دسته: 5

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zRSr__yUMnA

As an Instructional Coach, have you ever felt caught in the middle of implementing digital learning initiatives without a clear roadmap? Do you struggle to align your coaching efforts with broader district goals while supporting teachers in meaningful technology integration? If so, you’re not alone.

I recently had the privilege of presenting at the ISTE+ASCD Conference, where I shared frameworks and strategies from my book, Impact Standards, designed to help instructional coaches and digital learning leaders drive sustainable transformation in K-12 education. The response was incredible, and I’m excited to share some key takeaways with you.

Moving Beyond Tech for Tech’s Sake

During my presentation, I addressed one of the most common challenges I hear from coaches across the country: how to shift from technology-centered initiatives to people-centered transformation. Drawing from my own journey as a teacher, coach, and district leader, I demonstrated how the Impact Standards framework provides a comprehensive approach to building future-ready learning environments.

We explored how successful digital learning initiatives start not with technology tools, but with a clearly defined vision and shared language. When districts establish unified definitions for terms like “Digital Learning,” “Technology Integration,” and “Innovation,” they create the foundation for meaningful change that directly impacts student achievement.

Video Timestamps

• 00:00 The Journey of an Instructional Coach
• 04:55 Understanding the Role of Instructional Coaches
• 10:06 The Innovation Curve in Education
• 12:41 Creating a Vision for Instructional Coaching
• 18:34 Challenges Facing Instructional Coaches
• 24:20 Defining and Demanding the Role of Instructional Coaches
• 24:53 Visionary Leadership in Education
• 29:27 Defining the Role of Instructional Coaches
• 31:57 Data-Driven Decision Making
• 38:08 Effective Communication Strategies
• 43:47 Innovative Coaching Cycles

The Coach as Cultural Architect

One of the most significant moments in the presentation occurrs when addressing the critical role that instructional coaches fulfill in aligning curriculum with technology. Impact Standards underscores that coaching is essentially a “people business, not a technology business.” The foundation of success lies not in technical proficiency, but in the capacity to foster relationships, comprehend the distinct challenges faced by teachers, and effectively link digital tools to their instructional objectives.

Building Your Digital Learning Strategic Plan

The core of my presentation focused on providing a step-by-step process for developing and implementing a Digital Learning Strategic Plan. I shared how this comprehensive roadmap helps districts:

• Create a unified vision for digital learning across all grade levels
• Design curriculum that seamlessly integrates ISTE Standards and digital skills
• Develop instructional coaching programs that support teacher growth and innovation
• Establish evaluation methods that measure meaningful impact on student learning
• Engage the broader community as partners in digital transformation

What resonated most with the Instructional Coaches in the room was seeing how these components work together to create sustainable change—not just in classrooms, but throughout the entire educational ecosystem.

Continue Your Digital Learning Journey with Impact Standards

If you’re inspired to implement these strategies in your own district, I invite you to explore the complete Impact Standards framework. My book “Impact Standards” provides in-depth guidance on creating a district-wide vision, designing standards-based curricula, building an effective coaching program, and measuring the impact of your digital learning initiatives.

Whether you’re just beginning your digital transformation journey or looking to enhance existing programs, Impact Standards offers the frameworks, real-world examples, and practical tools to turn your district’s vision into reality.

Purchase your copy today at www.teachercast.net/standards and start transforming digital learning in your educational environment!

Are you looking to connect with like-minded educators and Instructional Coaches who are implementing these strategies?

Subscribe to my newsletter for regular updates, practical tips, and exclusive resources that will support your work as an Instructional Coach or Digital Learning Leader.

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You know the feeling. You’re sitting in your office, surrounded by a digital and physical whirlwind of information. You have dozens of browser tabs open with research, a pile of notes from your last three teacher meetings, the district’s 80-page curriculum guide, and the looming pressure to create a high-quality professional development session for next week. You have all the information you could ever need, but you feel overwhelmed, and you don’t know where to start.

This is the modern coach’s dilemma. The problem isn’t a lack of resources; it’s the lack of an effective system to manage them. But what if you had a team to help you? I’d like to introduce you to your two new assistants: NotebookLM, your personal research expert, and Google Gemini, your creative partner. Together, these AI tools can help you turn information overload into actionable insight.

Your Research Assistant: Organizing Your Universe with NotebookLM

Think of NotebookLM as a personalized AI that you can train on your own documents. It’s not about searching the entire internet; it’s about becoming a deep expert in the content that matters most to you and your school district. You upload your sources, and NotebookLM becomes your private research assistant, ready to answer your questions based only on the information you’ve provided.

