My Favorite Pieces of 2017

When I decided to start a career as a content writer, I never expected it to turn into such a rewarding experience so quickly. When I accepted my first gig at the end of September 2016 (creating lines of dialogue for an alarm clock app), I wasn’t totally convinced this writing thing was going to pan out. Still, I took what I could get.

I wrote a review of an LED toilet-bowl light, crafted a Kick Starter pitch for a linguistics app, and edited the CV and cover letter of a UN official.

In relatively short order, I was extremely lucky to stumble upon an ad seeking an educational content writer for the Knowledge Roundtable, a free tutoring marketplace based out of New England. I made my pitch to Jared, the site’s founder, and started a professional relationship that has been flourishing ever since.

From there, I have linked up with a number of amazing partners ranging from education sites like Teach.com and Clear Choice Prep to technology sites like Chromebook.net and a major software security firm. In this, my first year, I have worked for clients in over half-a-dozen countries and have even started my own site here to feature posts that are of especial importance to me (like this one!).

I’m eternally grateful to everyone who I have had the privilege to work with on this journey so far. Being able to write and share my insights has already made such a difference in my life both personally and professionally.

Thank you to those who have helped me navigate this unique path, those who have read and shared my work, those in my PLN who continue to challenge me to think and grow as an educator and writer, fellow writers who have been willing to exchange guest posts, and my loving editor-in-wife who makes sure my finished products are always ready for the world.

Without further ado, here are my Top 10 Favorite Pieces of the Year:

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The Constantly Evolving Role of the School Librarian

From: The Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) Blog – Guest Post on behalf of Teach.com – July 5, 2017 – by Sheldon Soper The educational landscape is awash with initiatives to make learning more authentic and problem-based. For these differentiated approaches to work, students and teachers need networks of support to ensure that students can … Read more

How to Increase Classroom Transparency

From: Teach.com – October 18, 2017 – by Sheldon Soper More than ever, teachers are called to justify their practice and their decision-making inside the classroom. Whether it is from administrators, parents, or the public, today’s teachers feel the pressure that comes from an increased professional scrutiny. It doesn’t help that the public perception of the teaching … Read more

Making Project-Based Learning Authentic

GettingSmart.com GUEST COLUMN | by Sheldon Soper: Students who participate in high-quality project-based learning develop skills, processes and products that are an ideal match for the demands of the 21st-century, but creating authentic projects is key for engaging them. Read more at GettingSmart: Making Project-Based Learning Authentic | Getting Smart

Discussing Disappointing Grades with a Teen

When schoolwork starts to slip, stress levels tend to rise for both teens and their parents. In the upper grades, academic progress can have a direct impact on things like job prospects and getting into college. This can make discussing disappointing grades with a teen even more stressful.

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