Unveiling the Best Google Drive Features for Teachers: A Must-Read Guide

In the ever-evolving world of technology, teachers continually seek tools to enhance their teaching experience. Google Drive has emerged as a favorite, offering a plethora of features tailored to the needs of educators. This comprehensive guide will explore the best Google Drive features for teachers, shedding light on how these features can transform your daily routine.

1. Offline Access: One of the Best Google Drive Features for Teachers

Never Worry About Losing Connection Again

Among the best Google Drive features for teachers is the ability to make files available for offline use. This feature ensures you can access your lesson plans, slides, or sheets without an internet connection. Here’s how to enable it:

Use Google Chrome: It’s the recommended browser for this feature.
Enable Offline Access: Go to settings in Google Drive and check the offline use box.
Choose Specific Files: Select the Google Slides, Sheets, and Docs you need offline.

This feature is a lifesaver, especially for those in areas with unreliable internet connections.

2. The Priority Section: Your Personalized Hub

Quickly Access Your Favorite Files and Folders

The Priority section is another one of the best Google Drive features for teachers, allowing you to favorite or easily access different files or folders. Here’s how to make the most of it:

Add to Priority: Right-click on any file or folder and select “Add to Priority.”
Remove from Priority: Right-click again to remove it from the Priority section.

This feature keeps your most-used files and folders at your fingertips, saving valuable time.

3. The Side Panel: Integration with Other Google Apps

All Your Essential Tools in One Place

The side panel in Google Drive, one of the best Google Drive features for teachers, offers easy access to Google Calendar, Keep, and Tasks. You can:

View Your Calendar: See your schedule without leaving Google Drive.
Add Notes in Google Keep: Quickly jot down notes or reminders.
Manage Tasks: Add and manage tasks seamlessly.

This feature enhances productivity by keeping essential tools within reach.

4. Shared Drives: Team Collaboration Made Easy

Share Files Without the Hassle

Shared drives are among the best Google Drive features for teachers, providing a seamless way to share files between team members. Here’s why it’s beneficial:

Team Ownership: Files belong to the entire team, not just one person.
Access Levels: Customize the access level for different members.
Ease of Collaboration: Ideal for sharing lesson files or collaborative planning notes.

Shared drives simplify collaboration, making teamwork a breeze.

5. Converting Files: Transitioning Between PowerPoint and Google Slides

Flexibility at Your Fingertips

Converting files between PowerPoint and Google Slides is one of the best Google Drive features for teachers. You can:

Convert Individual Files: Change PowerPoint files to Google Slides effortlessly.
Download as PowerPoint: Take Google Slides files and download them as PowerPoint.
Automatic Conversion: Set up automatic conversion for new PowerPoints to Google Slides.

This feature offers flexibility, allowing you to easily work with various file types.

Conclusion: Embrace the Best Google Drive Features for Teachers

Google Drive is more than just a storage platform; it’s a treasure trove of features designed to make teachers’ lives easier. By embracing the best Google Drive features for teachers outlined in this guide, you can streamline your workflow, enhance collaboration, and enjoy a more efficient teaching experience.

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Building Strong Relationships with Teachers: A Comprehensive Guide for Instructional Coaches

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As an instructional coach, the ability to foster and maintain strong relationships with teachers is not just a desirable trait; it’s a fundamental necessity. These relationships form the cornerstone of impactful teacher decisions and student growth. The following strategies provide a comprehensive guide to building these vital connections:

1. Acknowledge and Celebrate Successes

Recognizing and applauding the good work that teachers are doing is more than a mere pat on the back. It’s a powerful way to build trust and demonstrate that you are genuinely invested in their success. Regularly highlighting their big and small achievements fosters a positive environment and encourages continuous improvement.

2. Maintain a Student-Centric Approach

Emphasizing that your primary goal is to support teachers in enhancing student learning creates a shared sense of purpose. It aligns your objectives with theirs and underscores that the ultimate focus is on student achievement. This alignment fosters collaboration and ensures all efforts are directed towards a common goal.

