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One of the most challenging aspects can be avoiding power struggles with students while maintaining a positive and productive learning environment. Here are three practical steps to help you sidestep power struggles and foster positive student behavior.

While I know I was extremely lucky to have the amazing co-teachers I got to work with who were not only co-workers, but my best friends, I also know that not every co-teaching relationship will be that way. And they don't have to be.

Teachers, I know you strive to make your classroom as inclusive as possible. I've met countless teachers and visited classrooms of teachers who are utilizing the Universal Design for Learning, and while that is a great start, for some students with disabilities, it's not always enough.

Teaching is a rewarding yet challenging profession, and as a part of that job- in addition to teaching reading, math, and other academic subjects, we are left to provide social and emotional support and instruction as well. We often encounter students who are dysregulated and need help communicating their feelings in a more appropriate way, but it can be difficult for us to "keep our cool" when our students are so heated.

I can remember sitting in my 9th grade social studies classroom, paying attention to my teacher who was giving a lecture at the front of the classroom, and suddenly getting called out for not "looking at him." So being the people-pleaser I was, I poured my effort into making sure I was looking at him for the rest of the time. But my brain was going a mile a minute: Am I looking too much? Do I look bored? I should smile. No not that much. Ok, that's better. Oh, crap, what was he saying? What page are we on now? I missed it! I could ask someone, but I'm not supposed to talk while the teacher is talking. Ok, everyone else just turned a page, so I should, too. This doesn't look right. Ok- I'm officially lost.

Hey there, teacher friends! I can't believe that for some schools there are only two weeks left before school starts back! Today, I want to shed light on a common phrase we often hear from our students: "This is easy." While it may seem harmless or even positive at first, I have found it beneficial to discourage this expression in our classrooms. Let's dive into why, and explore a more empowering alternative.