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    Celebrating Women’s History Month with a ...

    March is Women’s History Month – the celebration and acknowledgment of the contributions and achievements of women who have had an everlasting impact on our world. There are a number of ways to share these contributions with your students, and we think reading about them in age-appropriate books is a great place to start! That’s […]

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    Catching up with PLS Instructor, Chris VonVolke...

    PLS instructor, Chris VonVolkenburg, recently taught the course, Developing Executive Function to Empower Learners™ (DEF), on-site. Held at Asbury Woods Nature Center in Erie, Pennsylvania, the 6-week course focused on developing and strengthening executive function in the areas of organization and planning, focus and attention, working memory, effort and resilience, cognitive flexibility, self-directedness, and inhibitory […]

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    Women’s History Month: Women Making a Dif...

    Officially established within the United States in March 1987, Women’s History Month is an important time to honor the outstanding accomplishments of women both historically and in our current times (Women’s History Month, n.d.). One area where women have made significant strides is the field of education, where they have played a key role in […]

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    4 Ways to Help Build Students Self-Esteem

    Self-esteem is critical when it comes to our sense of wellbeing and our ability to take action and ownership of our lives. As an educator, you can play a key role in helping students develop a healthy level of self-esteem and a positive self-image by modeling behaviors and guiding activities. The classroom has the potential […]

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    St. Patrick’s Day Worksheets for K-3

    If you’re looking for ways to entertain your elementary students this St. Patrick’s Day, today is your lucky day! Here are two golden (coin) worksheets that really sham-ROCK. Green Scavenger Hunt Grade-Level: K-3 In this worksheet, encourage your students to find the green items listed and record them on the line provided. Note: Kindergarten students […]

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    We Think You’re Spec-taco-lar!

    Enroll in a PLS Class now through Friday, February 17th using promo code: TACO23 to receive a $30 Chipotle e-gift card* Rules & Eligibility: In order to be eligible for the 2023 PLS Classes Valentine’s Day promotion, you must enroll in a PLS Class between now through 11:59 PM EST on February 17, 2023, using promo […]

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    How Do Different School Districts Celebrate Bla...

    Each February, the United States celebrates Black History Month to commemorate the history, achievements, adversities, and lived and shared experiences of the Black community. The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) chooses an annual theme for the month, with the theme for 2023 being Black Resistance. (For an in-depth look […]

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    Giveaway Alert! Celebrate Black History Month w...

    Black history month is here and there are many different ways you can celebrate the many accomplishments of Black Americans in your classrooms. One terrific way is by sharing stories written by Black authors with your students. The following children’s books are some of our favorites. And what’s even better is that this month we’re […]

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    Six Simple Things You Can Do To Lower Your Risk...

    As the cause of approximately one in every five deaths in the United States, it’s never too early to implement preventive measures for heart disease in your everyday life (NCCDPHP, 2022). According to the American Heart Association (2019), 80% of cardiovascular disease cases are completely preventable, meaning a bit of mindfulness can go a long […]

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    How to Encourage Student Self-Reflection As We ...

    The beginning of a new year provides an excellent opportunity for students to reflect on their performance to date as well as their goals for the future. Although students might find it intimidating at first, self-reflection can strengthen learning and success both inside and outside of the classroom. Getting students into the practice of contemplation […]

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    New Year, New Ideas from PLS Classes Instructors

    Did you know our instructors at PLS Classes are also K-12 educators? Many are working teachers and others have retired. We recently asked a few of our working instructors to share some insight with us about what is going on in their classrooms, how to support student learning, and new ideas to help kick off […]

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    ‘Tis the Season For Savings!

    Our Year-End Promotion is Here! Enroll in a PLS Class now through Friday, December 30th using one of our two available promo codes: Rules & Eligibility: In order to be eligible for the PLS Classes New Year’s promotion, you must enroll in a PLS Class between Monday, December 26 and Friday, December 30, 2022, using […]

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    Reflection and Goal Setting Printable

    Reflection and goal setting are important topics to address as we transition into a new year. To help introduce these topics and kick off the new year, this printable encourages students to reflect on 2022 and plan for 2023.  From the lessons they learned to the new things they tried, reflecting on the past year […]

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    Holiday Classroom Idea: 12 Days of Visitors

    It’s the most wonderful time of the year! As excitement bubbles into your classroom this holiday season, why not sprinkle in some more fun? Today, we’re featuring a holiday activity idea that came to us from Western New York teacher, Allissa Wery. To help spread holiday cheer and change things up in her classroom before […]

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    Fun-Filled Winter Worksheets Printable

    The weeks before winter break are filled with excitement and anticipation. Keeping students engaged and focused during these weeks can be challenging, but it can also be a fun opportunity to implement winter-related activities in the classroom. In our winter printable, we’ve provided three activities to get students thinking about winter vocabulary. Winter BINGO Not […]

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    Our Cyber Monday deal is back!

    Enroll in a PLS Class now through Tuesday, 11/29 using one of our two available promo codes: […]

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    STEM Day Instagram Giveaway With Dee Romito

    In honor of National STEM Day, we are partnering with Western New York children’s author, Dee Romito, to give away two complete sets of her Fort Builders, Inc. series for you and a friend. These chapter books are a great introduction to STEM for young readers and provide examples of collaboration and problem-solving.  To Enter: […]

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    Celebrate STEM Day with Children’s Author Dee R...

    National STEM Day is celebrated every year on November 8th to encourage children to explore their interests in the fields of science, technology, engineering, art, and math. In honor of the day, we’ve teamed up with children’s author Dee Romito who wrote the Fort Builders, Inc. series to encourage a love of learning and problem […]

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    Gratitude Journal Prompts for Teachers Printable

    Thanksgiving is just a wobble, gobble, and turkey trot away. With Thanksgiving comes reflection and appreciation. An effective way of self-reflection and self-care is by journaling which is why we created this free journal prompt printable for teachers to acknowledge moments that bring them gratitude both in and out of the classroom. This printable provides […]

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    How to Get Your Students Inspired with Careers ...

    Inspiring students to pursue careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) begins in the classroom. When you incorporate STEM into your classroom curriculum, you’re encouraging students, especially underrepresented populations like minorities and women, to get involved in a field with projected growth, an array of career paths, and the opportunity to make impactful contributions […]

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    Spooktacular Classroom Halloween Party Guide Pr...

    Disclaimer: Use this guide if you DARE! Calling all ghosts and ghouls! Halloween is around the corner and we’re here to help you brew up a fun classroom celebration for your students. From BOO-ks, monstrous movies, and wicked worksheets to terrifying tunes and spooky snacks, this free printable shares tips, tricks, and treats to make […]

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    Earn Michigan SCECHS in this Webinar for K-12 E...

    Andrews University Presents a Live Webinar Featuring Steve Barkley Join us on October 18, 2022 from 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM EST in a live presentation with PLS Classes’ partner Steve Barkley.  Topic: Student Agency The term student agency relates to the student having an active role in their learning through voice, and often a choice, […]

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    Our New Website is LIVE!

    We are excited to announce the launch of the brand new PLS Classes website. Our last site was almost 10 years old (that’s dinosaur age for a website) so it was way overdue for a redesign! This project has been a labor of love and has involved every member of our marketing team as well […]

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    How to Build a Better Lunchbox: Ideas to Help F...

    What are you having for lunch today? Between planning classes, grading assignments, and taking care of your own family, finding the time to pack yourself a nutritious and delicious lunch can sometimes take a back seat, leaving you to grab a few things on your way out the door or order out. The good news […]

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    Back to School Discussion Prompts Printable

    The first couple of weeks of school can be filled with anxiety and uncertainty. As a teacher, it is important to create a comfortable environment where you get to know your students and they get to know you and each other. Implementing discussion activities into your mornings may help break the ice, develop relationships, and […]

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    2022 Back to School Instagram Giveaway

    In honor of back to school season, we’re kicking things off with a Back to School Giveaway! We are thrilled to be partnering with Western New York teacher, Hailey Glynn (@growing_with_glynn on Instagram), to grant one lucky winner the chance to win a back to school classroom bundle, including a Cricut Explore Air™ 2, Mint […]

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    Back to School 2022 Promotion

    Welcome back to the classrooms, folks! As you begin to prepare for another school year, we’re offering you a $50 Amazon.com Gift Card* for each course you successfully complete between August 17th – September 2nd. Use the promo code […]

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    First Day of School Ice-Breaker Activities

    The first day of school is packed with anticipation, excitement, and first day jitters for teachers and students alike! From new students, classrooms, and schedules, it’s important to help students make connections starting on Day 1. To help you ease some of the stress involved with that first week of school and to help you […]

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    The Benefits of Walking

    Teachers and students spend the school day exercising their minds, but it can be easy to forget how important it is to move and strengthen our bodies as well. Even creating time for a short walk each day can lead to a range of lifelong health benefits, improve learning and comprehension, and enhance your quality […]

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    Back-to-School Supplies Steals & Deals Pri...