3. Understand the Individual Behind the Teacher

Building a relationship goes beyond knowing a teacher’s name and subject area. It involves delving into their values, beliefs, motivations, and personal interests. By understanding what drives them, you can tailor your approach and demonstrate that you see them as unique individuals, not just professionals.

4. Share Your Journey and Vision

Transparency about your own journey, including why you became an instructional coach and what your goals are, creates a connection on a personal level. It helps teachers understand your perspective and shows you are committed to a shared vision of success.

5. Be a Constant Presence

Availability is key to building relationships. Being visible in various school spaces, attending meetings, and regularly checking in with teachers shows that you value their time and are actively engaged in their professional development. It’s not just about being there; it’s about being accessible and approachable[4].

6. Adapt to Individual Needs

Different teachers have different needs, challenges, and learning styles. Learning how to differentiate your approach for each teacher shows empathy and understanding. It builds trust by demonstrating that you recognize their unique circumstances and are willing to adapt your methods to support them effectively.

Conclusion

Building relationships as an instructional coach is a complex and nuanced process that requires time, effort, empathy, and understanding. It’s not a one-size-fits-all approach but a dynamic and evolving journey. By implementing these strategies, instructional coaches can create meaningful connections that lead to positive teacher decisions and, ultimately, enhance student growth.

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How to Use Google Drive in the Classroom: A Teacher’s Guide

In today’s digital age, the classroom is no longer confined to four walls. Educators can create a dynamic and collaborative learning environment with tools like Google Drive. This guide focuses on how to use Google Drive in the classroom, offering insights and tips to enhance teaching and learning experiences.

What is Google Drive, and Why Use It in the Classroom?

Google Drive is a cloud-based storage system that allows users to save, share, and collaborate on files. Here’s why it’s a game-changer for educators:

Accessibility: Teachers and students can access files from anywhere, anytime.
Collaboration: Work on documents simultaneously, fostering teamwork and creativity.
Organization: Keep all classroom materials in one place, neatly organized.
Integration: Seamlessly integrate with other Google tools like Docs, Sheets, and Slides.

Getting Started: How to Use Google Drive in the Classroom

Setting Up Google Drive

Access Google Drive by visiting drive.google.com. Teachers can also install Google Drive on their PCs or mobile devices for on-the-go access.

Creating and Organizing Folders

Create folders for different subjects, projects, or students. Customize them with colors for easy identification.

Uploading Teaching Materials

Drag and drop files or use the “New” button to upload lesson plans, presentations, worksheets, etc.

Sharing Resources with Students

Share files or folders with students by generating a link or inviting them via email. Set permissions to control editing or viewing rights.

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Collaborative Learning with Google Drive

Collaborative Projects

Assign group projects where students can work together on the same document, encouraging collaboration and critical thinking.

Real-Time Feedback

Provide real-time feedback on students’ work by adding comments directly in the documents.

Classroom Portfolios

Students can create digital portfolios within Google Drive, showcasing their work throughout the year.

Tips for Using Google Drive in the Classroom

Set Clear Guidelines: Teach students how to use Google Drive responsibly and set clear guidelines for collaboration.
Use Templates: Create templates for common assignments to streamline the process.
Explore Add-Ons: Utilize add-ons and extensions that integrate with Google Drive to enhance functionality.
Monitor Collaborations: Keep track of changes and contributions by using the “Version History” feature.

Conclusion: Embrace Digital Learning with Google Drive

How to use Google Drive in the classroom is a question with an exciting array of answers. From fostering collaboration to organizing resources, Google Drive offers a plethora of opportunities to enhance the learning experience.

Teachers can create a more engaging, interactive, and organized learning environment by integrating Google Drive into the classroom. It’s not just about storing files; it’s about creating a dynamic space where education thrives.

