Center for Inspired Teaching

Center for Inspired Teaching Creating radical change in the classroom through transformative professional development for teachers

Students are constantly learning new things—but they may not always recognize how much they already know.This reflection...
03/09/2026

Students are constantly learning new things—but they may not always recognize how much they already know.

This reflection sheet and community-building activity gives students an opportunity to reflect on their own competence, recognize past successes, and share their expertise with one another.

When students see themselves as capable learners—and learn from the strengths of their peers—they build confidence, connection, and community. These conversations can also become reference points students return to when they face new challenges.

What is something your students already know how to do that they could teach someone else?

Developmental appropriateness starts with listening.Every learner is on their own developmental journey. Instead of assu...
03/09/2026

Developmental appropriateness starts with listening.

Every learner is on their own developmental journey. Instead of assuming what students need, ask them: Is this too hard? Too easy? What would help you grow?

When we treat students as experts in their own learning, we create the “sweet spot” where challenge meets curiosity.
Explore D: Developmental Appropriateness in the ABCDEs of Learner Needs and discover more resources through the link in our bio.

What if not knowing isn’t a weakness—but the beginning of becoming competent?Students build confidence when they have op...
27/08/2026

What if not knowing isn’t a weakness—but the beginning of becoming competent?

Students build confidence when they have opportunities to recognize what they already know, reflect on how they learned it, and identify what they want to learn next.

These questions turn learning into a process students can see, name, and share with one another. They also create space for students to recognize that struggling to figure something out is not a sign that everyone else has it together, it’s part of learning.

When we help students notice their own competence, we give them a stronger foundation for confidence, curiosity, and continued growth.

21/08/2026

Youth voices matter—and creating opportunities for students to connect with their communities is an important part of that work.

We were grateful to welcome Kawanza Billy, Senior Youth Advocacy Manager at DC Action, for an insightful youth advocacy conversation with our students. She engaged their curiosity, shared valuable perspectives, and connected some of our students with resources to help them become more connected and engaged members of their communities.

When students have the opportunity to ask questions, explore their interests, and connect with resources beyond the classroom, they can see themselves as changemakers in their communities.

What does belonging mean to your students?This reflection sheet and community-building activity gives students space to ...
20/08/2026

What does belonging mean to your students?

This reflection sheet and community-building activity gives students space to explore what belonging means to them while creating opportunities to connect with their peers. What may look like a simple getting-to-know-you activity can open the door to meaningful connections built around shared interests, experiences, and perspectives.

Start the year by creating space for students to connect—and build belonging together.

As school begins, there’s one of the ABCDEs of Learner Needs that deserves a lot of attention right away: belonging.Rese...
17/08/2026

As school begins, there’s one of the ABCDEs of Learner Needs that deserves a lot of attention right away: belonging.

Research on why belonging matters continues to grow, and many schools are already asking students about it through social and emotional climate surveys. But there’s an important question to consider: Do students and teachers share an understanding of what belonging actually looks and feels like?

Talking about belonging at the start of the school year gives students agency around the term—and gives teachers insight into what belonging means to them.

Try starting with the dictionary definition. Then ask students: When has this definition of belonging felt true in your life? What helped create that feeling?

A conversation like this can be a simple starting point for building a classroom where students feel seen, heard, and connected.

Resources for the week ahead! 📚Looking for a simple way to help students think about autonomy and growing independence?T...
13/08/2026

Resources for the week ahead! 📚

Looking for a simple way to help students think about autonomy and growing independence?

This reflection sheet and community-building activity gives students space to explore how they experience autonomy in their own lives—and how their peers experience it, too.

A small activity can open up a big conversation. Find this resource and more through the link in our bio!

Autonomy matters at every age. We all want a say in what happens to us—and our students are no different.Even within the...
11/08/2026

Autonomy matters at every age. We all want a say in what happens to us—and our students are no different.
Even within the structure of school, small, meaningful choices can help students build confidence, ownership, and agency as learners.

Swipe through for 5 simple ways to create more opportunities for autonomy in your classroom. Then check out the link in our bio for more ways to support your learners’ needs.

07/08/2026

The ABCDE of Learner Needs isn't just a framework for understanding students—it's a powerful planning tool for creating learning spaces where every young person feels seen, supported, and empowered to speak up.

In this week's Hooray for Monday episode, Brady Maiden shares how the ABCDEs have helped shape and refine our Speak Truth program, creating brave spaces where students build the confidence and skills to lead meaningful conversations. As they prepare to step into a new school year, these young leaders are ready to spark dialogue, foster connection, and make their voices heard.

Have you listened to this week's episode yet? 🎧 Take a listen, then tell us: Which of the ABCDEs will you prioritize in your classroom or learning community this year?

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