Here are a few ways a coach can put NotebookLM to work immediately:

• The “Book Study” Assistant: Upload an entire professional development book (like my book, Impact Standards) and instantly ask it questions. You can ask for a summary of a specific chapter, to find all the quotes related to “student agency,” or to generate a list of key vocabulary.
• The “Curriculum Expert”: Upload your district’s curriculum documents for a specific grade level. You can then ask NotebookLM to find every instance of a particular standard or to create a list of “I Can” statements for an upcoming unit, saving you hours of manual searching.
• The “Meeting Synthesizer”: After a coaching conversation, upload the transcript of your meeting. You can then ask NotebookLM to pull out the key themes, identify the teacher’s primary goals, and generate a bulleted list of the agreed-upon action items.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3EWxlY_PCs

Your Creative Partner: Generating Ideas with Gemini

While NotebookLM is your expert on the content you already have, Google Gemini is your creative partner for generating something new. It’s a collaborative AI that is excellent for brainstorming, drafting, and refining content from scratch.

Here are a few ways a coach can partner with Gemini:

• The “PD Session Designer”: Ask Gemini to create a complete outline for a 60-minute workshop on a topic like “differentiated instruction.” It can generate everything from an engaging icebreaker and hands-on activities to thoughtful discussion prompts and exit ticket questions.
• The “Newsletter Ghostwriter”: Give Gemini a few bullet points about the upcoming week’s focus, and ask it to draft a friendly, engaging weekly newsletter for your staff.
• The “Difficult Conversation” Scriptwriter: If you’re struggling to find the right words, you can ask Gemini to brainstorm different ways to phrase supportive, non-judgmental feedback for a reluctant teacher, helping you prepare for a more productive conversation.

The Power Combo: A Unified AI Workflow

The real magic happens when you use these two tools in tandem. NotebookLM helps you synthesize and understand your core content, and Gemini helps you create something new based on those insights.

Here’s what that workflow looks like in action:

1. Research & Synthesize in NotebookLM: A coach uploads their district’s strategic plan and the Impact Standards book into NotebookLM. They then ask it to generate a summary of the key district goals for the year that relate to technology integration.
2. Brainstorm & Create in Gemini: The coach takes that summary and pastes it into Gemini with a prompt like, “Based on these district goals, generate three creative ideas for a back-to-school professional development session that would be engaging for our teachers.”
3. Refine & Finalize: The coach uses Gemini’s output as a starting point to create their final presentation, feeling confident that it is perfectly aligned with their district’s strategic vision.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EOmgC3-hznM

Conclusion: From Overwhelmed to Empowered

AI tools are not about replacing the essential, human work of an instructional coach. They are about augmenting your skills. Think of them as powerful assistants that can handle the “busy work” of finding, organizing, and summarizing information. This frees you up to focus on the uniquely human and most important parts of your job: building relationships, listening to your teachers, and providing the in-the-moment support that creates a lasting impact.

Ready to explore more resources for working smarter? Download my free Digital Learning Toolkit to get even more templates and strategies designed for the modern educator.

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This summer at the ISTELive conference, Google made a significant announcement that is set to reshape the digital learning landscape: the official launch of Gemini for Education. This new suite of AI-powered tools, integrated directly into the Google Workspace applications that millions of educators use every day, is designed to save teachers time, create more dynamic learning experiences, and foster a new era of AI-powered pedagogy.

Here’s a breakdown of what Gemini for Education is, what it includes, and what it means for you and your students.

What is Gemini for Education?

At its core, Gemini for Education is Google’s enterprise-grade AI, specifically packaged and priced for educational institutions. It brings the power of Google’s most advanced AI model, Gemini 1.5 Pro, directly into familiar Workspace apps like Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Gmail. For schools already invested in the Google ecosystem, this means that powerful AI capabilities will now be a native part of their existing workflow.

Google has emphasized two distinct tiers for this new offering:

1. Gemini for Google Workspace: This is a paid add-on that brings AI features to existing Google Workspace for Education plans.
2. Gemini for Education Premium: A more comprehensive plan that includes all the features of the base tier, plus new AI-powered tools coming to Google Classroom.

Key Features You Can Use Now

For schools that adopt the new plans, educators will see Gemini’s AI assistant appear directly within their favorite apps. Here are a few of the key features that will have an immediate impact:

• In Google Docs: Gemini can help you write lesson plans, generate creative writing prompts, or summarize long articles into key bullet points.
• In Gmail: It can draft emails to parents, summarize long email chains, and help you achieve the elusive “inbox zero.”
• In Google Slides: Gemini can generate images for your presentations from a simple text description, saving you hours of searching for the right visuals.
• In Google Sheets: It can help you create lesson plans, project trackers, and organize data more efficiently.

