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Written by David BielikWith just one month remaining in the fall semester, educators and students alike are eagerly looking forward to the year-end break. However, it’s important to resist the urge to switch to auto-pilot. Staying engaged, focused, and motivated will not only ensure a strong finish to the semester but also build a solid foundation for what’s to come!For administrators, it’s crucial that you take time to end the semester with purpose and intentionality. Here are a few suggestions for keeping teachers and staff motivated and engaged right up to the day before the break:Review and Reflect: Take stock of your goals for the semester. What have you accomplished? Are there lessons or projects you want to refine or revisit? Encourage your faculty and staff to reflect through short reflection meetings or surveys.Communicate Clearly About Expectations: Set clear goals for the last few weeks. Share deadlines, grading expectations, and upcoming events to reduce confusion and help students stay on track. Use reminders through email or classroom platforms to keep parents informed as well.Encourage Self-Care for Everyone: Host a wellness check-in or mindfulness session for faculty and staff to slow down and be present. Make time for short breaks or stress-relief activities, like a coffee chat for teachers or brief individual check-ins.Celebrate Progress: Acknowledge both individual and group achievements. Whether it’s a note of appreciation for colleagues or a class celebration, recognition boosts morale. Highlight positive growth during staff meetings or emails.As educators, it’s paramount that we model a sense of motivation and drive for our students. It’s also essential to incorporate time into the schedule to help students stay present and intentional during these final weeks. Here are some ways you can foster these habits in your students:Provide Structure and Consistency: Avoid changing or canceling assignments, which will help students stay grounded. Offer clear schedules with a countdown to the semester’s end to keep them motivated.Reinforce the “Why” Behind Learning: Remind students how their efforts now will benefit them in the future. Discuss how skills they’ve built connect to real-world applications or future coursework.Foster a Positive Mindset: Encourage students to reflect on their growth and celebrate wins, no matter how big or small. Take time during class to remind them of their journey and how far they’ve come!Plan Meaningful Wrap-Ups: Develop engaging activities that tie together the semester's key concepts, such as review games, thematic projects, or collaborative presentations. Consider creating a visual “semester recap” that celebrates milestones, student achievements, and learning highlights!The next semester and a much-needed break are just around the corner, but don’t lose sight of the work at hand. By staying focused and intentional, administrators, educators, and students can close out the semester with purpose, reflecting on their progress and preparing to tackle new challenges! The DMC Learning Success Team has over 30 years of combined experience in education, teaching in K-12 settings, and supporting learning success in college/university settings. Drawing from these experiences, DMC is committed to providing resources and tools related to our current work, which involves helping educational partners improve their culture through intentional and scalable solutions.

Written by David BielikAs educators and school administrators, our primary focus is often ensuring that students receive the necessary content to successfully complete their courses or pass exams. However, it's essential to remember that the way in which we communicate these ideas directly impacts how the information is conveyed, understood, and retained. Language is an incredibly powerful tool, not only in shaping communication but also in influencing how students and teachers feel in the environment we create for them.Here are a few ways using intentional language can benefit both students and educators.Language that builds relationships: Using supportive and encouraging language fosters empathy and trust, creating an environment where students and teachers feel comfortable to explore, take risks, and make mistakes.For teachers:Sometimes, small changes in how you communicate can have a big impact. For example, instead of jumping straight into classroom instruction, take a moment to walk around the room and greet students individually as they enter. Ask simple questions like, "How is your day going?" or inquire about their interests. These brief interactions help set a positive tone, showing students that you care about them and their well-being. For administrators:When speaking with teachers or staff, avoid diving straight into business matters. Start by asking, "How's your week going?" or inquire about their weekend plans. Remember and build on these conversations over time. Everyone