Cool Cat Teacher Blog is at coolcatteacher.com

Some districts and schools use test scores to hold teachers "accountable." But what if this practice is hurting the very kids it is trying to help. Teacher and columnist Jody Stallings shares what he uncovered when he looked at this practice and why using test scores to evaluate teachers is a very bad idea. www.coolcatteacher.com/e635 Jody Stallings - Bio As Submitted Jody Stallings has been an award-winning public school teacher in Charleston, South Carolina, since 1992. He is director of the Charleston Teacher Alliance and an adjunct professor with the American Public University System. He writes the weekly “Teacher to Parent” column for which he is the recipient of the 2018 first place award in column writing from the South Carolina Press Association. https://www.facebook.com/teachertoparent Twitter: @ stallings_jody   Check out this episode!

A new blog has appeared on my main site: 5 Reasons Using Test Scores to Evaluate Teachers is a Bad Idea From https://www.coolcatteacher.com/5-reasons-using-test-scores-to-evaluate-teachers-is-a-bad-idea/ via Vicki Davis at coolcatteacher.com . Please also check out my show for busy teachers, the 10-Minute Teacher Podcast and my Free teaching tutorials on YouTube .

A new blog has appeared on my main site: What Really Engages Students From https://www.coolcatteacher.com/what-really-engages-students/ via Vicki Davis at coolcatteacher.com . Please also check out my show for busy teachers, the 10-Minute Teacher Podcast and my Free teaching tutorials on YouTube .

Heather Wolpert-Gawron surveyed over two thousand students from every US state and type of school to find out what engages them in learning. She discovered some surprising trends that will impact how we teach teachers to teach and how we look at a school altogether. Variety may not only be the spice of life but it may be the spice of learning! www.coolcatteacher.com/e634 Heather M. Wolpert-Gawron - Bio as Submitted Heather Wolpert-Gawron is an award-winning middle school teacher and 21st Century Learning & PBL coach. She is the author of Just Ask Us: Kids Speak Out on Student Engagement (Corwin/AMLE), which shares the results of a nationwide survey of 6th-12th graders and what engages them as learners. She is also the author of DIY for Project Based Learning for ELA and History (Taylor & Francis) and DIY for Project Based Learning for Math and Science (Taylor & Francis). She is a staff blogger for Edutopia, a proud member of the California Writing Project, and a National...

A new blog has appeared on my main site: Take the LEAP – Don’t Sit and Stick From https://www.coolcatteacher.com/take-the-leap-dont-sit-and-stick/ via Vicki Davis at coolcatteacher.com . Please also check out my show for busy teachers, the 10-Minute Teacher Podcast and my Free teaching tutorials on YouTube .

Creating the culture in your classroom can help you be a better and happier teacher and can help your students learn better and be happier too. Today's guest, Elisabeth Bostwick takes us into her classroom to share how she creates a luminous learning environment where learners are empowered by authentic learning that unleashes their potential. Get motivated to reach every child! www.coolcatteacher.com/e633 Elisabeth Bostwick - Bio As Submitted Elisabeth Bostwick is a multi-award-winning educator who is passionate about creating the conditions to spark curiosity and unleash creativity to empower learning. She is the author of, T ake the L.E.A.P.: Ignite a Culture of Innovation and co-author of Education Write Now, Volume II: Top Strategies for Improving Relationships and Culture . As an innovative teaching and learning consultant and instructional coach supporting K-12 teachers, Elisabeth works alongside educators to create inclusive and equitable classroom cultures where every ...

Edtech coaching can be improved with "walkarounds" and interaction between edtech coaches and teachers. Adam Juarez talks about organic edtech coaching and how to cultivate those relationships. www.coolcatteacher.com/e632   Adam Juarez - Bio as Submitted Adam Juarez is a 6-12 Technology Integration Coach for Cutler-Orosi Joint Unified School District. He leads teachers in implementing technology into their lessons through one-on-one coaching, demo lessons and professional development. He is the founder of the Cardinal Innovation Center: A Student-Centered Virtual and Physical Learning Space Designed to Empower. In addition, he is a Google Certified Trainer and Innovator, 2017 CUE Leroy Finkel Fellowship Finalist and co-founder of the Twitter chat #CVTechTalk. He frequently presents at ISTE, CUE, EdTechTeam and Krause Center for Innovation (KCI) events. Check out this episode!

A new blog has appeared on my main site: Organic Edtech Coaching From https://www.coolcatteacher.com/organic-edtech-coaching/ via Vicki Davis at coolcatteacher.com . Please also check out my show for busy teachers, the 10-Minute Teacher Podcast and my Free teaching tutorials on YouTube .