A Coach’s Co-Pilot: How Instructional Coaches Can Leverage Gemini

While these features are valuable for all educators, they are a game-changer for instructional coaches. Gemini can act as your AI-powered co-pilot, streamlining your workflow and amplifying your impact. Here’s how:

• Supercharge Coaching Cycles: Instantly co-create lesson plans with teachers in Google Docs. Use Gemini to generate differentiated materials, create exemplars, or find unique, standards-aligned activities for any subject on the fly.
• Streamline Professional Development: Save hours on prep time for your next workshop. Ask Gemini to draft a complete slide deck on a new teaching strategy, create handout materials, or generate discussion prompts for your next PLC meeting.
• Automate Communication: Dramatically reduce your administrative load. Use Gemini in Gmail to draft a follow-up email to a teacher you just met, summarize the key action items from your last team meeting, or create a template for your weekly newsletter.
• Become an Expert Resource Curator: Need to get up to speed on a new topic quickly? Ask Gemini to summarize a long research article into key takeaways or create a curated list of the best online resources for a specific instructional strategy.

A Coach’s Co-Pilot: How Instructional Coaches Can Leverage Gemini

While these features are valuable for all educators, they are a game-changer for instructional coaches. Gemini can act as your AI-powered co-pilot, streamlining your workflow and amplifying your impact. Here’s how:

• Supercharge Coaching Cycles: Instantly co-create lesson plans with teachers in Google Docs. Use Gemini to generate differentiated materials, create exemplars, or find unique, standards-aligned activities for any subject on the fly.
• Streamline Professional Development: Save hours on prep time for your next workshop. Ask Gemini to draft a complete slide deck on a new teaching strategy, create handout materials, or generate discussion prompts for your next PLC meeting.
• Automate Communication: Dramatically reduce your administrative load. Use Gemini in Gmail to draft a follow-up email to a teacher you just met, summarize the key action items from your last team meeting, or create a template for your weekly newsletter.
• Become an Expert Resource Curator: Need to get up to speed on a new topic quickly? Ask Gemini to summarize a long research article into key takeaways or create a curated list of the best online resources for a specific instructional strategy.

On the Horizon: AI in Google Classroom

Perhaps the most exciting part of the announcement is the upcoming integration of Gemini into Google Classroom. While still in preview, these features are designed to streamline the work of grading and lesson planning. Soon, teachers will be able to:

• Generate lesson plans and resources directly within Classroom.
• Create rubrics and provide personalized feedback with the help of AI.
• Get AI-powered assistance with grading to provide faster, more consistent feedback to students.

A Focus on Safety and Privacy

Google has been clear that Gemini for Education is built with the same privacy and security commitments as their core Workspace for Education services. They have stated that data from these tools will not be used to train their AI models and that schools will maintain full control over their data. This is a critical point for district leaders considering adoption.

What This Means for the Future of Teaching

The integration of powerful, native AI into the tools that educators use every day is a significant step forward. It has the potential to automate time-consuming administrative tasks, allowing teachers to spend more of their valuable time on what matters most: working directly with students.

As with any new technology, the key will be thoughtful implementation and a focus on pedagogy, not just the tool itself. We are at the beginning of a new chapter in digital learning, and we at TeacherCast are excited to explore how these new AI tools can be leveraged to create more engaging, personalized, and impactful learning experiences for every student.

Stay Ahead of the Curve

Want to stay up-to-date on the latest in educational technology and learn how to implement these new tools effectively? Join the TeacherCast newsletter to get practical strategies and expert insights delivered to your inbox every week.

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Has this ever happened to you?

You’re sitting in a planning meeting with a teacher, the curriculum map is open, and they’re looking to you for a great lesson idea for tomorrow. You have the passion and the pedagogical knowledge, but you don’t have a ready-to-go resource at your fingertips. The pressure is on to go back to your office and create a high-quality, engaging, and standards-aligned lesson from scratch—and you need it fast.

This is a universal challenge for us as instructional coaches. Our role is to support teachers with amazing resources, but the time it takes to find and create those resources can be a significant barrier to making a real impact.

What if you could generate a complete, editable, and pedagogically sound lesson in just a few minutes?

Recently, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Robert Barnett, the founder of a groundbreaking new AI tool called Insta~Lesson, and what I saw has the potential to revolutionize my coaching cycles.

What is Insta~Lesson?

