Foundation Before Tactics: Your 2025 Reading List
Foundation before tactics. Start 2025 strong.
Happy New Year!
Before anything else: thank you for being here, for showing up for your students, for caring about your teaching, and for choosing to start this year with intention.
I wanted to share three things I've been working on and reading that might help you begin 2025 with clarity and purpose.
1. The STRONG Framework: A Sustainable Approach to Teaching Excellence
This is the foundation of everything I teach—six pillars designed to help you be excellent without burning out. If you're new here (or just need a refresher), this post breaks down what each pillar means and how to use the framework in your daily teaching life. 👉 Read: The STRONG Framework
2. Building AI for STRONG Teachers in Public: Why Philosophy Comes First
I'm creating an AI course for teachers and building it in public so you can see the process. Module 1.1 might surprise you—it's not about tools or prompts. It's about philosophy, boundaries, and clarity. Because without that foundation, AI becomes just another thing overwhelming your plate. 👉 Read: Why Philosophy Comes First
3. Research Alert: When Leaderboards Backfire
A recent study tested whether leaderboards (those competitive rankings meant to motivate students) actually improved learning. The surprising result? Leaderboards didn't increase student practice—and they actually decreased exam scores. A good reminder that not every popular strategy works as intended, and that we need to think carefully before adopting new tools. 👉 Check Out The Study
Your Turn
Which of these three resonated most with you? Hit reply and let me know—I read every response.
If You Want to Go Deeper
Inside The STRONG Teacher's Lounge, we're in Week 3 of the Winter Reflection Series: Finding Clarity—Clearing mental space before the new year arrives. We're reflecting together on what to release, what to carry forward, and what feels essential when everything else quiets down.
👉 Join The STRONG Teacher's Lounge
Here's to starting the year with a foundation that holds.
—Jeremy
