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Brian Winter, M.Ed.

Teaching a Skill: The Importance of Practice, Monitoring, and Feedback

November 1, 2023

In the waning minutes of the Michigan State Quarter-Finals soccer match, down by one goal, my team needed to score quickly… or our season would come to an abrupt end. Desperation was in the air.  Every second that ticked off the clock was one second closer to our demise. It was my senior year and…

The Most Overlooked Back-to-School Item

August 27, 2023

Folders, pens, backpacks, pencil cases, paper, planners, binders… You’ve stocked up on nearly every back-to-school item you and your child can think of.  But, you’re probably still missing the most important tool. Don’t feel bad, you’re not alone. With all of the back-to-school ads from the big-box office supply stores, we’re led to believe that…

Student Motivation: How to Get Students in the “Green Zone”

August 14, 2023

It’s second hour in Mr. K’s class. The bell has just rung.  Mr. K is ready to get started with his lesson. But, here’s what Mr. K doesn’t know is lurking under the surface: Susie was just dumped by her boyfriend because of an untrue rumor posted on social media last night. Jimmy’s coach stopped him…

Are You the Best Version of Yourself?

February 16, 2020

Have you created the best version of yourself? I recently met an inspiring individual that most certainly has. You haven’t seen this person on the cover of Forbes.  She doesn’t flaunt expensive clothing and jewelry. And, you haven’t seen her meeting with world leaders. Well, not yet anyway. But, she did just win a prestigious…

Strategies for Successful IEPs

January 12, 2020

The only battle more epic than Batman vs. Superman might be “parent vs. teacher” in a special education IEP (Individualized Education Plan) meeting. My First IEP I’ll never forget one particular IEP… I was accused of “not having the student’s interests in mind.” David had ADHD and a learning disability in written expression.  David’s greatest challenge…

Increase Motivation: Identify Your Intelligence(s)

December 16, 2019

Are you smart? Immediately you start judging yourself. Maybe you answered “yes.”  Or, “no.”  Or, maybe you waffled with indecision. As a society, we make this judgement of others all the time.  Even the best teachers in education find themselves with thoughts like, “Kyle is a bright kid, he’ll learn this quickly.  But Laura will…

Inside Out: The Importance of Emotional Intelligence

September 21, 2019

Tears. Shouting. Pouting. Kicking. Screaming. More tears.  This perfectly describes the temper-tantrums I see in my 5-year old daughter, Madison. I know my child isn’t the only who has temper-tantrums.  But, I still wonder, “What is going on with you, child?!” I would patiently try to get to the root of the problems. I would…

Soft Skills May Have Prevented The Rise Of Darth Vader…

May 4, 2019

When our team realized this week’s newsletter would go out on Star Wars Day (May the 4th be with you!) we got a little punchy! Then we discovered a very powerful insight… “You underestimate the power of the Dark Side!” – Darth Vader   Darth Vader is one of the most well-recognized villains in movie…

Writing vs Thinking Your Goals … Which Makes You More Successful?

March 18, 2019

How can you guarantee your students will be more successful than their peers? How can you guarantee this with a 10-minute activity? The answer is simple. You can start this year off right by doing one simple activity. Writing down goals. Yes, the old fashioned way. Get out a pen and a piece of paper…

Legal Homework Rights: What’s the Limit on Homework?

November 4, 2018

Hi, I just read your article Titled “Can You ‘Opt Out’ of Homework?” (Click HERE for the original article.) I enjoyed the article but I guess I need a more concrete answer to the question of my legal homework rights: CAN I LEGALLY OPT OUT OF HOMEWORK FOR MY CHILD? – Dawn, SOAR® Parent The answer is…

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