As a coach, I’m always looking for tools that are simple, effective, and actually save time. Insta~Lesson is exactly that. It’s a one-stop shop for lesson creation. Instead of me spending hours searching one site for a video, another for practice problems, and another for an exit ticket, I can simply input a lesson topic, a grade level, and a learning standard, and Insta~Lesson generates everything.

The goal isn’t to replace the teacher or the coach; it’s to provide a high-quality starting point. Insta~Lesson creates a complete lesson package in Google Docs that I can then take to a teacher and say, “Let’s look at this together and customize it for your students.”

How It Works: A Coach’s Perspective

During our conversation, Robert walked me through a live demo, and I was immediately struck by how intuitive the process is. It truly feels like having an AI co-planner by your side.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LRn2xbRtAfY

Here’s a breakdown of the workflow from a coach’s point of view:

1. Input the Topic: I can take the exact topic a teacher gives me (e.g., “adding fractions”) and input it along with the grade level and standard.
2. Refine the Objective: Insta~Lesson suggests a clear learning objective, which the teacher and I can then refine together during our planning meeting.
3. Select an Instructional Video: The tool finds high-quality videos, which saves me the time of vetting content on YouTube.
4. Generate Key Points & Practice: This is a game-changer. It creates guided notes and practice problems based on the video, giving me an instant, high-quality student activity.
5. Create an Exit Ticket: A simple, effective exit ticket is generated to quickly assess student understanding.
6. Receive the Complete Lesson: Within minutes, I have a full suite of editable Google Docs—a teacher guide, a student lesson, slides, and extension activities—ready for my next coaching session.

Why This is a Game-Changer for Coaches?

After seeing the demo, my mind was racing with the possibilities. Here’s how a tool like Insta~Lesson will directly impact my work:

• It Saves Me Hours: This is the most obvious benefit. The time I used to spend hunting for resources can now be spent on what matters most: being in classrooms and coaching teachers.
• It Boosts My Credibility: I can now walk into any classroom—even for a subject that isn’t my primary area of expertise—with a comprehensive, standards-aligned lesson ready to go. This builds immense trust with the teachers I support.
• It Provides a “One-Stop Shop”: I no longer have to pull from a dozen different places. I can create a complete, cohesive lesson package from a single platform.
• It Empowers My Teachers: Because everything is fully editable, it’s not a rigid script. It’s a starting point that empowers the teacher to take ownership and adapt the lesson for their unique students.

Start Building Better Lessons Today

In a role where time is our most valuable and limited resource, a tool that allows us to be both efficient and effective is indispensable. Insta~Lesson is a powerful new addition to my digital toolbox, and I believe it can help any coach do what we do best: support our teachers and make a lasting impact on student learning.

To try it for yourself, you can visit Insta-Lesson.com.

Join the Conversation

What are your favorite time-saving tools for lesson planning? Share your thoughts and join our community of innovative educators by signing up for my weekly newsletter.

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The energy on the floor of ISTELive is always electric, but this year, the buzz around the future of classroom technology felt particularly strong. Amidst the innovation, one exhibitor, BenQ, stood out by showcasing a new generation of classroom solutions designed to be more integrated, secure, and intuitive for teachers than ever before. It wasn’t just about a new piece of hardware; it was about creating a cohesive ecosystem.

In this article will explore the key announcements from BenQ’s presence at the conference and provide a practical, hands-on look at five specific features that are set to transform the modern classroom, as demonstrated in a series of video interviews from the event.

I would like to thank BenQ for being a supporter and sponsor of my ISTELive experience this year.

For more information, please check out these links:

The Big Picture: Deep Google Integration and a Secure Cloud

The major news from BenQ is a significant step forward in creating a seamless classroom experience. The company’s newest interactive displays are now EDLA-certified, meaning they come with Google features and the Google Play store built-in, no extra hardware required. This gives teachers instant access to the Google Workspace tools they use every day, as well as the power of Gemini AI.

Furthermore, BenQ announced that this entire ecosystem is secured by Amazon Web Services (AWS). For school districts, this is a crucial detail. It means that all data and cloud functionality are secure, localized, and reliable, addressing major concerns around student data privacy and system stability.

A Practical Guide: 5 Key Features in Action

Beyond the big announcements, what does this mean for the teacher in the classroom? I had the chance to sit down with the team from BenQ to get a hands-on look at the features that make these new displays so powerful.

1. Why Choose a BenQ Board? The Foundation

Before diving into specific features, it’s important to understand the core value proposition. Why should a school choose a BenQ board in the first place? The answer lies in creating a more engaging, healthy, and flexible learning environment.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUVC5emtPWA

As discussed in the video, BenQ boards are designed with both teachers and students in mind, featuring 4K resolution for crystal-clear visuals and ClassroomCare™ health features to protect eyes in the classroom. The goal is to create a central hub for learning that is both powerful and easy to use.

