--- title: Teachstone Blog | CLASS & Effective Teaching Strategies | Kathryn Surchek (2) description: Kathryn stays busy, whether at work, where she keeps a close eye on Teachstone materials, or at home, where she manages a full household (two children, two dogs, one cat, one husband, and four schedules). Passionate about education and interactions, she spent her teaching career supporting students—from those at risk of failure and dropping out, to pregnant teens, to honors students—as they used reading and writing to deepen their self-understanding. She left the bricks-and-mortar classroom for online education, creating multi-media courses for teachers and administrators, before finding her way to Teachstone, where she’s been involved with the development of every program we offer! With her great respect for educators and their daily challenges, she gets fueled by talking with teachers and coaches and the children they support. With two daughters of her own, she sees even more the importance of high-quality education. (2) --- [![Teachstone Logo](https://info.teachstone.com/hs-fs/hubfs/TS_Color_Regist-3-1.png?width=150&height=67&name=TS_Color_Regist-3-1.png "Teachstone Logo")](https://www.teachstone.com/) - [Store](http://store.teachstone.com/) - [Support](https://teachstone.com/support) - [Login](http://dashboard.teachstone.com/) - The CLASS Framework - [What is CLASS](https://teachstone.com/class/) - [CLASS 2nd Edition](https://teachstone.com/class-2nd-edition/) - [For Leaders](https://teachstone.com/leaders/) - [For Observers](https://teachstone.com/for-observers/) - [For Coaches](https://teachstone.com/for-coaches/) - [For Educators](https://teachstone.com/for-educators/) - [For CLASS Affiliates](https://teachstone.com/for-class-affiliates/) - [For Head Start](https://teachstone.com/headstart/) - [Research](https://teachstone.com/research/) - Products and Trainings - [Getting Started with CLASS](https://teachstone.com/getting-started-with-class/) - [CLASS® 2nd Edition Infant-Toddler](https://teachstone.com/class-2nd-edition-infant-toddler/) - [CLASS® 2nd Edition Pre-K-3rd](https://teachstone.com/class-2nd-edition-pre-k-3rd/) - [CLASS Overview for Leaders](https://teachstone.com/a-class-overview-for-leaders/) - [CLASS 2nd Edition Intro to Interactions for Educators](https://teachstone.com/intro-to-interactions-for-educators/) - [CLASS Environment](https://teachstone.com/class-environment/) - [CLASS Environment Observer Training](https://teachstone.com/class-environment/#environment-observer-training) - [CLASS Environment Overview for Educators](https://teachstone.com/class-environment/#environment-educator-training) - Observer Training & Certification - [CLASS Train-the-Trainer Affiliate Program](https://teachstone.com/class-train-the-trainer/) - [CLASS Affiliate Trainer Recertification](https://store.teachstone.com/trainer-recertification-new/) - [CLASS 2nd Edition Measurement Trainer Program](https://teachstone.com/class-2nd-measurement-trainer/) - [CLASS Observer Recertification](https://store.teachstone.com/observer-recertification-new/?showHidden=true) - [CLASS Observation Certification Training](https://teachstone.com/class-observation-training/) - [Transition Supports](https://teachstone.com/class-observer-supports/) - [CLASS Group Coaching Transition Training](https://teachstone.com/class-group-coaching-transition-training/) - [CLASS 2nd Edition Observer Transition Training](https://teachstone.com/class-2nd-observer-transition-training/) - [CLASS 2nd Edition Trainer Transition Training](https://teachstone.com/class-2nd-edition-trainer-transition-training/) - [CLASS Trainer Add-Ons](https://teachstone.com/trainer-add-ons/) - [Program Services & Support](https://teachstone.com/program-services-support/) - [CLASS Coding Support](https://teachstone.com/coding-support/) - [CLASS Quality Improvement Subscription **New!