Hey I-Team and Happy May! It's that time of the year where we celebrate graduates at every level. So in my usual fashion, I've decided to dedicate this post to the Class of 2023. Now before I do that, I want to shout out all of my fellow educators by saying...the count down to summer vacation is on y'all!  Now for those of you who are retiring at the end of this school year, congratulations. To those of you who've decided to leave education and pursue other areas of interest, congratulations to you on your new journey. Working in schools in this day and age is certainly not for the faint at heart; it takes grit, patience, and a love for what you do because when it comes to the pay...well...I digress.
​So any who...it's no secret that when faced with obstacles in life, they will either make you or break you. So if you're reading this post and you're a current graduate, brace yourself for all the good and not so great that life will send your way. 
     Like most commencement ceremonies, there's always the main speaker who offers graduates words of  advice before exiting the stage. Sometimes those words stick with you for a few days, but gradually, they fade away. And when we find ourselves in the midst of adversity, or when we're not selected to move forward in the interview process for a job, or when we have to adapt to a new way of living after the loss of a close family member or friend, that's when we have to dig deep within ourselves to seek solace so that we can move forward. In saying that, I believe that in order to achieve success, it takes three key ingredients. They have less to do with what others see on the outside, but EVERYTHING  to do with the changes that happen to you internally.
On the latest episode of the Intentional Instruction Podcast, I talk more in depth about those  three key ingredients that I believe are necessary for success. To listen, just click here.

The Intentional Toolkit
Inside the Intentional Toolkit I've also included a few important articles that are connected to this blog post and podcast episode. To access them just click on the toolkit at the bottom of this page; from there you'll be able to open the PDF. As always, I hope you find these resources useful.

​Well that's all for now, but I would love to hear from you. If there was something that was written in this post or if you heard something when listening to the podcast episode where you had an "aha" moment, share your positive thoughts or solution based comments below. If you listen to the podcast on Spotify, you can share your thoughts on that platform as well. The I-Team community is all about educating with purpose, so let's continue to educate, uplift, and inspire our youth.
     And finally, for those fearless educators who are returning back to work in the Fall, I'd like to personally say thank you for your service and congratulations to you as well. Please make sure that you recharge because you know the start of any new school year is always extremely busy...so rest up. Until next time, go out there and be GREAT!
    
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     Hey hey I-Team! Happy March! To me, this month always welcomes the newness of Spring. I also know Spring is on the horizon when daily t.v. shows are interrupted because of the coverage of the NCAA Basketball Tournament known as March Madness. Then there's Daylight Savings Time which challenges all of us to Spring Forward. And in school districts across the country, there's the annual Spring Testing for the state. So needless to say, teachers continue to work hard making sure their students are prepared to show up and do their best on the test...which brings me to my next point...
 A few weeks ago, fifth grade students in my school were introduced to decimals. The unit opened with students having to shade in base ten models based on a given number (i.e. 0.1. 0.35. etc.). This was important since the goal of the activities in this part of the unit was to give students a visual to see that each place to the right of the decimal gets ten times smaller (i.e. tenths, hundredths, thousandths, etc). I've found that students in fourth and fifth grade have a difficult time understanding this idea initially. This may be due in part to the fact that in the earlier grades, they learned that base ten blocks show how whole numbers get ten times larger when moved to the left on the place value chart (i.e. ones, tens, hundreds, etc.) For students in grades 4 and 5 to learn just the opposite when it comes to decimals...well, it's definitely a shift in thinking.
     Then, I thought back to when I learned how to solve problems involving decimals. And you know what? I honestly don't remember my teacher giving me any base ten blocks or even a place value chart. I just remember her writing problems on the board and showing the class how to solve them.
Now to be totally honest, my dad gets the credit for explaining the place value of the digits to the right of the decimal. Although I didn't have a visual to make meaning of those values, I memorized what each place meant. What I learned later was that 0.1 really stood for 1/10; that 0.35 really stood for 35/100. I began to see that later, but when I was in fourth and fifth grade, I only remember learning because I did it the way my teacher told me to. 
     What's interesting is that there's more access to math resources that support students' understanding of math at a deeper level, or at least more than I remember having access to when I was in grade school. Interestingly, a 2022 report from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) shows that 36% of fourth graders and 26% of eighth graders are proficient in math. Of course we know that learning loss during the pandemic attributed to student achievement. But since returning back to in person learning, the insurmountable challenges that schools are facing continues to grow. What will these challenges mean for school districts when it comes to accountability? Can schools in underserved communities recover from the challenges they face on a daily basis? And can schools in general make progress in the area of mathematics? How can American students compete with students in other countries if  test scores continue to decline each year? 
On the Intentional Instruction Podcast, I am joined by my guest Dr. Joslyn Richardson.
Dr. Richardson currently serves as a math specialist and curriculum writer through the education department at Washington University. She shares her insight on best math practices that are not only equitable for all students, but also timely. Just click here to listen to the episode.
The Intentional Toolkit
Inside the Intentional Toolkit I've also included a few important articles that are connected to this blog post and podcast episode. To access them just click on the toolkit at the bottom of this page; from there you'll be able to open the PDF. As always, I hope you find these resources useful.