2. Seamless Sign-In and Security

One of the biggest friction points for teachers using shared technology is the cumbersome process of logging in and out. BenQ’s new Google integration solves this problem directly.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gB2f2SWtxzg

With a simple and secure sign-in process, teachers can instantly access their personal Google Drive, lesson plans, and classroom materials. This single sign-on capability not only saves valuable instruction time but also ensures that a teacher’s digital environment is secure, and they can easily sign out with one tap at the end of a class.

3. Effortless Casting and Classroom Flexibility

Effective teaching in a modern classroom requires flexibility. Teachers need to be able to move around the room, interact with students, and facilitate group work without being tethered to the front of the class.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jpxOAQBQZF4

BenQ’s integrated InstaShow™ software allows for instant wireless screen sharing from any device—a laptop, a tablet, or even a phone. As demonstrated in the video, teachers can “cast” their screen to the board with a single click, allowing them to teach from anywhere in the classroom and seamlessly share student work for the entire class to see.

4. Creating and Importing Your Lessons

One of the biggest fears teachers have with new technology is that they will have to recreate all their existing lesson materials from scratch. BenQ has designed its software to work with the tools teachers already use.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gcaOOhxX2RA

As you can see in this demonstration, teachers can easily import and manipulate their existing PowerPoints, Google Slides, PDFs, and other documents directly on the interactive display. This means there is no wasted time; a teacher can take a lesson they’ve used for years and instantly make it more dynamic and interactive.

5. Making Learning Interactive

The ultimate goal of an interactive display is to create more engaging, hands-on learning experiences. BenQ’s built-in software tools are designed to make this easy for any teacher.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d97BwM-2N70

From annotating directly on top of any content to using digital manipulatives and interactive widgets, the board becomes a canvas for co-creation. Teachers can build dynamic lessons that capture student attention and allow them to interact with content in a deeper, more meaningful way.

What Do You Want Your Classrooms To Look Like?

The announcements from BenQ at ISTELive signal a clear shift in classroom technology. The focus is no longer on standalone hardware, but on creating a cohesive, secure, and intuitive ecosystem. By deeply integrating with Google, securing their platform with AWS, and focusing on the practical needs of teachers, BenQ is providing a powerful solution for creating the future-ready classrooms our students deserve.

Take the Next Step

Are you looking to bring more innovative and practical technology into your classroom or school? Join my weekly newsletter to get a curated collection of EdTech strategies, expert insights, and time-saving resources designed to help you make an impact.

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The August sun streamed through the window, but for Sara, a second-year instructional coach, a cloud of uncertainty hung over her desk. The new school year was just weeks away, and her first official meeting with her principal was on the calendar. She knew this conversation was important—it was her chance to set the tone for the entire year. But as she stared at a blank notepad, the questions swirled: What should I even ask? How do I show the value I brought last year? How do I make sure we’re on the same page so I can actually make an impact this year?

This moment is one every instructional coach faces. That pre-year meeting with your administrator isn’t just a check-in; it’s the strategic launchpad for your entire coaching program. A well-planned conversation can transform your role from a supportive, but reactive, position to that of a proactive, indispensable leader in the building.

This guide will walk you through how to prepare for and execute that crucial summer meeting to set yourself up for a successful first 90 days and beyond.

Timing is Everything: When to Schedule Your Summer Meeting

Don’t wait for the chaos of the first week of school. The ideal time to meet with your principal is in late July or early August. This is a sweet spot where they have returned from their own summer break and are in deep planning mode for the upcoming year, but before the flood of back-to-school meetings begins.

Scheduling your meeting during this window shows initiative and ensures you have your principal’s focused, strategic attention. It allows you to embed your coaching goals directly into their school-wide vision before it’s set in stone.

The Art of the Question: What to Ask Your Administrator

Walking into this meeting with thoughtful, strategic questions is the single best way to demonstrate your value. This isn’t about getting a to-do list; it’s about aligning your work with their vision.