**](https://teachstone.com/myteachstone/) - [CLASS Observation Services](https://teachstone.com/class-observation-services/) - [Custom Events by Teachstone](https://teachstone.com/custom-events/) - [Meaningful Interactions at Home](https://teachstone.com/meaningful-interactions-at-home/) - Coach Trainings & Certification - [CLASS Group Coaching](https://teachstone.com/class-group-coaching/) - [1-1 Video Coaching](https://teachstone.com/1-1-video-coaching/) - [Instructional Support for Coaches](https://teachstone.com/coach-feedback/) - [Interaction Essentials Trainer Program](https://teachstone.com/interaction-essentials-trainer-program/) - [Professional Development for Educators](https://teachstone.com/professional-development-for-educators/) - [Banking Time: Investing in Relationships](https://teachstone.com/banking-time/) - [CDA with CLASS](https://teachstone.com/cda-programs/) - [Instructional Support Essentials for Teachers](https://teachstone.com/instructional-support-essentials-for-teachers/) - [Interaction Essentials for Educators](https://teachstone.com/interaction-essentials-for-educators/) - [CLASS Supplies](https://teachstone.com/class-supplies/) - [CLASS Dictionary](https://store.teachstone.com/class-dictionary/) - [CLASS Interactions Dimension Guide](https://store.teachstone.com/class-dimensions-guide/) - [CLASS Manuals](https://store.teachstone.com/class-2nd-edition-pre-k-3-manual-options/) - [CLASS Observation Score Sheets](https://store.teachstone.com/score-sheets/) - [CLASS Strategy Cards](https://store.teachstone.com/class-strategy-cards/) - [CLASS Support Kits](https://teachstone.com/class-support-kits/) - Resources - [Resource Library](https://teachstone.com/resources/) - [Blog](https://info.teachstone.com/blog) - [Blog (Spanish)](https://info.teachstone.com/blog-en-esp?hsLang=en-us) - [Blog (French)](https://casiope.org/categorie/class/) - [Upcoming Events](https://teachstone.com/upcoming-events/) - [Community](https://community.teachstone.com/home) - [About](https://teachstone.com/about-teachstone/) - [Who We Are](https://teachstone.com/about-teachstone/#whoweare) - [Our Impact](https://teachstone.com/our-impact/) - [Partners](https://teachstone.com/our-partners/) - [Careers](https://teachstone.com/careers/) - [Certified B-Corp](https://teachstone.com/certified-b-corporation/) - [News](https://teachstone.com/news/) - [Connect with a Rep](https://info.teachstone.com/contact-a-teachstone-representative?hsLang=en-us) - The CLASS Framework - [What is CLASS](https://teachstone.com/class/) - [CLASS 2nd Edition](https://teachstone.com/class-2nd-edition/) - [For Leaders](https://teachstone.com/leaders/) - [For Observers](https://teachstone.com/for-observers/) - [For Coaches](https://teachstone.com/for-coaches/) - [For Educators](https://teachstone.com/for-educators/) - [For CLASS Affiliates](https://teachstone.com/for-class-affiliates/) - [For Head Start](https://teachstone.com/headstart/) - [Research](https://teachstone.com/research/) - Products and Trainings - [Getting Started with CLASS](https://teachstone.com/getting-started-with-class/) - [CLASS® 2nd Edition Infant-Toddler](https://teachstone.com/class-2nd-edition-infant-toddler/) - [CLASS® 2nd Edition Pre-K-3rd](https://teachstone.com/class-2nd-edition-pre-k-3rd/) - [CLASS Overview for Leaders](https://teachstone.com/a-class-overview-for-leaders/) - [CLASS 2nd Edition Intro to Interactions for Educators](https://teachstone.com/intro-to-interactions-for-educators/) - [CLASS Environment](https://teachstone.com/class-environment/) - [CLASS Environment Observer Training](https://teachstone.com/class-environment/#environment-observer-training) - [CLASS Environment Overview for Educators](https://teachstone.com/class-environment/#environment-educator-training) - Observer Training & Certification - [CLASS Train-the-Trainer Affiliate Program](https://teachstone.com/class-train-the-trainer/) - [CLASS Affiliate Trainer Recertification](https://store.teachstone.com/trainer-recertification-new/) - [CLASS 2nd Edition Measurement Trainer Program](https://teachstone.com/class-2nd-measurement-trainer/) - [CLASS Observer Recertification](https://store.teachstone.com/observer-recertification-new/?showHidden=true) - [CLASS Observation Certification Training](https://teachstone.com/class-observation-training/) - [Transition Supports](https://teachstone.com/class-observer-supports/) - [CLASS Group Coaching Transition Training](https://teachstone.com/class-group-coaching-transition-training/) - [CLASS 2nd Edition Observer Transition Training](https://teachstone.com/class-2nd-observer-transition-training/) - [CLASS 2nd Edition Trainer Transition Training](https://teachstone.com/class-2nd-edition-trainer-transition-training/) - [CLASS Trainer Add-Ons](https://teachstone.com/trainer-add-ons/) - [Program Services & Support](https://teachstone.com/program-services-support/) - [CLASS Coding Support](https://teachstone.com/coding-support/) - [CLASS Quality Improvement Subscription **New!