​Well that's all for now, but I would love to hear from you. If there was something that was written in this post or if you heard something when listening to the podcast episode where you had an "aha" moment, share your positive thoughts or solution based comments below. If you listen to the podcast on Spotify, you can share your thoughts on that platform as well. The I-Team community is all about educating with purpose, so let's continue to educate, uplift, and inspire our youth. Until next time, go out there and be GREAT!
     

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     Hey I-Team! Happy New Year! I hope you enjoyed your Christmas holiday and I hope you're looking forward to all  the blessings that 2023 brings your way! In my experience, I've come to realize that although life certainly has its moments of ups, downs, turns and twists, it's through life's challenges that we gain wisdom. Overcoming a challenge or accomplishing a difficult task becomes the testimony that allows us to speak life altering words of encouragement to others when they face similar circumstances. The late Archbishop Desmond Tutu was once quoted saying "there is only one way to eat an elephant: one bite at a time". I also remember a conversation that I had once with my oldest brother. We were discussing his health and the challenges that he faced. I remember his words so clearly; he said "I just take it one day at a time". My takeaway from both of those wise men is that we need to simply do a little at a time without becoming overwhelmed focusing on the big picture. 
     Too much information better known as TMI has become synonymous with the internet. For one thing, we've become so inundated with information that it sends our brains into overdrive. I think about my role as an instructional coach; there's so much information and so many resources out there around this role that you really have to narrow it down before deciding which information will best support the work you're doing with classroom teachers. Now I do understand that there are some things that are time sensitive and require immediate attention, but how might we as coaches best support our teachers in a way that allows them to accomplish a classroom goal that shows immediate results? 
     In the latest episode of the Intentional Instruction Podcast, I discuss the step-by-step approach to granular coaching. This approach allows both the coach and the classroom teacher to focus in on small bite-sized steps in a specific area. By giving the teacher an opportunity to master the targeted area, immediate feedback is also crucial. In all, strong improvement on the part of the classroom teacher ultimately leads to student achievement. To find out more about this approach to instructional coaching, just click here to listen. 
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The Intentional Toolkit
Inside the Intentional Toolkit I've also included a few articles that are timely and connected to this blog post and podcast episode. To access them just click on the toolkit at the bottom of this page; from there you'll be able to open the PDF. As always, I hope you find these resources useful.

Well that's all for now, but I do hope you enjoy the remaining weeks of January as this weather in my part of the U.S. has felt more like Spring instead of Winter...but hey, who's complaining? After all I'm just going do as my oldest brother once said and take it "one day at a time". Until next time, go out there and be GREAT!

