Start the Year: Creating Inclusive Classrooms
Dr. Terry Ross • August 3, 2024
"Creating Inclusive Classrooms: Celebrating Diversity and Promoting Equity in Education"
As the school year kicks off, it's essential to focus on a foundational belief: every child can learn. This belief is the cornerstone of a high-quality education system that offers choice within the classroom, a rich curriculum, and an environment where all students can thrive.
Believing in Every Child's Potential
Believing that all children can learn means recognizing the unique abilities and potential each student brings to the classroom. It's about understanding that intelligence and ability are not fixed but can grow with effort, support, and the right opportunities. This growth mindset transforms the way educators approach teaching, encouraging a more personalized and inclusive approach.
The Importance of High-Quality Education
A high-quality education is not a privilege but a right for every child. This involves providing a robust curriculum that challenges students and stimulates their intellectual curiosity. It also means offering various learning pathways to cater to different interests and strengths, ensuring that every student finds their passion and excels in it.
Classroom Choice: Empowering Students
Giving students choices within the classroom empowers them to take ownership of their learning. This could mean allowing them to choose topics for projects, select books for reading assignments, or decide how they want to demonstrate their understanding of a concept. By providing options, educators can cater to diverse learning styles and keep students engaged and motivated.
A Curriculum That Inspires
A high-quality curriculum is more than just meeting standards; it’s about inspiring students to learn. It should include a broad range of subjects that not only cover the basics of reading, writing, and arithmetic but also delve into the arts, sciences, and social studies. A well-rounded curriculum helps develop critical thinking, creativity, and a love for learning that lasts a lifetime.
Belief in Students: The Key to Thriving
When schools believe in their students, it shows. Educators who hold high expectations and provide the necessary support create a nurturing environment where students feel valued and motivated. This belief fosters resilience and determination, helping students overcome challenges and achieve their goals.
Creating an Inclusive and Supportive Environment
An inclusive school environment is one where every student feels safe, respected, and included. This involves implementing policies and practices that promote diversity and equity, ensuring that all students have access to the resources they need to succeed. Support systems like counseling, tutoring, and extracurricular activities play a crucial role in helping students thrive both academically and personally.
Engaging the Community
Education is a collaborative effort that extends beyond the classroom. Engaging the community—parents, local businesses, and organizations—creates a support network that enhances the educational experience. Community involvement provides students with real-world learning opportunities and fosters a sense of belonging and purpose.
Conclusion: A Commitment to Excellence
Starting the school year with the belief that every child can learn and deserves a high-quality education sets the stage for success. By offering choice within the classroom, a rich curriculum, and unwavering support, we create an environment where all students can thrive. This commitment to excellence is not just about academic achievement but about nurturing well-rounded individuals who are prepared to contribute to society in meaningful ways.
As we embark on this new school year, let's reaffirm our dedication to providing every child with the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed also promoting equality and diversity in the classroom. Because every child deserves nothing less. promoting equality and diversity in the classroom
Leadership has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Before I knew the term emotional intelligence, I understood that leadership meant showing up for others, even when it wasn’t easy, even when no one thanked you. As a class president, vice president, and treasurer, I learned that leadership wasn’t about titles—it was about responsibility. As a co-captain and later captain of the football team, I realized that a leader takes more hits, absorbs more pressure, and stays composed so the team can stay focused. When I became a platoon leader in basic and advanced military training, I saw firsthand that leadership is about setting the tone, staying steady under pressure, and knowing that others look to you for direction—even when the path is unclear. Later, as a principal, I had to be intentional not just with my words but with my movements because in leadership, someone is always watching. The way you handle stress, the way you respond in difficult moments, and the way you treat others—these unspoken actions define you more than any speech ever will. At its core, leadership is emotional intelligence in action. It’s a daily practice, not a talent you inherit. It is the foundation of trust, collaboration, and influence. Without it, leaders struggle to motivate teams, navigate conflict, or inspire lasting change. So, what makes emotional intelligence a habit rather than just a concept? And how can leaders practice it intentionally? 