    Looking to get a head start on school supply shopping for the new school year? We’re here to help! This free school supply printable shares the best deals and steals this year as well as a handful of teacher discounts to look out for. Disclaimer: PLS Classes is not affiliated with any of the retailers […]

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    All About Juneteenth: The History Of and How to...

    Juneteenth, also referred to as America’s Second Independence Day, marks an important event in our nation’s history, as does its declaration as a federal holiday in 2021. Incorporating Juneteenth activities into your classroom is a great way to engage students while promoting an understanding of the history and meaning of this important day. In this […]

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    Summer Break Bucket List Printable

    Did someone say summer vacation? Ah yes, the moment we’ve all been waiting for. Looking for ways to have fun in the sun this summer? We’ve got you covered! This free Summer Break Bucket List printable provides a list of activities to keep you, your students, and just about anyone active this summer. This worksheet, […]

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    Summer Reading Recommendations from PLS Instruc...

    It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Summer break is here. There are finally some extra hours in the day to spend doing the things that you like to do. One of the things we love most at PLS Classes is relaxing and getting lost in a good book. Today we’re sharing some summer […]

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    Enroll Today & Help Spread the Love

    Happy Pride Month! To show our support for the LGBTQIA+ community, we will be donating to GLSEN, a national network of educators, students, and local GLSEN Chapters to ensure the rights of LGBTQ youth are protected. For each enrollment we receive in our Strategies for the Inclusive Classroom™ course throughout the month of June, we […]

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    Portrait of a Graduate. Giving Students the Too...

    The word congratulations rings through the air like a clear peal of a bell, and suddenly the sky is filled with colorful caps reaching skyward. You look around and see the students whose academic, emotional, and social development you have been helping to sculpt, wildly grinning as they watch their graduation caps float and fall […]

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    Mental Health Awareness Month Printable

    May is Mental Health Awareness Month. As teachers, it is essential to check-in on your students’ mental health. To help, we created this free printable containing several worksheets focused on mental health and supporting your students’ well-being. Mindful of Emotions All Grade Levels This worksheet is designed to help your students better understand emotions. In […]

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    Favorite Podcasts from PLS Classes Instructors

    By now we should have piqued your interest on why you should give podcasts a try. Today, we’re sharing some of our instructor’s favorite podcasts. Disclaimer: PLS Classes does not endorse or get reimbursed for featuring any of the podcast in this article. Jenn Hund Recommends Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing […]

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    Can Listening to Podcasts Help Boost Your Mood?

    Emerging in the early 2000s, podcasts have certainly gained momentum. “From 2008 to 2021, the average percentage of Americans aged 12 and older who listened to a podcast within the last month jumped from 9 percent to 41 percent” (Tutt, 2021). Now there are about 1.7 million podcasts available to listen to, and the number […]

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    It’s Our Favorite Time of the Year

    It’s Teacher Appreciation Week! In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, we want to thank you for all you do as an educator. Enroll in a PLS course between Monday, May 2 and Friday, May 6, 2022 and earn a $75 Target.com GiftCard* for each course you successfully complete.  How It Works: Register for a PLS […]

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    Earth Day Free Printables

    In honor of Earth Day, we’re sharing these free printables to help you introduce some ways in which you can encourage your students to help take care of our planet. Please note, the following grade levels are suggestions. Students can complete either activity regardless of grade. Earth Day Search & Find Grade Levels: K-1 According […]

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    April Quiz: What Flower Are You?

    Roses are red, violets are blue, take our April quiz to discover which flower are you!  […]

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    Help Us Support International Humanitarian Efforts

    For every enrollment between April 1-30, 2022, PLS Classes will donate $10 to the World Central Kitchen (WCK), a worldwide, not-for-profit organization providing meals in response to humanitarian, climate, and community crises. The organization’s most recent effort is serving food to displaced families of Ukraine, providing over one million fresh meals to those fleeing their […]

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    International Children’s Book Giveaway

    To celebrate International Children’s Book Day on April 2nd, we want to give you the opportunity to win some new books for your classroom (or for yourself)! Simply follow the instructions below to be entered for the chance to win a $25 Barnes & Noble eGift Card.* One winner will be randomly selected Monday, April […]

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    Free Spring Break Goal Setting Printable

    With the second semester (or third marking period) in full swing, it is safe to say week-long breaks are essential for both teachers and students. Before heading into a well-deserved Spring break, give your students the opportunity to focus on making attainable and fun short-term goals. To help organize these short-term goals, we’ve created this […]

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    Teaching Empathy to Students

    Empathy is defined by A Very Well Mind as, “the ability to emotionally understand what other people feel, see things from their point of view, and imagine yourself in their place” (Cherry, 2020). Many studies have been published asking if humans are born with empathy or if it’s something that is learned. In a recent […]

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    Help Your Students Shine Like a STAR!

    We have some exciting news to share with you today!  At PLS Classes, we’re always striving to make sure our courses are relevant and updated for today’s busy teacher. Today, we’re happy to announce that the PLS Class, Successful Teaching for Acceptance of Responsibility™ (STAR) is now available in an on-site and remote learning format […]

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    10 Stores That Offer Teacher Discounts

    According to the New York Times in 2016, 94% of public school teachers spent their own money on classroom supplies. Extra paper, crayons, prize box fillers, classroom decor, etc., can add up. If you’re like many teachers, we’re sure that you incur a lot of additional expenses throughout the year. If you are a teacher […]

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    Free Leprechaun Trap STEM Printable

    St. Patrick’s Day is only a few weeks away! Elementary students are particularly excited about the holiday because they can wear green to school, eat and drink green treats, read stories about the legend of the leprechaun, and participate in fun activities. To help you make this St. Patrick’s Day a golden one, we’re providing […]

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    Can TikTok Be a Helpful Tool in the Classroom?

    Like it or hate it, social media is here to stay. And the latest video-based platform, TikTok is all the craze for many of your students. As of writing this article in January 2022, TikTok had 1 billion users worldwide with TikTok’s Gen Z penetration (born between 1997-2012) one of the highest user groups in […]

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    Our Top 10 TikTok Teachers

    Check out these accounts for some great ideas and a little entertainment! Since the pandemic started, it is safe to say that we all deserve a good laugh. During our many unoccupied hours of quarantine, TikTok became an outlet that brought people from all around the world together through short, one-minute videos. It not only […]

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    You Mocha Us Happy…

    …which is why we want to thank you for being a loyal customer this Valentine’s Day! Enroll in a PLS Class between today and Wednesday, February 16, 2022, and receive a $30 Starbucks eGift Card.* Use promo code LOVEYOU22 or LOVE22 at checkout and you’ll receive your gift card upon successful course completion. Whether you’re […]

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    Valentine’s Day Quiz

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    Winter Olympics Trivia

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    Valentine’s Day Free Printable

    Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching and love is in the air! Remember the excitement that the class Valentine’s Day party brought you as a student? The sweet treats, festive activities, and the fun of exchanging valentines with fellow classmates. To help you spread the love and plan a memorable day for your students, we created […]

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    Enroll Today to Make a Difference

    February is Black History Month–the annual observance to honor and commemorate the achievements and contributions made by Black individuals. To celebrate, for every enrollment in our Cultural Competence: A Transformative Journey™ Online this month, we will donate $25 to Butterfly Dreamz, a Black-founded and led organization focused on helping young women fill powerful leadership roles. […]

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    Updated Refer a Friend Program

    We are pleased to announce that we’ve given our Refer a Friend program a makeover — because who doesn’t like a good makeover? When you refer a colleague to PLS Classes, you and your friend will EACH receive $50 in Amazon.com Gift Cards* upon course completion (previously $25). Referring someone to take a class with […]

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    How To Be Prepared for Remote Teaching at a Mom...

    Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, teachers and students have been faced with many different challenges. One in particular was the shift from in-person instruction to remote learning in the earlier days of the pandemic. Now, with the uptick in the number of cases due to the Omicron variant, many classrooms across the US have switched back […]

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    Why Self-Paced? Three Reasons to Try This Cours...

    At PLS Classes, our self-paced courses are a popular option among many of our participants. As the name “self-paced” implies, you get to work at your own speed. Each course is fully facilitated by a master instructor and provides three or six hours of graduate credit. We offer a flexible start and end date, allowing […]

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    Are You Taking Care of You?

    As educators, parents, partners, and friends we often put the needs of others before our own. For many, it’s human nature to nurture and provide for others more than we do for ourselves. Unfortunately, that selflessness can often lead to stress, exhaustion, and burnout that can affect all aspects of our lives. Self-care is vital […]

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    SMART Goals Free Printable

    Happy New Year, Teachers! To kick off 2022, we created this free printable to encourage both you and your students to make SMART goals. Before you begin, let’s review what a SMART goal is. The acronym SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Timely. When brainstorming goals, it is important to use these as […]

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    5 Ways To Relax and Recharge This Winter Break

    Winter break is right around the corner. (Cue applause!) For many teachers, this is a time of year that you can kick back and relax for a little while. You aren’t plagued by end-of-year testing and you have some time before classes start up again. What should you do with all your extra time? Since […]

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    Before Heading into the New Year, Reflect on th...