     Happy October I-Team! I hope you're enjoying this beautiful month as well as the changing of the season. This month's blog post brings a couple of words to the forefront of my mind... self control and self regulation. To some, those words may not necessarily resonate with them, but for others such as myself, both words have become all too familiar since returning to school post pandemic.
     Self control and self regulation are often times associated with Social Emotional Learning. Now  Social Emotional Learners (SEL's) are students who need additional supports or frequent visuals to help them regulate their behavior. If you haven't heard of SEL, a simple definition can be defined as the development of self-awareness, self-control, and interpersonal skills needed to function in society. Interestingly, research points out that schools that promote social and emotional learning are critical to students’ academic, social, personal, and professional success (Durlak et al., 2011).
     Although some students may not require as much support as others in this area, it can lead to a great deal of challenges for the classroom teacher if limited research based curriculum, targeted Professional Development, and ongoing support from trained professionals are missing from the equation.  It's necessary that in order for schools to be successful when working with Social Emotional Learners, it really takes an "all hands on deck" approach. 
     On the Intentional Instruction Podcast, I discuss the five competencies of Social Emotional Learning.  I also talk about how student support staff play a major role when helping this group of learners be successful in school. Click here to tune in!

The Intentional Toolkit
Inside the Intentional Toolkit I've also included a few articles that are timely and connected to this blog post and podcast episode. To access them just click on the toolkit at the bottom of this page; from there you'll be able to open the PDF. As always, I hope you find these resources useful.

​Well that's all for now, but as you enjoy this beautiful Fall month, please remember to take good care of yourself and those you love. Until next time, go out there and be GREAT!
     

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     Hey I-Team! I'm so happy to be back from my summer break. Now even though the summer always seems to go by in a flash, I did get a chance to relax and enjoy my time off. And now that we're two weeks into the new school year, it's back to sharing educational, uplifting, and inspiring content on the Intentional Instruction Blog! 
     So over the summer, I was watching video clips on TikTok when I kept running across videos that really caught my attention. In the clips that I watched, people talked about five things you should never do if for example, you are a mom. Other videos included things such as five things you should never do in Corporate America. Then, there was the one about five things you should never do as a Neurosurgeon, etc.
After watching those clips, it really got me to thinking... not so much about things that you shouldn't do, but it made me think about things that I always try my best to do every year in my current role as an Instructional Coach. Want to hear  what those top 5 things are? Then head on over to the Intentional Instruction Podcast to listen to the latest episode. In fact, I'm making it easy for you to check it out...just click here and enjoy hearing what my top 5 things are!

The Intentional Toolkit
Inside the Intentional Toolkit I've also included a few articles that are timely and connected to this blog post and podcast episode. To access them just click on the toolkit at the bottom of this page; from there you'll be able to open the PDF. As always, I hope you find these resources useful.
     
Well, that's all for now. But if you are a first year Instructional Coach, congratulations and welcome aboard! I hope that after listening to my latest podcast episode, you'll be confident adjusting to your new role whether in a new school or the school that you worked in as a classroom teacher. And to all of my fellow educators at every level, here's to a successful 2022-2023 school year! Until next time...go out there and be GREAT!

     Hey I-Team! Happy June! After such a challenging school year, I'm so excited about summer vacation because now I get a chance to kick back, relax, and finally catch up on some summer reading ya know? I mean, just being able to read a novel and feeling like you're right there in the chapter along with the characters is truly one of the highlights of reading a great book in my opinion...I'm just saying....
And speaking of great books, last week at my school, the librarian was able to secure a grant for over 15,000 paperback books through an initiative called Raising Readers. The books were labeled, organized, and have been distributed  to various Title I elementary schools in the district. And one of the cool things about this reading initiative is that students can trade books throughout the summer at a school site in the district. Specific sites will have a mailbox set up outside the school which will act as a "little library". The goal is to encourage reading over the summer and ultimately a love of literacy beyond that. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this idea!!!! Building strong readers is critical in order for them to function in society. This brings me to the point for writing my post.
     Countless articles have been written discussing the impact the pandemic had on learning loss. More specifically the learning loss that students across the country faced this school year in math and of course reading. Now if we were truly honest, literacy has been a challenge for struggling readers years before COVID was ever thought about. But what's even more challenging is when foundational skills aren't addressed in the early years for our youngest learners. 
In a 2009 report by the National Institute for Literacy, it was noted that literacy is essential to developing a strong sense of well-being and citizenship. Children who have developed strong reading skills perform better in school and have a healthier self-image.  
     So how can we address this issue during the early years of schooling? On the Intentional Instruction Podcast, I interviewed Academic Interventionist  and owner of the Tutoring Teacher Learning Center LLC. Ms. Shonda Northern. This episode is timely as both the blog and podcast commemorate Juneteenth  which will be celebrated on June 19, 2022. In honor of this occasion, I also wanted to shine a spotlight on a Black Owned business; one that aligns with the mantra of Intentional Instruction, which is to Educate, Uplift, and Inspire! Check out my interview with Ms. Northern by clicking here.
   
