The first way to be a better teacher is to join Choice Literacy. Even if you just sign up for the Big Fresh newsletter, you will remember that you are not alone, gain a few new tools or insights, and have the courage to keep going. Take it up a notch and write for Choice Literacy. You’re already doing Slice of Life; what’s to be afraid of? My years writing for Choice Literacy made me a better writer AND a better teacher. You’d be amazed what you can learn about yourself and your students when you look through the lens of a writer.
The second way to be a better teacher, and unfortunately this one came about too late for me, but if I’d had it when I was in my early years it would have been a GAME CHANGER for the rest of my career: Sticky Hope.
Sticky Hope is a movement that helps hope stick, even in the toughest, stickiest situations. We provide tools, resources, and straightforward conversations to support healthy emotional regulation and bring calm back to your day.
In their 15-20 minute podcasts, Ruth and Becca are working through all the hardest things about teaching: behaviors. Both kid behaviors and the teacher behaviors — because there isn’t any among us who haven’t had their very own unregulated moments, if we’re being honest with ourselves.
You’re welcome. Now, go forth and keep doing your good-better-best every day. Your work is sacred, and you are appreciated.
A(nother) Year of Reading 
Mary Lee,
Choice Literacy and Sticky Hope are MUST HAVE resources for teachers. Support systems that nourish us are critical and both of these fulfill those Herculean needs. Thanks for this infomercial today!
LikeLike
I work with beginning teachers, mostly in NYC these days and always recommend Choice Literacy; however, I had not heard of Sticky Hope which will now be on the list of places to get hope and support. Thank you
LikeLike
Even though I’ve been teaching 38 years, Sticky Hope has been a godsend to me. Their voices calmly discuss all the things we face in the classroom today. I also recommended it to my daughter whose son has ADHD. One of the episodes helped me to take a deep breath and respond to a student in a calm caring way rather than angry irritation. Thanks for recommending it.
LikeLike
Margaret, I’m so glad you shared this. xo, ruth
LikeLike
I’m missing Choice Literacy so much this year. We had been providing this for our literacy coaches through a grant that ended, and so I am back to the free version and missing the bells and whistles. I have not heard of the Sticky Hope, so I will be checking that out. I learn so much from others when we blog every day. This is one of my favorite months of the year because of the slicing tidbits that I get to learn. Thanks so much for sharing these fabulous resources!
LikeLike
Hi Kim, Thanks for your kind words about Choice Literacy. If you want to follow Mary Lee’s nudge to contribute to Choice Literacy, I’d love to talk with you about it. You can be in touch with me at support (at) choiceliteracy (dot) com.
Shine on, Ruth
LikeLike
I’m so glad I read your slice today. I’m off to check out the two websites. Thank you for sharing .
LikeLike
Mary Lee, Thank you so much for your kind words about Choice Literacy and Sticky Hope. I wish I could give you a real life hug. Shine on, Ruth
LikeLiked by 1 person
Mary Lee, hooray for you. Thank you for supporting the teachers who are still in the trenches. You gave two simple to access resources, kept the post simple, and that closing is great. Hip hip hooray for teachers who are staying in for the long haul!
LikeLike
Mary Lee, being a better with appropriate tools like you mentioned is a Godsend for young teachers or those who have been in the trenches for years. Choice Literacy is amazing but I never heard about Sticky Hope. Thanks for your information.
LikeLiked by 1 person