STEMTeach at Berry College

10/06/2026

"“If you aren’t struggling, you aren’t really learning.” In mathematics, Hiroko Warshauer describes teacher practices that support this process, including asking students to explain their thinking, offering time to explore, and helping them “approach the problem without solving it for them.” Those ideas apply beyond math, of course—the key is for teachers to stay involved, providing guidance and ensuring that learners have the prerequisite knowledge to get unstuck."

Persisting through challenges is a key skill for students, and teaching them about others who have succeeded after difficulties is an effective way to support them.

10/02/2026

"Recorded live at ISTELive26 and the ASCD Annual Conference in Orlando, this episode of IdeaSpark finds Doug and Nancy in conversation with ISTE+ASCD CEO Richard Culatta and cohost Winston Roberts. They explore the cycle that connects belonging, engagement, and learning, and why belonging for students starts with belonging for teachers and families. They share why belonging so often falls off the priority list, how experiences of success keep students engaged, and how to keep the work authentic rather than turning it into a checklist. The episode closes with a simple homework assignment every educator can start today."

Quickly and easily listen to IdeaSpark: Big Ideas in Education for free!

10/01/2026

"Why didn’t they understand this? Why did this class struggle when the other class didn’t? Should I reteach it? How could I approach this differently tomorrow?

This is where mentoring can shift from helping someone survive the day to helping someone develop instructional judgment. Know when to coach and when to answer."

09/16/2026

"Video game designers spend an enormous amount of time studying what keeps people engaged when something becomes difficult. They observe where players get stuck and revise the experience based on what they learn. They have become very good at helping people persist. Schools should pay attention."

Video game designers spend an enormous amount of time studying what keeps people engaged when something becomes difficult. They have become very good at helping people persist. Schools should pay attention.

09/09/2026

"Nearly 90% of young adults say gaming helps them destress and connect. Should schools be leaning into gamification for student wellbeing, or is there a risk of blurring the line between healthy screen use and something schools shouldn't be encouraging?"

What are your thoughts on introducing more gaming into education? Read this article from The Educator: Australia to gain some perspective on the topic!

Roblox's Dr Adam Seldow explains how to build the STEM skills Australian classrooms are struggling to teach

09/08/2026

Are you teaching students how they can use generative AI to deepen their skills development? I was struck by reading one student who shared, "If my AP Calculus teacher gave us some homework, I would ask it to generate 10 more questions for me for practice. It was cool because you don’t have to go to those SAT places that charge over $100 per hour. You could have an at-home tutor for a few dollars a month."

Read this ISTE article to gain more insights into what students wish their teachers knew about AI, and what they wish they'd been taught.

What two college students learned about AI, attention, and digital balance that they wish their teachers had taught them.

09/03/2026

How does your school teach Algebra 1 and Geometry? As separate or blended courses?

"Some districts around the U.S. have begun to experiment with blending math courses like Algebra 1 and geometry, versus the more traditional model of teaching the two subjects separately.
While the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics doesn’t take an official position on whether educators should do so, NCTM President Latrenda Knighten sees advantages and disadvantages to the blended approach."

For more perspective, check out this piece from K-12 Dive!

While a blended approach can reinforce connections across mathematics, NCTM President Latrenda Knighten warns educators must do so with care.

08/31/2026

Welcome back to learning for the 2026-2027 school year. Are you feeling stressed yet? If so, take a moment to consider the positive role of stress in learning.

"Too little stress, and we are bored and unmotivated," writes Blankman. "Too much, and performance suffers. In the middle of that curve is a zone of productive tension where performance peaks. We are activated, alert, and ready to engage. This is where learning lives."

Students need to be pulled out of their comfort zones and have opportunities for challenge and deep thinking.

11/17/2025

Following up from our recent Mentor Day theme, here are a few more reflective tools for teachers to consider:

How teachers can use these tools without a coach

"These five tools are also helpful for teachers to reflect, grow, and track their impact. Here’s how:

3×3 coaching tracker: Set a weekly goal, try a strategy, and document what changed. Swap reflections and set new goals with a trusted colleague.
Tiny wins reflection cards: Keep a personal “wins jar or journal” or set reminders to reflect daily on student or instructional success to build morale and motivation.
Time allocation snapshot: Review weekly time used for instruction, planning, grading, or collaboration, and use the insight to adjust time priorities.
Impact tag generator: Use hashtags like or to categorize exit tickets, reflections, instructional notes, or peer feedback.
One-minute exit reflection: At the end of each day or lesson, reflect on what worked, what changed, and what to adjust."

Want to learn more? Check out the full story at SmartBrief.

Instructional coaches can deploy quick metrics when they're short on time, writes Donna Spangler.

11/14/2025

STEMTeach Mentor Day was one week ago. Dr. Melissa King and students from the Berry Writing Center hosted us. Via an interactive workshop model, Berry professors and Dr. King led participants through a terrific day of reflective practice.

Do you include reflective practices in your classrooms? Is reflection a meaningful part of your school culture? If so, please take a moment and share your experiences with us.

If not, consider reading this ASCD article to learn more about the value of reflective practices within schools.

"As the semester comes to a close, we see the culmination of months of relationships, routines, and results. Students may feel excitement, exhaustion, or even heightened anxiety depending on their home situation. Staff members may experience joy and fatigue. These emotional contrasts serve as mirrors, revealing strengths and vulnerabilities in the ecosystem of the school."

The holiday season offers a unique window into your school’s culture—here’s how to use it for meaningful change.