The ABPC Blog

Teacher Voices: A Good Mentor and a Good Read Will Help New Teachers Ease Some First-Year Stress (Sara Steindorff, Pike Road)

Emily Strickland June 25, 2019

ABPC Program Coordinator Emily Strickland is asking educators how they’ll be spending their summer break. Sara Steindorff, a second grade teacher at Pike Road Elementary, plans to peruse her year-long “highs and lows” journal now that she has some time to reflect more deeply on what worked, what didn’t, and why. She also shares a tip for new teachers that can help relieve stress.

Teacher Voices: “Recharge in June, Refocus in July” Is Good Advice for Novice and Veteran Educators Alike (Elisabeth Burns, Vestavia Hills)

Emily Strickland June 20, 2019

This summer, ABPC Program Coordinator Emily Strickland is asking a selection of teachers engaged in our statewide educator networks to let us know how they’ll be spending their summer break. Ninth grade English teacher Elisabeth Burns will get serious about new professional learning in July, including four weeks interning in school libraries as part of her master’s work.

Teacher Voices: Professional Learning Never Stops for Teachers of Young Children (Frances Granger, Pike Road Schools)

Emily Strickland June 13, 2019

This summer, ABPC Program Coordinator Emily Strickland is asking a selection of teachers engaged in our statewide networks to let us know how they’ll be spending their summer break. First Grade teacher Frances Granger is another contributor who plans to mix relaxation with lots of professional learning. Her advice for newbies? “Work on mastering one major teaching strategy a year” to develop deep understanding.

Teacher Voices: A Summer of Reading, Professional Learning, and Reflection (Brad Waguespack, Vestavia Hills)

Emily Strickland June 6, 2019

This summer, ABPC Program Coordinator Emily Strickland is asking a selection of teachers engaged in our statewide educator networks to let us know how they’ll be spending their summer break “and what’s on your mind as you use this time to relax and plan for the year ahead?” First up: Environmental Science teacher Brad Waguespack shares his plans and some great advice for new teachers.

Need Time to Think and Create? Make a Bliss Station Your Next Stop

Cathy Gassenheimer May 30, 2019

Do you feel like you are always in overdrive? Do you find yourself running from meeting to meeting or watching your “to-do” list grow quicker than you can cross things off? Are you having trouble finding time to think about or do those things that reenergize you? Cathy Gassenheimer suggests you consider creating a Bliss Station. “Before you think I’ve lost my mind, keep reading. You might find this to be a helpful tool.”

Could Gossip Be a Good Thing?

Cathy Gassenheimer May 23, 2019

Behavioral research into the human need to gossip is revealing that “gossip can actually be thought of not as a character flaw, but as a highly evolved social skill.” A lot of gossip is positive and serves to strengthen group bonds and affirm helpful behaviors. But Cathy Gassenheimer still has some reservations. Read her “unscientific” tips to improve gossip-related communication.

Anxiety, Depression, Hope and Connection: Insights into What Teens Need from Our Schools

Cathy Gassenheimer May 16, 2019

The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that more than 13% of adolescents in the United States aged 12 to 17 have had at least one major depressive episode. That’s a startling statistic of interest and concern to professional educators. Addressing teen anxiety and other related needs is the topic of May’s Educational Leadership magazine. Cathy Gassenheimer highlights several articles in this “must-read issue.”

Alabama Student Voices: “What We Appreciate About Our Teachers!”

Cathy Gassenheimer May 9, 2019

It’s Teacher Appreciation Week and who can better appreciate educators than their own students? We invited some Instructional Partners across our ABPC networks to gather testimonies from kids in their schools about their favorite teachers.

Five Ways to Lead Your School Like a Designer

Cathy Gassenheimer May 2, 2019

The next time you feel stuck, think about these five aspects of design-inspired leadership. They just might inspire you to move from chronic indecision to actions that make your school or district even better. Cathy Gassenheimer shares another little treasure from her recent spring cleaning.

Three Amazing Days with Three Global Experts on Coaching and Partnerships

Cathy Gassenheimer April 25, 2019

Early in April, Cathy Gassenheimer had an “amazing opportunity to learn more about coaching—and be coached.” Her experience took place in Kansas at a Leadership Coaching Institute led by Jim Knight, John Campbell, and Christian van Nieuwerburgh. “At the end of three days, I left with new ideas, new colleagues, and a fresh perspective on coaching.”

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