Purposeful Teaching Strategies: Data, Social Studies & Sustainable Instruction with Get Your Teach On’s LaNesha Tabb
Welcome, educators and lifelong learners! If you’re searching for inspiration, practical strategies, and a fresh perspective on the ever-evolving world of teaching, you’re in the right place. In a recent episode of The Flip Side Podcast, hosts sat down with the dynamic LaNesha Tabb. An educator, author, and Get Your Teach On presenter with nearly two decades of classroom experience. Together, they dove deep into the heart of education, exploring everything from data-driven instruction to the vital role of social studies, and the personal growth that comes with a career in teaching.
This blog post unpacks the main themes and actionable advice from the episode, offering you a comprehensive guide to purposeful, impactful teaching. Whether you’re a classroom veteran or just starting your journey, these insights will empower you to lead with courage, curiosity, and compassion.
LaNesha’s Journey: From Resistance to Results
LaNesha candidly shared her initial resistance to weekly data collection. Like many teachers, she felt exposed and uncomfortable when asked to submit spreadsheets highlighting individual student scores. But a persistent, visionary leader encouraged the team to stick with the process. Over time, the data revealed “shining stars” and tangible improvements, transforming skepticism into buy-in.
Actionable Strategies
Champion the Process: Every team needs a data champion, someone who believes in the process and can encourage others through the initial discomfort. This could be a formal leader or a passionate peer.
Focus on Purpose, Not Perfection: Remind yourself and your team that the ultimate goal is student success, not flawless spreadsheets. Data is a tool, not a judgment.
Normalize Vulnerability: It’s natural to feel exposed when sharing data. Create a culture where it’s safe to acknowledge challenges and celebrate growth.
Make It Collaborative: Use data meetings as opportunities for collective problem-solving, not finger-pointing.
Expert Insight: “Don’t take it personal, make it purposeful.” — LaNesha Tab
Turning Data Into Real-Time Action
Main Takeaway: The real power of data lies in using it in the moment to inform instruction, not just for end-of-week analysis.
From “Hot Data” to Student Success
LaNesha described her shift from collecting data after the fact to tracking it in real time. Instead of waiting until Friday’s test to see who “got it,” she began using quick checks and formative assessments throughout the week. This allowed her to adjust instruction on the fly, ensuring no student fell through the cracks.
Actionable Strategies
Implement Quick Checks: Use exit tickets, thumbs up/down, or index card responses (LaNesha’s favorite!) to gauge understanding during lessons.
Track Progress Visually: Maintain a simple chart or digital tracker to monitor each student’s mastery of key skills.
Respond Immediately: If a student is struggling, intervene right away—don’t wait for the next assessment cycle.
Cultivate the Habit: Consistency is key. Make real-time data use a daily routine, not an occasional event.
Expert Insight: “It’s like using a ‘Find My’ app for your students’ learning—you always know where they are and can guide them accordingly.” — LaNesha Tab
Teaching Real History: Fostering Critical Thinkers
Main Takeaway: Authentic social studies instruction means presenting history as it happened—without sugarcoating or prescribing emotions—so students can develop their own informed perspectives.
LaNesha’s Approach: Facts Over Feelings
LaNesha challenges the idea that history should be comfortable. Instead, she advocates for presenting historical events as facts, encouraging students to ask critical questions:
Who are the stakeholders?
Whose voices are missing?
Why are certain narratives emphasized over others?
This approach fosters curiosity and critical thinking, empowering students to analyze sources and form their own evidence-based opinions.
Actionable Strategies
Use Primary Sources: Bring in original documents, photos, and artifacts. Let students examine and interpret them directly.
Ask Reflective Questions: Regularly prompt students with, “Whose voices are missing?” or “Who benefits from this narrative?”
Avoid Prescribing Emotions: Present facts and let students process and discuss their feelings in a safe, open environment.
Encourage Multiple Perspectives: Highlight how history can look different depending on who is telling the story.
Expert Insight: “History isn’t about feeling warm and fuzzy, it’s about understanding what happened and why.” — LaNesha Tab
The Underrated Power of Social Studies
Main Takeaway: Social studies is foundational not just for civic knowledge, but for reading comprehension, vocabulary, and real-world understanding.
Why Social Studies Matters
Despite its importance, social studies often get sidelined. LaNesha and the hosts lamented how, in today’s climate, teachers sometimes feel hesitant to engage with the subject. Yet, social studies encompasses everything from civics and economics to geography and current events—skills and knowledge students need to navigate the world.
Actionable Strategies
Integrate Social Studies with Literacy:** Use social studies texts to build background knowledge and vocabulary, supporting reading comprehension.
Connect to Current Events:** Relate lessons to what’s happening in the news, making learning relevant and engaging.
Advocate for Its Value:** Remind colleagues and administrators that social studies is not “extra”—it’s essential for developing informed, thoughtful citizens.
Expert Insight: “Everything in the news is social studies. If we want students to understand the world, we can’t afford to push it to the back burner.” — LaNesha Tab
Letting Go of Perfectionism: Sustainable Teaching
Main Takeaway: Perfectionism can be paralyzing. Sustainable teaching means accepting “good enough,” prioritizing, and being flexible.
LaNesha’s Hard-Won Wisdom
Juggling writing, presenting, and classroom responsibilities, LaNesha learned to let go of the need for everything to be flawless. Sometimes, she releases resources before they’re “perfect,” trusting her expertise and the clarity of her core message.
Actionable Strategies
Prioritize Ruthlessly: Focus on what matters most for your students and your own well-being.
Accept Imperfection: Progress is better than perfection. Don’t let the quest for flawless lessons keep you from moving forward.
Be Flexible: Adjust plans as needed. If something isn’t working, pivot and try a new approach.
Practice Self-Compassion: Recognize that you’re doing your best—and that’s enough.
Expert Insight: “You can only be flexible when you truly know your content and your goals. The rest will fall into place.” — LaNesha Tab
The Long View: Remembering Your Impact
Main Takeaway: Teaching is a long game. The seeds you plant today may not bloom until years later—but your impact is real and lasting.
The “Superpower” of Foresight
LaNesha wishes every teacher could glimpse into the future to see who their students become. On tough days, remembering that your influence extends far beyond the classroom can be a powerful motivator.
Actionable Strategies
Reflect on Success Stories: Keep notes or messages from former students to remind yourself of your impact.
Visualize the Future:** Imagine your students as adults—what skills and values do you hope they carry with them?
Support Each Other:** Remember, your colleagues were once students too. Foster empathy and understanding within your teaching community.
Expert Insight: “If only teachers could see the adults their students become, they’d realize just how much they matter.” — LaNesha Tab
Final Encouragement: You’re Crushing It!
Teaching is personal, challenging, and deeply rewarding. As LaNesha and the hosts of The Flip Side Podcast remind us, you’re not alone on this journey. Lean into collaboration, embrace purposeful action, and never underestimate the power of your influence.