is pressed for time, but taking a few seconds to show genuine interest in someone's well-being can go a long way in strengthening relationships and improving school culture. Strong relationships among staff lead to better teacher-student connections, ultimately enhancing student performance. It all starts with you!Language that inspires engagement: No one likes making mistakes, especially in front of peers. By using language that highlights strengths, normalizes mistakes, and celebrates success, you can foster a positive and creative culture.For teachers: Being both realistic and optimistic is possible! Always highlight students' potential in your interactions with them. Helping them see their capacity for growth is key to encouraging perseverance. When asking for engagement during class, invite students to explain their thought process and any challenges they faced. This reinforces that the goal isn’t just “getting the right answer,” but rather exploring, creating, and learning through the process.For administrators:Be intentional in thanking your staff and offer specific feedback. Instead of a general "Thanks for all you do!" in an all-school email, take the time to stop by their room and let them know exactly what you appreciate about their interactions with students or contributions during meetings. Personal, meaningful recognition helps to strengthen the connection that your staff has to the school community at large.Language that is inclusive: Everyone wants to feel noticed and valued. When people don't feel like they matter, they’re less likely to engage or improve themselves or the environment. By ensuring everyone has equal access to participate, we allow all voices and perspectives to be heard.For teachers: Learn your students' names and use them often! Saying a student’s name helps them feel recognized and comfortable in the classroom. It’s one of the simplest ways to acknowledge their presence and the contributions they bring. Beyond names, take the time to learn about your students' backgrounds and experiences to help them feel included. Inclusive language isn’t just about terminology; it’s about adopting a mindset that values each individual and their unique perspective.For administrators: Be mindful of favoritism. While it’s natural to connect with certain staff members, showing visible favoritism can harm relationships and morale. Favoritism can create divisions among staff and make some feel undervalued. To foster an inclusive environment, make an effort to acknowledge all staff members equally, recognizing their unique strengths and contributions. Inclusivity starts with balanced attention and genuine recognition of everyone’s efforts.Language that encourages professionalism:In my 15 years as an educator, one of my guiding principles was to treat students with the same level of respect and professionalism that I extended to fellow educators. Especially in a role of authority and leadership, it is important to consistently make sure to listen to students' concerns and work collaboratively to find solutions.For teachers:When engaging with students, take time to actively listen to them and confirm with them that you've understood their thoughts and concerns accurately. Share your perspective on the situation and avoid sarcasm or talking down to students. While you still maintain final authority, using professional and respectful language not only strengthens relationships but also helps prepare students for professional interactions in their future environments.For administrators: Modeling professionalism in your interactions with staff is crucial. Ensure you actively listen to teachers' concerns and address them thoughtfully, showing that their perspectives are valued. Use language that is constructive and solution-oriented, fostering a collaborative atmosphere. Consistently following up on decisions or feedback will demonstrate accountability and professionalism. By leading with this approach, you create a culture of respect and professionalism that filters down to teachers and students alike.By being intentional with our words, we can create a learning environment that empowers both students and teachers. Whether it's offering constructive feedback, fostering an inclusive classroom, or supporting teacher development, the language we use can positively shape school culture and create a thriving and supportive educational environment. By focusing on how we communicate, we not only help students learn the specific content but also ensure they feel valued, respected, and motivated to succeed both in school and beyond. The DMC Learning Success Team has over 30 years of combined experience in education, teaching in K-12 settings, and supporting learning success in college/university settings. Drawing from these experiences, DMC is committed to providing resources and tools related to our current work, which involves helping educational partners improve their culture through intentional and scalable solutions.

