After years of teaching high school English, I transitioned to instructional coaching for a broader impact. The Teacher Transition online course provided valuable insights and strategies. Despite challenges, the rewards of working with dedicated educators are immense. I encourage fellow educators to embrace instructional coaching and consider the Teacher Transition course for guidance and support.
Tag Archives: education
What are we really teaching in high school?
The Paul Simon song “Kodachrome” criticizes traditional education for teaching irrelevant material. The author, a teacher, shares the challenges of outdated vocabulary workbooks and inauthentic assessments. To address this, they introduce the “One Question Exam” requiring students to apply literature to a big question, incorporating vocabulary and grammatical concepts. This innovative approach assesses ELA standards and encourages creativity.
Simplifying Literary Analysis: Task Cards in High School English
Task cards are valuable tools for high school English classrooms, offering bite-sized prompts for literary analysis. They promote close reading, critical thinking, and collaboration. Teachers can use them for differentiated instruction and various classroom activities. By guiding students through literary analysis, task cards foster deep understanding and enhance overall literacy skills, making studying literature an engaging experience.
Final Exams You Can Grade Before Students Even Leave the Room
As an English teacher, I used alternative final exams to promote critical thinking and metacognition. The “Essay Revision & Reflection” exam involved students revising their essays and reflecting on the process. The “In-Exam Group Project & Presentation” required collaborative work and presentation during the exam period. These methods encouraged student ownership of learning.
Instructional Coaching Excellence: The Power of Data Tracking
Instructional coaches play a crucial role in supporting teacher growth and student outcomes. Tracking coaching interactions, assessing impact, informing professional development, enhancing accountability, and continuously improving practice are vital. Utilizing a well-curated Google Sheet for data tracking can provide valuable insights and facilitate impactful coaching strategies.
KatieMacTeach 