Cloi’s Opening and Closing Routines

Cloi’s Opening and Closing Routines

I met Cloi, a wonderfully Together first-grade teacher, at a recent training here in DC. From the moment we met, I was drooling over her Together Tools. There is much to share, but I honed in on her paper-based Weekly Worksheet with a focus on her ROUTINES. Here’s a...
What To Do with “Found” Time?

What To Do with “Found” Time?

Most people are trying to squeeze the most they can out of their time, but what about when you have “found” time? For example, last Monday, I FINALLY, FINALLY, FINALLY had my TSA pre-check appointment way out in Alexandria, VA. For those of you not familiar with the...
Unstick Yourself: First the What, Then the When

Unstick Yourself: First the What, Then the When

Inevitably, at some point toward the end of a Together Teacher workshop, when it is time to actually sit down and map out priorities, To-Do’s, and timed appointments for the following week, people hit a wall. They feel completely stuck and overloaded, torn between...
Efficiency, Efficiency, Efficiency: Thank You Notes to Students

Efficiency, Efficiency, Efficiency: Thank You Notes to Students

If you are like most teachers I know, I bet you received a bunch of creative, thoughtful and downright strange holiday gifts from your students. If you are like one teacher who lives in my home (ahem), they may still be sitting next to your desk (after your wife...
Stop the Avoidance: Don’t Let IT Become a Psychic Mountain

Stop the Avoidance: Don’t Let IT Become a Psychic Mountain

Welcome back from Thanksgiving break. After confessing to my husband that it was me who ate half the apple pie, I figure it is time to come clean about one of my professional tendencies. If Tony can be so honest, I should also follow suit. . . I’ve faced some serious...