Classroom Culture

Beyond the Curriculum: Creating a Positive Classroom Where Hearts and Minds Thrive

2-MIN. READ

Explore how a veteran teacher creates a positive classroom that fosters emotional growth, empathy, and academic success through innovative strategies and personal connections.

A Journey from Remediation to Accelerated Learning

2-MIN. READ

Discover six transformative strategies to shift mindsets, prioritize grade-level content, and build collaborative practices that focus on acceleration vs. remediation.

Empowering Childhood Independence

2-MIN. READ

Explore how a seasoned teacher empowers childhood independence through responsibility, play, and effective communication with parents.

Math Motivation in Middle School

2-MIN. READ

Discover what motivates middle schoolers to engage in math class. Here are student-generated ideas that can help you in your classroom.

How to Increase Student Engagement in the Classroom

2-MIN. READ

Learn effective strategies to increase student engagement in the classroom, fostering a supportive and collaborative learning environment.

Cultivating a Love for Math: Optimal Course Placement for Middle Schoolers

2-MIN. READ

Learn how to prevent the pitfalls of 8th grade Algebra acceleration and ensure students develop a strong, lasting foundation in mathematics without skipping essential concepts.

Sound Strategies: How to Transform Learning with Music in the Classroom

2-MIN. READ

Discover how integrating music in the classroom can enhance learning, boost focus, and improve classroom culture.

Math for Middle Schoolers: Effective Instruction to Energize Your Class

2-MIN. READ

Energize your math classes, and tailor them for those students who are caught in the middle with these math for middle schoolers suggestions.

How to Empower Students—Incentives

2-MIN. READ

Learn how to empower students by effectively using incentives in your classroom to motivate them to achieve their goals.

Connecting with Middle School Students

2-MIN. READ

Find out how building trust and creating a safe space helps you connect with middle schoolers and enhance student learning.

How to Develop a Positive Student Mindset

2-MIN. READ

Discover how you can teach your students about positive mindsets in your classroom to set them up for success inside and outside of the classroom.  

Emphasizing Conceptual Knowledge versus Procedural Knowledge in Mathematics Education

4-MIN. READ

Learn how to emphasize conceptual understanding to equip students with the skills for future success in the classroom. 

Cultivating Connections: A Guide to Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) in Your Classroom

2-MIN. READ

Discover how to use social-emotional learning strategies to create an emotionally engaging and supportive learning environment.

Teacher Engagement Lays the Foundation for Student Agency

2-MIN. READ

Learn how to increase agency and engagement in your older students toward the end of the school year.

Five Strategies to Motivate Students at the End of the Year

2-MIN. READ

Learn five strategies to motivate students at the end of the year while giving them an opportunity to reflect and have fun.

Why Small Group Instruction Matters

2-MIN. READ

Discover six strategies for using small group instruction to boost learning.

The Power of Positive Student–Teacher Relationships

2-MIN. READ

Learn how a get-to-know-each-other campaign minimized disruptive student behavior and maximized school morale.

Celebrating Teachers: Building Connections and Sharing Successes

2-MIN. READ

Celebrating teachers leads to success in the classroom and encourages a culture of support.

Creating Conditions for Accelerating Learning

2-MIN. READ

John Hattie describes how teachers can create conditions that challenge students and accelerate learning.

Trust Me: Using Multisensory Learning in Mathematics and Reading

2-MIN. READ

Find out how Liz's loss of taste and smell during the pandemic helped her teach students trust and conceptual understanding through multisensory learning.

Celebrating Student Growth and Learning

2-MIN. READ

Find out how celebrating student growth, both big and small, fosters a love for learning in the classroom. 

Maintaining a Positive Perspective during Standardized Testing

2-MIN. READ

Learn three strategies to maintain a positive perspective during high-stakes testing.

How to Set Up Math Centers in Your Classroom

2-MIN. READ

Get tips for setting up math centers in your classroom to support student growth.

Make Building Math Fluency Fun

2-MIN. READ

Implement these engaging games in the classroom to make building math fluency fun.

Leveraging Student Response Protocols to Enhance Learning

2-MIN. READ

Learn flexible response protocols that help elicit student engagement.

