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Celebrating 49 Years of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

Nov 302 min read

Celebrating 49 Years of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

As a special education teacher, the anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) holds profound significance....

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Ivy Wilcher

Nov 93 min read

Lessons Beyond the Text: Embracing Vulnerability Through Langston Hughes’ “Harlem”

In teaching, there are those rare, transformative moments when a lesson goes beyond the subject, reaching into life itself. This week in...

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Ivy Wilcher

Oct 292 min read

Humbled by the Challenges of Post-Pandemic Classrooms

Managing student behavior in post-pandemic classrooms has introduced new complexities, even in environments where trust and rapport have...

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Ivy Wilcher

Oct 283 min read

Engaging Students Through Culturally Relevant Literacy: Using Rod Wave’s Lyrics to Teach Resilience and Reading Strategies

In my Intensive Reading Strategies class, I recently found myself at a crossroads. We began with poems by renowned poets, but as I...

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Ivy Wilcher

Oct 142 min read

7 Things Not to Do if You Want to Become a TEDx Speaker

Becoming a TEDx speaker is a dream for many, but the journey requires focus and preparation. Rather than listing what to do, I’d like to...

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Ivy Wilcher

Oct 73 min read

My TEDxGary Experience: How Mentorship Blossoms with Family, Friends, and Spiritual Guidance

Delivering my TEDxGary talk, S.H.O.W. U.P.: How Positive Mentorship Transforms Lives , was a milestone, but it was much more than just...

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Wrapping Up Summer: Activities and Resources for a Fun and Productive End to the Season

Ivy Wilcher

Aug 73 min read

Wrapping Up Summer: Activities and Resources for a Fun and Productive End to the Season

As the summer winds down, it's important to make the most of the remaining days with your children. Whether you're looking for fun...

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Beat the “Summer Slide”:Engaging Your Kids in Fun Learning Adventures

Ivy Wilcher

May 292 min read

Beat the “Summer Slide”:Engaging Your Kids in Fun Learning Adventures

With the long, lazy days of summer just around the corner, it’s easy for kids to slip into vacation mode and forget the classroom skills...

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Beat the "Summer Melt": Stay Motivated for College This Fall

Ivy Wilcher

May 283 min read

Beat the "Summer Melt": Stay Motivated for College This Fall

This month, the U.S. Department of Education released a resource article to help incoming college freshmen avoid what they call “Summer...

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Creating a Nurturing Learning Environment at Home During Summer

Ivy Wilcher

May 213 min read

Creating a Nurturing Learning Environment at Home During Summer

Summer months provide a unique opportunity to reinforce learning outside the traditional school setting. With school out, parents can use...

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Rethink That Smartphone Upgrade: Indiana's New School Cell Phone Ban

Ivy Wilcher

Apr 173 min read

Rethink That Smartphone Upgrade: Indiana's New School Cell Phone Ban

As you consider upgrading your child's smartphone or purchasing a first phone for your preteen, it's important to pause and reflect on a...

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Building Stronger Family Connections: How to Use Digital Tools for Parenting Across Different School Ages

Ivy Wilcher

Mar 262 min read

Building Stronger Family Connections: How to Use Digital Tools for Parenting Across Different School Ages

Creating a harmonious family environment is an evolving challenge as children grow from elementary age through high school. Each stage...

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Keeping Kids Motivated and Engaged: A Parent's Guide After School Breaks

Ivy Wilcher

Jan 172 min read

Keeping Kids Motivated and Engaged: A Parent's Guide After School Breaks

Navigating the transition from leisurely school breaks back to the structured learning environment can be challenging for both children...

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Embracing Winter Break: A Guide for Parents to Recharge and Connect with Their Children

Ivy Wilcher

Dec 26, 20232 min read

Embracing Winter Break: A Guide for Parents to Recharge and Connect with Their Children

As winter break approaches, parents often find themselves juggling the excitement of quality time with their children and the need for...

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Nurturing Potential: Special Education – Strategies for Discreetly Providing Services

Ivy Wilcher

Nov 18, 20233 min read

Nurturing Potential: Special Education – Strategies for Discreetly Providing Services

Special education plays a pivotal role in fostering inclusive learning environments, ensuring that every student, regardless of unique...

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10 Proven Strategies to Keep Students Engaged Before Winter Break

Ivy Wilcher

Nov 7, 20232 min read

10 Proven Strategies to Keep Students Engaged Before Winter Break

As the winter break approaches, maintaining student engagement can be a challenge. With holiday excitement and end-of-year fatigue...

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Unleashing the Power of Reading: How Kids Can Shape the Future and the Science Behind It

Ivy Wilcher

Oct 30, 20232 min read

Unleashing the Power of Reading: How Kids Can Shape the Future and the Science Behind It

Reading is more than stories; it's a journey of empathy, critical thinking, and endless possibilities. Let's empower our kids to shape the

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Creating Lasting Bonds: Strategies for Building Teacher-Student Relationships with SEL Practices

Ivy Wilcher

Sep 29, 20232 min read

Creating Lasting Bonds: Strategies for Building Teacher-Student Relationships with SEL Practices

Hey fellow educators, let's delve into something truly transformative in the world of teaching - building strong connections with our...

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Mastering Study Routines: A Parent's Guide to Success

Ivy Wilcher

Sep 28, 20233 min read

Mastering Study Routines: A Parent's Guide to Success

Hey parents, we know that helping your child establish effective study routines can be a game-changer when it comes to academic success....

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Ivy Wilcher

Sep 28, 20232 min read

Get Ready for College Go Week: How Parents Can Make a Big Difference

Hey there, parents! College Go Week is here and it's an awesome opportunity to get your child geared up for higher education. Let's chat...

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