Welcome to The Ever Growing Teacher

Let's be honest. Teaching. Is. Hard.

But, there is a reason you chose this profession, even with all its challenges. The Ever Growing Teacher is here to help you rediscover that purpose and support you as you continue to evolve in your teaching practice. Through sharing my experiences, I aim to offer practical strategies, time-saving resources, and small, thoughtful adjustments that can make a big difference. This space is all about helping you refine your approach, adapt to what works best for you, and grow—making teaching feel more balanced, lighter, and truly rewarding.

The Power of Exemplars: Clearing the Path for Creativity

Why I Use Exemplars I still remember tackling my probationary evaluation forms, not having the slightest clue where to begin. How many...

May 94 min read

The AI Conversation Every Teacher Needs to Join

In 2023, a Pew Research study asked teachers how they felt about AI tools in K-12 education. With 2025 in full swing, the question feels...

Apr 55 min read

Movement as a Tool for Learning: 3 Effective Strategies

We often associate movement-based learning with younger grades, but why stop there? Shifting students out of their seats and into motion...

Mar 276 min read

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✨30 Second Expert – a class (and teacher) favorite transition filler✨

Give or let the class choose a student a random topic and let them present for 30 seconds. You’ll be amazed at what they come up with – rap, poetry, comedy, you name it.

By the end of the year, nearly every student volunteers, even the quiet ones, and the unexpected moments that these quick time fillers offer always bring us closer as a class.

Give it a try and watch your students surprise you. 🙌

#ClassroomCulture #TeachingStrategies #EverGrowingTeacher #StudentVoice #BuildingConfidence

💡 Exemplars aren’t just examples – they’re a springboard for student growth.

Whether it’s a writing activity, art project, or end-of-unit assignment, having a clear starting point can turn hesitation into momentum. Beginning with exemplars provides students the confidence to push past the base and truly make their learning their own.

✨ Tap the link in my bio to read my latest post on the power of exemplars (not only for students but also as professionals) and how they can transform the way your students approach learning.

👉 Included in the blog:
📸 Examples of real student work that set the bar high
📱 A video tutorial on turning your phone into a scanner to collect exemplars effortlessly
📝 A free writing exemplar sort and analysis activity

#TeacherLife #Exemplars #GrowthMindset #TeachingStrategies #EverGrowingTeacher #ClassroomCulture #TeacherInspo #FreeResource

📚 Book Stack – This Week’s Top Picks 📚

1️⃣ Ish by Peter H. Reynolds - help students appreciate process over perfection
2️⃣ If I Had a Little Dream by Nina Laden & Melissa Castrillon - poetic devices coming to life in the simple wonders
3️⃣ Fail-a-Bration by Brad & Kristi Montague - throw a classroom fail-a-ration celebrating the failures that build us up
4️⃣ Larry Gets Lost in Prehistoric Times by Andrew Fox & John Skewes - imaginative adventure through the ages of our world

#EverGrowingTeacher #PictureBookLove #LibraryFinds #TeacherTips

📁 This is Your Year to Get Your Google Drive in Check 📁

With a new curriculum rolling in, there’s no better time to get your digital life in order. Start fresh with these 3 simple steps:

1️⃣ Add your everyday folders to your bookmarks bar for quick access
2️⃣ Number titles so they show up in the order that makes sense to you
3️⃣ Add printing instructions directly to titles for easy accessibility later

Start making the shift now so your future self will thank you 🙌

#DigitalDeclutter #TeacherTips #EverGrowingTeacher

Lesson planning isn’t about perfect scripts or color-coded binders. It’s about knowing your students, engaging them, and being ready for whatever chaos the day throws your way.

Let’s stop wasting our energy on performative planning and start focusing on what matters: connection, engagement, and showing up for the kids in front of us.

#teachertruth #teachwithpurpose #connectionoverperfection #lessonplanningreality #teacherlife

The AI Conversation that Every Teacher Needs to Join

AI is changing everything, and how we respond will shape its impact on education. Whether it becomes a tool that enhances our practice or something we struggle to monitor and control in the hands of students depends on how we adapt, educate ourselves, and model it for them.

In my latest blog post, I’m diving into why it is our responsibility to explore and educate ourselves in AI—and how it can open new possibilities in the classroom.

🔗 Link in bio to read!

#AIinEducation #EdTech #TeachingWithAI #FutureOfLearning #AIForTeachers #InnovativeTeaching #EducationRevolution #AIintheClassroom #TeachTheFuture #TechInEducation #AIandLearning #DigitalClassroom #TeachingTools #EduTechInnovation

One of those moments I’ll never forget. ✨

Fractions have always been tricky, but with the new math curriculum, the challenges felt even bigger. My students seemed to have it… until a final check-in showed they were falling into every pitfall. So, I took a risk—one last chance to turn the lightbulbs on. And wow, did it work. Watching them discover their mistakes through peer conversations, debates, and mini-lessons was pure magic.

➡️ Share a standout moment from your classroom in the comments, I’d love to hear it.💛 #EverGrowingTeacher #MathWins

We’ve all been there—explaining something, seeing nods, and assuming everyone’s on the same page… until they aren’t.

Skills like collaborating, prioritizing, or even defining a word aren’t always automatic. The more we anticipate where learning might break down and address those gaps early, the more we support every learner.

What’s an assumption you’ve caught yourself making in the classroom? ⬇️ #EverGrowingTeacher #TeachingWithConnection #AccessibleLearning

📱✨ In a world where students are constantly bombarded with quick dopamine hits—scrolling, swiping, and clicking—it’s no wonder attention spans are shrinking. But instead of fighting against it, we can shift the way we engage them.

Movement isn’t just about getting the wiggles out—it’s a powerful tool to help students stay present, collaborate meaningfully, and retain information more effectively. By weaving structured movement into daily lessons, we can tap into their need for engagement while reinforcing deep learning.

In the most recent blog post, I’m breaking down 3 movement strategies that go beyond just “getting up and moving”—these are structured, purposeful ways to optimize engagement while keeping students grounded in their learning. Plus, access for setup tips to make the transition seamless and ensure collaboration stays productive.

🔗 Check out the full breakdown in the blog! Link in bio.

#movementintheclassroom #StudentEngagement #OptimalLearning

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Welcome to The Ever Growing Teacher

The Power of Exemplars: Clearing the Path for Creativity

The AI Conversation Every Teacher Needs to Join

Movement as a Tool for Learning: 3 Effective Strategies

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