    The New Year is a time for resolutions, goal-setting, and new beginnings. However, how can you best chart a course and determine where to go next without first reflecting on where you’ve been? The best way to plan for the future is to consider past successes, opportunities that did not achieve optimal results, and lessons […]

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    A Well-Deserved Thank You

    Thanks to loyal participants like you, we were able to donate $900 to our charity of choice as part of our Cyber Monday promotion. For every enrollment in a PLS Class during the promotion period, we raised $10 for Shoes That Fit, an organization that donates athletic shoes to children in impoverished communities across the country. […]

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    31 Days of Winter Activities Printable

    ‘Tis the season to be freezin’! While December is a month filled with cheer, it also brings colder temps and shorter days. To prevent the winter blues from getting you down this season, we wanted to pass along this free 31 Days of Winter Activities printable. This printable, which is appropriate for all ages, lists […]

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    Reading Intervention Strategies for Young Students

    When is a student experiencing a normal progression of reading skill development, or possibly slightly behind the curve, and when are their struggles indicating they need additional support? For students who need individualized reading support, early intervention—particularly before the third or fourth grade—is vital to helping them achieve incremental growth in their comprehension and skills. […]

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    You Don’t Want to Miss Our Cyber Monday Deal

    It’s here! Our biggest event of the year. And this time, we’ve decided to up the ante! Enroll in a PLS Class (or two or three…) between today and December 3, 2021, and you’ll receive a $100 Amazon.com Gift Card* for EACH course you complete. Use promo code THANKS21 or TURKEY21 at checkout. If you […]

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    New in 2022! Say Goodbye to ALL On-Site Course ...

    We are pleased to announce that we are waiving all course materials fees for ALL on-site and remote learning courses beginning for courses that start in 2022. Every participant will receive a digital copy of course material and will have the option to receive a printed version, complimentary. Our goal is to make your enrollment […]

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    Introducing Hybrid Classes from PLS

    Enjoy the benefits of a face-to-face course with half the commute time! Introducing hybrid courses from PLS Classes. Our hybrid class model provides three days of in-person learning with asynchronous learning in our online platform. Enjoy the perfect balance of in-person and online learning, while still developing relationships with an engaged group of participants. Our […]

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    Team Turkey or Team Pie? Take Our Thanksgiving ...

    Take a few minutes to take our short Thanksgiving quiz to find out which dinner item from a Thanksgiving feast best describes your teaching style! […]

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    Understanding the Rotational Model of Learning

    Are you looking for a new teaching technique you can add to your arsenal to help your students maximize their understanding of core concepts? The rotational learning model has been proven successful as a technique to support concept reinforcement and practical application for students of any age. If you’ve heard the term but haven’t experienced […]

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    30 Days of Gratitude Journal Entries Free Print...

    Happy November, Educators! With Thanksgiving quickly approaching, we wanted to extend our gratitude by sharing this FREE printable we created for your students. Thanksgiving is a time to reflect and this activity does just that while encouraging students to utilize their writing skills through journaling. According to the HuffPost, journaling has many health benefits, including […]

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    Six Ways Help Your Students Stand Up to Bullies

    Chances are, at one point or another in your life, you have been a witness to bullying or perhaps a victim of bullying. It may have been decades ago while you were playing hopscotch in the schoolyard or perhaps it was just last week in the teachers’ lounge. When you think back upon these events, […]

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    PLS Classes Welcomes Two New Instructors

    The PLS Classes team is thrilled to announce the addition of two new instructors, Jen Basom and Heather Wertman.  About Jen Basom Jen joins PLS with over 15 years of classroom experience, shaping the minds of students from preschool through adults. She resides in Douglassville, PA with her husband and three young children.  Jen is […]

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    Fall into National Book Month Free Printable

    October is National Book Month! To help your students fall into a consistent reading routine throughout the month, we have created this FREE printable for you! In a recent study conducted by Renaissance, 6 additional minutes of reading per day can significantly improve kids’ reading performance. This activity encourages students to read a different book […]

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    Ask PLS Classes

    Why are there multiple offerings with the course number EDU-558? EDU-558 is the course number assigned when a new PLS course is approved through Wilkes University. This course number is temporary and is typically used for at least one semester. If the district or entity approving your course(s) for reimbursement inquires about EDU-558 being a […]

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    Autumn 2021 Promotion from Your Friends at PLS ...

    School is back in session! To celebrate our favorite time of year (well besides summer break!) we’re offering you a $30 Amazon.com Gift Card* if you register for a PLS Class this Fall. Use the promo code AUTUMN2021 when registering, and we will send you your gift card once you complete your course. Rules & […]

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    More Back-to-School Free Printables!

    With a new school year comes a whole slew of new things – new schedules, teachers, classrooms, rules, etc. It can be overwhelming and difficult for students, especially the younger ones, to get accustomed to their new routines so as a teacher, it is important to create a comfortable environment for them to learn, grow, […]

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    Three Easy Ways to Form More Meaningful Connect...

    “Great teachers focus not on compliance, but on connections and relationships.” — PJ Caposey, Education Week What does it mean for you to connect with a parent? Is it thoughtfully attending each marking period’s parent-teacher conference with poignant insights about your student? Is connection something that can be achieved digitally, such as with Facebook groups, […]

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    PLS Instructor Brenda Watkins Discusses Executi...

    We are delighted to share that one of our very own PLS instructors, Brenda Watkins, has joined our partner, Steve Barkley, in a recent Barkley Ponders Out Loud Podcast to talk about the importance of developing students’ executive functioning skills. In the guest podcast for teachers, “Building Students’ Executive Function Skills,” Watkins defines executive functioning […]

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    Setting Behavior Expectations in the Virtual En...

    What student behavior looked, sounded, and felt like took a unique turn with virtual learning. When students can turn their cameras off and fully hide their engagement, how can you ensure every student maximizes their potential? Follow these four strategies to help you maintain the same level of participation with your students virtually that they […]

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    Get-to-Know BINGO Free Printable

    Welcome back to school, teachers! We know how challenging it can be to help ease student’s nerves and anxiety on the first day in their new classroom environment. So what better way to break the ice than with an engaging game of BINGO! Back-to-School Nerves Back-to-school season is nerve-wracking enough for students–add on the additional […]

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    The Pros and Cons of Synchronous and Asynchrono...

    During the COVID-19 pandemic, students whose prior educational experience consisted of in-classroom lectures and at-home practice, in some cases, experienced a flipped model. They were asked to study independently or with their parents and come to virtual classroom sessions prepared to ask questions and discuss what they learned during self-study. And many students still flourished. […]

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    How to Make the Best of Mask Mandates in School...

    When you return to the classroom this fall, you’ll be faced with all new challenges due to COVID-19. Daily temperature checks, social distancing, mask wearing, quarantines — a lot of new rules! It’s enough to make anyone overwhelmed. Whether you agree with masks or not, many of us now live-in parts of the country where masks […]

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    New Course Announcement: Developing Executive F...

    PLS Classes is thrilled to announce the addition of a new course, Developing Executive Function to Empower Learners. This three-credit-hour course focuses on the correlation between student learning and the executive function skills of the brain. Strong executive function skills enhance student learning and empower students throughout their academic and professional lives. With these skills, […]

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    The Importance of Mental Health Professional De...

    You likely realize that you regularly interact with friends, family members, professional peers, and strangers who are silently suffering from a mental health condition. However, you may not realize that your K-12 students may be among the millions of Americans living with a mental health condition. A National Survey of Children’s Health data published online […]

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    How to Engage and Inspire Tech-Savvy Gen Z and ...

    The students filling the hallways in today’s schools are comprised of two unique but similarly minded generations. Gen Z, also known as the “iGen” generation, are students born between 1995 and 2012. Their younger counterparts, Gen Alpha, are those born in 2013 or later years. So what do they have in common? They are both […]

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    How to Welcome Diversity and Foster Inclusion i...

    The classroom is a crucial space for children and young adults to learn vital lessons in diversity, inclusion, and belonging. While classroom lectures can educate students on the benefits that come from exposure to people of different backgrounds, races, and religions, sometimes the simplest interactions—such as looking around and seeing a room of diverse peers […]

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    A Summer Special From PLS Classes

    Finally, summer vacation time! It’s been a long, challenging year and we thank you for your devotion in the classroom. As a well-deserved summer special, we would like to offer you a $20 Amazon.com Gift Card* if you register for and complete a PLS course this summer. Use the promo code SUNSOUT21 when registering and […]

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    How to Encourage Students to Take More Ownershi...

    Accountability is one of the more difficult skills for students to learn. It requires an understanding and consideration of consequences, pride in oneself, care for how one is perceived, and a team-player mentality. Not every student will learn the crucial importance of accountability at home, which means it is all the more essential for you […]

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    On-Site Classes Are Back at PLS Classes

    After four successive semesters without offering on-site classes due to the COVID-19 pandemic, PLS will begin offering on-site classes this summer! All PLS instructors offering on-site instruction have been vaccinated. In accordance with CDC public health guidelines, PLS class participants are required to be either vaccinated or wear a mask and maintain social distance during […]

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    End of Year Printable Activities for All Grade ...