Take risks in education to build relationships, have difficult conversations, and make progress. Kristen Nan, a third-grade teacher, co-authored a book with her assistant superintendent. It was a risk, for sure, but Kristen talks about the risks she is and has taken in her classroom and how it has improved learning for everyone. Get inspired to take your own risks. www.coolcatteacher.com/e631 My Productivity Secrets : I make my own planner pages. If you want a copy of them and information on how I stay organized, buy the Do What Matters Book and resources. I sell them direct for $9.95 because I've included over 100 templates that I have used at some point in my life and career (including those when I was a stay at home.) Kristen Nan - Bio As Submitted An educator for the last 23 years, Kristen Nan’s passion for building relationships with her students, colleagues, and community continues to ignite change for the better! Kristen has served as an emotional support teacher, learn...

A new blog has appeared on my main site: Smart Risk Taking in Education From https://www.coolcatteacher.com/smart-risk-taking-in-education/ via Vicki Davis at coolcatteacher.com . Please also check out my show for busy teachers, the 10-Minute Teacher Podcast and my Free teaching tutorials on YouTube .

How do you build staff morale? Brad Shreffler has five ideas to help us as you work to build bridges of trust and relationship with your colleagues at school. Enjoy coming to school because you love working with your colleagues. www.coolcatteacher.com/e630 Today’s sponsor: Advancement Courses. Choose from over 240 online graduate-level PD courses in 19 subject areas that are self-paced with up to six months to complete. Go to advancementcourses.com/coolcat and save 20% off each course by using the code COOL20. That’s just $120 per graduate credit hour or $160 for 50 clock hours. You can also receive graduate credit through CAEP and regionally accredited university partners for continuing education requirements. Never stop learning! Brad Shreffler - Bio as Submitted Brad Shreffler is an instructional technology coach from Central Florida. He is also the host of the Planning Period Podcast, where he talks with other education stakeholders about education, teaching, and the probl...

A new blog has appeared on my main site: 5 Ideas for Building Staff Morale From https://www.coolcatteacher.com/5-ideas-for-building-staff-morale/ via Vicki Davis at coolcatteacher.com . Please also check out my show for busy teachers, the 10-Minute Teacher Podcast and my Free teaching tutorials on YouTube .

As part of #LoveTeaching week, I recorded some thoughts on why I love teaching. But I also have to share some of my heart about teaching, our future, and all of the amazing things our profession does for the future. Please share your story for #LoveTeaching week too! www.coolcatteacher.com/e629 Vicki Davis - Host Vicki Davis is a full-time classroom teacher and Instructional Technology Director. She has been blogging at the Cool Cat Teacher blog since 2005 and has traveled the world and written two books about edtech and collaborative technologies. She has hosted the 10 Minute Teacher Podcast since 2017 where she interviews many of the most remarkable educators on the planet about what matters to K12 educators. Check out this episode!

A new blog has appeared on my main site: Why I #LoveTeaching – Vicki Davis From https://www.coolcatteacher.com/why-i-loveteaching-vicki-davis/ via Vicki Davis at coolcatteacher.com . Please also check out my show for busy teachers, the 10-Minute Teacher Podcast and my Free teaching tutorials on YouTube .

A new blog has appeared on my main site: How to Know You Make a Difference #LoveTeaching From https://www.coolcatteacher.com/how-to-know-you-make-a-difference-loveteaching/ via Vicki Davis at coolcatteacher.com . Please also check out my show for busy teachers, the 10-Minute Teacher Podcast and my Free teaching tutorials on YouTube .

In this heartwarming episode, Christie shares one of the stories of how she knows she is making a difference. She also shares encouragement for the days when teachers fall short. For 21 years, Christie Thompson has loved teaching. She's a guidance counselor and teacher of the year for her school this year in Texas. As we continue to celebrate #LoveTeaching week, remember to share your story of why you love to teach. www.coolcatteacher.com/e628   Today’s sponsor: Advancement Courses. Choose from over 240 online graduate-level PD courses in 19 subject areas that are self-paced with up to six months to complete. Go to advancementcourses.com/coolcat and save 20% off each course by using the code COOL20. That’s just $120 per graduate credit hour or $160 for 50 clock hours. You can also receive graduate credit through CAEP and regionally accredited university partners for continuing education requirements. Never stop learning! Christie Thompson - Bio as Submitted Christie Thomps...