Engaging Students in the New Year

2-MIN. READ

Learn student engagement strategies from Extraordinary Educators, Class of 2024.

Building Positive Work Relationships in Education

2-MIN. READ

Here are some tips on how to be “in it together” by building positive work relationships in education.

Building a Strong Student Community

2-MIN. READ

Build a strong student community by creating a foundation of trust.

Reaching Reluctant Learners: Fostering Self-Efficacy in the Classroom

2-MIN. READ

Discover how to reach and engage your most reluctant learners.

Dual-Language Classrooms: Bridging Content and Academic Language

2-MIN. READ

Learn how to bridge content and academic language to reach proficient biliteracy. 

Sit, Slouch, or Stand: How Physical Comfort Relates to Learning

3-MIN. READ

A comfortable classroom environment can help your students do their best work.

Student Success Requires a Team

2-MIN. READ

Learn how actionable data paired with teamwork leads to the path to proficiency.

Protecting Your Sleep: Tips for Taking Care of Yourself

2-MIN. READ

Learn about the importance of rest and ways to improve your sleep with these tips.

Teaching Students to Advocate for Themselves in the Classroom

2-MIN. READ

Try these student self-advocacy techniques to minimize learning interruptions.

Creating a Positive Classroom Culture

2-MIN. READ

Learn how to show up for your students by creating a positive classroom culture.

A Quick Guide to Goal Setting with Students

2-MIN. READ

Learn how to implement student goal setting in your classroom.

Seeing Your Students beyond the Data

2-MIN. READ

Discover how a student-centered approach can provide great data beyond the numbers.

Catalysts for Classroom Engagement: Creative Connections and Wonder

2-MIN. READ

Discover six creative tips on how to actively engage students in the classroom.

Fostering Joy in Learning: Embracing Exploration and Conversation in the Math Classroom

2-MIN. READ

Transform your math classroom into a safe space that fosters joy and exploration in learning with these three tips.

Paying It Forward: Three Tips for Empowering New Teachers

3-MIN. READ

Learn tips and strategies new educators can use to save time, prevent frustration, and improve teaching and learning.

Transform Your Classroom with Student-Centered Learning

2-MIN. READ

Find out how creating a student-centered classroom can empower students to take ownership of their learning.

Using Data to Prepare for the Year: A Closer Look at Strategies from John Hattie

3-MIN. READ

Learn more about how using last year’s data can help you start this year strong.

Building an Ideal Middle School Classroom for Learning

2-MIN. READ

Get ideas for creating the ideal middle school classroom learning environment.

Reaching All Learners

2-MIN. READ

Get new ideas and strategies for connecting with your students with disabilities.

Boost Student Participation in Your Classroom

2-MIN. READ

Get proven ideas for boosting student participation in your classroom.

5 Tips for Creating an Accelerated Learning Environment

2-MIN. READ

Educators and paraprofessionals can use these five quick tips as accelerated learning solutions.

3 Fun Ideas for Keeping Students Invested in Learning

3-MIN. READ

Here are three fun ideas to increase student engagement and keep students motivated throughout the year.

Starting the New Year off Right

3-MIN. READ

Start the new year off strong with these new year classroom activities from Extraordinary Educators!

5 Ways to Empower English Learners

4-MIN. READ

Here are five ways to empower your English Learners and help them succeed. 

5 Tips for Keeping Students Actively Participating and Engaged

4-MIN. READ

These student engagement strategies will help bring your quietest students out of their shells and manage your chattiest ones for engaging class discussions.

Making Math Magical: Creating Classrooms Where Students Thrive

4-MIN. READ

Find out five tips for helping your students feel more comfortable with math.

Get Your Giggle On! 4 Ways to Use Laughter for Learning

4-MIN. READ

Laughter can help your students learn and improve your instruction. Here are four ways to include more laughter in your life and classroom.

Why Pronouncing Students’ Names Correctly Is Important

6-MIN. READ

What’s in a name? A lot! Names carry our family history, culture, and identities. Find out why it’s so important to pronounce your students’ names correctly, with three exercises to help.