Here are some essential questions to have in your back pocket:

1. The Vision Question: “As you look at the school year ahead, what is the single most important goal you have for our students? How do you see my coaching work directly supporting that goal?”
2. The Success Question: “How will my success in this role be measured this year, both formally and informally? What does a ‘win’ look like from your perspective?”
3. The Introduction Question: “On the first day of school, what is the best way for us to introduce (or re-introduce) my role so that all staff members—new and veteran—understand how I can be a supportive partner for them?”
4. The Reluctance Question: “How should we, as a team, approach a situation where a teacher or department is hesitant to engage in coaching?”
5. The Communication Question: “What is the best way for us to communicate regularly so I can keep you updated on my progress and challenges?”
6. 🎉 Bonus Question: Is it posisble to survey the staff about their interestes and thoughts about this year? (View this blog post for more information on the topic)

Setting the Stage for Success: How to Prepare for Day One

Your summer meeting is the perfect time to co-create your introduction for the first all-staff meeting. Instead of a simple “This is our coach,” work with your principal to frame your role with purpose.

• Align with the School Improvement Plan (SIP): Ask your principal, “Can we explicitly connect my role to Goal #2 in the SIP during the opening day presentation?” This immediately positions you as a key player in the school’s most important work.
• Share a Success Story: Prepare a brief, anonymous “one-slide win” from the previous year to share. Showcasing a small success story is a powerful way to build credibility and excitement.

Show Your Work: Sharing Resources from Last Year

To support your plan for the upcoming year, come prepared with a concise summary of your impact from the previous year. You don’t need a massive report. Consider bringing:

• A “One-Sheet” Impact Summary: A single page with 3-4 key data points. This could include the number of coaching cycles completed, a powerful quote from a teacher you supported, or data from a successful classroom project.
• Your Professional Portfolio: Have a link to your digital portfolio ready to share, showcasing examples of PD sessions you’ve led or resources you’ve created.

A great tool to use for collecting instructional coaching data is my Instructional Coaches Data Dashboard and Command Center Notion template. Inside this template, you can keep track of teacher interactions, coaching cycles, and all of your professional development resources.

A United Front: Meeting with the Entire Leadership Team

While your primary relationship is with your principal, they are not the only leader in the building. It is crucial to ensure the entire administrative team, including assistant principals, is on the same page.

Ask your principal: “Would it be helpful to have a short, 15-minute follow-up meeting with you and the assistant principals together?”

This proactive step ensures that the vision for your coaching role is shared by the entire leadership team, which prevents confusion and ensures you have consistent support throughout the building.

Start Your Year with a Clear Roadmap

That summer meeting is your opportunity to turn uncertainty into a clear, actionable plan. By preparing thoughtful questions and aligning your goals with your school’s vision, you can step onto campus on day one feeling confident, prepared, and ready to make a real impact.

For educational leaders ready to move beyond a single meeting and design the district-wide systems that power K-12 learning, my book, “Impact Standards,” provides the complete blueprint. It’s the definitive guide for creating a culture of innovation and driving systemic change.

Looking for a complete, step-by-step guide to navigate your first three months? Download my free “First 90 Days” workbook, packed with the templates and checklists you need to thrive as an instructional coach.

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Are your students struggling to understand complex historical timelines? Many history teachers face a common challenge – helping students grasp and visualize interconnected historical events, especially during pivotal periods like World War II. Traditional textbooks, with their dense paragraphs, often leave students overwhelmed and disconnected from the material.

Here’s where Google Sheets comes to the rescue with its powerful timeline feature. This versatile tool transforms complex historical data into clear, interactive visual timelines that enhance student comprehension and engagement. Through hands-on experience with several history classes, I’ve seen how this simple yet effective tool helps students better understand historical relationships and concurrent events.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through creating dynamic, engaging timelines using Google Sheets. Whether you’re a history teacher mapping out World War II events, a curriculum planner organizing yearly objectives, or an educator helping students manage project deadlines, you’ll discover how to create interactive timelines that make learning more accessible and engaging.

What You’ll Need

• A Google account (your school account works perfectly)
• Basic familiarity with Google Sheets
• Events or milestones you want to visualize

Let’s Create Your Timeline

Step 1: Setting Up Your Data

First things first – let’s organize our information in a way that Google Sheets can understand:

• Open a fresh Google Sheet (I like to name mine right away to stay organized)
• Create three columns: Date, Event Title, and Description
• Pro Tip: I always freeze my header row to make scrolling easier later

Step 2: Creating Your Timeline Chart

Here’s where the magic happens:

• Highlight your data range (including headers)
• Click Insert > Timeline
• Watch your data transform into a visual timeline!