    As we approach the end of the school year and summer vacation, students may struggle with stress from the large amount of work that they have on their plates. Instead of adding to their stressful workload, share the following stress-free printable activities that we created. Each printable targets a different grade level group and contains […]

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    PLS Classes and Mercyhurst University Present a...

    PLS Classes and Mercyhurst University Presents: Planning for a New Beginning Facilitated by Steve Barkley Wednesday, June 16, 2021 3:30 – 4:30 pm EST This FREE 50-minute interactive webinar facilitated by Steve Barkley is designed to examine and navigate the challenges that educators may face in the post-COVID world. Join Steve as he explores the […]

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    Support for Teachers During Mental Health Aware...

    Some of the most stressful experiences that we face in our lives involve unexpected challenges that turn our worlds upside down, such as accidents, losing a loved one, an illness diagnosis, or a sudden change in how we live our lives daily. For the 3.1 million public school teachers in the United States, COVID-19 presented […]

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    Mindfulness May and Using Your Five Senses Prin...

    Mindfulness May is here, and what better way for students to learn the concept of mindfulness than to have them put their five senses to the test? May is National Mental Health Awareness Month which can be an extremely stressful time for students as they approach final exam week and end-of-year projects. According to mindful.org, […]

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    Happy Teacher Appreciation Week From PLS Classes

    We appreciate YOU for being a devoted educator, especially during this unprecedented year. In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, we would like to offer you a complimentary $50 Amazon.com Gift Card* for each class you register for this week. Use the promo code GRATITUDE21 when registering and we will send you your gift card once […]

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    Six Ways to Recognize Teachers (Virtually) Duri...

    The feedback from parents over the past year has been overwhelming. Cries of, “Wow, how do teachers do it?” and “I never truly appreciated teachers until this year” pervaded the Internet as exhausted parents became homeschooling teachers when COVID-19 forced schools to close their doors and shift to remote and hybrid models. Today, a year […]

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    Free Printable: April Showers Bring May Flowers...

    They say that April showers bring May flowers. That doesn’t mean you have to let the rainy days wash away all of your student’s fun. Brighten up your students’ spring with our fun BINGO printable activity that we created for you! The objective of our springtime BINGO activity is to get K-4 students learning about […]

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    Online Teaching Resources from PLS Classes Inst...

    The past year has taught educators to expect the unexpected and that online learning can ensure a continuation of learning in a time of disaster. To help educators everywhere maximize their newfound discoveries from the past year and continue to gain confidence in their online teaching capabilities, we’ve compiled a list of online teaching best […]

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    Top Classroom Management Tools Recommended by P...

    Now that we’re deep into remote, hybrid, and in-person learning, we’ve found dozens of apps and tech tools that make teaching and learning easier. Today we thought we’d share some of our PLS instructor’s favorite classroom management tools with you. Shawn Robbins recommends: Class Dojo Best for grades K-8 ClassDojo is an educational technology company. […]

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    Free Printable: In Like a Lion and Out Like a Lamb

    Spring is just around the corner! Do you remember learning the phrase, “March comes in like a lion and out like a lamb” in grade school? We do too! Now it’s your turn to pass on this phrase (and the hope of warmer weather) to your K-3 students. To help, our team created a fun printable […]

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    Six Ways to Build More Meaningful Relationships...

    As our students and teachers remain socially distanced, our classroom leaders are facing an unfamiliar challenge—how to form bonds of trust and respect with students whom they only see in person a few days a week at most, or not at all. In unfamiliar times we must turn to innovative approaches and modalities. To help […]

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    Teaching the English Language Learner™

    English language learners (ELLs) or those students learning English as a second language comprise over 10% of today’s students in U.S. schools and are present in all areas including urban, suburban, and rural. That percentage amounts to almost 5 million school age children (Migration Policy Institute, 2020). How prepared are you to teach these students? […]

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    Top Ten Teacher Instagram Accounts

    Our team at PLS has been busy filling our Instagram feed full of accounts that make us feel JOY and teach us something new! Today we’re sharing that joy with you by showcasing our top 10 favorite teacher instagram accounts. Happy scrolling! 1. @PrimaryPunch Deana Kahlenberg, M.S. is a blogger, mom, teacher, and speech-language pathologist. […]

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    Five Reasons to Consider Enrolling in Cultural ...

    “The timing of the course fits perfectly into current events.” “Through this course, I learned strategies to educate students on multicultural awareness.” “I better understand the concepts of privilege and racism and how they are widespread.” Have you ever wondered how your sphere of influence, your individual identity, and your culture impact your teaching and […]

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    Reflecting on 2020 and Looking Ahead with Hope

    By Susan Corrie School leaders spend a large percentage of time during each school year planning and preparing for the next school year. As a rookie principal, I remember a veteran colleague sharing that “being a building principal is like trying to change the tires on a speeding semi.” Daily tasks and emergencies are intertwined […]

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    Our Next Block of 4-Week Online Courses Starts ...

    We are offering two 4-week accelerated courses starting on February 2nd. Our 4-week courses have been designed to meet the demands of busy teachers. Earn graduate credit that you can apply to your master’s degree program. Differentiated Instruction for Today’s Classroom™ In this course, you’ll acquire key knowledge, skills, and strategies to differentiate instruction in […]

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    How to Help Your Remote and Hybrid Students Mak...

    For children, friendships are means to be forged through tactile moments and experiences. Little children build forts together, chase one another on a playground, and play make-believe together. Older children hang out and listen to music, play basketball, or even attend events and concerts together. As we continue to keep our children and teachers safe […]

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    Brain Breaks: An Evidence-Based Behavior Strategy

    “Can we take a break?” How many times in a typical day do you receive that question from a student? While you may wonder if they’re hoping to sneak a peek at their smartphone, in reality, their body and mind may be asking for a brief reset. In the classroom, brain breaks are short breaks […]

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    Ditch New Year’s Resolutions for Good!

    Try Taking These Small Steps to a Healthier and Happier YOU for 2021 Instead New Year’s resolutions don’t work. According to US News, 80 percent of New Year’s resolutions don’t live to see the light of day by the second week of February. Keeping this in mind, we put together a list of 31 things […]

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    Three Ways to Support Your Students Who May Be ...

    This blog post is by our guest contributor Ryan Divita who is a special education teacher at Williamsville North High School in Western New York. This school year has brought many new challenges, such as virtual learning, hybrid models, and a renewed focus on social-emotional well-being. Synchronous and asynchronous learning have become centerpieces of household […]

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    Six Stress Relievers for Your Students

    A global pandemic, civil unrest, hurricanes, wildfires, and, oh yeah, murder hornets. Is there anything else that 2020 could throw at us to confuse, frighten, and stress our young students? Let’s not even ask. Even before 2020, a study by the American Psychological Association (APA) reported that teens experience stress levels similar to adults’. Such […]

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    Indiana Wesleyan University and PLS Classes Off...

    Together with Indiana Wesleyan University we are pleased to announce that the following PLS course will now be offered in a remote learning format in January 2021: Meaningful Activities to Generate Interesting Classrooms™ Acquire firsthand experience designing new and interesting activity-based lessons that unlock the creative minds of students and teachers alike. Engage in a […]

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    Five Ways to Strengthen Your Students’ Critical...

    It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it. – Aristotle Critical thinking is defined by the Foundation for Critical Thinking as the “mode of thinking — about any subject, content, or problem — in which the thinker improves the quality of his or her thinking […]

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    Our Cyber Monday Event Ends Tonight!

    Last day! Enroll in as many PLS Classes as you like for the spring semester. Earn master’s or PD credit. GET A $75 AMAZON GIFT CERTIFICATE* for each course you complete. Code: CYBER2020 Choose from our catalog of courses. Valid for spring 2021 courses only. See full eligibility requirements below… *Eligibility Requirements: In order to […]

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    December Kindness Calendar for K-8 Students

    ‘Tis the season for giving to others. It always feels good to do something nice for someone else — and often it’s giving our time, attention, and focus to others that means more than getting or giving material goods. If you’re looking for ways to help your elementary to middle school age students receive the […]

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    Get Ready, Get Set, Our THANKSGIVING WEEKEND EV...

    We only do THIS one time a year! And since this year has been one like no other, we’ve decided to run our traditional Cyber Monday promotion all weekend long. ENROLL IN A PLS COURSE FOR SPRING 2021 AND GET A $75 AMAZON GIFT CERTIFICATE* When you complete the course. Code: CYBER2020 Explore our full […]

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    Easy Ways to Show Your Students and Parents/Gua...

    It’s important for teachers to show students and parents or guardians that they care. If you look back at your education as a child, what you probably remember most is how your teacher made you feel. In 2013, Canadian educator Lori Gard wrote a popular piece for Huffpost where she said, “At the end of the […]

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    New Course Announcement from PLS and Drake Univ...