Written by David BielikAs we all know, the school year is more of a marathon than a sprint, so setting the pace early is essential for achieving success. Laying the foundation for perseverance at the beginning of the school year ensures that, as the year progresses, both teachers and students can stay the course, even in the face of adversity and distractions. Here are some ways to promote perseverance this month, helping educators and students start the year strong and continue to thrive throughout the school year.1. Fostering a Growth MindsetBy fostering a growth mindset, both teachers and students can persevere through challenges. Teaching perseverance early in the school year ensures that when problems arise, everyone will be better prepared.You can do this through daily communication, such as emails, department meetings, and one-on-one conversations. Recognize and celebrate effort, not just achievement, to motivate both teachers and students to keep trying despite obstacles.2. Goal SettingEngaging teachers and students in goal setting and personalizing their learning experiences can boost motivation. Setting goals helps focus on the positive aspects of the school year and makes challenges feel more manageable.Be helpful and flexible! Everyone has their own goals. Help teachers and students set realistic goals, but don’t define them for them. Periodically remind them of their goals to help keep them on track.3. Integrating Social-Emotional LearningEmbedding SEL into daily school life supports both mental health and motivation. You don’t need a separate curriculum to incorporate SEL into everyday interactions—but you do need to be intentional.Create spaces and opportunities that make sense for your school community to practice SEL. This could include setting up peer mentoring or holding regular mindfulness sessions. Continuously evaluate the appropriateness and effectiveness of these programs as the year progresses.4. Teacher and Staff Support for Mental Health InitiativesTeachers play a crucial role in supporting student perseverance and motivation; they are the backbone of the educational environment. Keeping their mental health at the center of your focus is essential.Recognize signs of burnout, stress, or mental health issues among your teachers. Promote a collaborative school culture where staff members support one another, and ensure that teachers have access to mental health resources and stress-management tools.5. Positive School Climate and ConnectionA lack of a positive school environment was identified as a key reason New Hampshire teachers were leaving the profession, according to a 2023 study by the NH Legislature. Don’t underestimate the power of an environment that is positive, supportive, and enjoyable!Promote positive relationships between students, teachers, and staff by valuing diversity, creating safe spaces where all voices are heard, and providing opportunities to explore interests outside the daily school routine, helping to build motivation and engagement.Starting the school year by promoting perseverance is key to building a strong foundation for both students and teachers. By fostering a growth mindset, setting personalized goals, and integrating social-emotional learning, schools can create an environment where challenges are seen as opportunities for growth. Prioritizing teacher mental health and cultivating a positive, connected school climate will not only support academic success but also enhance the overall well-being of the school community. By focusing on these strategies, educators can ensure a successful and resilient school year for all. The DMC Learning Success Team has over 30 years of combined experience in education, teaching in K-12 settings, and supporting learning success in college/university settings. Drawing from these experiences, DMC is committed to providing resources and tools related to our current work, which involves helping educational partners improve their culture through intentional and scalable solutions. 

Written by David BielikJust this past weekend, I was talking with a fellow educator who mentioned he'd worked at several different schools in New Hampshire over the past few years but struggled to find one that supported him and aligned with his values. He also mentioned he was considering jobs in Massachusetts because the salaries there would finally allow him to make a livable wage. This got me thinking about the current school workforce shortage in New Hampshire, and I wondered, “Is there really a shortage of educators, or is there a shortage of supportive educational environments and reasonable compensation?”In November 2023, the legislative Committee to Study New Hampshire Teacher Shortages and Recruitment Incentives released a comprehensive report. This report covers two years of interviews and research, highlighting critical issues behind the “teacher shortage” in the state. Among its 17 key findings, educators identified heightened stress levels, unsupportive school climates, and inadequate compensation as primary factors leading them to leave school settings or not pursue teaching as a career in the first place. Interestingly, the report found that the number of educators renewing their licenses was actually at a 13-year high in the state. Seemingly, there isn’t a shortage of educators but rather a large number of current and potential educators who are facing significant barriers that are causing them to leave the profession or avoid pursuing it altogether.The committee proposed concrete solutions, such as funding teacher mentoring programs, providing professional learning opportunities, and increasing compensation, which are crucial to teacher retention and recruitment. It's equally important to address the need to foster supportive, healthy, and thriving environments for educators. As building principals and department heads plan for the next school year, it is imperative to prioritize the support, inclusion, communication, and recognition that you provide to educators in your specific school environment. Here are some key elements to incorporate into next year’s schedule:Promote open communication and collaborationActively encourage an atmosphere of open communication where educators feel comfortable expressing their ideas, concerns, and needs. Intentionally facilitate regular meetings, both one-on-one and in groups, to discuss challenges, share successes, and brainstorm solutions collaboratively.Provide professional development opportunitiesInvest in ongoing professional development tailored to educators' needs and interests. Offer workshops, seminars, and training sessions that not only enhance teaching skills but also address topics like mental health awareness, stress management, and work-life balance.Recognize and appreciate achievements Acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of educators regularly, especially the “small” achievements. Sometimes it’s the small things that matter most! From verbal appreciation and thank-you notes to more formal recognition ceremonies or awards, everyone wants to be recognized for the work they’ve done.Support wellnessWhen creating schedules for teachers, place an importance on educators' well-being by planning in times to rest and reflect. Regularly check-in about the wellness of your educators and continually promote physical and mental health.Empower educators through decision-makingInvolve educators in decision-making processes that directly impact their work and the school environment. Seek their input on policies, curriculum development, and school initiatives. Empowering educators fosters a sense of ownership and investment in the school's success.By collectively embracing the recommendations of the committee and investing in supportive and healthy educational environments, New Hampshire can foster the retention and recruitment of passionate, skilled, and valued educators to provide every student with the highest-quality education in a thriving learning environment. The DMC Learning Success Team has over 30 years of combined experience in education, teaching in K-12 settings, and supporting learning success in college/university settings. Drawing from these experiences, DMC is committed to providing resources and tools related to our current work, which involves helping educational partners improve their culture through intentional and scalable solutions. 