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Best New Books for Teachers September 2023

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September is coming, and you know what that means – a fresh start to the academic year and a chance to revamp your teaching toolkit. It’s also the perfect time to dive into some inspiring new reads that can transform your classroom experience. Whether you’re a seasoned teacher or just starting your journey, the right books can be your best friends, mentors, and even your daily dose of motivation.

So, what’s cooking in the literary world this September 2023? We’ve scoured the shelves, talked to the experts, and even sneaked a peek into some classrooms to bring you the absolute BEST new books for teachers. These aren’t just any books; they’re game-changers, filled with innovative ideas, practical strategies, and heartwarming stories that will resonate with educators of all stripes.

Ready to discover your next favorite book and take your teaching to the next level? Buckle up, because this list is packed with gems you won’t want to miss. Let’s dive in!

Punished for Dreaming: How School Reform Harms Black Children and How We Heal by Bettina L. Love

Dr. Bettina Love argues that Reagan’s War on Drugs ushered in a War on Black Children, pathologizing and penalizing them. She makes her case through the real lives of 25 Black Americans and sets out a roadmap to help repair the damage.

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Growing Up in Public: Coming of Age in a Digital World by Devorah Heitner

The kids in your classrooms live their lives in a public way we could never have imagined a few decades ago. This book is a must-read for parents and teachers who need to help them navigate today’s social media-driven world in a way that’s safe and supportive.

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Fair Play: How Sports Shape the Gender Debates by Katie Barnes

Title IX brought important changes to schools, especially when it came to sports. But clearly, the gender debates in sports (and the world in general) are far from over. This book evaluates multiple sides of the sensitive issue of transgender and intersex participation in sports and offers potential solutions. School sports coaches will find a lot to consider in this compelling read.

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Thanks for reading. This site and all the work shared here are completely reader-supported. The best way to support it is to check out my recommendations or subscribe to my weekly newsletter.

The Top 7 Professional Development Books for Teachers

Professional development is a cornerstone in the life of educators. It’s the fuel that drives growth, innovation, and success in the classroom. For teachers looking to enhance their skills, broaden their horizons, or simply find inspiration, professional development books are invaluable resources. In this guide, we’ve curated the top 7 professional development books for teachers available on Amazon. Each one offers unique insights and practical strategies tailored to the needs of modern educators. Let’s explore these gems!

1. “The Growth Mindset Coach” by Annie Brock and Heather Hundley

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The Growth Mindset Coach: A Teacher’s Month-by-Month Handbook for Empowering Students to Achieve

Brock, Annie (Author)
English (Publication Language)
248 Pages – 09/16/2022 (Publication Date) – Ulysses Press (Publisher)

Overview: Among the professional development books for teachers, this one stands out for its focus on fostering a growth mindset. It provides a month-by-month guide with exercises encouraging resilience and continuous learning.
Why Buy: If you’re a teacher aiming to create a positive learning environment, this professional development book is a must-read.

2. “Teach Like a Champion 3.0” by Doug Lemov

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Teach Like a Champion 3.0: 63 Techniques that Put Students on the Path to College

An excellent gift for educators, administrators and education majors
Book contains 62 techniques that put students on the path to college
Includes 75 video suggestions (found on my.teachlikeachampion.com)
Features the latest and best practices used by successful, respected educators
Lemov, Doug (Author)

Overview: This professional development book offers 63 techniques for successful teaching. It’s a hands-on guide with video demonstrations to enhance understanding.
Why Buy: Perfect for teachers seeking to refine their classroom management. It’s a practical addition to any professional development library.

3. “The Art of Coaching: Effective Strategies for School Transformation” by Elena Aguilar

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The Art of Coaching: Effective Strategies for School Transformation

Aguilar, Elena (Author)
English (Publication Language)
368 Pages – 03/04/2013 (Publication Date) – Jossey-Bass (Publisher)

Overview: Targeting instructional coaches and leaders, this professional development book offers insights into emotional intelligence and collaboration.
Why Buy: If you’re in a leadership role, this book will equip you with the tools for transformative education.