​The Intentional Toolkit
Inside the Intentional Toolkit I've also included a few articles that are timely and are connected to the blog and podcast discussion. To access them just click on the toolkit at the bottom of this page; from there you'll be able to open the PDF. I've also included the email address for the Tutoring Teacher Learning Center LLC. You can access it by clicking on the Tutoring Teacher logo at the bottom of this page. And don't forget to check out this month's podcast episode for additional contact information in case you or someone you know would like to learn more about Ms. Northern's tutoring services. As always, I hope you find these resources useful.
     
Well, that's all for now. But as you take in these warm summer days ahead, I'm hopeful that you'll soak up the sun, take good care of yourselves, and if you're like me, you'll definitely take some time to get lost in a good book. Until next time, go out there and be GREAT!
     
      

     Hey I-Team, and  Happy May! I know all of my fellow educators love the sound of that since it's that time of year where the 2021-2022 school year is winding down...please excuse me  as I pause from typing to do a little happy dance!!!!!!!!!!!!! Y'all this has been a year, but through all of the challenges, we are almost at the end of the school year. And this brings me to write a post dedicated to celebrations at every level.
​     About a week ago, my niece was showing us pictures of her youngest sister who went to her Senior Prom. Looking at the pictures and video, I just shook my head in disbelief. I wondered "where in the world did the time go?" It seemed like it was just yesterday that my niece's sister was toddling around the house holding on to her bottle. And now here we were looking at pictures and videos of this beautiful young lady as she headed off to her prom with her date. Of course soon to follow after the prom comes the graduation. Then it hit me...my niece's baby sister will soon be heading off to college in the Fall. I guess it's true what they say, nothing stays the same, everything changes. So now here we are in the month of May and the family is in celebration mode.
     To be totally honest, the May blog post and podcast episode is one of my favorites. This is the time where I give my message of encouragement and positivity to those success makers at every level. Well actually my goal is to do that in every post, but I especially make it a point to do that in May. Interested in hearing my 2022 address to all graduates and those who've accomplished a goal this year? Head on over to the Intentional Instruction Podcast and tune in. Or better yet, just click the link here to check out the episode.

  Simply Coaching Summit 2022
     And speaking of celebrations, I'm excited to share with you that I'll be presenting at this year's Simply Coaching Summit!  This conference is a series of Professional Development Opportunities designed with Teacher Leaders, Instructional Coaches, and Aspiring School Administrators in mind. If you're interested in attending this 3-day virtual summit, just visit www.simplycoachingsummit.com for more information. 

​  The Intentional Toolkit
     Inside the Intentional Toolkit I've also included a few articles that are timely and connected to the blog and podcast discussion. To access them just click on the toolkit below. From there you'll be able to open the PDF. As always, I hope you find these resources useful.
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     Well that's all for now, but graduates, in those days ahead when it feels like nothing is going your way, or when you find yourself in spaces with people who don't believe that you have what it takes to succeed, think back to that moment of achievement. Think about the pride and joy you felt walking across that stage to receive your diploma (the one that you EARNED). Then remember who you are and Whose you are. I'm reminded of this prolific rapper  by the name of Ermias Asghedom aka Nipsey Hussle who once said "it's not what's on you, it's what's in you that counts".  And you...you have what it takes to succeed. Until next time, go out there and be GREAT!

