pep talks | Cult of Pedagogy

Your Teachers Need a Win

22Oct2023

by Jennifer Gonzalez

The smallest bit of praise can give a person enough confidence, enough of a dopamine hit, to keep going.

No More Easy Button: A Suggested Approach to Post-Pandemic Teaching

16May2021

by Jennifer Gonzalez

With this fresh start, let’s take the wisdom we’ve gained over the last year and use it. Let’s not go back to the way things used to be.

Noticing the Good Stuff: A Suggested Practice

10Jun2018

by Sherri Spelic

We’re aware of the benefits of positive reinforcement for students, but when it comes to our own practice, how actively do we acknowledge our wins as teachers?

Letter to an Overachiever

21Sep2015

by Jennifer Gonzalez

Here’s what happened over the last few days: I dropped the ball. My deadline came and went, and as I watched it slip away, a sense of peace washed over me.

Lessons in Personhood: 10 Ways to Truly Lead in Your Classroom

17Jun2015

by Jennifer Gonzalez

To stand before children is a rare privilege. In every minute we spend together, they will learn something. Whatever it is we put before them, they will learn from it.

Rewrite the Story You Tell Yourself About Teaching

19Apr2015

by Jennifer Gonzalez

You tell yourself a lot of stories: No one appreciates you. The kids aren’t motivated. Testing has ruined everything.
What if you could write a different story?

The Breathtaking, Life-Altering Power of Being a Dork

21Feb2014

by Jennifer Gonzalez

When you spend all your energy in the service of looking cool, what you ultimately do is erase yourself.

When a Student Hates You

29Dec2013

by Jennifer Gonzalez

I share these stories because I suspect you have also had moments you’re not proud of, stories you’ve never told anyone; I want you to know you’re not alone.

Overwhelmed? Do 5 Things.

29Oct2013

by Jennifer Gonzalez

At this time of year, feeling out-of-control busy is the status quo for everyone I talk to. So I thought I’d share a little trick I use to ease that feeling of wanting to crawl in bed and never come out again.