I begin each class with a brief meditation. Using a Tibetan Singing Bowl, I invite students to listen to the sound of the bowl as it drops off then to drop in on their breathing. Just listen to how the breath flows in and out.

The “micro” meditation lasts a few minutes at the most but seems to make all the difference. Instead of rushing into the learning process, we ease into, flow into it more gently, we slow down to go faster.

Starting class with meditation allows them...

After the school year ended, I continually reflected on what I could have done better. Even though I thought I knew my students well, I could have always known them better. From the moment they enter the classroom, a teacher is trying to get to know the family, the student academically, the background they bring with them, issues, problems, struggles, likes, dislikes, and ultimately what will help a student...

Each month as an educator, it is important for teachers to reflect on his or her classroom practices and the how and whys of what we do. April is Autism Awareness month, and this is such a special time because as teachers and leaders, we should self-reflect on things we can do better or differently to help all children-including children with autism succeed. High expectations for all students are vital. In...