Leah Juelke, 2018 North Dakota State Teacher of the Year, works with EL English and Speech in Fargo, North Dakota. She has helped children under her care tell their stories and have a voice for their experiences. Recently, some of her students help shape state policy towards refugees by telling their stories. Hear the brave, heartbreaking and heart making words of Leah Juelke and her students as we continue to celebrate why we #LoveTeaching this week. www.coolcatteacher.com/e627   Today’s sponsor: Advancement Courses. Choose from over 240 online graduate-level PD courses in 19 subject areas that are self-paced with up to six months to complete. Go to advancementcourses.com/coolcat and save 20% off each course by using the code COOL20. That’s just $120 per graduate credit hour or $160 for 50 clock hours. You can also receive graduate credit through CAEP and regionally accredited university partners for continuing education requirements. Never stop learning! Leah Juelke - Bio...

A new blog has appeared on my main site: Powerful Student Voices: Helping the World Understand Kids From https://www.coolcatteacher.com/powerful-student-voices-helping-the-world-understand-kids/ via Vicki Davis at coolcatteacher.com . Please also check out my show for busy teachers, the 10-Minute Teacher Podcast and my Free teaching tutorials on YouTube .

A new blog has appeared on my main site: Teaching Fireworks: Why Zest Simmons Loves Teaching #LoveTeaching From https://www.coolcatteacher.com/teaching-fireworks-why-zest-simmons-loves-teaching-loveteaching/ via Vicki Davis at coolcatteacher.com . Please also check out my show for busy teachers, the 10-Minute Teacher Podcast and my Free teaching tutorials on YouTube .

We can get out of education, but the kids can't. Today's students need educators who love them and who love teaching. Zest Simmons, award-winning AP Teacher and Alabama State Teacher of the Year 2019 tells the story of how she ignites learning and loves students in her classroom. We can reach every child. Zest talks about how. www.coolcatteacher.com/e626   Today’s sponsor: Advancement Courses. Choose from over 240 online graduate-level PD courses in 19 subject areas that are self-paced with up to six months to complete. Go to advancementcourses.com/coolcat and save 20% off each course by using the code COOL20. That’s just $120 per graduate credit hour or $160 for 50 clock hours. You can also receive graduate credit through CAEP and regionally accredited university partners for continuing education requirements. Never stop learning! Zest Simmons - Bio as Submitted Inspired to become an educator by her own teachers, Zestlan Simmons, a National Board Certified teacher, wa...

A new blog has appeared on my main site: #LoveTeaching Week Starts Today! From https://www.coolcatteacher.com/loveteaching-week-starts-today/ via Vicki Davis at coolcatteacher.com . Please also check out my show for busy teachers, the 10-Minute Teacher Podcast and my Free teaching tutorials on YouTube .

Love Teaching Week Begins Today! February 14 is the beginning of #LoveTeaching week. Each day there are challenges and prompts so check Twitter and We Love Teaching.org ( https://www.weloveteaching.org/ ) for how you can participate. Today we start as Stacey McAdoo, Arkansas State Teacher of the Year 2019, tells her story of why she loves teaching! Get ready to be inspired. www.coolcatteacher.com/e625   Today’s sponsor: Advancement Courses. Choose from over 240 online graduate-level PD courses in 19 subject areas that are self-paced with up to six months to complete. Go to advancementcourses.com/coolcat and save 20% off each course by using the code COOL20. That’s just $120 per graduate credit hour or $160 for 50 clock hours. You can also receive graduate credit through CAEP and regionally accredited university partners for continuing education requirements. Never stop learning! Stacey James McAdoo - Bio as Submitted 2019 Arkansas Teacher of the Year Stacey McAdoo of the h...

A new blog has appeared on my main site: 4 Ready to Go tips for Project Based Learning and Maker Spaces From https://www.coolcatteacher.com/4-ready-to-go-tips-for-project-based-learning-and-maker-spaces/ via Vicki Davis at coolcatteacher.com . Please also check out my show for busy teachers, the 10-Minute Teacher Podcast and my Free teaching tutorials on YouTube .

How do you get started with project-based learning (PBL) and Makerspaces? Nicholas Provenzano, the author of the book, Beyond the Poster Board , gives us four tips to get started with effective PBL and Makerspace use in your school and classroom. www.coolcatteacher.com/e624   Today’s sponsor: Advancement Courses. Choose from over 240 online graduate-level PD courses in 19 subject areas that are self-paced with up to six months to complete. Go to advancementcourses.com/coolcat and save 20% off each course by using the code COOL20. That’s just $120 per graduate credit hour or $160 for 50 clock hours. You can also receive graduate credit through CAEP and regionally accredited university partners for continuing education requirements. Never stop learning! Nicholas Provenzano - Bio as Submitted Nicholas Provenzano is the Technology Coordinator and Makerspace Director at University Liggett School in Michigan. He is also an author, makerspace builder, international keynote speake...