    Meaningful Activities to Generate Interesting Classrooms™ is Now Available through PLS Classes and Drake University Together with Drake University, we are excited to announce that Meaningful Activities to Generate Interesting Classrooms™ (MAGIC) is open for registration. This course will be offered in our new remote learning format, which combines online synchronous sessions with asynchronous coursework. […]

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    New Remote Learning Course from PLS Classes and...

    Together with Andrews University we are pleased to announce that the following PLS course will now be offered in a remote learning format in January 2021: Meaningful Activities to Generate Interesting Classrooms™ (MAGIC)Acquire firsthand experience designing new and interesting activity-based lessons that unlock the creative minds of students and teachers alike. Engage in a variety […]

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    Engaging Student Learners During a Pandemic

    Today we have a very special guest blog by Susan Corrie, a former elementary building principal for the Clarence Central School District in Western New York. Susan has worked in education for over 35 years and works with PLS 3rd Learning, PLS Classes’s parent company. Thank you Sue for sharing your ideas with our readers! Like […]

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    Six Easy Ways to Engage Your Students When Teac...

    If you’re like most educators, up until around March 15, 2020, your teaching style had been based on the presumption that you would be in-person and hands-on with your students. Your professional development likely did not cover online learning and how to lead a virtual classroom of socially distanced students. If your school or district […]

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    Homework Overload: How Much Homework is Too Much?

    Homework is a critical learning modality that helps students practice what they’ve learned and reinforce learning concepts. With students learning remotely, face-to-face, or a combination of both, the concept of homework takes on a whole new meaning. Much of student learning is already occurring at home, so the question we must ask ourselves is when […]

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    Get Your Students Excited About Learning in an ...

    We can all agree that the last school year did not go as planned. The 2020-2021 school year is also proving to be unconventional, with COVID-19 continuing to disrupt many traditional education modalities and sometimes even separating students from their teachers to ensure social distance safety. Despite the ongoing effects of the pandemic on our […]

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    Steve Barkley and ESC Region 13 Offer New Onlin...

    Steve Barkley has teamed up with ESC Region 13 in Texas to bring you a personalized learning and coaching course that will help take your skills to the next level.  In this self-paced online course, you’ll work through your ideal instructional coaching module with a dedicated facilitator. You’ll also get one-on-one personalized virtual coaching sessions […]

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    Five Ways to Create a Sense of Community in a V...

    A classroom community is formed when students come together as a class to work towards the common goal of learning. In such a community, students feel valued and connected to the teacher and other students in the class. Taking the time to create this type of environment takes practice but with a little effort and […]

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    Top Remote Learning Platforms for Teachers and ...

    A wise man adapts himself to circumstances, as water shapes itself to the vessel that contains it. — Chinese Proverb One year ago, your continuing education plan most likely did not include developing confidence and competency with distance learning tools. But as they say, change is inevitable. And it’s how we choose to embrace change […]

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    The Importance of Practicing Self-Reflection wi...

    Today, we have a very special guest blog from the CEO of PLS 3rd Learning (the parent company of PLS Classes.) In this article, Dr. Don Jacobs shares his experiences with the importance of practicing reflection — how it has helped him and how it can help you as we approach a new school year […]

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    PLS Classes and Wilkes University Announce New ...

    The School of Education at Wilkes University and PLS Classes are pleased to offer a new PDE endorsement in Instructional Coaching. We developed this endorsement because current research shows a direct connection between educational environments that utilize instructional coaching and teachers’ effectiveness and job satisfaction. In addition, instructional coaching has been shown to have a […]

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    Consistency and Flexibility are Key Traits of O...

    Today, we are sharing an article written by our special guest and partner Steve Barkley. For the past 40 years, Steve has served as an education consultant to school districts, teacher organizations, state departments of education, and colleges and universities nationally and internationally, facilitating the changes necessary for them to prepare students to create their […]

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    Steve Barkley Debuts New Teacher-Centered Podcast!

    For the past 40 years, our PLS Classes partner, Steve Barkley has served as an education consultant to school districts, teacher organizations, state departments of education, and colleges and universities nationally and internationally, facilitating the changes necessary for them to reach students and successfully prepare them for the future. In response to COVID-19 school closures, […]

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    Create a Classroom Culture that Empowers Your S...

    Giving students more autonomy over their education and creating climates that foster student expression are growing priorities in K–12 education. The trend results from the intersection of personalized learning plans tailored to offer individualized experiences for optimal outcomes, and student-centered learning movements, which prioritize student needs over institutional goals. Regardless of its impetus, the goal […]

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    Indiana Wesleyan University Offers Five New Rem...

    Together with our partner Indiana Wesleyan University, we are pleased to announce that we are now offering the following courses in a new remote learning format. Our new remote learning course format is an online learning experience that is fully facilitated. Each course leverages technology solutions, synchronous sessions, and virtual learning experiences and typically run […]

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    A Special Offering from the NESA Networked Lear...

    Personalized Coaching with Steve Barkley Now in an all new online, self-paced format! Join Steve Barkley for a unique opportunity to design a study that looks at an area of coaching or specific coaching skills that you wish to enhance. In this online, facilitated, self-paced program you will engage in three one-on-one coaching conferences with […]

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    Reflecting on the 2019-2020 School Year: What h...

    “Challenges are what make life interesting. Overcoming them is what makes them meaningful.” — Anonymous The best leaders are continually self-reflecting on their skills and successes and identifying opportunities for improvement. Teachers who wish to offer their students the most effective learning opportunities should also engage in the process of self-reflection. Use the summer months […]

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    Memorize This: Your Students Benefit From Learn...

    As an adult, you most likely have that one friend who tells you that when he was in school, he never had to study to earn all As. While some people are naturally well-inclined toward conceptual understanding and easy memorization, many of us need to put in some study time to earn good grades. To […]

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    Drake University and PLS Offer Four New Remote ...

    Together with Drake University, we are pleased to announce the addition of four new remote learning graduate courses for educators. The new courses will be delivered online, are fully facilitated, and provide three hours of graduate credit. Each course leverages technology solutions, synchronous sessions, and virtual learning experiences that engage all participants in a collaborative […]

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    PLS On-Site Courses Offered in New Remote Learn...

    At PLS Classes we offer graduate courses for educators in several different formats: on-site, online, and online self-paced. In response to COVID-19 school closures, the biggest impact has been to our on-site course format. We’ve been working to create a seamless transition from on-site to remote learning. Keeping in mind that some students prefer the […]

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    Disconnect to Reconnect: Seven Ways to Get Offl...

    With classrooms and boardrooms transitioned to virtual and remote, we all have one thing in common during the COVID-19 crisis: our screen time has increased significantly. According to Nielsen, the requirement to stay at home can lead to a nearly 60 percent increase in digital media consumption habits. The increase is staggering when you take […]

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    Five Tips to Support Students Learning From Home

    Students who have spent their academic careers learning in a formal classroom setting, collaborating with peers, and participating in group work are also feeling the struggle of trying to remain focused and engaged in lessons and assignments from their home living room. To help your students, and their parents succeed for the remainder of this […]

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    Happy Teacher Appreciation Week from Our Family...

    Everything is different. No more waiting for the bus. There’s no discerning school clothes from play clothes. It always seems to be snack or lunch time. The comfort and wonder of the classroom has turned into makeshift workspaces in bedrooms, playrooms, and kitchens. All of our childrens energy that is normally spent socializing with peers […]

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    Andrews University and PLS Offer New Self-Paced...

    Together with Andrews University, we are pleased to announce that you can now take seven courses in an online self-paced format. With Andrew’s new self-paced online format, you can start anytime that is convenient for you. Plus, you get a dedicated course facilitator so you won’t be left on your own. Courses are completed within […]

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    Introducing Beyond the Classroom—A New Original...

    We are excited to share a new original series that we’re calling Beyond the Classroom. The series was inspired by a Western New York teacher who is thinking outside the box when it comes to creating meaningful connections with her students beyond the typical school day. This teacher is Julie Perna. Ms. Perna is the […]

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    PLS Classes Presents New Video Series to Suppor...

    At the heart of everything we do at PLS Classes is our mission to support and strengthen educators. During this time, we feel it is especially important to be a helpful resource for you. As you settle into the new distance learning environment we’re sure you’ve met some challenges along the way. And that’s ok! […]

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    Personalized Coaching with Steve Barkley

    A special offering of the NESA Networked Learning Series Join Steve Barkley for a unique opportunity to design a study that looks at an area of coaching or specific coaching skills that you wish to enhance. In this online, facilitated 6-week program you will engage in one-on-one coaching conferences with Steve, where he’ll provide you […]

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    Take a Virtual Field Trip as a Class

      While students are settling in to learning in the confines of their new at-home classrooms, they might be missing an important out-of-class activity: field trips. Field trips provide students with the opportunity to visit and explore a brand new space in their communities, which can: Strengthen observation skills, offer opportunities for hands-on activities, and […]

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    Special Spring Offer from the AAIE Institute fo...