Step 3: Making It Look Professional

Let’s make your timeline pop with some educator-friendly customizations:

• Use different colors to categorize events (great for visual learners!)
• Add detailed tooltips to provide additional context
• Adjust the date format to match your needs (especially helpful for historical events)

Classroom Application Ideas

• Historical Event Mapping: Perfect for showing cause and effect relationships
• Project Management: Help students track group project milestones
• Curriculum Planning: Map out your units across the school year
• Literary Timeline: Track events in a novel or play

Troubleshooting Tips

After helping dozens of teachers implement this in their classrooms, here are the most common issues I’ve encountered and their solutions:

• Dates not showing correctly? Double-check your date format consistency
• Timeline too crowded? Try creating separate timelines for different themes or periods
• Need more visual impact? Experiment with different colors and font sizes in the Chart Editor

What Can You Do with Google Sheet Timelines?

Remember, the goal isn’t just to create a pretty timeline – it’s about making information more accessible and engaging for our students. I’d love to hear how you’re using timelines in your classroom! Reach out on social media to share your ideas.

Happy teaching!

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Do you remember your last epiphany? That moment when—whether walking or driving—everything suddenly clicks and the world makes perfect sense?

Well, yesterday I had one of those moments, and I can’t wait to share it with you.

Are you ready?

Canva + Google Sites = AWESOME!

Let me back up a second.

For the last 13+ years, I’ve been a HUGE fan of Google Sites. I use them for everything—running professional development sessions, organizing classroom lesson plans, and showing teachers and coaches how they perfectly complement Google Classroom to create a unified teaching experience.

But let’s face it, they have a drawback.

3 Unfortunate Issues with Google Sites that Need to be Fixed

I often have said “Google is WONDERFUL, until it needs to be.” (am I right?)

Sure Google Sites are great, but often I have a hard time getting the best results out of them.

One of the biggest feature annoyances is the header section. Many people (including my students) want to create nice looking graphics and add them in the header area, only to find that the header images natively is responsive. This means that when you look at your Google Site in tablet mode or mobile mode the header graphic gets cut off so you can’t see any words on the image you just spent a ton of time creating.

NOT GOOD!

My solution to this is often to create a generic header image, toss it in the image area up top and then use Google Site’s text area to overlap so that when it retracts on mobile, the words don’t get cut off.

But this takes time, planning, and most people won’t think of this.

Strike 1

Problem #2: You are locked in to a clunky website layout

Don’t get me wrong here, one of the blessings of Google Sites is that it IS simple to make a website out of. I have my students each year using Google Sites to create a simple one-page website that acts as a digital poster all the time. But getting them to think about layout in terms of what it looks like on mobile devices is impossible.

For this reason, I teach students about creating posters rather than creating websites.

Strike 2

Problem #3: You are extremely limited in what you can do with images.

Website images. How I loath the process of finding images for websites.

• Build a site layout
• Figure out what you want on the page
• Go search for the image
• Stick the image on the website
• Realize that it’s not looking good
• Import the image into a graphic editor
• Export again
• Repeat the process.

Who has time for this?

Strike 3

There has to be a better way of creating a nice looking website, especially with your students, quickly and efficiently.

This is where I mind was blown when I realized that Canva can do … this!

Enter Canva Docs: My New BFF

The other day, I was searching for a way to build a course workbook for some upcoming presentations. I tried designing something in Google Sites but it really wasn’t looking the way I wanted it to look.

I went on to Canva and tried creating something using one of the premade templates but I’m not the greatest designed on the planet and it wasn’t doing much for me.

That’s when I started looking into Canva Docs.

MIND BLOWN!

Did you know that Canva Docs is the PERFECT solution and PERFECT partner for creating amazing looking Google Sites?

How to Merge Canva Docs and Google Sites to Create a Great Looking Website

To merge Canva Docs and Google Sites, the process is pretty simple. I’m not sure why I didn’t think about this earlier.

To add a Canva Doc into a Google Site there are two simple steps.

Add a New Page to a Google Site

This will then create a new blank page where Google Sites will ask you to provide either a URL to embed on the page, or you can select something directly from Google Drive.

Pro Tip: This is a great way of building a clean Google Sites page from a Google Doc, Spreadsheet, or Google Slides file. (Forms also works great!)

Find the Embed Link from a Canva Doc

Step 2: Create a Canva Doc and copy it’s embed code into Google Sites

• In Canva, create a new Canva Doc and design it how you wish it to look.
• On the top right, click on the SHARE button
• Click on EMBED
• Click and copy the “Smart Embed Link”
• Paste this link into Google Sites where it says “Add embed”
• Choose the option on the left to embed the full page Canva Doc into Google Sites
• Sit back and wait to be AMAZED

Again… Mind blown!

Canva Docs & Google Sites … Perfect Together!

Ever since I realized that you can marry Canva Docs and Google Sites, I have been a busy busy creator. There are so many reasons why you should give this a try today!

