Posts by Bill Zubek
10 Ways to Boost Belonging in the Classroom
When a student knows that they can be their brilliant self and feel welcomed, appreciated and supported, it helps them shine at school (and in other parts of their lives). Without the worries creeping in about what others might think about them, kids can show up authentically and have room to make mistakes and share…
Read More5 Essentials to Inspire a Successful School Year
The beginning of any school year can feel like a whirlwind. Between meetings and professional development, educators are hard at work planning their initiatives, classroom set-up and lessons to support student achievement and create a welcoming environment. If the to do’s are feeling a bit overwhelming, I invite administrators and teachers to stay focused on…
Read MoreThe Surprisingly Simple Art of the Activity Debrief
Did you know that any exercise can become an Emergenetics®-centric activity? I would guess some readers out there may be thinking: Of course it can…once it’s been vetted through the template and adjusted to speak to each of the seven Attributes. That is true. By working through the Emergenetics metaphor, educators can make changes to…
Read More7 Brain Breaks to Support Student Success
Assessment season brings a lot of memories to mind. As a former teacher and assistant principal, I remember the nervous energy that settled into the room as students sat down to take their tests, and I can still feel the fatigue that youth experienced during those very long days. Just think about how exhausting it…
Read MoreStrengthening Social Emotional Learning with Celebrate You(th)
At its core, the Student|Teacher Emergenetics Program™ (STEP) has always supported the social emotional wellbeing of adults and youth. With their Emergenetics® Profiles and Youth Reports in hand, educators and students gain greater self-awareness as they uncover the ways they prefer to think and behave. They discover strategies to enhance self-management by leaning into their…
Read MoreInspire Persistence in Your Students
Let’s take a moment to do an activity. Please read each step carefully and complete that action before moving onto the next one. Collect the following materials: a blank sheet of paper, a timer (on your watch, cell phone or computer) and a writing utensil. Take a moment to trace the outline of your hand.…
Read MoreBefore Winter Break, Check on Your Progress
Can you believe that the school year is halfway over? It’s amazing how quickly each semester passes. If we don’t take a moment to pause, we may miss out on important learnings and celebrations. So, before you head into winter break, I invite you and your students to take some time to consider the goals…
Read More5 Simple Ways to Integrate Social and Emotional Learning in the Classroom
The positive impact of social and emotional learning (SEL) likely makes intuitive sense to most educators. When students understand themselves and have the skills to manage their emotions, make responsible decisions, understand others and build positive relationships, they are in a much better position to succeed in school and beyond the classroom. If you prefer…
Read MoreFind Your Why to Reignite Your Passion for Teaching
Calling all educators – are you ready to get back into the swing of school? I hope you had some time to rest and recharge and are now getting excited for the start of the school year. Even for the most passionate teachers, switching gears from the mindset of summer to the mentality of leading…
Read MoreMake This Your Summer of Self-Care
You’ve made it! The end of the school year is in sight. Warm weather is on the horizon – or already here in plenty of cities, and summer break is calling your name. After working so hard this year to support your students and colleagues, the simple fact that you have made it is worth…
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