--- title: Teachstone Blog | CLASS & Effective Teaching Strategies | Lisa Criss description: "Lisa Criss, Training Manager | \n\nLisa has been in early childhood for over 20 years. She has worked with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Prior to joining Teachstone, Lisa worked as a teacher, center director, education specialist, mentor coach, and in the Head Start Training and Technical Assistance System.\n\nIn addition to overseeing the training team, Lisa conducts Infant, Toddler, & Pre-K Intro & Observation trainings along with Toddler & Pre-K Train-the-Trainer Programs.\n\nLisa lives in Michigan. When she is not out traveling around the country, she enjoys time at home with her chickens, ducks, and turkeys." --- [![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 Lisa Criss ![](https://info.teachstone.com/hs-fs/file-2550108910-jpg/blog-attachments/Lisa-Criss.jpg) lisa.criss\[at\]teachstone.com Lisa Criss, Training Manager | Lisa has been in early childhood for over 20 years. She has worked with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Prior to joining Teachstone, Lisa worked as a teacher, center director, education specialist, mentor coach, and in the Head Start Training and Technical Assistance System. In addition to overseeing the training team, Lisa conducts Infant, Toddler, & Pre-K Intro & Observation trainings along with Toddler & Pre-K Train-the-Trainer Programs. Lisa lives in Michigan. When she is not out traveling around the country, she enjoys time at home with her chickens, ducks, and turkeys. 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 (57)](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/hubfs/Knowledge%20Test%20Pic.jpg)](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/i-failed-the-knowledge-test.-what-now?hsLang=en-us) ## [I Failed the Knowledge Test. What Now?](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/i-failed-the-knowledge-test.-what-now?hsLang=en-us) By [Lisa Criss](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/author/lisa-criss) Here's the scenario: you became an Affiliate Trainer within the past year. It's now time for you to recertify. This recertification is different from ... [![](https://info.teachstone.com/hubfs/IMG_9986%20(1).jpg)](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/class-observation-training-tips-from-seasoned-trainer?hsLang=en-us) ## [Training Preparation Tips From a Seasoned CLASS Trainer](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/class-observation-training-tips-from-seasoned-trainer?hsLang=en-us) By [Lisa Criss](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/author/lisa-criss) In 2009, I became certified as an affiliate Pre-K CLASS trainer! I remember preparing for my first CLASS observation training. I was a little ... [![](https://info.teachstone.com/hs-fs/file-2538289564-png/social-suggested-images/Classroom-Observation.png)](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/conducting-live-observations-to-enhance-your-class-trainings?hsLang=en-us) ## [Conducting Live Observations to Enhance Your CLASS Trainings](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/conducting-live-observations-to-enhance-your-class-trainings?hsLang=en-us) By [Lisa Criss](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/author/lisa-criss) When I first certified as a CLASS Affiliate Trainer, I had little experience using the tool. Like many, I had completed the Observation Training, ... [![](https://info.teachstone.com/hubfs/Strategies_for_Engaging_Your_CLASS_Training_Participants-1.png)](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/meet-our-teachstone-trainers-0?hsLang=en-us) ## [Meet More Teachstone Trainers](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/meet-our-teachstone-trainers-0?hsLang=en-us) By [Lisa Criss](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/author/lisa-criss) Last week, we introduced you to Teachstone trainers Curry Ander, Lisa Criss, Mary-Margaret Gardiner, and Sarah Hadden. This week, we’d like to ... [![](https://info.teachstone.com/hubfs/orlando-ttt-training.jpg)](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/meet-our-teachstone-trainers?hsLang=en-us) ## [Meet Our Teachstone Trainers](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/meet-our-teachstone-trainers?hsLang=en-us) By [Lisa Criss](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/author/lisa-criss) Beyond training reliable CLASS observers, our Teachstone trainers play a vital role in delivering on the promise of CLASS. Across the country and ... ## 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