When creating a Canva Doc, you have the option of adding a banner graphic to the very top and having it be seen full width. When you look at your Canva Doc acting as a website in Google Sites, these headers are amazing, clean and yes… RESPONSIVE! This means that they show up in all their full glory no matter what the screen size is.

Reason #2: Extremely Clean Layout Options

One of the advantages I found using Canva Docs as my website builder is the fact that I can now add my content just about anywhere on the page with few limitations. (Limitations that actually make me rethink what are usually poor layout decisions).

True, you need to start thinking more vertically with your content choices, but thats actually a feature (rather than a bug) that helps you think like your students or website readers. This simple yet flexible layout allows you to focus on your content rather than your page design.

Reason #3: Unlimited Graphical Resources

Let’s face it, you now have the ability to do anything you can in Canva, directly in Canva. This means you can bring in images, remove their backgrounds and make quick decisions without spending a ton of time on Google Image Search.

You also have all of the features found in Canva AI allowing you to create, manipulate, and reevaluate everything quickly and far simpler than when working natively in Google Sites or any other website editor.

Another great feature of working in Canva Docs is the ability to bring in all of your Canva projecs, images, presentations, and logos without the need for switching between multiple applications.

Get Your Canva and Google Sites Game On Today!

Is your mind blown about the possibilities that a Canva and Google Sites marriage have for your projects, lesson plans, and presentations? I know that I am!

Ready to take your website game to the next level?

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The excitement is building as ISTELive 25 and ASCD Annual Conference are just days away!

From June 29-July 2, 2025, San Antonio will become the hub of educational innovation as thousands of educators gather to learn, connect, and grow. Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a conference veteran, this post will help you prepare for an amazing experience!

Three Great Sessions To Check Out This Year!

This year, I am excited to preseneting three sessions focused on supporting Instructional Coaching!

Tuesday July 1: Instructional Coaches Playground

This year at the Instructional Coaches playground on Tuesday July 1, from 12:45-2:45 (Central Time), I will be presenting on two topics.

1. Using Coaching Newsletters Effectively to Schedule Meaningful Coaching Cycles
2. Effective Ways to Develop Dynanic Coaching Dashboards

Wedensday July 2: Solo Presentation

On Wednesday, I am excited to present one of my favorite topics on Instructional Coaching.

• Using the ISTE Standards to Create a Dynamic Instructional Coaching Department

If you are an Instructional Coach or Digital Learning Leader, these are three great sessions to attend!

Conference Highlights

• Dates and Location: June 29-July 2, 2025 in San Antonio, TX at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center
• Inspiring Keynote Speakers:
  • Scott Shigeoka – Internationally recognized curiosity expert and author of “Seek: How Curiosity Can Transform Your Life and Change the World”
  • Jacqueline Woodson – National Book Award winner, MacArthur Genius Grant fellow, and New York Times bestselling author
  • Sabba Quidwai, Ed.D. – CEO of Designing Schools, educator, and author focused on design thinking and creating cultures of innovation

Schedule at a Glance

• Saturday, June 28: Preconference activities and registration (8am-6pm)
• Sunday, June 29: Content sessions, Opening Mainstage, and Welcome Reception (5:30-7pm)
• Monday, June 30: Full day of content, Solutions Hub Expo open (9am-5:30pm)
• Tuesday, July 1: Mainstage session and full day of content, Solutions Hub Expo open (9:30am-5:30pm)
• Wednesday, July 2: Content sessions and Closing Mainstage, Solutions Hub Expo open (9am-1pm)

Tips for Conference Success

• Navigate the Exhibit Hall Like a Pro: The ISTE Exhibit Hall (Solutions Hub Expo) is like Disneyworld for educators – full of exciting innovations! Plan your visit strategically by identifying your goals and exploring the exhibitor list in advance
• Bring a Conference Buddy: Exploring in pairs or groups allows you to discover booths you might have overlooked and gain different perspectives
• Take Strategic Breaks: The expo floor can be overwhelming! Find designated areas to rest and recharge throughout the day
• Collect Information Wisely: Be selective with swag and information. Take photos, jot down notes, and get scanned by exhibitors for follow-up information

What Should You Do Before The Conference Begins?

The official ISTELive 25 mobile app is your essential companion throughout the conference. Available for both iOS and Android devices, the app allows you to create a personalized schedule, receive real-time updates about session changes, navigate the convention center with interactive maps, connect with other attendees, and access digital resources from presenters. Download it at least a week before the conference to start planning your experience!

How Can You Stay Updated During the Conference?

During the conference, there will be PLENTY of social chatter going on. My best advice to keep up to date with everything official happening at the conference is to follow the offiical ISTE Social Media accounts.

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