1. Self-Awareness: Leadership Starts with You Great leaders know themselves first before leading others. They recognize their emotional triggers, communication patterns, and leadership blind spots. Daily Practice: Before making a decision or responding in the moment, ask: What emotions am I bringing into this situation? How will my tone, words, or body language impact others? Am I reacting emotionally or responding with clarity? Self-awareness isn’t about suppressing emotions—it’s about understanding them so they don’t control your leadership. 2. Adaptability: The Right Response at the Right Time Rigid leaders demand that the world adjust to them. Emotionally intelligent leaders adjust to the moment, the people, and the energy in the room. Daily Practice: Read the room before you react. A frustrated team member doesn’t need a solution first—they need to feel heard first. A disengaged employee doesn’t need a lecture—they need a challenge they can rise to. A high-performing team doesn’t need constant direction—they need trust and autonomy. Being adaptable means knowing when to push, when to pause, and when to pivot. 3. Empathy: Leadership Is a Two-Way Street Empathy isn’t just about kindness—it’s about understanding before judging. Leaders with emotional intelligence don’t just hear words; they interpret the emotions behind them. Daily Practice: Ask before you assume. “Tell me more about what’s on your mind.” “What’s the biggest challenge you’re facing right now?” “How can I support you today?” A small moment of genuine understanding builds trust faster than any motivational speech. 4. Emotional Regulation: Mastering the Pause Leadership is pressure. You will face challenges, setbacks, and difficult conversations. But emotionally intelligent leaders don’t let emotions dictate their leadership—they manage emotions to strengthen it. Daily Practice: Master the pause before reacting. Before sending that frustrated email, ask: “What outcome do I really want?” Before shutting down an idea you dislike, ask: “What value might I be missing?” Before assuming negative intent, ask: “Could this be a misunderstanding?” The most powerful leadership tool isn’t control—it’s composure. 5. Influence: Leadership That Inspires, Not Commands Emotionally intelligent leaders don’t lead by fear, force, or ego. They lead by example, trust, and consistency. Daily Practice: Model the behavior you want to see. If you want a culture of accountability, be the first to admit mistakes. If you want a team that communicates openly, create space for discussion. If you want people to bring solutions, not just problems, empower them to lead. Leadership is never about titles or authority—it’s about the impact you leave behind. Final Thought: Emotional Intelligence Is Leadership in Action I didn’t know I was practicing emotional intelligence when I first started leading. I just knew I had to be intentional. I had to carry more weight, take the high road more often, and stay composed even when I didn’t feel like it. Emotional intelligence isn’t a skill you check off a list—it’s the way you show up, every single day. What’s one way you practice emotional intelligence in your leadership? Drop your thoughts in the comments. #Leadership #EmotionalIntelligence #GrowthMindset #HighPerformanceTeams #LeadershipDevelopment #NewTeacherUniversity #TeachersAreLeaders #EmpoweringEducators #TeacherSupport #EducationMatters #TeachingStrategies #EdChat #TeacherLife #NewTeacherTips #EduLeadership #ClassroomSuccess #TeachingCommunity #ProfessionalDevelopment #EdTech #InspireEducators #LearningTogether #TeachAndInspire #EducationReform #EmpowerTeachers #TeachingExcellence #FutureOfEducation #TeacherTalk #EducationPodcast #TerryRossMemphisTN #TerryRossPrincipal #DrTerryRossNewTeacherUniversity #FYP #FYPviral
Hi and welcome to The National New Teacher Support Podcast and I am your host, Dr. Terry Ross. I am so excited that you have chosen to join the noblest profession of all professions. TEACHING. You have chosen to stand on the frontline to help develop our great nation’s future, our children, at New Teacher University we’re here to support you in your first years. One way we will support you is through our Podcast, The National New Teacher Support Podcast. This podcast is dedicated to new teacher recruitment and retention, and our mission is to support 1st-3rd year teachers and to help 1styear teachers’ complete year 1 with confidence and excitement. Teaching is one of the noblest professions, teaching is the profession that launches all other professions. The Teaching profession is ground zero for learning and is second only to parenting. The great resignation of 2021, triggered by The Covid Pandemic has touched all professions. It is particularly having a significant impact on the Teaching Profession. One of the main reasons is because our nation’s most valuable resource, our future, our children are not being taught by skilled and trained teachers. You are the first group of teachers to enter the profession post pandemic. That is why I am so excited that you heard the call and have chosen to TEACH. I want to give you a big THANKS in advance of your service. New Teacher University’s goal is to develop a community where teachers can get support, network with their colleagues on a national level, and know that they matter, we want you to know that you matter, more than they can ever imagine. Teaching our youth, can sometimes feel thankless and underappreciated. We want our teachers to know that they matter and that the work that they do daily is frontline work. That is how important the work is that TEACHERS do for our nation. Therefore, New Teacher University