Let’s Talk About: International Literacy Day

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We are all worthy of telling our stories and having them heard. We all need to be seen and honored in the same way that we all need to breathe. Viola Davis As educators, we are entrusted with shaping young minds, igniting their curiosity, and nurturing their love for learning. On September 8th, International Literacy … read more »


Let’s Talk About: Book Lovers Day

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As we approach Book Lovers Day, an occasion to celebrate our shared passion for literature, it’s the perfect time to ignite the love for books in our students. In this digital age, where distractions are aplenty, let’s take this opportunity to unplug and immerse ourselves in the world of literature. Here are five ideas on … read more »


Empowering Autistic Students: Create Awareness and Inclusion for Autism Spectrum Disorder

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“It takes a village to raise a child. It takes a child with autism to raise the consciousness of the village.” Elaine Hall April is Autism Awareness Month when individuals, organizations, and communities unite to increase awareness and acceptance of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). As educators, it’s essential to support and celebrate autistic students and … read more »


Let’s Talk About: Feedback

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Teachers know how important it is to give students feedback on their work. Feedback can help students improve their skills, learn from their mistakes, and achieve their goals. Many articles, books, and workshops can help you as a teacher to learn to give constructive, specific, actionable, and respectful feedback. Here at TeachersFirst, we’ve looked at … read more »


Let’s Talk About Student Activism

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Reflecting on the anniversary of Bloody Sunday, I’ve wondered what we as a society have learned and how those lessons can help our students today. Listening to some of the youngest participants in the march – children at the time – reminds me that our children need to see that they can “drive the change … read more »


Let’s Talk About: Great Outdoors Month

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June is Great Outdoors Month, a time to celebrate our local, state, national parks, and waterways. As we straddle the line between pandemic and endemic COVID-19, we need to balance safety for those still vulnerable and learning to live with COVID19 as an endemic disease. In 2020 we discussed staying close to home with your … read more »


Let’s Talk About: Ma Rainey

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June is African American Music Month. Well-meaning teachers may take this as an opportunity to introduce a lesson about African American music. However, without context or connection to the curriculum, the class might fall flat and not engage students as intended. I want to suggest a more culturally responsive approach. Reading Teach Boldly for the … read more »


Let’s Talk About: Reading and Empathy

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May is when we officially celebrate the Get Caught Reading public service campaign. The idea of the campaign is to share the excitement of reading with others. The sponsoring organization provides posters, others create social media challenges, and libraries plan special events to encourage people to pick up a book.  There are many reasons why … read more »


Let’s Talk About Literacy for a Human-Centered Recovery

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International Literacy Day is celebrated annually on September 8th. This year’s theme center’s around recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.  Unesco facilitates the global celebration as a day to remember that literacy affects a person’s sense of dignity and that globally there are over 773 million people who lack basic literacy skills. While we are in various phases … read more »