What Didn’t Work This Year…
And What We’re Doing About It
Whew. We made it, y’all. Another school year in the books.
And if you’re anything like me, you’re probably somewhere between proud, exhausted, and already thinking ahead to next year.
I recently hopped on Instagram Live to share a few reflections—things I’ve seen across schools I work with, conversations I’ve had with educators, and hard truths we need to say out loud.
Because listen: if we don’t get honest about what’s not working, we’ll keep repeating cycles that are burning out our teachers and leaving our kids behind.
So, let’s talk about it.
5 Things That Did Not Work This Year
💻 1. Over-Reliance on Chromebooks
Technology is great—until we start depending on it like it’s a magic fix. Chromebooks don’t close academic gaps. What students really need is intentional teaching, scaffolding, and exposure to grade-level content.
Too many schools have poured thousands into programs that haven’t moved the needle. The Chromebooks can stay—but we’ve got to stop treating them like a substitute for instruction.
🚪 2. Expecting Teachers to Be “Ready” on Day One
Hiring in July and expecting teachers to hit the ground running in August? Let’s be for real. Every teacher—whether they’re fresh out of college or transitioning to a new district—deserves time to learn the ropes.
The schools that invested in onboarding and gave teachers tools and context? Those are the schools where teachers are coming back.
🧘🏽♀️ 3. Reactive Self-Care Strategies
Canceling a meeting is not a wellness strategy. I said it.
Don’t get me wrong—protecting teachers’ time matters. But burnout isn’t fixed by dropping a PD session. It’s addressed by digging into workload, capacity, and systems that stretch folks too thin.
Let’s stop slapping “self-care” on structural issues.
🪑 4. Stale Direct Instruction
Sit-and-get is tired. Our students aren’t responding to the same old routines—and we shouldn’t be surprised.
Whether it’s circle time or whole-group lectures, direct instruction needs a refresh. If it’s not working, it’s time to switch it up. We can’t afford to keep doing what we’ve always done just because it’s familiar.
⏰ 5. More Time, Same Strategies
More minutes on the clock won’t solve gaps in understanding.
Instead of stretching lessons longer, we need to rethink pacing, reteaching, and differentiation. And that starts with giving teachers the tools to lead instruction with confidence and creativity.
So… What Does Work?
This year, I’m committed to helping schools kick off with clarity, joy, and support. Here’s what I’m offering to help you start strong:
✅ Back-to-School With Joy PD Experiences
Forget boring PD. These are interactive, energizing, and centered on what educators actually need to feel confident in the classroom.
👉 Learn More & Book Your Experience
✅ Weekly Resource Roundup (Free!)
A curated email every Monday with tools, strategies, and inspiration to build joyful, inclusive classrooms.
👉 Subscribe Here
✅ Custom Professional Development & Workshops
Whether you need support for new teachers, leadership modeling, or strategy sessions—we’ll tailor it to fit your school’s vibe and vision.
👉 Inquire About Custom PD
✅ 5 Summer PD Slots Left
I’m almost fully booked for summer PD—but if you move quick, we can still lock in a session for your team.
👉 Grab a Spot
🎥 Missed the IG Live? Watch the Replay Here ⬇️
Final Word: Let’s Lead With Joy
There’s no one-size-fits-all fix in education. But I know this: joyful, empowered educators create transformative classrooms.
Let’s stop doing what doesn’t work. Let’s invest in what does. And let’s walk into the new year with the energy, tools, and strategy we all deserve.
Got thoughts on what worked or didn’t work this year? I’d love to hear them—drop a comment, send a DM, or reach out anytime.
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