will provide support for our nation’s new teachers by engaging our National New Teacher Support Podcast community with: Research Based Instructional Practices that will support student academic achievement Creating Optimal Learning Environments that will support, SEL and classroom management How to engage in and become a part of their local school and its community Most importantly, we will provide a supportive community that will be based around self-care, personal growth and more specifically improving the quality of our lives. We want to ensure from day one that 1st year teachers prioritize themselves and their families. Teaching can be all consuming and ... Teaching can be somewhat isolating because teachers are the only adult in the room. New Teacher University and The National New Teacher Support Podcast will provide a community for teachers to collaborate and build their capacity to become more proficient. This podcast is dedicated to teacher retention and especially helping teachers have a successful 1st year and finish with confidence and excitement. I love teachers, my mom was a teacher, my big sister is a teacher, my aunt and cousins are teachers, my mother-in-law and sister-in-law, my wife is a teacher I am a teacher, and my goal is to bring teaching back. Why is our mission, for teachers to end year one with confidence and excitement, because anything that you are confident in and excited about, you cannot wait to do it again and we want 1st year teachers as excited about year two and year three, as they were about year one. We will help new teachers navigate, lesson plans, restroom breaks, planning periods, PLCs, ILTs, IEPs, EOC, FBAs, and XYZs. And if that is not confusing enough add 20-35 students to the mix. Yes, this work is difficult, but it is not impossible. It has been a part of humanity since the dawn of time. One person teaching the next. Our goal is to lighten the load by sharing research based practical strategies that teachers can use in real time to help improve student achievement and create optimal learning environments where teachers and children thrive and become better, stronger and faster at accomplishing their goals. Professor Richard Ingersoll of the University of Pennsylvania states that 44% of teachers leave the occupation within the first five years and 10% leave in year one. Today, an average teacher has just 1-3 years of classroom experience compared to an average of 15 years of experience just 30 years ago. We are dedicated to changing those statistics. We believe that we can bring teaching back and help increase the recruitment and retention rate of teachers in the profession as a whole. I have recruited two of the most effective teachers that I know to co-host this show with me. They will be sharing plans, tools, materials, and strategies that they have found to work well for them and their colleagues. We will also interview guests and have them share strategies, share their experiences and to encourage and inspire our community. Our community will be engaging, timely, and teacher centered. We will share strategies that teachers can use in real time to support classroom management, instruction, routines, procedures, workstations, time management, prioritization, parent participation as well as resources and tools that teachers can use. We will help you make your first years your most memorable and foundational years. New Teacher University and The National New Teacher Support Podcast will help you establish a foundation that can lead to a fulfilling career in education. We will help you build the consistency in your skillset needed to be effective and efficient, because You don’t build a reputation or become great by being mean, you build your reputation and greatness by being consistent. Speaking of consistency, one of our major goals will be to help ensure that new teachers also maintain healthy self-care. Self-care will be a part of every episode and every meet up, we cannot be effective with our jobs if we are not taking care of ourselves, so we want our first-year teachers to start early, stop and take time for themselves. Build selfcare into your everyday routine. On The National New Teacher Support Podcast, we offer a community that is rewarding, supportive, accountable and most importantly enjoyable. We invite you to take this journey with us on The National New Teacher Support Podcast. Please visit our web site at Newteacheruniversity.org. We are a weekly podcast, and we will have a live community meeting via zoom weekly. Our weekly community is called The National New Teacher Meet-up. Please join us on Tuesday evenings at 7pm CST for our weekly podcast and The National New Teacher Meet-up. Our community will be engaging, timely and supportive. Who am I. Dr. Terry Ross is a father, husband, leader, collaborator, author, podcaster, national speaker and an award-winning teacher and principal. I am the President and founder of New Teacher University. I am a nationally recognized Educational Consultant, Coach, Trainer and Transformational Leader. My background is in Special Education, and I have been a High School Teacher and coach. I have been an Elementary Principal, Middle School Principal and a High School Principal. I have trained and coached Principals and aspiring principals for New Leaders, Public Consultant Group, St. Louis Public Schools, Memphis Shelby County Schools, The University of Memphis, Lindenwood University, Nova Southeastern University and The University of Central Missouri as well as countless school districts and organizations.
