“Miss Bleser is strict!” I’m never quite sure how to respond when I hear that. The word carries such a negative connotation. Strict makes me think of a scowl that intimidates children. I picture a stifled classroom environment where students are afraid to make mistakes. But if you walk into my classroom, you’d sense a… Read More

We’ve all heard about the awesome benefits of meditation. But let’s be honest — meditation is an intimidating word. It feels huge. It feels lofty and unattainable. It feels like something better suited to some enlightened spiritual leader than a busy and stressed-as-all-get-out teacher. Am I right? Here’s the thing though: Meditation is attainable. It… Read More

Motivation can be a mosquito in the night. You can hear it buzzing in your ear, but when you reach out to crush it, all you catch is air. You understand the importance of getting things done. You probably talked to one — or all — of your students about it in class today. And… Read More

Modern classrooms are a reflection of the fast-paced world we live in. Multiple tasks and students consistently vie for your attention. In this kind of brisk environment, self-care becomes extremely important for educators. Self-care is not synonymous with selfish Teaching is a true balancing act of attending to the needs of many different people. You… Read More

The science of chemistry is much more than observing reactions when combining two or more different types of chemicals. Our understanding of the universe, our planet, and humans as electrochemical beings is fundamentally based on understanding the principles of chemistry. This makes learning about chemical processes through experimentation vital to the concepts of Science, Technology,… Read More

Teachers are experts at thinking on their feet. They have to be. When a teachable moment arises, educators are there to grasp it firmly with both hands, adapt to the cadence of the classroom, and insert it seamlessly into the day’s lessons. This flexibility is a true asset and a commonplace occurrence for most educators…. Read More

Ugh, mornings. Am I right? That nagging alarm clock, disgruntled sleepyheads, burnt toast, cereal bowls…chaos just takes right over. Getting out the door is a scramble and it’s a miracle if you don’t have to go back in the house for your phone or your keys or your three-year-old. But here’s the thing: It really… Read More

The internet is swimming in advice on how the world can wake up earlier and find more time to lead more productive lives. CEOs brag about their early morning rituals. Celebrities tout crack-of-dawn routines that help them focus throughout the day. Fledgling novelists swear it’s the only time to get writing done. That’s all fine… Read More

Creativity relieves our stress and invigorates our imagination. It’s a route to clarity or an outlet for frustrations. It brings peace and unlimited excitement. So why not dedicate your focus to getting those creative juices pumping through your veins?  Check out our 30 days worth of inspiring activities creative teachers need to power through any… Read More

Creative teachers aren’t afraid to take risks. They search for inspiration in even the most mundane of places. They ask themselves silly questions and strive to find inventive answers. They play. They experiment. They explore. These teachers flip problems around to see what’s underneath, then hope it’s not chewed gum.  You are so creative in… Read More

If you really want to understand what a skateboard is, you could say it’s just a plank of wood with some roller skate wheels attached to it via a chunk of metal. Of course, that’s a major simplification of what is essentially a highly engineered means of transport. The simple design of a skateboard might… Read More

Every teacher has “one of those days.” The kids are okay, but you feel … well, anxious. Stress and anxiety are natural in the life of a teacher, but it can do more than ruin your day. Stress can affect your behavior, thinking ability, and even physical health. It’s important to find your sanity and… Read More

Let’s say your morning begins with a fresh outlook, unwrinkled papers, and that optimistic feeling of being ready to take on the world. Then the day happens. Stress compounds and soon enough your attitude, like most of those fresh papers, starts to crumple. You can feel the tension claiming the muscles of your body. Your… Read More

There’s nothing better than a great giggle that snowballs into a guffaw, that results in a snort, that has you doubled over in hysterics. Whether you chuckle, giggle, yuck-it-up, cackle, or crack the heck up, it feels great to laugh and make others laugh with you. But laughter does more than take your breath away… Read More