    Are you interested in learning more about international school leadership? Do you know someone who is? For the first time ever, our partner, the AAIE Institute for International School Leadership is offering $50 off of each course that you register for though the end of April 2020.* Explore the Following Online, Self-Paced, and Fully-Facilitated Courses […]

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    Eight Fun and Engaging Activities to Stay Busy ...

    Until COVID-19 is behind us, we know that we are all safer practicing social distancing by staying home. For teachers, this means time away from your friends, family, school, and students, which may begin to make you feel isolated as the weeks turn into months. If a student were experiencing a challenging life event and […]

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    Steve Barkley Launches New Podcast Series to Su...

    One of the best ways that we can set our students up for successful with distance learning is by looking for ways to support parents and guardians who are now assisting their children in learning at home. There are many online educational resources available, but today we’re going to share something a little different — […]

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    Educators Given Free Access to Wistia’s Video H...

    As students make the change to at-home classrooms, parents transition to work-from-home life and homeschooling — teachers are making an even bigger adjustment: finding ways to deliver instruction and connect with students outside of the classroom. Luckily, technology provides plenty of ways for teachers to stay connected to students, whether it’s through Google Classroom, social […]

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    Working at Home for Teachers: 7 Best Practices ...

    COVID-19 has created unprecedented changes to how teachers and their students are finishing the 2019-2020 school year. Almost overnight we’ve moved from face-to-face classes to a distance learning environment. Even though you don’t get to physically see your students every day, they need you to guide them, provide structured assignments, and be a resource until […]

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    Resources from Fred Rogers Productions to Help ...

    When Fred Rogers was a child, he spent a lot of time inside due to asthma. He felt isolated physically and emotionally, which, in turn, made him feel sad and scared. Now, more than ever, we may all be experiencing some of the same feelings that young Freddie Rogers felt. Isolated. Sad. Scared. Stressed. Angry. […]

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    Ask Steve Barkley: Teacher Modeling

    Back by popular demand, Steve Barkley is back to answer your questions. This week we’re focusing on the instructional strategy of modeling. Q: I’m a 4th grade science teacher in a public school located in Rochester, NY. I find myself using the instructional strategy of modeling many times throughout the course of the school year. […]

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    FREE Online Educational Resources to Share with...

    As educators ourselves, we know that planning lessons for a regular day in the classroom can sometimes be a challenge. And now with many schools implementing distance learning in the wake of COVID-19, teachers are working overtime to provide communication, instructional materials, and seamless learning for students. In response to school closings across the country, […]

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    COVID-19 and PLS On-Site Courses

    (Updated 3/16/2020) At PLS Classes, our first concern is the safety and well-being of our employees, instructors, and class participants amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. We are paying close attention to policies that are being established by our partnering colleges and universities, as well as local and state governments. Below is the latest information on PLS […]

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    Five Ways to Teach Your Students to Appreciate ...

    “We all should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and we must understand that all the threads of the tapestry are equal in value no matter what their color.” ― Maya Angelou The classroom is a great place to stimulate discussions of various perspectives and help young people to grow up appreciating and […]

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    Five Stress Busters for Your Students

    How is your stress level? What about the stress level among your students? Talk to any of your family or friends, and they may share with you feelings of stress. According to WebMD, adults often cite factors such as work, childcare, relationships, and financial pressures as stress stimuli (Goldberg, 2018). Your students may be feeling […]

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    We Are Hiring New On-site Instructors in Easter...

    Be a Leader in the Field of Education! PLS Classes is looking for talented educators to deliver face-to-face, Master’s level on-site courses through our college partner Wilkes University. We are looking for instructors in the following areas in Eastern Pennsylvania: Northern Philadelphia, King of Prussia, Plymouth Meeting, Exton, and surrounding areas. Earn Extra Income In […]

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    Accomplish More by Saying Goodbye to Multitaski...

    You have eight tabs open in your computer browser. You’re on hold with your doctor’s office while participating in an ongoing text message exchange with your sister about weekend plans and you’re correcting your students’ latest homework assignment. You are a master multitasker, and it’s what helps you get so much done every day—but are […]

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    New Social-Emotional Learning Course Helps Educ...

    In support of the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s School Climate Improvement Process, PLS Classes proudly offers a new graduate course entitled Social-Emotional Learning: Essential to Student Success. Focusing on the importance of supporting academics with social-emotional learning, participants will explore five key areas: Self-awareness Self-management Responsible decision-making Social awareness Relationship skills Social-Emotional Learning: Essential to […]

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    Steve Barkley Shares Five Ways to Help You Cond...

    There are many opportunities to build trust and communication with parents throughout the school year. One of the most significant times is during parent-teacher conferences. Today, our very special guest blogger Steve Barkley has prepared five guidelines for teachers to follow as they conduct crucial parent-teacher conferences. Conferencing with Parents By, Steve Barkley Parent-teacher conferencing […]

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    Wilkes University Named to “Best Master’s in On...

    Wilkes University has been named one of the best Master’s in Online Teaching degree programs by Intelligent.com, a trusted resource for online degree rankings and higher education planning. In their list of the top 35 regionally accredited institutions offering a M.S. in Online Teaching, Intelligent.com ranked Wilkes University at number 15 based on cost, reputation, […]

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    How to Keep Your Students Feeling Safe and Calm...

    Today’s students are growing up in a time and place where active shooter lockdown drills are as commonplace as parent-teacher conferences and ice cream socials. While the need for such rehearsals is a reality of today’s society, we must be aware that such drills may be stressful on our students. No matter the age of […]

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    The Eight Best Teacher Blogs for Innovative Edu...

    Like our favorite teacher always said, sharing is caring. We love our PLS Classes Blog, but we also enjoy learning from other educators! We scoured the web and found the following teacher-focused blogs which provide valuable perspective to teachers who are looking for creative and innovative ways to improve student outcomes. Check out our findings […]

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    SMART Goal Setting for the New Year

    What was your New Year’s resolution last year? Did you keep it? If not, how long did you stick to your resolution before reverting to your previous habits, deciding that the resolution was too lofty? Or did you simply forget that you made it? Rather than focusing on a New Year’s resolution—a decision to change […]

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    Teaching Students Lessons of Kindness

    Dr. Wayne Dyer famously wrote, “If you have a choice between being right and being kind, choose kind.” Since we know that acts of bullying have detrimental effect on young people’s self-esteem, it’s more important than ever before to teach children how to be kind, and why it’s so important. Much of what children learn […]

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    Giving Thanks to Our Teachers

    Ask a friend to tell you what she ate for dinner the night before, and your question is likely to be received with a pause and a shrug. Ask the same friend to name a teacher who greatly impacted her life, and she will likely respond with exuberant appreciation and a meaningful story. This month, […]

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    Explore Howard Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Int...

    Online Course Spotlight: Purposeful Learning Through Multiple Intelligences™ — Accelerated In this four-week course, you will identify and apply the multiple intelligences (MI) to meet the needs of today’s diverse classrooms. Based on Howard Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligence™, you will demonstrate the power of teaching and learning through this unique instructional process. Gardner suggests […]

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    PLS Instructors Discuss Common Classroom Themes...

    Steve Barkley continues to share ideas and insight into popular classroom topics on his weekly podcast, Steve Barkley Ponders Out Loud! We are delighted to share three recent episodes that feature our very own PLS instructors. (You can download the following podcasts for free and listen to them anytime.) PLS Instructors Featured on Steve Barkley […]

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    Should You Give Students Bonus Points? Weighing...

    In general, students love extra credit. For some, it’s an opportunity to make up for a missed assignment or a poor test grade. For others, notably the high-achievers, it’s an opportunity to excel at the highest level. However, is extra credit a strategy that is genuinely in your students’ best interests? Before you offer your […]

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    Integrate Math and Literacy to Improve Student ...

    You may find your students tend to have innate abilities that align with analytical and fact based skills such as math and science. You may have other students that seem to have a predisposition to more creative skills such as art or writing. For example, you may have a student who writes gorgeous prose but […]

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    Student Mental Health Awareness: The Importance...

    The most common disease affecting students today is not cancer — nor is it diabetes. The most significant disease, mental illness, affects 17.1 million students—more than the number of children and adolescents with cancer, diabetes, and HIV combined. The first week in October is Mental Health Awareness Week. It brings light onto the fact that […]

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    Five Ways to Encourage More Classroom Participa...

    How many times in the day do you find yourself asking questions of your students, and then staring out into a room of disinterested faces? Or how about facing a group of students trying not to make eye contact with you because they don’t want you to call on them? There are many reasons why […]

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    Updated Course: Differentiated Instruction for ...

    You asked, we listened! Based on the feedback and suggestions from past participants, Differentiated Instruction for Today’s Classroom™ has recently been revised and updated (Fall 2019) to enhance your overall learning experience. In this course, you’ll earn 3 graduate credit hours while you acquire key knowledge, skills, and strategies to differentiate instruction in your classroom. […]

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    Community Outreach and Engagement Ideas for Tea...

