Quick List of 50 Teaching Tips General by Joel Wagner - October 14, 2010November 20, 20102 I have had countless discussions lately with some of the newer teachers around me about some general concepts. This is just a random list of a few of the suggestions I have passed along to some of them that might be helpful to you or someone you know in some way. And it comes you way free of charge. Choose your battles Bite your tongue When someone offers you unsolicited advice, give them the impression that you are listening When someone offers you unsolicited advice, listen to them and apply the advice as quickly as possible Most unsolicited teaching advice is given because of a perceived urgent deficiency in your teaching When talking with students about negative behaviors, don't chase other adults away, they could be
This Is Why This Site Exists Inspiration by Joel Wagner - June 21, 2010June 30, 20100 Emails like this are the reason this site exists. I am an 11-year high school English teaching veteran in the Los Angeles area. Most of my teaching was done in the trenches of suburban, low-SES "nay-bah-HOODS" and the fringes of, um, gangsta lands. (I teach English ... go figure.) I've had my share of awesome kids, classes and experiences, and I've had my share of kids who practice "learned helplessness" and come to school looking like Snoop Droopy Drawers. Overall, I love my subject matter, and love working with high school age kids, especially helping them to "read, write and think your world" (one of my class mottoes). I wanted to thank you for your no-nonsense, honest site that both