It’s time! Back-to-school for great North Carolina teachers positively impacting students and families across our state. The NCCAT faculty has put together these recommendations hoping it will help you start the year off on the right track!
Jennifer Redfearn, STEM Specialist – Educators Collaboration
"I recommend that teachers share ideas about what works best in each other’s classrooms! Spend intentional time with other educators sharing best practices and resources before the school year starts!
There is never a bad time for an informal PLC meeting…… teachers should always take time to learn from each other!
You never know what great nugget a teacher can give that will make the school year more enjoyable and productive for you and your students!"
Jason Lineberger, Senior Digital Learning Specialist – Classroom setup
"Back-to-school has always been a time for me to reflect on my own teaching practice. It’s a time when I think back on the past year and what I might like to adjust in my approach, and I keep that in mind when laying out my classroom.
When I made the shift to intentionally add more opportunities for performance in my high school English classroom, I laid out my classroom to create a dedicated space for that. Are you planning to incorporate more movement in your lessons? Or maybe you’re rediscovering the power of stations at the secondary level.
Either way, setting up your classroom furniture with your new focus in mind will help you meet your instructional goals and serve as a daily reminder of your new approach."
Emily Myers, Senior Math Specialist – Building Community
"Building community in the classroom is so important for creating a welcoming learning environment for students. Back to school is the perfect time to reflect on how you will build a strong community within your classroom.
My favorite resources for building a community are team-building activities, games, and projects that allow students to express their identities.
One of my favorites is "And I'm a Mathematician" from YouCubed. Tools 4 NC Teachers also offers great resources for building community for K-5 math educators."
Gin Hodge, Senior Early Grades Literacy Specialist – Meet the Teachers
"Meet Your Teacher Day was always the most exciting day of the year for me. It was like opening presents on the biggest holiday of the year.
As the parents, grandparents, and guardians entered my classroom with their precious children, I always took pictures of the child with their family. I would print these pictures and affix them to an index card with the child’s contact information.
As the year progressed and I needed to make a call home, I would have a picture of whom I was speaking, a visual reminder of the love of that child. Of course, you can take care of this digitally, but I would love to have a physical copy in my hand."
We hope these faculty recommendations have inspired and encouraged you. You've got this!
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Teacher Feedback
“I truly appreciate this week of learning and relaxation. The NCCAT staff and instructor for this week was truly amazing and it has made me want to return soon. I can truly say leaving here that I feel more confident as a beginning teacher and am excited for the school year to come.”
- Emma Clark-
Success From the Start: How to Survive and Thrive Your First Three Years
Have a great school year! Thank you for all you do! See you at NCCAT soon.