Kathleen Vail

Washington, D.C., United States

Managing Editor at Kappan

Editor, writer, storyteller, long-form journalism aficionado, public school supporter. She/Her/Hers

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Articles

Strategies to protect student learning while addressing discipline issues

2 days ago | kappanonline.org | Kathleen Vail

Q: “How can we protect the educational process for all students when discipline issues often get in the way?”Signed, A frustrated dean of studentsA: Discipline issues in schools can disrupt the learning environment, making it difficult for educators to teach and students to learn. While maintaining order is essential, it’s equally important to ensure that disciplinary measures don’t overshadow the primary goal: fostering a productive and inclusive educational experience for all students.
Bridge theory and practice for classroom teacher professional learning

1 week ago | kappanonline.org | Kathleen Vail

Q: “How can we ensure effective training for the classroom workplace on professional learning days?” Signed, A pre-service teaching professorA: Professional learning (PL) days are invaluable opportunities to refine skills, explore innovations, and foster collaboration. Yet, without thoughtful planning, these sessions risk becoming passive lectures that fail to translate into improvements in the classroom or workplace. Unfortunately, this happens often.
Handling leadership stress

2 weeks ago | kappanonline.org | Kathleen Vail

Q: I’m struggling mightily with my position in senior leadership. I’m a superintendent and I’m currently dealing with a difficult school board. To manage my stress, I’ve turned to unhealthy habits like drinking alcohol. How can I make better choices and take care of myself while dealing with the stress? I know this isn’t sustainable.
Knowing when to intervene with struggling students

3 weeks ago | kappanonline.org | Kathleen Vail

Q: “I’m struggling with when to intervene when I see students struggling, even if it is productive. I know that this is an important part of the learning process, but sometimes I intervene too early and save them from the learning, and sometimes too late, and the students quit on themselves.
How to help students cope with disappointment

1 month ago | kappanonline.org | Starr Sackstein |Kathleen Vail

Q: I work with elementary-aged students who are excited to participate in class. I love their enthusiasm and don’t want to quash it. Unfortunately, students get upset when they aren’t called on to share. How can I support students who don’t have an immediate opportunity to share when they aren’t called on first? How can I help them work through their disappointment so they know they will have other opportunities?
Ways to encourage students to move in math class

1 month ago | kappanonline.org | Starr Sackstein |Kathleen Vail

Q: My high school math students are struggling to stay in their seats. Do you have advice on bringing more movement into my classroom? Signed, A high school math teacherA: Many educators face the challenge of keeping students engaged and focused, especially in a subject like math, which is sometimes perceived as dry or overly rigid. Fortunately, there are numerous strategies to infuse movement into your classroom, helping to improve focus, energy levels, and overall learning outcomes.
Bridging the Gap Between Student Disengagement and Motivation

1 month ago | kappanonline.org | Starr Sackstein |Kathleen Vail

Q: How do you engage students who don’t want to be in school while nurturing highly motivated students? — Signed, Dean of studentsA: Among the most pressing challenges an educator faces is effectively engaging students who are disinterested in school while simultaneously nurturing highly motivated ones. Striking a balance between these two groups can be complex, but we can create an inclusive learning environment that fosters student growth with the right strategies.
Ways to stay motivated when students aren't

1 month ago | kappanonline.org | Starr Sackstein |Kathleen Vail

Q: “How do I stay motivated to innovate and avoid burnout when students aren’t motivated, and educators and their administrators have defaulted to non-tech or low-tech?”-Signed, A teacher looking for helpA: As we continue to navigate the complexities of teaching, many of us find ourselves grappling with burnout and a dip in motivation — on the part of students and ourselves.
Supporting substitute teachers

1 month ago | kappanonline.org | Starr Sackstein |Kathleen Vail

Q: Our district has many teacher vacancies, and we have been forced to use substitutes and other uncertified staff to ensure student education isn’t interrupted. Our state has laws against uncertified substitutes being in the same classroom for more than four days in a row. How can we support these substitutes, some of whom would like to get a teaching license and others with no desire to do so?
Teacher seeks way to encourage student reflection and self-assessment

2 months ago | kappanonline.org | Starr Sackstein |Kathleen Vail

Q: “I’m struggling to get my students to reflect and self-assess with depth beyond whether they liked a project or assignment. Can you offer tips that empower students to explore their reflections?”-Signed, A teacher who wants to let go of controlA: Encouraging deeper reflection and self-assessment among your students is commendable and essential for fostering independent learners, but it is not always as easy as it sounds.