A huge thank you to the following educators who have committed to contributing vignettes to this book. Vignettes are due by April 1, 2026.
Chapter 1 - Identity
You cannot teach effectively if you are pretending to be someone else. We explore how embracing your true self builds trust and conserves your limited energy for what really matters.
Pedagogical Connections: Teacher Credibility, Psychological Safety, Culturally Responsive Teaching.
Confirmed Contributors:
Crystal Nolen
Laura Ogando
Rebecca Henry
Scott Holcomb
MaryEllen West
Chapter 2 - Motivation
It is hard to teach a student who does not want to learn. We look at moving beyond carrot and stick rewards to ignite the internal drive that makes learning sustainable.
Pedagogical Connections: Intrinsic Motivation, Self Determination Theory, Flow State.
Confirmed Contributors:
Matthew Davis
Kevin Robert Sanders
Jessica Charlton
Crystal Uhiren
Stanley Gatlin
Chapter 3 - Drivers of Innovation
Real innovation is not about buying new gadgets. It is about solving problems. We examine how constraints and frustrations are actually the best fuel for creative teaching solutions.
Pedagogical Connections: Design Thinking, Adaptive Expertise, Problem Based Learning.
Confirmed Contributors:
Jessica Holloway
Amy Brownlee
Sandra Paul
Crystal Uhiren
Samantha Morra
Chapter 4 - Action/Iteration
Perfectionism is the enemy of progress. We discuss the importance of launching messy lessons and refining them as you go rather than waiting until everything is flawless.
Pedagogical Connections: Formative Assessment, Growth Mindset, Agile Methodology.
Confirmed Contributors:
Lindsay Foster
Ted Horrell
Jennifer Cockroft
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Chapter 5 - Integrity/Rigor
High standards are a form of respect. We explore how to hold the line on academic rigor without sacrificing the human connection that makes students want to reach that bar.
Pedagogical Connections: Warm Demander, High Expectations, Zone of Proximal Development.
Confirmed Contributors:
Rebecca Henry
Vanessa Heller
Jennifer Cockroft
Sue Levine
Angie Delloso
Chapter 6 - Scaffolding/Autonomy
The goal of teaching is eventually to make ourselves obsolete. We look at how to build the temporary supports that allow students to stand on their own two feet.
Pedagogical Connections: Gradual Release of Responsibility, Scaffolding, Metacognition.
Confirmed Contributors:
Kimberly Voge
Tana Ruder
Theresa Fairchild
Jason Winkler
Tammy Wilson
Angie Delloso
Chapter 7 - Relationships
Deep professional connections are the necessary foundation for rigorous learning. We look at how to build bonds that survive difficult days and help students feel safe enough to take risks.
Pedagogical Connections: Relational Pedagogy, Attachment Theory, Maslow before Bloom.
Confirmed Contributors:
Kristina Holzweiss
Steve Sherman
Jessica Charlton
Tana Ruder
Christopher Cooper
Chapter 8 - Culture
Culture happens whether you plan it or not. We discuss how to be intentional about the unspoken rules and rituals that define what it feels like to be in your classroom.
Pedagogical Connections: Classroom Ecology, Hidden Curriculum, Social Identity Theory.
Confirmed Contributors:
Bronwyn Joyce
Natasha Rachell
Ted Horrell
Beth Lockhart
Stanley Gatlin
Chapter 9 - Social & Emotional Learning
Students bring their whole selves to school including their messy emotions. We examine how teaching self regulation and empathy is just as critical as teaching content.
Pedagogical Connections: SEL Core Competencies, Emotional Intelligence, Trauma Informed Care.
Confirmed Contributors:
Amy Storer and Dyann Wilson
Bronwyn Joyce
Deana Sain
Kevin Robert Sanders
Kimberly Voge
Jamie Young
Chapter 10 - Collaboration
Breaking out of the silo transforms our practice. We look at how working together makes us smarter and lightens the load of the exhausting decisions we make every day.
Pedagogical Connections: Social Constructivism, Collective Teacher Efficacy, Professional Learning Communities.
Confirmed Contributors:
Amy Storer
Steve Sherman
Laura Ogando
Lindsay Foster
Jody Green
Chapter 11 - Impact
We often do not see the fruit of our labor until years later. We explore how to measure success when the standardized test scores do not tell the whole story of a changed life.
Pedagogical Connections: Long Term Retention, Holistic Education, Value Added Measures.
Confirmed Contributors:
Kristina Holzweiss
Crystal Nolen
Jennifer Megli
Vanessa Heller
Mashfiq Ahmed
Chapter 12 - Resilience
This job is hard and burnout is real. We discuss how to bounce back from the tough days and maintain your passion for this profession over the long haul.
Pedagogical Connections: Teacher Resilience, Self Efficacy, Stress Management.
Confirmed Contributors:
Jessica Holloway
Sandra Paul
Natasha Rachell
Constance Certion
Beth Lockhart
Scott Holcomb
MaryEllen West