     Hey I-Team! I hope this month of April finds you well. So this month I thought I'd take time to remind everyone about the importance of "checking in". I remember a few months ago when I called our handyman who has done work around the house over the years. I hadn't heard from him in a while and I just thought I' give him a call to see how he was doing. When he answered the phone, he was sure I was calling to set up a day that he could come to the house to do another fabulous room renovation. But to his surprise, I told him that I was just checking in to see how he was doing. He thanked me for calling, then he went on to tell me that he had been down for a couple of weeks but that he was back on the mends. Before our called ended, he thanked me again for calling to check in to see how he was doing.     
     That short conversation with our family handyman made me reflect on how I've been able to build productive relationships with the teachers I coach. By intentionally making it my business to check in with them regularly, I've found that it's made it easier to learn more about how they like to be coached and what works best for them in terms of the autonomy of their instructional goals/practices.
In the latest episode of the Intentional Instruction Podcast, I talk about specific things that I do as an Instructional Coach to make my weekly check in with classroom teachers meaningful for everyone. Interested in listening to the episode? Head on over to the podcast or better yet, just click here to check it out.

​  The Intentional Toolkit
Inside the Intentional Toolkit I've also included a few articles that are timely and are connected to the blog and podcast discussion. To access them just click on the toolkit at the bottom of this page. From there you'll be able to open the PDF. I also created an infographic that shows you some of the topics I include in my weekly check in with teachers. You can grab that infographic by clicking here. As always, I hope you find these resources useful.

     Well that's all for now. But if you don't take anything else away from this post or the podcast episode, please remember to take good care of yourself and others. You'll be surprised what a difference a phone call, text, or brief face-to-face conversation makes! Until next time, go out there and be GREAT!

     Hey I-Team and Happy Black History Month! I hope the month of February finds you well. 
Recently, I observed one of the PE Teachers at my school interacting with a student. I noticed that since the start of this school year, before that student begins the day, he makes sure he talks to the PE teacher. When the child walks away,  he walks away smiling and in a hurry to get back to class. So me, being the inquisitive person that I am, asked the PE teacher what does he say to that student that makes him so eager to start his day. The teacher told me that he checks in with that student twice a day (once in the morning and again in the afternoon). He said that he starts their conversations by connecting to things that are meaningful to the student outside of school (i.e. favorite video game, sport, upcoming weekend activities, etc.).
      He went on to say that next he reminds the student of school expectations and how to manage his behavior when he becomes upset throughout the day. Once they establish those things, he motivates the student by reminding him that he can do it. That's when he leaves the student with encouraging words so that he can have a great day. When school is over at the end of the day, he and the student meet to discuss how his day went. If things go well, the child receives a small trinket or incentive. If his day isn't good, the PE teacher said that they review the expectations and he reminds the child that he isn't looking for him to be perfect, but that he is looking for him to make choices that allow him to turn his day around. Just watching their interaction at school makes me smile. Now you might be reading this post and wondering what that has to do with the title, well it's simple, the teacher is a Black Male and the student is a young Black Male. So in saying all of that, there is not doubt, the role that Black Educators play in schools at every level is important... simply put...Black Educators Matter!
     In celebration of this extraordinary group of individuals, this month's episode of the Intentional Instruction Podcast is dedicated to the important role they play in schools. And if you listen until the end, you'll hear my special announcement.  Just click here for this month's episode.

The Intentional Toolkit
Inside the Intentional Toolkit I've also included a few articles that are timely and are connected to the blog and podcast discussion. To access them just click on the toolkit at the bottom of this page. From there you'll be able to open the PDF. As always, I hope you find these resources useful.

Well that's all for now. But as you rise to educate, uplift, and inspire students from PreK-college, know that you are the true agent of change. Although your impact and your name might not ever be known to the rest of the world, I'm reminded of a quote that I found on social media that really touched me. It read "Don't strive to be well known, strive to be worth knowing". And that, I-Team, makes all the difference. Until next time...go out there and be GREAT!
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