- Written by David Bielik - As educators, we are often focused on the knowledge that students are gaining in a specific content area but we can’t forget about the bigger picture of helping learners build skills that will extend beyond the classroom. The content that we teach in school is vitally important: it exposes students to a variety of skills and disciplines. But we must remember that most students won’t need to know how to read the periodic table or how to graph a quadratic equation in their everyday lives/careers. In order to help students reach their full potential, we must present these content area objectives in ways that emphasize the skills that students will use in whatever path they may choose.Here is a list of skills that you see in nearly every job description, regardless of sector of the workforce or job title, along with ways you can emphasize these skills through the content that you are teaching in your classroom. These can be done at any age and with any subject!Communication - It’s hard to pick a “most important” skill, but this one is up there. Being able to think through a particular topic and effectively share those thoughts with others, whether that be one-on-one, in a meeting, or with a larger group is one of the most important skills you can have in a life and career. In the classroom: Perhaps your next project or assessment isn’t on paper. Have the students prepare a statement of explanation on a certain topic. Remind your students that most communication is non-verbal, through body language and facial expressions. You can have them present their explanation in small groups as well as with you. Have the students give each other feedback, and then integrate the feedback and try again with a different group! This is a great way to not only assess the learning objective but also help your students increase the awareness of their communication skills. (Also, this will exponentially increase their knowledge of the topic as well!)Problem-solving/critical thinking - Everyone will have times in their life where they're presented with an issue that they didn’t expect or don’t know how to handle. The ability to understand the problem at hand, design a solution, see it through, and evaluate the effectiveness of the solution is crucial no matter how large or small the problem is. In the classroom: For your next activity, intentionally give your students something that they wouldn’t know how to do (e.g. changing the oil in a car, growing a vegetable garden, drawing an equilateral triangle with a pencil). Guide them through each step of the problem-solving process as they explore. Emphasize that their first solution may not be the correct one. Normalize making mistakes and trying something different. Have them think of things that could go wrong and how they would navigate those challenges. Ask them how they would validate that they’ve completed the problem successfully. At the end of this activity they will not only know the specific topic inside and out, but they will also have bolstered their problem-solving abilities!Working with others (social and emotional intelligence) - Whether the team is big or small, whether they are the leader or a team member, all students will work with others at some point in their lives. Listening, validating, being considerate, asking for help, including others and being empathetic are great life skills and they are incredibly important in a work environment. In the classroom: You can’t just assign a “group project” and call it good! You must Intentionally build classroom activities where each member of the group comes up with ideas individually to share with the other members of the team, and then the group gives feedback and ultimately decides on how to include different components of the project. In order to emphasize the teamwork aspect instead of the end results, you could always separate the two. For example, have them work together as a group, reflect on the experience, and then go and complete the project individually by incorporating different ideas their teammates had. Help them reflect on the experience of working as a team by asking what went well, what didn’t go well, and what they would have done differently. It’s also worth noting that these skills should be valued and emphasized school and district-wide, as well as in the classroom. Administrators should ensure students have access to clubs and after-school programs that promote problem-solving (games, puzzles, etc.), communication, and working with others. Having a space to develop these skills also shows their importance and value. School officials should also value these skills by integrating them into the school culture and community through report card comments, awards, assemblies, etc. By thinking about the bigger picture regarding the skills and attributes that we want students to develop, we can use the content that we currently teach and merely tweak the way we present and assess it in order to emphasize skills like problem-solving, communication, working with others and many more. By helping students build these skills, we teach them more about who they are and how they can maximize their success whatever their future holds beyond the classroom. The DMC Learning Success Team has over 30 years of combined experience in education, teaching in K-12 settings, and supporting learning success in college/university settings. Drawing from these experiences, DMC is committed to providing resources and tools related to our current work, which involves helping educational partners improve their culture through intentional and scalable solutions. 