A new blog has appeared on my main site: Trust and Grace in the Classroom From https://www.coolcatteacher.com/trust-and-grace-in-the-classroom/ via Vicki Davis at coolcatteacher.com . Please also check out my show for busy teachers, the 10-Minute Teacher Podcast and my Free teaching tutorials on YouTube .

Each year, many educators select a word or two for the year. Kindergarten teacher Alana Stanton, shares her words, "Grace" and "trust" and how she applies them to her classroom, student and parent relationships, and her teaching practice every day. Get inspired to do and be more and to live life with trust and grace every day. What is your word? www.coolcatteacher.com/e623   Today’s sponsor: Advancement Courses. Choose from over 240 online graduate-level PD courses in 19 subject areas that are self-paced with up to six months to complete. Go to advancementcourses.com/coolcat and save 20% off each course by using the code COOL20. That’s just $120 per graduate credit hour or $160 for 50 clock hours. You can also receive graduate credit through CAEP and regionally accredited university partners for continuing education requirements. Never stop learning! Alana Stanton - Bio as Submitted Alana Stanton is a kindergarten teacher at Mulberry Elementary in Gwinnett Co...

Nikolaos Chatzopoulos shares four trends that are shaping how his schools teach with technology. From coding to robotics and augmented reality and his favorite (which he saved for last), learn how a leading-edge K-8 program is using technology to teach all students the skills and thinking capacities they need to be successful in the modern era. www.coolcatteacher.com/e622   Today’s sponsor: Advancement Courses. Choose from over 240 online graduate-level PD courses in 19 subject areas that are self-paced with up to six months to complete. Go to advancementcourses.com/coolcat and save 20% off each course by using the code COOL20. That’s just $120 per graduate credit hour or $160 for 50 clock hours. You can also receive graduate credit through CAEP and regionally accredited university partners for continuing education requirements. Never stop learning! Nikolaos Chatzopoulos - Bio As Submitted Director of Innovation & Technology at Plato Academy Schools, founder of @st4tev...

A new blog has appeared on my main site: 4 Emerging Edtech Trends in 2020 From https://www.coolcatteacher.com/4-emerging-edtech-trends-in-2020/ via Vicki Davis at coolcatteacher.com . Please also check out my show for busy teachers, the 10-Minute Teacher Podcast and my Free teaching tutorials on YouTube .

You can blend old fashioned relationships with modern edtech if you know how. Teacher Dustin Harnish proves it. Dustin Harnish teaches seventh-grade social studies with Spheros, 3d printing, and engaging activities. But he uses far more than technology to engage students. Listen all the way to the end to learn how he ends his school year with a powerful bang! Let's engage kids and use edtech. We can reach kids! www.coolcatteacher.com/e621 Dustin Harnish - Bio as Submitted Dustin Harnish is a seventh grade Social Studies teacher for the Troy School District in Troy Michigan. His educational interest is to create a highly innovative classroom that maximizes student engagement. Through thirteen years teaching, he has had stops in the Chicagoland area and Southeast Michigan creating empathetic learning environments for all his students. Twitter: @ MrDustinHarnish   Check out this episode!

A new blog has appeared on my main site: Engagement & Edtech in Social Studies From https://www.coolcatteacher.com/engagement-edtech-in-social-studies/ via Vicki Davis at coolcatteacher.com . Please also check out my show for busy teachers, the 10-Minute Teacher Podcast and my Free teaching tutorials on YouTube .

A new blog has appeared on my main site: 7 Tips for Making Great Student “Pitch” Videos From https://www.coolcatteacher.com/7-tips-for-making-great-student-pitch-videos/ via Vicki Davis at coolcatteacher.com . Please also check out my show for busy teachers, the 10-Minute Teacher Podcast and my Free teaching tutorials on YouTube .

A new blog has appeared on my main site: How Parents Can Help Kids with Math: 5 Tips that Work From https://www.coolcatteacher.com/parents-help-kids-with-math/ via Vicki Davis at coolcatteacher.com . Please also check out my show for busy teachers, the 10-Minute Teacher Podcast and my Free teaching tutorials on YouTube .

