A Time-Saving Way to Teach

Dear Teachers,


The Owls want to offer you time for self-care.

 

Like actual time - not a PD about self-care, not a lavender-scented face mask or an inspirational quote dropped in your faculty room mailbox - extra hours with a capital You.


As a 13-year veteran teacher, I would choose lesson planning any day over grading papers. Even though ensuring that lessons were innovative, researched, graphically organized, scaffolded, differentiated, cooperative, accessible, equitable, student-centered, adhered to the “SWBAT” objectives, and effectively implemented, took more time than executing the lesson itself.

 

According to a History Owls-initiated 2021 survey, data collected from 92 New York City independent school teachers (ranging from 1 to 15+ years of experience) reflected that nearly 50% (45 teachers) spend between 8 and 15+ hours per week preparing lesson plans, finding material/sources for homework, and building examination material. This is a problem worth solving if you are entering your classroom for the first, ninth, or 21st year.


University professors work on behalf of History Owls’ high school teacher advisors to curate a unique set of resources and provide comprehensive suggested lesson plans, suggested lesson plans for each learning module. Each module is like a “choose your own adventure”; you can teach each lesson “as is”, you can pluck specific module elements that fit best with your student and classroom needs, you can explore the material for inspiration, then infuse your own twist.


History Owls keeps you in mind before we launch a new module. In the same survey, 52% (48 teachers) shared the biggest challenge they face with students outside the classroom/during homework, is knowing where students struggled with specific material. And 91% (84 teachers) agreed that engagement is the biggest challenge faced with students in the classroom;  equal participation in the classroom, maintaining attention, and balancing different learning needs. Each module will inform teachers of individual student progress, and share student feedback.

 

Our goals are to (1) ensure every students' learning needs are being met, supported by data and (2) free up your prep time to take that much needed coffee break and check in with students who may need more guidance and support. Then, you can go home when the bell rings. Just kidding.
 
Stay Tuned,