4. “Mindset: The New Psychology of Success” by Carol S. Dweck

Sale

Mindset: The New Psychology of Success

Hardcover Book
Dweck, Carol S. (Author)
English (Publication Language)
320 Pages – 02/28/2006 (Publication Date) – Random House (Publisher)

Overview: This groundbreaking professional development book explores how mindset affects success. It’s applicable to teachers and anyone interested in personal growth.
Why Buy: Ideal for educators looking to understand how mindset shapes learning. It’s a thought-provoking addition to professional development books for teachers.

5. “The Courage to Teach: Exploring the Inner Landscape of a Teacher’s Life” by Parker J. Palmer

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Overview: Among the more reflective professional development books for teachers, this one delves into the emotional and spiritual aspects of teaching.
Why Buy: If you’re seeking a deeper connection with your profession, this book offers a soulful exploration.

6. “Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us” by Daniel H. Pink

Sale

Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us

Great product!
Pink, Daniel H. (Author)
English (Publication Language)
288 Pages – 04/05/2011 (Publication Date) – Riverhead Books (Publisher)

Overview: A fresh perspective on motivation, this professional development book challenges traditional thinking and offers innovative strategies.
Why Buy: Great for teachers interested in student engagement. It’s a unique approach to professional development.

7. “The First Days of School: How to Be an Effective Teacher” by Harry K. Wong and Rosemary T. Wong

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THE First Days of School: How to Be an Effective Teacher, 5th Edition (Book & DVD)

Harry K. Wong;Rosemary T. Wong (Author)
English (Publication Language)
336 Pages – 05/31/2018 (Publication Date) – Harry K. Wong Publications (Publisher)

Overview: A classic guide for new teachers, this professional development book offers practical advice for building a successful classroom.
Why Buy: If you’re starting your teaching journey, this is a valuable companion among professional development books for teachers.

Conclusion

The world of education is ever-changing, and professional development books for teachers are essential tools to navigate this dynamic landscape. These top 7 professional development books for teachers offer diverse insights and strategies to cater to different needs and teaching styles. Whether you’re looking to inspire, innovate, or introspect, there’s a book on this list for you. Invest in your professional growth today with these exceptional reads. Happy teaching!

Thanks for reading. This site and all the work shared here are completely reader-supported. The best way to support it is to check out my recommendations or subscribe to my weekly newsletter.

How Small Are We…

Our posturings, our imagined self-importance, the delusion that we have some privileged position in the universe, are challenged by this point of pale light. Our planet is a lonely speck in the great enveloping cosmic dark.

Our posturings, our imagined self-importance, the delusion that we have some privileged position in the universe, are challenged by this point of pale light. Our planet is a lonely speck in the great enveloping cosmic dark.
Carl Sagan

The new school year rapidly approaches. We all have big plans. So do our students. Ultimately, our big plans just aren’t that big on the grand scale of the universe.

Remember, all we have is each other. We are on this journey together, all of us. And all we have to carry us through the day is the love of family and friends.

Enjoy this new school year, and keep in mind what really matters.

Thanks for reading. This site and all the work shared here are completely reader-supported. The best way to support it is to check out my recommendations or subscribe to my weekly newsletter.

Accessing Education: Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in Online Learning

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A recently published paper explores the challenges and opportunities for equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in online and hybrid learning. The study found that online and hybrid learning both supports and presents challenges to EDI, and that pedagogy and course design must be considered as a first step in addressing some of the challenges to EDI.

The study also found that further student support is needed to facilitate equity, diversity, and inclusion in online learning.

Overall, the paper highlights the importance of addressing EDI in online and hybrid learning and offers several recommendations for doing so.

These recommendations include:

Prioritizing the implementation of policies that support equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Considering the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) to ensure that course materials are accessible to all learners.
Providing training for instructors to use UDL principles to design and deliver courses that are inclusive and accessible to all learners.
Providing support for learners who face challenges related to access, such as those with learning differences and/or disabilities, or those who live in underserved, remote/rural communities.
Engaging with reconciliation, decolonization, and Indigenization as part of the pursuit of EDI goals.