**](https://teachstone.com/myteachstone/) - [CLASS Observation Services](https://teachstone.com/class-observation-services/) - [Custom Events by Teachstone](https://teachstone.com/custom-events/) - [Meaningful Interactions at Home](https://teachstone.com/meaningful-interactions-at-home/) - Coach Trainings & Certification - [CLASS Group Coaching](https://teachstone.com/class-group-coaching/) - [1-1 Video Coaching](https://teachstone.com/1-1-video-coaching/) - [Instructional Support for Coaches](https://teachstone.com/coach-feedback/) - [Interaction Essentials Trainer Program](https://teachstone.com/interaction-essentials-trainer-program/) - [Professional Development for Educators](https://teachstone.com/professional-development-for-educators/) - [Banking Time: Investing in Relationships](https://teachstone.com/banking-time/) - [CDA with CLASS](https://teachstone.com/cda-programs/) - [Instructional Support Essentials for Teachers](https://teachstone.com/instructional-support-essentials-for-teachers/) - [Interaction Essentials for Educators](https://teachstone.com/interaction-essentials-for-educators/) - [CLASS Supplies](https://teachstone.com/class-supplies/) - [CLASS Dictionary](https://store.teachstone.com/class-dictionary/) - [CLASS Interactions Dimension Guide](https://store.teachstone.com/class-dimensions-guide/) - [CLASS Manuals](https://store.teachstone.com/class-2nd-edition-pre-k-3-manual-options/) - [CLASS Observation Score Sheets](https://store.teachstone.com/score-sheets/) - [CLASS Strategy Cards](https://store.teachstone.com/class-strategy-cards/) - [CLASS Support Kits](https://teachstone.com/class-support-kits/) - Resources - [Resource Library](https://teachstone.com/resources/) - [Blog](https://info.teachstone.com/blog) - [Blog (Spanish)](https://info.teachstone.com/blog-en-esp?hsLang=en-us) - [Blog (French)](https://casiope.org/categorie/class/) - [Upcoming Events](https://teachstone.com/upcoming-events/) - [Community](https://community.teachstone.com/home) - [About](https://teachstone.com/about-teachstone/) - [Who We Are](https://teachstone.com/about-teachstone/#whoweare) - [Our Impact](https://teachstone.com/our-impact/) - [Partners](https://teachstone.com/our-partners/) - [Careers](https://teachstone.com/careers/) - [Certified B-Corp](https://teachstone.com/certified-b-corporation/) - [News](https://teachstone.com/news/) - [Connect with a Rep](https://info.teachstone.com/contact-a-teachstone-representative?hsLang=en-us) - [Store](http://store.teachstone.com/) - [Support](https://teachstone.com/support) - [Login](http://dashboard.teachstone.com/) # Posts by Kathryn Surchek ![](https://info.teachstone.com/hubfs/Blog_Authors/Kathryn-Surchek-450x450.jpg) kathryn.surchek\[at\]teachstone.com Kathryn stays busy, whether at work, where she keeps a close eye on Teachstone materials, or at home, where she manages a full household (two children, two dogs, one cat, one husband, and four schedules). Passionate about education and interactions, she spent her teaching career supporting students—from those at risk of failure and dropping out, to pregnant teens, to honors students—as they used reading and writing to deepen their self-understanding. She left the bricks-and-mortar classroom for online education, creating multi-media courses for teachers and administrators, before finding her way to Teachstone, where she’s been involved with the development of every program we offer! With her great respect for educators and their daily challenges, she gets fueled by talking with teachers and coaches and the children they support. With two daughters of her own, she sees even more the importance of high-quality education. Filter By Topic Select One... - [Announcements (82)](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/topic/announcements) - [Applying Science of Reading (1)](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/topic/applying-science-of-reading) - [Birth to Five (1)](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/topic/birth-to-five) - [CDA (9)](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/topic/cda) - [CLASS 2nd Edition (1)](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/topic/class-2nd-edition) - [CLASS Connect (1)](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/topic/class-connect) - [CLASS in Practice (121)](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/topic/class-in-practice) - [Coach Tips (151)](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/topic/coach-tips) - [COVID-19 (26)](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/topic/covid-19) - [FAQs (107)](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/topic/faqs) - [For Parents (22)](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/topic/for-parents) - [Head Start (44)](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/topic/head-start) - [Implementation (103)](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/topic/implementation) - [Infant and Toddler (79)](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/topic/infant-and-toddler) - [InterAct (5)](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/topic/interact) - [Just for Fun (56)](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/topic/just-for-fun) - [K-12 (74)](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/topic/k-12) - [Leadership & Policy (136)](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/topic/leadership-policy) - [myTeachstone (27)](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/topic/myteachstone) - [Observation Trainings (75)](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/topic/observation-trainings) - [Podcast (43)](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/topic/podcast) - [Pre-K (134)](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/topic/pre-k) - [Products and Trainings (109)](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/topic/products-and-trainings) - [Professional Development (114)](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/topic/professional-development) - [Reliability and Certification (68)](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/topic/reliability-and-certification) - [Research (129)](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/topic/research) - [Social-Emotional Learning (27)](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/topic/social-emotional-learning) - [Teacher Preparation (14)](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/topic/teacher-preparation) - [Teacher Spotlight (2)](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/topic/teacher-spotlight) - [Teacher Tips (242)](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/topic/teacher-tips) - [Trainer Tips (94)](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/topic/trainer-tips) [Return to Blog](https://info.teachstone.com/blog) [![](https://info.teachstone.com/hubfs/Intelligent%20group%20of%20young%20school%20children%20all%20raising%20their%20hands%20in%20the%20air%20to%20answer%20a%20question%20posed%20by%20the%20female%20teacher%2c%20view%20from%20behind.jpeg)](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/building-teachers-strengths?hsLang=en-us) ## [Coaching Tip: Building on Teachers' Strengths](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/building-teachers-strengths?hsLang=en-us) By [Kathryn Surchek](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/author/kathryn-surchek) It’s a gorgeous spring day here in central Virginia. The trees are leafing out, the lilacs are in full bloom, and the birds are busy nesting. A ... [![](https://info.teachstone.com/hs-fs/file-2814097980-jpg/blog-attachments/blog_conceptdev.jpg)](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/coding-concept-development?hsLang=en-us) ## [Coding Concept Development](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/coding-concept-development?hsLang=en-us) By [Kathryn Surchek](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/author/kathryn-surchek) Here at Teachstone, we know that Concept Development is tricky to code, so we’ve put together a few tips to help you accurately measure it in the ... [![](https://info.teachstone.com/hs-fs/file-2795773062-jpg/blog-attachments/blog_qualityoffeedback.jpg)](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/coding-quality-of-feedback?hsLang=en-us) ## [Coding Quality of Feedback](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/coding-quality-of-feedback?hsLang=en-us) By [Kathryn Surchek](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/author/kathryn-surchek) When we’re looking at Quality of Feedback, we’re really looking at what children know, understand, and do—and how teachers respond in ways that build ... [![](https://info.teachstone.com/hubfs/school-children-smiling.png)](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/teacher-tips-responses-deepen-understanding?hsLang=en-us) ## [Teacher Tips: Responses that Deepen Understanding](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/teacher-tips-responses-deepen-understanding?hsLang=en-us) By [Kathryn Surchek](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/author/kathryn-surchek) We need to let the child do the work of figuring out how to zip up their coat and how letters signify sounds. We need them to keep trying, even when ... [![](https://info.teachstone.com/hs-fs/file-2543839347-jpg/blog-attachments/blog_languagedev.jpg)](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/teacher-tips-support-language-growth?hsLang=en-us) ## [Teacher Tips: Supporting Language Development](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/teacher-tips-support-language-growth?hsLang=en-us) By [Kathryn Surchek](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/author/kathryn-surchek) For teachers My daughters were both early talkers (taking after their chatty mother, I’m sure). My oldest’s first word was, adorably, “Mama.” My ... [![](https://info.teachstone.com/hs-fs/file-2543841147-jpg/blog-attachments/490614145.jpg)](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/exploring-k-3-class-tool?hsLang=en-us) ## [Exploring the K-3 CLASS Tool](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/exploring-k-3-class-tool?hsLang=en-us) By [Kathryn Surchek](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/author/kathryn-surchek) Entering elementary school is a big step for children, a true rite of passage. I can still remember my very first day of school, how excited I was to ... [![](https://info.teachstone.com/hubfs/social-suggested-images/kids-bryia.jpg)](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/the-class-tool-across-age-levels?hsLang=en-us) ## [The CLASS Tool across Age Levels](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/the-class-tool-across-age-levels?hsLang=en-us) By [Kathryn Surchek](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/author/kathryn-surchek) The CLASS tool measures interactions in classrooms serving infants through high school students. That’s quite a span—and also why there are six ... [![](https://info.teachstone.com/hubfs/Image%20of%20young%20woman%20with%20headphones%20touching%20virtual%20screen.jpeg)](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/a-look-at-the-class-video-library?hsLang=en-us) ## [A Look at the CLASS Video Library](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/a-look-at-the-class-video-library?hsLang=en-us) By [Kathryn Surchek](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/author/kathryn-surchek) I spend a lot of time in our Video Library, looking at the many ways teachers interact with children effectively. I’m always struck by how present ... [![](https://info.teachstone.com/hs-fs/file-2550111000-jpg/blog-attachments/092713_cd-team1.jpg)](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/getting-to-know-the-content-design-team?hsLang=en-us) ## [Getting to Know the Content & Design Team](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/getting-to-know-the-content-design-team?hsLang=en-us) By [Kathryn Surchek](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/author/kathryn-surchek) We're a creative bunch, but generally not too “wild and crazy.” We tend to work quietly as we develop trainings, produce videos, write about any and ... - [Prev](https://info.teachstone.com/blog) - [1](https://info.teachstone.com/blog) - [2](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/author/kathryn-surchek/page/2) ## Subscribe to the Teachstone Blog [![Teachstone Logo](https://info.teachstone.com/hs-fs/hubfs/TS_Color_Regist-3-1.png?width=150&height=67&name=TS_Color_Regist-3-1.png "Teachstone Logo")](https://www.teachstone.com/) - - - [About](https://teachstone.com/about-teachstone/) - [About Teachstone®](https://teachstone.com/about-teachstone/) - [Our Partners](https://teachstone.com/our-partners/) - [Careers](https://teachstone.com/careers/) - [Resources](https://teachstone.com/resources/) - [Support](https://teachstone.com/support) - [Contact Sales](https://info.teachstone.com/contact-a-teachstone-representative?hsLang=en-us) - [InterAct CLASS Summit](https://teachstone.com/interact-class-summit/) - [CLASS en español](https://teachstone.com/collecion-de-productos-en-esp/) - [CLASS en Français](https://teachstone.com/class-en-francais/) - [Privacy Policy](https://teachstone.com/privacy-policy/) - [Terms of Use](https://teachstone.com/terms-conditions/) - [Web Accessibility](https://teachstone.com/web-accessibility/) - [Permissions](https://teachstone.com/permissions/) © 2026 Teachstone, Inc