The Human Touch

Happy Friday!

This past week, I explored the history of the Clear the List Movement and shared my experience using GoGrader in the classroom.

You can check out both articles below.

In a perfect world, teachers could buy exactly what they need to support their students. Unfortunately, this isn't the case for many teachers. I shared on X that I would like to highlight a few teacher lists in this newsletter, and the response was more than I had anticipated. I am humbled to be part of a profession where people put in the extra effort for kids while simultaneously being bummed that classrooms aren’t supported the way they should be. Consider sharing this newsletter and the teacher lists to support fellow educators.

Have a great weekend!

Article Spotlight

• Clear the List Movement: How Teachers are Crowdsourcing Classroom Supplies and Making a Difference - While the Clear the List movement is a heartwarming initiative that showcases community support for education, it also underscores the systemic issues in educational funding.
• Transform Your Teaching With CoGrader: AI-Powered Feedback Tool - If grading and other tasks overwhelm you, meet CoGrader—your new best friend. This tool uses artificial intelligence to make grading easier, giving you more time to teach. Let me explain what CoGrader can do, how it works, and why you'll soon wonder how you managed without it.

Clear These Lists - Consider supporting these teachers by contributing and sharing with others.

• 2nd Grade Teacher Ms. Kratz
• Teacher and Harry Potter Fanatic Ms. Curry, M.Ed
• 6th Grade Teacher and Techie Sarah Camp

1

I Learned Something, Now What?

“The most useful professional development (PD) is not in the “sit and get” moment at a conference or in-service training, though there can be sudden and lasting moments of insight in each. The most effective “stuff” of professional learning is in the personal reflection, application, connection, and conversation that follow these experiences.” After a PD session, consider creating sketchnotes, writing a reflective piece (even better when you share it), and finally, using your newly acquired information, identify something in your teaching practice you want to change.

2

The Human Touch

AI will never be able to replace human teachers. While AI can provide shortcuts, it falls short in fostering genuine intellectual growth and cannot offer the emotional and social support that human teachers do. Effective education hinges on human interaction, essential for academic success and psychological well-being.

3

Just Ask Scrooge

Changing how you define happiness can have a profound impact on your life. It’s not about possessions or status. Conversely, true happiness comes from being true to yourself and helping others, a viewpoint supported by both scientific studies and philosophical teachings. Just ask Scrooge.

4

Social Sins

“The Seven Social Sins are:

Wealth without work.

Pleasure without conscience.

Knowledge without character.

Commerce without morality.

Science without humanity.

Worship without sacrifice.

Politics without principle.”

From a sermon given by Frederick Lewis Donaldson in Westminster Abbey, London, on March 20, 1925.

5

Teacher Commuter Playlist - The Way To Your Heart by Soulsister

Choose Your Own Adventure

• A list of useful and overlooked skills.
• Advice to your younger self.
• 23 ways to check for understanding.
• Middle school teachers know what it means to be fueled by caffeine and eye rolls.