Instructional Minute
October 11, 2022
May 5, 2026
Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!
Across Lansing, we see the impact you make every single day, in the way you engage students, respond to their needs, and remain deeply committed to their growth. Your classrooms are spaces of care, challenge, and opportunity, and that is a direct reflection of your dedication and expertise.
We also want to recognize the intentional shift in our work toward collaborating in teams to support student outcomes. The way you come together (sharing practices, reflecting on learning, and making thoughtful instructional decisions) continues to strengthen the impact we have across our system.
From all of us in the Instructional Department, thank you for the energy, professionalism, and heart you bring to this work. Lansing students are better because of you, and we are grateful to be in this work together.
Supporting a Culture of Collaboration During Teacher Appreciation Week
Focus on connection, visibility, and professional pride:
- “Shout-Out Wall” or Digital Board
Create a shared space (bulletin board or Google Slide deck) where staff can post notes recognizing each other’s impact. Specific, meaningful praise goes a long way. - Peer Appreciation Rounds
Dedicate 10 minutes in a staff meeting for structured shout-outs. Encourage naming specific instructional moves or moments with students. - Staff Superlatives (with substance)
Move beyond humor, recognize things like “Most Impactful Small Group Instruction” or “Relationship Builder of the Year.” - Wellness or Recharge Time
Organize optional low-pressure activities (yoga, coffee hour, walk-and-talk groups) that prioritize staff well-being without adding obligations. - “Why I Teach” Story Share
Invite volunteers to share brief reflections, this reinforces purpose and builds collective identity. - Personalized Notes
Specific, evidence-based appreciation (not generic thank-yous) is far more meaningful and builds trust.
Steering Committee Flyers
K-8 Math Steering Committee
We are looking forward to seeing you at the next Math Steering. Please look for an email from Ms. Sarah Kentner. The K-8 Math Steering Committee meets on the last Tuesday of every month!
9-12 ELA Steering Committee Meeting
We are looking forward to seeing you at the 9-12 English Steering Committee Meeting , which takes place virtually the last Thursday of the month. Please look for an email from Steering Chair Suzy Khoury to join virtually.
9-12 Math Steering Committee
K-8 Science Steering Committee
The K-8 Science Steering Committee will be held on the last Thursday of every month
at 4:15 pm. Please look for an email from Steering Chair Catherine Cole Adams to join virtually.
Pacing at a Glance for this Week's Instruction
The documents attached outline K-8 curricular resources, standards and pacing. This can also be found by clicking here on the LSD website. *Please note that pacing for Illustrative Math powered by Kiddom and Reveal Math will become available as the year progresses.
9-12 Pacing Documents
The document attached outlines 9-12 curricular resources, standards and pacing. This can also be found by clicking here on the LSD website.
Workshop Model Lesson Plan Form to Assist in Planning Lessons
A resource to use as you see fit.
The Instructional Minute Newsletter will be sent out every Tuesday at 7:00am.
The newsletter is created each week by the Instructional Division:
