--- title: Teachstone Blog | CLASS & Effective Teaching Strategies | Kathryn Surchek 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. --- [![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/) - 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[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/) - 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[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 (83)](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 (58)](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 (115)](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/hs-fs/file-2550107050-png/blog-attachments/latter-to-success.png)](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/achieving-goals-one-step-time?hsLang=en-us) ## [Achieving Goals One Step at a Time](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/achieving-goals-one-step-time?hsLang=en-us) By [Kathryn Surchek](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/author/kathryn-surchek) After the summer break, I was always filled with good ideas and good intentions. Inspired by workshops and readings about teaching language arts, I ... [![](https://info.teachstone.com/hubfs/children-laughing-together.jpg)](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/teacher-tips-fostering-peer-relationships?hsLang=en-us) ## [Teacher Tips: Fostering Peer Relationships](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/teacher-tips-fostering-peer-relationships?hsLang=en-us) By [Kathryn Surchek](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/author/kathryn-surchek) We all know people are naturally social beings—we need interactions to survive. But just because we’re naturally social doesn’t mean we know how to ... [![](https://info.teachstone.com/hubfs/girl-playing-on-monkey-bars.jpg)](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/teacher-tips-avoid-overshadowing-students?hsLang=en-us) ## [Teacher Tips: Let the Children Shine](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/teacher-tips-avoid-overshadowing-students?hsLang=en-us) By [Kathryn Surchek](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/author/kathryn-surchek) Children love playing shadow tag, catching and stepping on each other’s shadows. We teachers need to keep an eye on our shadows too ... ... [![](https://info.teachstone.com/hubfs/male-teacher-with-students-1.jpg)](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/teacher-tips-balancing-regard-organization?hsLang=en-us) ## [Teacher Tips: Balancing Regard and Organization](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/teacher-tips-balancing-regard-organization?hsLang=en-us) By [Kathryn Surchek](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/author/kathryn-surchek) It’s such a delicate balance: you want to support children’s independence and show genuine regard for their perspectives, but you’re afraid that if ... [![](https://info.teachstone.com/hubfs/woman-and-children-playing-with-blocks.jpg)](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/teacher-tips-let-children-do-the-thinking?hsLang=en-us) ## [Teacher Tips: Let Children Do the Thinking](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/teacher-tips-let-children-do-the-thinking?hsLang=en-us) By [Kathryn Surchek](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/author/kathryn-surchek) At a CLASS Group Coaching (MMCI) Training in Florida, an instructor told a story about finding a coconut on the beach with her granddaughter. She ... [![](https://info.teachstone.com/hubfs/male-teacher-coloring-with-students-1.jpg)](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/teacher-tips-clear-expectations?hsLang=en-us) ## [Teacher Tips: Providing Clear Expectations (That Are Positive, Too!)](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/teacher-tips-clear-expectations?hsLang=en-us) By [Kathryn Surchek](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/author/kathryn-surchek) My children were lucky enough to have schoolteachers who, among many things, managed their classroom beautifully. Donna and Deanna were an amazing ... [![](https://info.teachstone.com/hs-fs/file-2550107030-jpg/blog-attachments/89901308.jpg)](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/starting-year-right?hsLang=en-us) ## [Starting the Year Off Right](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/starting-year-right?hsLang=en-us) By [Kathryn Surchek](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/author/kathryn-surchek) My friend Laura and I started teaching at the same time. She chose to work with a very difficult group of kids. Our department chair described the ... [![](https://info.teachstone.com/hubfs/teacher-reading-with-students-2.jpg)](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/teacher-tips-engaging-children?hsLang=en-us) ## [Teacher Tips: Engaging Children in Conversations](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/teacher-tips-engaging-children?hsLang=en-us) By [Kathryn Surchek](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/author/kathryn-surchek) Whether building relationships, supporting language development, or pushing learning, conversations with children are important. (And fun! And ... [![](https://info.teachstone.com/hubfs/Thinking%20woman%20in%20glasses%20looking%20up%20with%20light%20idea%20bulb%20above%20head%20isolated%20on%20gray%20wall%20background-1.jpeg)](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/solving-problems-vs-problem-solving?hsLang=en-us) ## [Decoding the CLASS Tool: Solving Problems vs. Problem Solving](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/solving-problems-vs-problem-solving?hsLang=en-us) By [Kathryn Surchek](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/author/kathryn-surchek) I’ll admit it: CLASS terms can be a little confusing. For example, problem solving in Concept Development sounds a lot like resolving problems in ... [![](https://info.teachstone.com/hubfs/teacher%20reading%20to%20children.jpg)](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/teacher-tips-open-ended-questions?hsLang=en-us) ## [Teacher Tips: Asking Open-Ended Questions](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/teacher-tips-open-ended-questions?hsLang=en-us) By [Kathryn Surchek](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/author/kathryn-surchek) Unfortunately, I notice when I’m with children that while I tend to ask a lot of questions, they’re not always open-ended. I really have to work to ... - [1](https://info.teachstone.com/blog) - [2](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/author/kathryn-surchek/page/2) - [Next](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