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UDL and Blended Learning: Thriving in Flexible Learning Landscapes

Novak, Katie (Author)
English (Publication Language)
232 Pages – 05/29/2021 (Publication Date) – Impress (Publisher)

The paper also highlights the need for further student support to facilitate equity, diversity, and inclusion in online learning, and encourages readers to engage with reconciliation, decolonization, and Indigenization as part of the pursuit of EDI goals.

Thanks for reading. This site and all the work shared here are completely reader-supported. The best way to support it is to check out my recommendations or subscribe to my weekly newsletter.

3 Pillars of High-quality Blended Learning

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Catlin Tucker continues to lead the way in blended learning. Her most recent post outlines the three pillars of high-quality blended learning.

Tucker describes the three pillars of successful blended learning are student agency, differentiation, and control over the learning pace. Student agency involves giving students meaningful choices in their learning process, such as content-based choices on subjects or topics and process-based decisions on learning approaches or resources, fostering a sense of responsibility and engagement.

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The Complete Guide to Blended Learning: Activating Agency, Differentiation, Community, and Inquiry for Students (Essential guide to strategies and … student learning in blended environments)

Catlin R. Tucker (Author)
English (Publication Language)
232 Pages – 07/05/2022 (Publication Date) – Solution Tree Press (Publisher)

Differentiation, the second pillar, requires adjusting teaching methods to address each student’s unique needs and abilities. This could involve varying assignments based on proficiency levels or providing structured guides for students who need additional support. The final pillar is student control over the pace of learning. Misalignment between the pace of learning and the learner’s needs can lead to disengagement or distraction; therefore, granting students autonomy over the speed at which they learn enhances engagement and success. By integrating these pillars, educators can create robust blended learning environments, enhancing student engagement and improving educational outcomes.

Top 10 Books for Teachers to Kickstart the New School Year

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As the new school year begins, it’s essential for teachers to equip themselves with the right tools to navigate the challenges ahead. Among these tools, books can be a great source of inspiration, guidance, and self-care. Here are ten books that every teacher should consider reading as they embark on a new academic year.

The Happy Teacher Habits: 11 Habits of the Happiest, Most Effective Teachers on Earth by Michael Linsin

This book provides practical strategies for teachers to maintain positivity and effectiveness in the classroom. Linsin emphasizes the importance of habits in shaping our lives and offers insights on how to develop habits that lead to happiness and success in teaching.

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Quote: “Happiness isn’t something that just happens to you. It’s a choice. It’s a decision you make every morning, that you’re going to have a good day.”

Teach Like Your Hair’s on Fire: The Methods and Madness Inside Room 56 by Rafe Esquith

Esquith shares his innovative teaching methods and the extraordinary results they have yielded in his classroom. His passion for teaching and advocating for his students is infectious.

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Quote: “Real success is when a teacher is able to work under the hardest conditions and still turn out to be a great person. That’s real success.”

The Self-Care Solution: A Year of Becoming Happier, Healthier, and Fitter–One Month at a Time by Jennifer Ashton, M.D.

This book is a must-read for teachers who want to prioritize their health and well-being. Dr. Ashton provides a month-by-month guide to self-care that includes diet, exercise, and mental health strategies.

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Quote: “Self-care is not selfish. You cannot serve from an empty vessel.”

The Power of a Positive Team: Proven Principles and Practices that Make Great Teams Great by Jon Gordon

Gordon’s book is a guide to maintaining positivity and unity within a team, making it a great read for teachers who want to foster a positive learning environment.

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Quote: “A positive team is not just about being connected to each other. It’s about being committed to each other.”

Educated by Design: Designing the Space to Experiment, Explore, and Extract Your Creative Potential by Michael Cohen

This book encourages teachers to advocate for creativity in the classroom. Cohen provides a roadmap for designing a creative space that encourages students to explore their potential.

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Quote: “Creativity is not just about making ‘stuff’, it’s more importantly about developing a creative thinking mindset.”

