Jen – Page 2 – Jen Manly

Halfway Point!

Running is one of my favorite things to do. I’m not particularly good at it (my motto used to be “not fast, not last”), but it makes for a wonderful way to destress and get some much needed alone time all while prioritizing my fitness. I’ve run seven marathons and a handful of half marathons,ContinueContinue reading “Halfway Point!”

The 21st century educator

So often in education, we talk about “21st century skills.” We want our children to have access to learning that best prepares them for the career landscape that they are destined to enter. Very little is said, however, about the 21st century educator. While identifying key skills is critical, it’s equally important that educators adaptContinueContinue reading “The 21st century educator”

Kickstart their love of coding: Two free resources and a gift idea!

As a middle school computer science teacher, I am often asked to recommend resources for kids who want to get their feet wet with coding. While it is my hope that one day, all students will have access to computer science as part of their everyday curriculum, the reality is that coding in the classroomContinueContinue reading “Kickstart their love of coding: Two free resources and a gift idea!”

“Are you afraid of failing”

“Let me ask you something – are you afraid of failing?” The question smacked me right in the face as I stood in the middle of the lobby of Movement Lab. After months of being intrigued about Nia (“a sensory based movement experience that blends 52 moves with 9 movement forms of the dance arts,ContinueContinue reading ““Are you afraid of failing””

STEM? STEAM? Why the acronym doesn’t matter

I teach at a STEM magnet middle school where approximately 1/3 of our students are participants in a lottery-based magnet program. We’re essentially a school-within-a-school, where 1/3 of our students have access to cohorted classes that include PBL (project based learning) approaches to curriculum as well as special electives like the computer science classes thatContinueContinue reading “STEM? STEAM? Why the acronym doesn’t matter”

Growth Mindset & Grading

Grading is one of my least favorite parts of teaching. It’s funny, because growing up, I always loved when teachers let us grade each other’s papers. It was kind of fun, getting to wield a red pen and assign points to peers. Now on the other side, I find myself frustrated with a system inContinueContinue reading “Growth Mindset & Grading”