• Blog,  Blogging

    How to Run a Business with Your Blog!

    So once you have gone to a web host and created your website it is time to design your blog and begin to monetize it. If you have not done that, check out my post on setting up your website here: Part 1: How to Start a Blog Let’s Get Started! Create a visual design! Once you have selected a theme, you can start designing the look of your blog.  This is something that you can edit at any time so don’t stress over this.  I am constantly thinking of new ideas and trying them out on my blog. Make sure you are including pictures in your blog.  Each of…

  • Blog,  Blogging

    How to Start a Blog!

    Have you thought of starting a blog but you don’t know where to begin? I started a blog because I was looking for a way to make money on the side without having to go back to retail.  I teach full time and I needed a side hustle where I could make my own schedule. I started by creating a Teachers Pay Teachers store and after I got that off the ground, blogging seemed like the next step. Find A Host Personally I love bluehost.  They are the easiest, cheapest way to host your own blog.  They also come with WordPress which makes creating and designing your blog so simple!…

  • Blog,  Education

    Tips for Parent Teacher Conferences

    Parent-teacher conferences can be stressful for all involved.  As a teacher, it is our job to set the tone and mood of the conferences.  Here are some tips for your next parent-teacher conference! Know the Schedule Ahead of Time Before conferences start, make sure you know what parents are coming in and have information about their child ready. Teachers, especially at the secondary level, have a lot of students to remember.  But parents don’t always get this.  So if you are in a meeting and it seems like you’re struggling to remember who the child is, it is going to leave the parent confused and possibly annoyed or disappointed.  …

  • Blog,  Education,  Self Care

    Setting Goals as a Teacher

    I am always trying to grow as a teacher and as a person.  Because of this, I am always setting goals for myself to help guide myself to betterment.  Also, in the state I teach in, the teacher evaluator tool requires us to set goals to meet over the evaluation cycle.  (The cycle is either one year or two years)  Here are some tips for setting goals for yourself whether you are required to by your district or you just want to be your best. Setting Professional Goals A professional goal is something that you want to change about yourself as a teacher.  Whether it has to do with the…

  • Blog,  Co-Teaching,  Education,  Special Education

    Repair a Strained Co-Teaching Relationship

    Co-Teaching has proven to be a great tool for reaching all students.  It allows students with disabilities to be taught in the general education classroom giving them opportunities for social interactions with their typical peers.  It also allows for students without disabilities who may be struggling to receive the support of having two teachers in the room.  These are only two of the many benefits of the inclusion model. But, for the co-teaching model to work in your classroom, the teachers need to be able to work well together.  Good co-teaching requires multiple teachers to be on the same page; for them to co-plan, co-assess, and co-teach. When two co-teachers…

  • Blog,  Education,  Self Care

    Be the Teacher Your Students Need!

    Teaching can take a lot out of you.  This Friday I came home from school and I was so drained that I think I was beginning to make myself sick.  Every day at school, you have to give so much of yourself to others that it can be depleting.  This is why we all need to be careful that we are taking care of ourselves. I find when I am not taking care of myself, I have less energy, I have a shorter temper, and I am not living up to my full potential. To be the best teacher you can be, you need to make sure that you’re putting…

  • Blog,  Blogging

    Get Your First 1000 Email Subscribers!

    Are you trying to make money blogging?  Are you new to blogging and looking to get your self off the ground?  Do you want help with building your email list? Bloggers who use email marketing on average make 447% more revenue than those who don’t! So it sounds like a no-brainer, right? No! Email marketing is scary!  Putting yourself out there and into stranger’s inboxes can be terrifying.  I know I was scared and nervous to start emailing my subscribers. ConvertKit is here with a FREE WEBINAR to try and ease your mind. Whether you use ConvertKit for your list building or you prefer another platform, this webinar gives you…

  • Blog,  Classroom Management,  Education

    10 Ideas for Whole Class Rewards for Your Secondary Students

    Teaching in a middle school creates interesting challenges.  I always struggle with finding rewards and incentives that are age-appropriate for them.  Middle schoolers are stuck in an awkward place where they are still young at heart, but most of them are trying to look and act like high school students.  In a time where research shows that PBIS is the best method for classroom management and to create a positive whole-school community, it is imperative to find whole class rewards that motivate your class. Flexible Seating Options We would all love to implement flexible seating options into our secondary classrooms.  But, often our biggest fear is the classroom management complications…

  • Blog,  Classroom Management,  Education

    Benefits of Social Emotional Learning (SEL)

    Social Emotional Learning (SEL) seems like the new buzz word in education.  I have sat through staff meetings focused on it, professional development seminars and I have taken courses on it.  But SEL isn’t a new concept, it just existed in the past under different names. I’m sure you’re saying, when will I find the time to teach another new idea in my classroom.  I am already crunched trying to cover my grade level standards! SEL Can Improve Schoolwork and Academics Students who feel safe and supported can focus on their academics.  When students are in an environment that promotes SEL tend to be more comfortable asking for help. They…

  • Blog,  Education,  Special Education

    Back to School Checklist!

    Well, it’s that time of year.  Us teachers in Mass are gearing up to go back to school.  Some of you teachers down south are probably back already, but we’re all in the back to school season! Going back to school can be stressful, especially if you are starting a new position or at a new school.  I am going to share with you my back to school priorities. Get your caseload In previous years I was able to get a rough draft of my caseload in the spring.  This year was different as my position was getting shuffled around through the summer.  And now, it is the eve of…