One of the most common tidbits of advice given to new teachers is to start the school year off with a strict, stern , no-nonsense attitude in order to get your students to take your discipline style seriously.  In fact, I've often heard the old adage as "Don't smile until Christmas."

Do you think teachers can gain control of their classrooms by smiling and being nice from the start?  Or does elementary-aged behavior management demand a smile-free approach?

Scientists are starting to use the findings of cognitive neuroscience to study how young brains can learn.  New discoveries are defying long-held wisdom about what children can learn and when.  For example, did you know preschoolers can actually learn basic division skills?

This burgeoning field of science is being applied in the classroom to help students accelerate their studies.  If you're interested in the intersection between brain science and pedagogy, definitely read this NY Times article on this topic.

During the holiday season, we tend to think about what really matters in life.  Well, what really matters in the classroom is the underlying attitude you bring to your students each day.  If you haven't thought about your educational philosophy since you were in college, take a few moments to consider what unique outlooks you bring to the field of Education.  Here's how I suggest you do it.

I know there is so much tension between parents and teachers.  But why?  Aren't we all on the same team?  We all want children to thrive and succeed.  So does all the finger-pointing come from an underlying (and mutual) frustration?

Commenter Jean Vaughn offers this opinion on the topic:

Bad teachers blame their students' lack of progress on bad parents. Good teachers encourage parents to become involved by listing actual CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES they can help with, and this does not just mean being room mothers for parties.

How much responsibility should teachers bear for uninvolved parents?  What is the best way to get parents on board and actively working with the classroom teachers?