Brian Behrman

Explicit or constructive? The best classrooms use both. In my latest post, I explore how cognitive science, classroom practice, and the novice-to-expert journey can guide smarter instruction. Read and share your thoughts. #EdLeadership #ScienceOfLearning #InstructionalCoaching

What can a winning football coach teach us about school leadership? 🏈📚 This reflection on Curt Cignetti highlights vision, trust, and consistency—and why they matter in education. #InstructionalLeadership #SchoolLeaders #EduLeadership #GrowthMindset #iufb #NeverDaunted

Great teaching isn’t about talking more—it’s about creating a rhythm of input and output. Learn how the “alternating principle” boosts engagement, focus, and learning in every classroom.
#InstructionalCoaching #EdLeadership #EffectiveTeaching #TeacherGrowth #CognitiveLoad

Learning is a bottleneck—but we can clear the way. Discover how Cognitive Load Theory helps students succeed. #edchat #EdLeadership #ScienceOfLearning

Play-doh letter work bridges fine motor skills with early literacy, making abstract symbols concrete, memorable, and fun. It’s especially effective in Kindergarten because it respects the developmental need for tactile, playful learning. #FESTigers #FESReads

There are so many benefits for our learners:
- Fine motor strengthening
- Tactile awareness
- Letter recognition
- Sound-symbol connection and more!
#FESTigers #FESReads

Play-doh letter making

More multi-sensory learning during the literacy block. Today, some of our kindergarten students are creating letter shapes out of Play-doh. #FESTigers #FESReads #reading #scienceofreading

This leads to kinesthetic engagement, visual reinforcement, and auditory support. Multi-sensory learning with hands on manipulation makes abstract concepts like letter sound correspondence more concrete. #reading #SoR

Student making words with magnetic letters

First graders are using magnetic boards and letters to build words. Magnetic letters turn phonics into a tactile, interactive puzzle, helping students internalize sound-symbol relationships more deeply than with listening or writing alone. #FESTigers #FESReads #reading #SOR

💪 From workouts to classrooms, AMRAP isn't just for the gym. Learn how repetition and retrieval build stronger brains—just like stronger muscles. Tap into the power of spaced practice to boost student learning and memory! 🧠 #EdLeadership #CognitivePsychology #RetrievalPractice

A Military State? April 12, 2025

Turning our southern border into a military zone isn’t just extreme—it’s a dangerous step toward martial law. History warns us. Rights are at risk. Congress must step up. Contact your legislators now. #CivilLiberties #ChecksAndBalances

Hey #bfc530! I've been using AI to help develop my vocabulary routine for the morning announcements. Loaded in the pdf of the LETRS Vocabulary Word Routine. Now I can ask it to create a routine based on a specific word. Everything I need is there. Could I do it myself? Sure. But I save so much time!

Together, we are building high levels of learning for ALL! 📚🐯 As educators, our commitment is clear—if they didn’t learn it, we must teach it differently. Let’s push every student to success and mastery! #BuildingSuccess #edchat #LearningForAll #edusky #FESTigers #Teaching

My biggest advice on growing is to use tools to support organization. I love a good graphic organizer. There are lots of options out there, but the resources from The Writing Revolution are a good place to start. Check it out: www.thewritingrevolution.org

Thanks for sharing! I'll check it out!

Just like orienteering, guiding student writers requires knowing both the destination and the starting point. In our latest PD, we’re mapping out writing progressions to ensure growth. Check out how we navigate this challenge! #WritingProgressions #StudentGrowth #FESTigers #edchat #edusky #FESWrites

Three co-equal branches 2/15/25

The separation of powers exists for a reason—no single branch should hold unchecked authority. Yet, 47’s administration is testing those limits. Will history remember this as a crisis? It’s time to hold leaders accountable. Contact your reps and demand they uphold the Constitution. #Democracy

Building strong writers is like building a LEGO—skip a step, and the whole structure struggles. Every grade matters! How do you ensure your students get all the pieces they need? #WritingSuccess #FESWrites #FESTigers #edchat #edusky #learning #EdLeadership #school #inspiringschools

Yes - our district has PLCs every Tuesday. We also have collaboration time every Thursday. Both occur outside of the school day but within contract time. #bfc530

It's only been two weeks February 2, 2025

Two weeks in, and Trump’s second term is already a whirlwind. Mass firings, illegal funding freezes, and a trade war—Project 2025 is in full swing. When do we push back? 1,373 days to go. #Resist

When you set the foundation at birth, not at kindergarten, you can make so much more of a difference in the education of a child. Early intervention is best. Being able to intervene at age 2 or 3 is much more impactful than at age 5. #edusky

They provide families with universal, subsidized, high-quality early childhood education and care. There are comprehensive health checks. Generous parental leave. And monthly childhood benefits for every child under 17. #edusky

And really, success on the #NAEP is about so much more than just what happens in elementary and middle school. Foundational work in preschool years supports future success. Look at Finland's success on the PISA. Typically at or near the top with this International assessment. #edusky

And don't get me started on the socio-economic factors of attending private schools, which makes a huge difference in academics.

You are not comparing like to like. Without #NAEP being able to control for demographics, this data does not tell a full story of the differences. #edusky

I'm not ready to say this #NAEP data isn't impressive for Catholic schools, but in my experience, private Christian schools are ably to be selective. They can deny enrollment to students with special needs. They can deny enrollment to students who have school discipline records. #edusky

That's the best - I used to love when my buddies were close by and on the same prep as me! Lots of time to collaborate on ideas! #bfc530

My best inspiration comes from having conversations about ideas with colleagues. As we talk, it's almost like improv... "Yes, and..." Suddenly a good idea transitions to a great idea.

I always share with people that my best ideas only get better by talking with others! #bfc530

Hey @alisonstonebio.bsky.social - Last week I shared that I was working on a blog post about the novice to expert continuum. I finished it up this week and posted it this evening. Check it out and let me know what you think! #bfc530

Reflecting on 'Just Tell Them' by Zach Groshell: A must-read on teaching novices to experts along a continuum. Insights on explicit teaching, cognitive load, and learner needs. Quick, impactful read! #FESTigers #edchat #edusky #bfc530

Constant improvement! Yes! Some of the teachers most willing to learn and try new things in my school are also my most experienced. They know they still don't know it all. #bfc530