A welcoming classroom can reduce student absenteeism, a challenge exacerbated post-Covid. Listen in as we explore strategies like fostering positive peer interactions, and emphasizing community and respect. The conversation includes personal anecdotes demonstrating the power of a nurturing environment in engaging students. The participants emphasize the importance of personal connections, feedback, and ensuring every student feels validated and safe in the classroom. The episode highlights practical approaches to creating an inviting educational atmosphere and its significance in encouraging consistent student attendance.

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Miriam Plotinsky is an instructional specialist with Montgomery County Public Schools in Maryland, where she has taught and led for more than 20 years. She is the author of Teach More, Hover Less, Lead Like a Teacher and Writing Their Future Selves. She is also a National Board-Certified Teacher with additional certification in administration and supervision. She can be reached at www.miriamplotinsky.com

Dana Cole has been teaching high school language arts in the Walker County School District in rural northwest Georgia since 2005. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she began creating video lessons to help students catch up if they missed class, and has continued to make additional videos based on areas of student need and interest and is a current co-host of the Edchat podcast. youtube.com/danacoledares.

Shawn Thomas is in her 25th year of teaching in the largest county in Georgia. She has taught Kindergarten, Second and Third Grade, and ESOL (English to Speakers of Other Languages) K-5 and coaches new teachers. Shawn also hosts the We Just Want To Teach podcast.