Student-Centerd Learning: From the Core
Student-centered learning. That has such a nice ring to it. It sounds so good that if you mention it in educational circles, people will nod and smile. But while it sounds good and seems like an amazing philosophy, it is rarely practiced. I’m not going to go into why I think that is here. Instead,…
The Atomic Teaching Habits 10-Pack: Small Shifts. Big Impact.
Small daily habits. Big classroom impact. This post recaps 10 powerful Atomic Teaching Habits—simple, intentional practices that help teachers reset, refocus, and reconnect with their purpose. Whether you’re starting fresh or looking to refine your craft, this 10-pack is your roadmap for the 25–26 school year.
Joy in Journey:Why Educators Must Lead with Heart in Challenging Times
n today’s emotionally charged world, educators face more pressure than ever. This post explores how choosing joy in the classroom can combat burnout, inspire students, and transform school culture. Discover why joy is not just possible—it’s essential.
Atomic Teaching Habit #10: Be Authentic in Your Classroom
Discover why being your authentic self in the classroom builds student connection, trust, and powerful learning—Atomic Teaching Habit #10.
Atomic Teaching Habit #9: Reflect Often — The 5-Minute Practice That Transforms Your Teaching
Discover the power of purposeful reflection with Atomic Teaching Habit #9. Learn how a simple 5-minute daily journal can help you grow, teach better, and stay connected to your purpose.
Atomic Teaching Habit #8: Transform Your Classroom with Goal Setting
Learn how setting daily, student-centered learning goals can transform your classroom. This Atomic Teaching Habit will increase engagement, focus instruction, and help students own their learning.
Atomic Teaching Habit #7: Talk Less, Teach More:How to Build a Student-Centered Classroom
Most teachers talk for over 70% of class time—but research shows students learn more when they do the talking. This post explores why “talk less” is a powerful atomic teaching habit and how setting simple limits on teacher talk time can radically improve student engagement, voice, and learning.
40 book challenge: Why Kids Hate Reading And How The Book Whisperer Inspires Change
At 14, I quit reading Great Expectations and nearly gave up on reading altogether. Decades later, I’m helping students rediscover the joy of reading through The Book Whisperer by Donalyn Miller and the 40 Book Challenge. Learn how shifting classroom reading culture can turn reluctant readers into lifelong book lovers.
Atomic Habit #6: Let Go and Let Students Create
Tired of packet-style learning and prepackaged tasks? Atomic Habit #6 challenges educators to let go and empower students to create, solve problems, and think critically—in every subject, even Algebra.
Atomic Habit #5: Transform Your Classroom by Doing the Opposite
Discover why doing the opposite of traditional teaching methods can transform your classroom. In Atomic Habit #5, explore how small, intentional shifts in mindset can lead to big changes in student engagement, relationships, and learning outcomes.
Atomic Teaching Habit #4: Be Real – Make Classroom Learning Authentic
Discover how to create authentic learning experiences in your classroom with the atomic teaching habit of Being Real. Move beyond worksheets and make learning meaningful.
Atomic Teaching Habit #3: Just Breathe
In the third Atomic Teaching Habit, we build on smiling and having fun by adding one simple but powerful practice: breathing. Mindful breathing helps teachers slow down, center themselves, and respond with calm clarity—especially in the chaos of the classroom.
Atomic Teaching Habit #2: Have Fun
Making school fun isn’t just a nice idea — it’s essential. When students enjoy being in your classroom and have fun learning, everything changes. This post explores why embracing fun every day is one of the simplest, most powerful habits a teacher can adopt to transform their classroom culture and boost student engagement.
Atomic Teaching Habit #1: Just Smile
The first Atomic Teaching Habit is simple: smile. Ditch the outdated “don’t smile until Christmas” rule and discover how joy, connection, and a genuine grin can transform your classroom from day one.
Authentic to the End: Rethinking the Final Exam
As finals approach in schools across the country, it’s worth asking: Are we truly measuring what matters? Traditional exams often reward short-term memory over real understanding. This post explores why authentic assessments—like podcasts, course trailers, and class yearbooks—can offer deeper, more meaningful ways for students to demonstrate what they’ve learned.
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Miles O'Shea 