Dear School and District Leaders, As the backbone of any educational institution, teachers play a vital role in shaping young minds and building a nurturing learning environment. However, their well-being and professional satisfaction often go unnoticed amidst the demands of a busy academic setting. As a school leader, it is crucial for you to prioritize and support teacher wellness, fostering a positive work culture that benefits both educators and students. In this blog, we will explore practical ways you can promote teacher wellness within your school community. Foster a Culture of Appreciation: Teachers thrive when their efforts are recognized and valued. Take the time to acknowledge their dedication, hard work, and achievements. Celebrate milestones, publicly appreciate their contributions, and encourage peer-to-peer recognition. Regularly communicate gratitude through personal messages, notes, or public announcements. A culture of appreciation motivates teachers, boosts morale, and contributes to their overall well-being. Encourage Work-Life Balance: Promote a healthy work-life balance by encouraging teachers to prioritize self-care and personal time. Discourage excessive workload, unrealistic expectations, and unnecessary administrative burdens. Provide flexibility in scheduling, allowing for occasional breaks and personal days. Encourage teachers to disconnect from work during non-working hours, weekends, and vacations, fostering their well-being and preventing burnout. Do not have unnecessary meetings that you can easily put in a memo. Support Professional Development: Invest in professional development opportunities that enhance teachers' skills, knowledge, and job satisfaction. Provide access to relevant training programs, conferences, workshops, and online resources. Encourage teachers to pursue their passions and explore new teaching methods. By supporting their growth, you empower them to stay engaged, innovative, and motivated in their profession. Promote Collaboration and Supportive Relationships: Create an environment that fosters collaboration and supportive relationships among teachers. Encourage the formation of professional learning communities, where educators can share ideas, seek advice, and collaborate on projects. Facilitate mentoring programs, pairing experienced teachers with newer ones. Encourage regular team-building activities, both within and across grade levels, to strengthen connections and support networks. Establish Wellness Initiatives: Introduce wellness initiatives that address physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Consider providing wellness resources, such as yoga or mindfulness sessions, access to a quiet space for relaxation, or gym memberships. Organize workshops on stress management, resilience building, and healthy living. Engage external experts to lead sessions on wellness-related topics. These initiatives will demonstrate your commitment to the holistic well-being of your teachers. Open Channels of Communication: Create an open and transparent communication channel where teachers feel comfortable expressing their concerns, suggestions, and ideas. Regularly meet with teachers individually or in groups to discuss their needs and provide support. Encourage feedback through surveys or suggestion boxes, and genuinely consider and act upon their input. By fostering open communication, you demonstrate that their voices are heard and valued. Provide Resources and Support: Ensure that teachers have access to the resources and support they need to thrive. This includes adequate instructional materials, technology, administrative assistance, and professional development opportunities. Advocate for fair workload distribution, manageable class sizes, and appropriate classroom resources. Establish partnerships with mental health professionals or counseling services to provide support when needed. School leaders have a critical role in shaping a positive and supportive environment that nurtures teacher wellness. By valuing and investing in the well-being of your teachers, you create a ripple effect that positively impacts students, parents, and the entire school community. Remember, a healthy and empowered teaching force is the key to unlocking the full potential of your school. Thank you for your dedication to supporting teacher wellness and fostering an environment where teachers can thrive and inspire. Sincerely, Terry Ross, Ph.D. President and Founder of New Teacher University