    It’s been said that it takes a village to raise a child, which means the residents of your community are just as crucial to helping your students achieve their academic and personal development goals as nearly any other members of your administration. Obtain community support and show your neighbors why they should be invested in […]

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    How To Identify and Empower Gifted Students

    Teachers with an opportunity to foster the educational experience for gifted students stand to become highly influential in the early learning experiences of a young person who may be destined for high achievements in his or her life. Identifying gifted students in their nascent academic years and engaging them in ways that are both challenging […]

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    Two New On-Site Instructors Join Our Team

    Please help us extend a warm welcome to Darnell Decker and Brittany Ranck, the two newest on-site instructors to join the PLS Classes team. Both instructors will be teaching a total of three different courses through our partner Mercyhurst University this fall! What follows is a little background on each instructor as well as information […]

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    Drake University and PLS Classes Launch New Sel...

    Together with our partner Drake University, we are pleased to announce Building a Professional Network, a new self-paced facilitated online course for graduate students in education. Participants will learn knowledge and skills essential to building a professional network. Topics include pedagogy resources, professional responsibilities, 21st century networking tools, and ongoing professional growth to support classroom […]

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    Four Tips to Connect with Parents and Students ...

    It’s hard to believe it’s already August. That means your favorite summertime iced coffee drinks are in limited supply, and you’ll be back to school in only a few short weeks. It also means that you’re not the only one starting to think about the upcoming school year. Your new students and their parents are […]

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    The Importance of Instructional Coaching — Feat...

    An instructional coach is chiefly responsible for bringing evidence-based practices into classrooms by working with teachers and other school leaders. The benefits of instructional coaching include development of instructional skills, self-reflection, changes in school culture, and collaboration. Benefits of Instructional Coaches Teachers develop instructional skills. Working with a coach allows teachers to practice and learn […]

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    Summer Reading Recommendations for Educators

    Summer break is a wonderful time to catch up with friends, sleep, and to tackle those books piling up on your nightstand! With the dog days of summer ahead, there’s still plenty of time to curl up with a good book. If you’re looking for something good to read — you’re in luck. We asked […]

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    Congratulations to Steve Barkley on his 100th P...

    Our team at PLS would like to extend a heartfelt congratulations to Steve Barkley on producing his 100th episode of the Steve Barkley Ponders Out Loud Podcast. Steve is the Executive VP of PLS 3rd Learning and a partner and mentor to PLS Classes. He has served as an educational consultant to school districts, teacher […]

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    The Link Between Parental Involvement and Stude...

    Whether you’ve been teaching for one year or twenty, you have likely witnessed a broad spectrum of parental involvement. Some parents are extremely cognizant of their child’s progress and are heavily committed to hands-on support. Other parents may take a less collaborative and integrated approach — and some parents fall somewhere in the middle. Read […]

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    10 Ways Teachers Can Earn Extra Income During S...

    For some teachers, summer break is a time for maximum rest and a total hiatus from work. And the break is well deserved! After a few weeks of R&R, you might be wanting to find ways to keep your creative edge, hone in on your educational focus, or find new ways to help the next […]

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    FAQs: PLS & Mercyhurst University’s New M....

    Last month we announced a new master’s program available through our partner Mercyhurst University. With the M.S. in Teaching Excellence, you can enhance your skills as a master educator while earning credit through PDE endorsements, teaching experience, and PLS coursework. The following are some FAQs to help you determine if this program is right for […]

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    Tips to Help Students Stress Less and Do Well o...

    It’s June, and you know what that means. Summer vacation is so close that it’s nearly tangible (cue “The Final Countdown”). If you’re feeling the itch to start enjoying summer break, then you know your students are too. There is only one hurdle standing between you and your students and warm, long, summer days: Final […]

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    Flexible Master’s Program Offers PA Teachers Pe...

    Mercyhurst University has partnered with PLS 3rd Learning (PLS Classes/PLS) to offer certified teachers in Pennsylvania a new Master of Science in Teaching Excellence designed as a personalized option for continuing education and fulfilling ACT 48 hours. Teaching Excellence includes five core courses that total fifteen credit hours as well as fifteen hours of electives. […]

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    Listen to PLS Instructors Discuss Popular Theme...

    Since the beginning of 2019, Steve Barkley has featured six of our PLS instructors on his podcast, Steve Barkley Ponders Out Loud! Steve has served as an educational consultant to school districts, teacher organizations, state departments of education, and colleges and universities nationally and internationally, facilitating the changes necessary for them to reach students and […]

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    Are Smartphones Making Our Students Smarter?

    Three Reasons Why Teens Should Take a Break From Their Digital Devices When parents say they fear their teen is addicted to their smartphone, they may be right. According to Common Sense Media, teens spend an average of nine hours a day online. Considering the average teen needs eight to ten hours of sleep per […]

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    How to Best Help a Chronically Late or Absent S...

    You’ve heard the expression; ninety percent of success is just showing up. This aphorism is valid for student success at any age. Students cannot be fully engaged in learning or gain enough exposure to theories and concepts if they are chronically absent or late to class. What causes such truancy and how can you as […]

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    We are Hiring New On-site Instructors in Wester...

    Be a Leader in the Field of Education! PLS Classes is looking for talented educators to deliver face-to-face, Master’s level on-site courses through our college partner Mercyhurst University which is located in Western Pennsylvania. Earn Extra Income In addition to your regular teaching position, you can earn extra income by offering classes on the weekends […]

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    April is Autism Awareness Month: How can teache...

    April marks Autism Awareness Month, a time to promote autism awareness, education, and acceptance, and to show support for the tens of thousands of young people and adults diagnosed with a spectrum disorder each year. Created nearly 25 years ago by the Autism Society, Autism Awareness Month is a growing initiative that has become a […]

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    How to Achieve a Work-Life Balance: Five Tips f...

    You love your students, and you love your job. You can’t help but want to work on a new lesson plan at night when a creative idea inspires you, and you’re always willing to meet with a concerned parent. On the other hand, there are also the days when you carry home the stress of […]

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    Five Benefits of the Arts in Education

    There is a concerning reality impacting the creative development of our young people. According to a 2014 report by U.S. News and World Report, more than 80 percent of U.S. school districts have had to cut funds since 2008. The same report states that the first programs to be eliminated as a result of funding […]

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    We Are Hiring On-Site Instructors in Michigan

    Be a Leader in the Field of Education! PLS Classes (formerly PLS) is looking for talented educators to deliver face-to-face, Master’s level on-site courses. We are especially looking for instructors to teach through our college parter Marygrove University located in Michigan. Earn Extra Income In addition to your regular teaching position, you can earn extra […]

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    Three Benefits of Reflective Teaching and How t...

    As a teacher, your profession may provide you with a sense of comforting cyclicality. While curriculum evolves, the fundamentals of many subjects and age-based learning expectations vary little over time. As a result, you may enjoy the familiarity of teaching many of the same lesson plans year after year. When you fall into a rhythm—a […]

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    Get Girls Excited About a Career in STEM!

    Annie Easley, Grace Hopper, Mary Allen Wilkes… If you’ve never heard of these women, you’ve surely heard of their accomplishments. Annie Easley “developed and implemented code” that led to the development of the battery used in the first hybrid cars.1 Grace Hopper, also known as “the mother of computing” helped to develop code called COBOL, […]

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    To Help Respond to Disrespectful Behavior in th...

    According to Public School Review, many public school teachers cite student attitudes, such as apathy and disrespect for teachers, as a significant problem facing schools today.1 What appears to be disrespect from students comes in many forms. As a teacher, you may see what you or others interpret as disrespectful behavior in your classroom. These […]

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    3 Ways to Incorporate Black History Month into ...

    “In recognizing the humanity of our fellow beings, we pay ourselves the highest tribute.” These words, spoken by Thurgood Marshall, the first African American U.S. Supreme Court member, aptly summarize a critical reason for all Americans to recognize, embrace, and learn about Black History Month every year. As a teacher responsible for illuminating young minds […]

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    The Top Five Habits of Highly Effective Teachers

    What do highly effective teachers have in common? If asked to recall the teacher that had the most impact on your academic development, you would likely be able to quickly name someone who made you feel excited about learning. You probably remember feeling that he or she cared for you and your success as a […]

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    How Your Body Language Impacts Your Teaching Su...

    It’s not what you say; it’s how you say it. This truism is particularly relevant for teachers who spend their days standing in front of a group of young people helping them learn critical life skills and academic concepts. Throughout a school year, your students will become familiar with many intricacies of your body language […]

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    Seven Tips to Stop the Spread of Germs in Your ...