Parents can encourage math success just like reading success. Today, Jon Orr helps parents through five things they can do to help their child become more successful at math. These can be applied from very young children to older students. Math is something everyone can do but we must be patient and help people have a mindset for success. Give parents and kids hope by sharing this show with those who need it. www.coolcatteacher.com/e620 Jon Orr - Bio as Submitted Jon is a math teacher at John McGregor Secondary School in the Lambton-Kent District School Board in Ontario Canada. When not teaching his students and spending time with family he leads workshops and presentations on teaching pedagogy in the math classroom. He is a co-host of the podcast Making Math Moments That Matter along with his friend Kyle Pearce. Lately, he is excited about promoting struggle in his students and talking math with primary aged kids while creating math prompts for MathBeforeBed.com. You can follow his...

Sharing and reflecting make us better educators. Today the founder of #pln365 gives us a transparent look into his journey and encourages us to take one of our own. www.coolcatteacher.com/e619 Paul O'Neill  - Bio As Submitted Paul O'Neill is an educational game changer from New Jersey. Using reflection and connection, he continues to grow each day and creates a competitive advantage for others through the power of belief. Twitter: @ pauloneill1972     Check out this episode!

A new blog has appeared on my main site: The Power of Reflection and Conversation #pln365 From https://www.coolcatteacher.com/the-power-of-reflection-and-conversation-pln365/ via Vicki Davis at coolcatteacher.com . Please also check out my show for busy teachers, the 10-Minute Teacher Podcast and my Free teaching tutorials on YouTube .

As students with learning differences are put into general classroom spaces, many teachers have misconceptions about including these special students in their classrooms. Dr. Rebekah Dyer talks about these misconceptions and how we can work to reach every child. www.coolcatteacher.com/e618 Dr. Rebekah Dyer - Bio as Submitted Dr. Rebekah Dyer is an associate professor in the college of education at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, AZ. The courses that she teaches focus on special education. She is the faculty advisor for two clubs on campus; Best Buddies and Canyon Inclusive. Both clubs focus on the inclusion of individuals with disabilities. She is the current president of the Arizona Branch of the International Dyslexia Association. She graduated from Arizona State University West with a bachelor’s degree in special education and a dual certification in both regular and special education. She completed her master’s degree in educational leadership from Northern Arizona Univers...

A new blog has appeared on my main site: Misconceptions About Kids With Learning Differences in the Classroom From https://www.coolcatteacher.com/misconceptions-about-kids-with-learning-differences-in-the-classroom/ via Vicki Davis at coolcatteacher.com . Please also check out my show for busy teachers, the 10-Minute Teacher Podcast and my Free teaching tutorials on YouTube .

School counselors are unique. They have unique needs as they help guide students and perform duties at their school. Today, guidance counselor, Steve Sharp helps guidance counselors know the tools that can help them level up. www.coolcatteacher.com/e617 Steve Sharp - Bio As submitted Stephen Sharp is co-author of Amazon Best-Selling Book and 2019 Hot New Release - 50+ Tech Tools for School Counselors. Steve is a school counselor and Apple Certified Educator. He has worked to provide students with the knowledge and skills to be healthy and successful in the 21st century. Stephen previously worked in his school district as a technology leader, and been served on the governing boards of both his local and state school counseling associations. Stephen completed his M.Ed at Millersville University of Pennsylvania, and BA from Lycoming College. Stephen was a contributing writer on the use of technology and career exploration in Voices from the Field, Orientation to the Counseling Profes...

A new blog has appeared on my main site: From https://www.coolcatteacher.com/25025-2/ via Vicki Davis at coolcatteacher.com . Please also check out my show for busy teachers, the 10-Minute Teacher Podcast and my Free teaching tutorials on YouTube .

Award-Winning Culture is a student podcast led by teacher Hans Appel. Hear the story behind this exciting student podcast and get inspired to start a student podcast at your school. He shares his starting story, how he keeps it going with an annual podcast retreat, and how he surprises his students with a listener testimonial video. You'll find ideas to inspire your students however they are using their voice to help others. www.coolcatteacher.com/e616   Hans Appel - Bio As submitted Hans Appel has worked as a counselor in the Richland School District for the past 19 years and at Enterprise Middle School since it opened. He’s passionate about school culture, servant leadership, and kindness. In 2018, EMS was awarded the ASCD Whole Child Award for the State of Washington and the Global “Class Act Award” for creating a culture of excellence through kindness, service, and empathy. Additionally, they were selected as a finalist in the 2019 PBIS Film Festival and took the top prize i...

A new blog has appeared on my main site: Student Leadership Through a Student-Led Podcast From https://www.coolcatteacher.com/student-leadership-through-a-student-led-podcast/ via Vicki Davis at coolcatteacher.com . Please also check out my show for busy teachers, the 10-Minute Teacher Podcast and my Free teaching tutorials on YouTube .