The Courage to Teach: Exploring the Inner Landscape of a Teacher’s Life by Parker J. Palmer

Palmer’s book delves into the heart of the teaching profession, exploring the inner lives of educators. It’s a powerful read for teachers seeking to reconnect with their passion for the profession.

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Quote: “Good teaching cannot be reduced to technique; good teaching comes from the identity and integrity of the teacher.”

Teach, Breathe, Learn: Mindfulness In and Out of the Classroom by Meena Srinivasan

Srinivasan offers insights into how mindfulness can help teachers manage stress and foster a peaceful classroom. It’s a practical guide for teachers seeking to achieve work-life balance.

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Quote: “When we cultivate our own mindfulness, we’re actually benefiting our students indirectly because we’re modeling what it looks like to be present.”

The Burnout Cure: Learning to Love Teaching Again by Chase Mielke

Mielke’s book is a lifeline for teachers feeling the strain of burnout. It provides strategies for maintaining enthusiasm for teaching and advocating for the profession.

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Quote: “We can’t control the kids or the content or the new initiatives or the old initiatives, but we can control how we think and feel about them.”

The Book Whisperer: Awakening the Inner Reader in Every Child by Donalyn Miller

Miller’s book is a testament to the power of reading and the impact a passionate teacher can have on their students. It’s a must-read for teachers who want to inspire a love of reading in their students.

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Quote: “There is no program, no method, no teacher who can create readers. What we can do is provide the conditions that allow reading to happen.”

Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead by Brené Brown

Brown’s book explores the concept of vulnerability and how it can lead to greater connection and a more fulfilling life. It’s a powerful read for teachers who want to foster deeper connections with their students and colleagues.

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Quote: “Vulnerability is not winning or losing; it’s having the courage to show up and be seen when we have no control over the outcome.”

Each of these books offers unique insights into the teaching profession, self-care, and maintaining a positive attitude. As you prepare for the new school year, consider adding these books to your reading list. They may provide just the inspiration you need to make this year your best yet.

Thanks for reading. This site and all the work shared here are completely reader-supported. The best way to support it is to check out my recommendations or subscribe to my weekly newsletter.

Larry Cuban on the “F” Word

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No, not that “F” word.

Larry Cuban shared his thoughts on leveraging failure as a valuable step in the learning process, something I’ve tried to convey to teachers and students over the years.

Cuban begins by recounting his career journey, which spans from his start as a high school teacher in 1955 to his time as a district superintendent and later as a professor at Stanford. He emphasizes that his career, while marked by many successes, was also filled with failures, which he believes are often overlooked in discussions about career progression.

Cuban writes, “While on the surface my long career as an educator appears as an unvarnished success albeit a modest one, it was a zig-zag path with cul-de-sacs and, truth be told, a road pitted with potholes of failure.” He argues that failures are an integral part of success and that society’s tendency to avoid discussing failures does a disservice to the reality of most people’s career trajectories.

He shares several instances of his own failures, including being rejected for teaching positions, struggling to connect with certain students, failing to reduce racial tensions in a department he administered, and being turned down for numerous superintendent posts and a deanship at Stanford’s School of Education. He also discusses his failures in getting published, with many of his submissions being rejected by publishers and editors.

Cuban emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and learning from failures. He quotes several famous figures to illustrate his point, including basketball star Michael Jordan, Winston Churchill, and Maya Angelou. He writes, “Defeats were doors that closed in my face. Yet other doors opened.” He explains that failures can lead to new opportunities and that persistence in the face of failure can lead to eventual success.

In conclusion, Cuban states, “Looking back at my career and the mix of success and failure make clear to me how complex the interaction between winning and losing is.” He underscores the importance of adopting a growth mindset and learning from failure, making it clear that success and failure are integral parts of any career journey.

Thanks for reading. This site and all the work shared here are completely reader-supported. The best way to support it is to check out my recommendations or subscribe to my weekly newsletter.