Written by David Bielik Developing a mindset of endurance is an essential part of being an educator. Day after day, walking into a room full of children, keeping them engaged, managing their behavior, and supporting their success is an epic undertaking! But endurance isn't just about pushing through when things are tough; it's also about building a foundation of care for yourself, in order to embrace change, normalize making mistakes, and know when and how to “press pause” to refuel. As educators, we do everything through the lens of helping our students, but in order to be available for students we must first be intentional about caring for ourselves. The metaphor of the airplane oxygen mask rings true: “You must first tend to your own well-being, before attempting to help others.” Being mindful and practicing self-care will help you think more clearly, be more aware of your surroundings, and manage your emotions more effectively which in turn will make you a better educator. All it takes is a simple Google search to find many lists of ways to practice self-care, but most of the lists I’ve seen contain items that aren’t exactly reasonable for educators. Between planning lessons, teaching classes, attending meetings, communicating with parents, and grading it's impossible to set aside time and space during the school day for something complicated or overly involved (some days just having time to get to the bathroom can be difficult!). Below is a list of items designed with educators in mind, that you can reasonably do whenever and wherever you are: seated at your desk, between classes, or before/after school.Also, a note to district-level administrators and building principals: Are you intentionally promoting and facilitating self-care among your educators? Do you start your meetings with check-ins from each of the members when appropriate? Do you take time throughout the week to briefly talk with educators individually to celebrate their success and offer support? That kind of commitment at the district and building level is imperative to help teachers be happier, healthier, and more effective, which ultimately will improve overall student success and well-being.Alright… back to the list!Practicing Mindfulness: Focus on your breath - Wherever you are right now, take a deep breath and hold it before letting it out. Now do it again and relax your shoulders/lower jaw while you breathe. Focus on your breath, in and out, and close your eyes if you’d like. This will help to release your stress and help to get fresh oxygen to your brain and muscles, which allows you to think more clearly and manage your emotions more effectively. Moving Your Body: Take a walk - During your planning period, take 5 or 10 minutes and go for a short walk if you’re able to. If weather permits, walk around the outside of your building. Not only will this get you physically moving which helps your blood flow and overall health, but it will also physically remove you from your current location and allow your senses (sight, touch, smell) to experience something different. This increase in mindfulness will naturally help your creativity and problem solving abilities.Celebrating Your Success: Be proud! - When you are walking to and from your car, performing your daily duties, or waiting between classes, think about the successes that you have achieved so far this year. Better yet, write them down! It’s so easy to focus on what has gone wrong because we want to fix it, but reminding yourself of your successes will boost your dopamine levels and give you motivation. Not to mention, reminding yourself of your success will help you be proud of all the amazing things that you have accomplished! Also, set specific goals for the future. That way you create a cycle of goal setting, goal completion, and celebration of success.Maintaining Boundaries: Prioritize yourself - As educators, time is at an absolute premium, and there are always more things to do than there is time. Perhaps paradoxically, setting boundaries around time for grading, planning, and helping students outside of class, will actually increase your effectiveness. It will allow you to take time away from school to take part in hobbies/pastimes so that you’re refreshed and ready for the next day. You can always start small with setting boundaries. Those small victories will give you the motivation to continue to make time for yourself.Seeking Support: Connect with others - Connecting informally in the teacher’s room can be a good place to let off some steam, but intentionally seeking meaningful support is vital. Connect before or after school with other educators who you respect and appreciate, to get their perspective and encouragement. It is so important to seek support from those around to realize that not only are you not alone, but others have been exactly where you are before.As an educator, caring for yourself can’t be an afterthought. In fact, practicing consistent self-care is the best and most important thing that you can do to support your students. By helping your body and your mind be present and grounded, celebrating your success, maintaining boundaries, and seeking your own support, you will be a better educator and your students will notice. Your mindfulness journey starts now. Breathe in, breathe out. Invest in your greatest asset, yourself! The DMC Learning Success Team has over 30 years of combined experience in education, teaching in K-12 settings, and supporting learning success in college/university settings. Drawing from these experiences, DMC is committed to providing resources and tools related to our current work, which involves helping educational partners improve their culture through intentional and scalable solutions.