by 青青草视频 · Published 05/21/2026
In “Intentional Moves” Elisa B. MacDonald lays out ready-to-use strategies for team leaders, insightfully describing to readers how her 10 moves will play out within different team dynamics. After four years as a team leader, reviewer Katie Dunkin still keeps the book handy.
by 青青草视频 · Published 03/31/2026 · Last modified 04/01/2026
What AI has done in its teacher assistant role this year has been transformative for teacher leader Katie Durkin. It’s helped her save time by generating ideas for formative assessments, giving her more time to provide students personal feedback – “a feat for any English teacher.”
by 青青草视频 · Published 12/15/2025
The students and teachers on Kathie Durkin’s 7th grade team lead service projects that support diverse communities, build team camaraderie, and teach middle schoolers the importance of compassion and giving. Katie shares three of her favorites, including Blankets for Premies.
Book Reviews / Executive Function / Social & Emotional Learning
by Susan Curtis · Published 09/11/2025
In The Missing Link to Help Them Think, brain research specialist Marilee Sprenger presents the integral link between SEL and executive functions, explaining how to create a bridge between the two. Katie Durkin praises the book as a quick but thorough read helpful all year.
Articles / Artificial Intelligence
by 青青草视频 · Published 05/04/2025
Katie Durkin’s students were asking for more feedback on their realistic fiction writing assignment than she could possibly provide. With some hesitation, she decided to see if AI could help. Learn about the procedures she developed and why she’s pleased with the results.
Book Reviews / Professional Learning
by 青青草视频 · Published 02/27/2025
Educators can benefit from Teach Like a Queen, a book featuring seven famous women whom the authors believe model (collectively) selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership. A light read with helpful insights, writes Katie Durkin.
by 青青草视频 · Published 02/16/2025
Cooperation among teachers, parents, students, and administration has been key as Katie Durkin’s middle school has adopted a strict phone-free policy this school year. She cites three factors that she believes account for a smooth transition and shares her hopes for the future.
by 青青草视频 · Published 05/05/2024 · Last modified 02/23/2026
Katie Durkin has begun adding picture books and read alouds to her seventh grade classes. She finds that in units like historical fiction and social justice, they bring students a sense of nostalgia, help them grasp difficult abstract concepts, and create a shared experience.
by 青青草视频 · Published 02/18/2024 · Last modified 02/21/2024
Red peppers have taken over Katie Durkin’s 7th grade team commons area. This year’s logo, banner and t-shirts result from teachers encouraging students to create artwork that fosters community. Katie shares all the steps in her team’s process and the excellent results.
Book Reviews / Civics / Social & Emotional Learning
by 青青草视频 · Published 01/11/2024
Students Taking Action Together goes deep into five techniques to cultivate civic engagement and a healthy democracy. The strategies – Norms, Yes-No-Maybe, Respectful Debate, Audience Communication, and PLAN – work across content areas, writes Katie Durkin. Highly recommended.