    We are fully in the grasp of cold and flu season, which means that every coughing, sneezing, sniffling child in your classroom could put other students—or you—at risk of falling ill too. According to WebMD, the average American child contracts six to 10 colds per year, making colds the number one illness resulting in doctors’ […]

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    Five Holiday Time Savers for Busy Teachers

    It’s the most wonderful time of the year! And, it’s also one of the busiest! With the holidays upon us, you might find you have less time than usual to get everything done. This season, we’re here to help! Follow these five tips and you’ll have more free time to spend with friends and family, […]

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    Seven Ways Teachers can Encourage Independent R...

    One of the many reasons that you are an inspiring teacher is that you appreciate the feeling of getting lost inside a great book. You know what it’s like to feel as if the characters are your friends, to wish to live in the same town or mythical world as the story’s hero, and even […]

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    Recognizing the Warning Signs of a Student Stru...

    As a teacher, you spend a lot of time with your students. And next to a student’s close family and friends you may be the best equipped to identify signs that something is wrong. Mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse don’t usually come out of nowhere. Yet sometimes it’s hard to […]

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    Girls and Bullying: How can teachers help ident...

    Pop culture movies, music, and television shows often depict girls—as early as during elementary school—as being viciously cruel and judgmental to their classmates. The “mean girl” archetype has evolved for a reason. According to National Voices for Equality, Education, and Enlightenment (NVEEE), more girls (59 percent) are cyberbullies than boys. The National Education Association (NEA) […]

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    Cyberbullying: What it is, and What You Can Do ...

    As an educator, you know that bullying is a continuing problem in our schools. You also know that some types of bullying are overt and easy to spot (such as physical bullying), while other forms of bullying can fly under the radar (such as emotional and cyber). According to StopBullying.gov, “When adults respond quickly and […]

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    Ten Stress Relievers for Elementary and Middle ...

    New teachers. New schedules. New faces. Oh my! A new school year can be a stressful time for teachers and students alike! Adjusting to a new classroom, making new friends, changing classes, or even paying attention during lessons (after a long and lazy summer) can make even the most confident students stressed. While some stress […]

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    The Case for Flexible Seating: Is it a Good Fit...

    As a teacher, you appreciate (read: crave) order and consistency. A place for everything and everything in its place may even be your classroom motto. Many teachers appreciate orderly rows of desks and knowing exactly where each student is seated may allow teachers to ensure every child is present and engaged so you they focus […]

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    A New School Year: A New Chance to Involve Fami...

    You only get one chance to make a first impression. At the start of the school year, you may be excited to meet your new students, earn their trust, and generate excitement for the year of learning ahead. The beginning of a new year is also the perfect time to include and immediately involve parents […]

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    PLS Classes Master’s program at Wilkes recogniz...

    Wilkes University Ranks #4 on The 9 Best Online Master’s in Teaching Programs TheBestSchools.org recently published their list of the nine best online master’s in teaching programs in the US — and we are so proud that our PLS Classes program at Wilkes University came in at #4! The top degree programs were selected based […]

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    Teachers: Do You Have a Mentor?

    No matter how long you have been working in education, you have undoubtedly discovered that teaching can be a highly individualized experience. No two teachers, their styles, or their approaches to learning are the same—nor should they be. However, every teacher should consider having a mentor; someone to learn from, to be inspired by, and […]

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    The Power of Mindfulness in the Classroom

    Mindfulness represents a particular way of being present in the moment and noticing your surroundings. Jon Kabat-Zinn defines mindfulness as “the awareness that emerges through paying attention on purpose, in the present moment, non-judgmentally.”1 What began as part of meditation and yoga instruction has grown in popularity and has been implemented by many K -12 […]

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    Steve Barkley’s Summer Reading List for Educators

    Looking for some great books to read this summer? You’re in luck! We asked Steve Barkley, a trusted friend and partner of PLS Classes, to recommend the top books teachers should pick up and digest this summer. Steve is an educational consultant to school districts, teacher organizations, state departments of education, and colleges and universities […]

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    Take a Break This Summer: Top Podcasts for Educ...

    Summer break represents a much deserved time of rest and relaxation for teachers across the country. It also offers a great opportunity for you to brush up on your core skills, learn about new and inventive teaching best practices, and dig deeper into what you are passionate about. There are many different ways to grow […]

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    Summer is Calling: How to Keep Students Focused...

    The days are getting longer, the air is warm, the sky is full of sunshine, and your students have one thing on their minds — summer vacation! In the weeks preceding summer break, you may find your students are more likely to stare out the window and daydream than focus on your instruction. Follow these […]

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    Elementary School Teachers: Top 10 Ways to Wrap...

    It’s hard to believe — it’s almost the end of another school year! The close of another academic year is bittersweet. After all, you’re so proud of all that your students have achieved and you’re happy to see them move forward, yet on the other hand, boy are you going to miss them! Before you […]

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    Give Your Students the Tools to Bridge the Summer

    With summer just around the corner and final exams wrapping up, students and teachers are undoubtedly looking forward to break. While students dream of free time, the great outdoors, hanging with friends, and family vacations, many teachers also plan to enjoy the warm weather, setting aside time for individual hobbies and interests. While everyone is […]

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    Summer Goals: Get Ahead, Learn More, Experience...

    Spring has finally sprung and the fresh, warm air promises that summer vacation will be here before you know it! As the school year winds down, you’ll probably be daydreaming about what you are going to do with your time off. After all, summer break is one of the major benefits of being a teacher. […]

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    Classroom Full of Chatterboxes? Five Techniques...

    Students will almost always outnumber teachers, which is why, at times, getting an excited, talkative group of students to focus can be one of the most challenging (and sometimes frustrating) aspects of your day. Regardless of the odds, there are proven techniques that can help you ensure you are maximizing the time available in your […]

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    Happy National High Five Day!

    PLS 3rd Learning is Celebrating National High Five Day! We’re sending out virtual high fives to teachers, students, and parents around the world. We hope this National High Five Day video celebration will inspire you to do some high fiving of your own. Thanks for watching. High five! ✋ […]

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    Get Past the Stress of Standardized Tests

    Standardized testing season is upon us, and these testing weeks can be stressful for teachers, school leadership, parents, and students alike. There is an extreme divide in how individuals feel about the common core standards and methods of teaching and testing. And then there is the pressure of new computer-based testing in some states. If […]

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    10 Stress Busters for Teachers

    As a teacher, you are probably already very aware of the stress that creeps into your workday. And you are not alone. According to a 2016 study, forty-six percent of teachers say they feel high daily stress, which is on par with other intense professions such as nursing and medicine.1 Yes, we can all agree […]

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    What’s New in Tech for Teachers?

    Just as students seek out the latest gadgets and innovations in technology, teachers across the country also benefit from advancements in digital learning that facilitate effective instruction and encourage students to learn to the best of their abilities. To inspire your search for the latest technology to blend or differentiate your instructional methods, we’ve compiled […]

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    The Many Benefits of Learning Online

    Teachers, if you’re considering taking an online class — the advantages are plentiful. Recent statistics show that nearly 6 million students are enrolled in online courses across the U.S.1 That’s approximately one out of four students enrolled in higher education! And there is no sign of online learning slowing down in the near future. The […]

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    Best Practices for Communicating Effectively wi...

    You have a lot in common with your students’ parents. You both want your students to succeed and are motivated to advocate for their achievement. While teachers can be impartial and objective when assessing a student’s performance, a parent may be more naturally inclined to express their frustration when they do not see the results they […]

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    10 Things You May Not Know about the Home of th...

    Even though the temperatures in PyeongChang, South Korea are frigid, the Winter games are about to heat up. As athletes from around the world gather to compete, we thought we’d share some interesting facts about the host city of the 2018 Winter Games. We hope you enjoy this information and feel free to share with […]

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    Supersized Classrooms: Best Practices for Manag...

    Is your classroom bursting at the seams? As a K-12 teacher, you know that fostering a strong learning environment through quality classroom management is a key factor is setting students up for success. You also know that having a class size of 20, 30, or even 40 students can pose a serious challenge to creating […]

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    Six Tips for Holding Successful Parent-Teacher ...

    Parent-Teacher conferences are a vital aspect of each student’s individualized learning plan. They are opportunities for parents or guardians to collaborate with educators on how best to enable each student to reach his or her highest potential in the classroom. To maximize your available time with each parent or guardian, and to facilitate constructive dialogue, […]

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    Teachers: Resolve To Be More Organized in 2018

    Did you know that January 9th is National Clean Off Your Desk Day? While this may be a made up holiday, why not take today as an opportunity to get more organized? After all, the beginning of the year is a great time to clean up and declutter. Follow these simple ideas and you’ll be […]

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    The Great Balancing Act: The subtle art of bein...

    As a teacher, your day continues after the school bell rings and the children go home. Oftentimes, you are busy planning lessons, grading papers and organizing for the next day well into the evening. On top of that, add in family and other responsibilities, and it’s amazing that you fit it all in. You may […]

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    A Teacher’s Guide to Surviving the Week Before ...

    “The students are so calm right before December break.” Said no teacher, ever! By now, you’re probably just as excited as your students are about winter break. The week before any holiday break can be stressful for teachers and students alike, with tests and projects that must be completed in spite of the excitement in […]

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