years can be overwhelming to say the least. I know from experience. However, the transition can be smoother and less stressful with the help of friends, colleagues,...
Author: Marie Wintz
Number of views (3164)/Comments (0)/
Topics: InspirationTeaching
Tags:
Transitioning to Higher Ed: Reflections of a Middle Grades Professor

Transitioning to Higher Ed: Reflections of a Middle Grades Professor

Comparing middle level and college instruction.

Career changes often come with feelings of apprehension, excitement, and concern. At the same time, they also present an opportunity to reflect, process information, and use the change as a springboard for future and...
Author: James Davis
Number of views (4395)/Comments (0)/
Topics: InspirationTeaching
Tags: Teacher Motivation
Finding My Way Back

Finding My Way Back

Making a comeback to teaching in the middle.

I miss teaching. I'm shocked even to admit that. I'm even more shocked to admit that I'm considering a comeback. I've spent the past five years trying to separate myself from the teaching profession. My Arkansas...
Author: Adam Reeves
Number of views (1506)/Comments (0)/
Topics: InspirationTeaching
Tags:
Why Awaken the Middle School Voice?

Why Awaken the Middle School Voice?

Middle school voices are not always what their teachers want to hear. Those voices can be high-pitched and rowdy, full of criticism and negativity, whining with complaint, or bent on distracting others, destroying...
Author: Elyse S. Scott
Number of views (10566)/Comments (0)/
Topics: InspirationTeaching
Tags: Student EngagementStudent MotivationNew Teachers
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