Pop culture movies, music, and television shows often depict girls—as early as during elementary school—as being viciously cruel and judgmental to their classmates. The “mean girl” archetype has evolved for a reason. According to National Voices for Equality, Education, and Enlightenment (NVEEE), more girls (59 percent) are cyberbullies than boys. The National Education Association (NEA)… Continue Reading >
As an educator, you know that bullying is a continuing problem in our schools. You also know that some types of bullying are overt and easy to spot (such as physical bullying), while other forms of bullying can fly under the radar (such as emotional and cyber). According to StopBullying.gov, “When adults respond quickly and… Continue Reading >
New teachers. New schedules. New faces. Oh my! A new school year can be a stressful time for teachers and students alike! Adjusting to a new classroom, making new friends, changing classes, or even paying attention during lessons (after a long and lazy summer) can make even the most confident students stressed. While some stress… Continue Reading >
As a teacher, you appreciate (read: crave) order and consistency. A place for everything and everything in its place may even be your classroom motto. Many teachers appreciate orderly rows of desks and knowing exactly where each student is seated may allow teachers to ensure every child is present and engaged so you they focus… Continue Reading >
You only get one chance to make a first impression. At the start of the school year, you may be excited to meet your new students, earn their trust, and generate excitement for the year of learning ahead. The beginning of a new year is also the perfect time to include and immediately involve parents… Continue Reading >
Wilkes University Ranks #4 on The 9 Best Online Master’s in Teaching Programs TheBestSchools.org recently published their list of the nine best online master’s in teaching programs in the US — and we are so proud that our PLS Classes program at Wilkes University came in at #4! The top degree programs were selected based… Continue Reading >
No matter how long you have been working in education, you have undoubtedly discovered that teaching can be a highly individualized experience. No two teachers, their styles, or their approaches to learning are the same—nor should they be. However, every teacher should consider having a mentor; someone to learn from, to be inspired by, and… Continue Reading >
Mindfulness represents a particular way of being present in the moment and noticing your surroundings. Jon Kabat-Zinn defines mindfulness as “the awareness that emerges through paying attention on purpose, in the present moment, non-judgmentally.”1 What began as part of meditation and yoga instruction has grown in popularity and has been implemented by many K -12… Continue Reading >
You know your American history. You know that Betsy Ross designed the American Flag and that Francis Scott Key penned the Star-Spangled Banner during the British bombing of Ft. McHenry during the War of 1812. Think those are all the facts you will need to know to win a July 4th trivia contest this year?… Continue Reading >
Looking for some great books to read this summer? You’re in luck! We asked Steve Barkley, a trusted friend and partner of PLS Classes, to recommend the top books teachers should pick up and digest this summer. Steve is an educational consultant to school districts, teacher organizations, state departments of education, and colleges and universities… Continue Reading >
