Rebecca Freund

Middle School ELA Teacher, enrolled in Rutgers Graduate School of Education. Certified in PreK-3, K-6, and 5-8 ELA

[Rebecca Freund @FreundRebe89375]

@RutgersAltRoute This was wonderful and so insightful! Thank you!!

[Rebecca Freund @FreundRebe89375]

@RutgersAltRoute Biggest takeaway: A teacher’s mindset shapes student growth. Believing in every student’s potential—regardless of ability—is key to fostering success. #TeacherEd #GrowthMindset

[Rebecca Freund @FreundRebe89375]

@RutgersAltRoute In ELA, growth-minded feedback sounds like: “Your thesis is clear, so now let’s strengthen your evidence.” Instead of just praising effort, I highlight progress and use the power of yet to show students what they are capable of! #TeacherEd #GrowthMindset

[Rebecca Freund @FreundRebe89375]

@RutgersAltRoute A5: Effective feedback is timely, specific, and helps students understand why they earned a grade. It’s most powerful when students can reflect on it while the learning is still fresh, during 1:1 conferences or small groups, to guide real growth…

[Rebecca Freund @FreundRebe89375]

@RutgersAltRoute To better align with research, I’d like to shift more toward grading for growth, not just completion or correctness. While “grading for labor” is easier in elementary, tracking and celebrating progress is just as powerful in middle school. #TeacherEd #GrowthMindset

[Rebecca Freund @FreundRebe89375]

@RutgersAltRoute A4: In ELA, I want students to see assessments as part of their learning journey rather than a judgment of their worth. Comparing essays or reading levels can fuel a fixed mindset, so I focus on individual progress and growth in skills…

[Rebecca Freund @FreundRebe89375]

@RutgersAltRoute To fine-tune my messaging, I want to set intentional growth goals with students and clearly frame expectations from the start—like through a welcome letter. It sets a positive tone and becomes a great reference point all year. #TeacherEd #GrowthMindset

[Rebecca Freund @FreundRebe89375]

@RutgersAltRoute A3: Framing lessons for a growth mindset means setting high expectations, encouraging deep thinking, and fostering collaboration. Students should know the work is tough, but their teacher believes they can succeed…

[Rebecca Freund @FreundRebe89375]

@RutgersAltRoute A2: In ELA, educators with a growth mindset push students to take risks (like tackling complex texts or refining their writing). Specific, actionable feedback helps them grow their skills and reach their full potential #TeacherEd #GrowthMindset

[Rebecca Freund @FreundRebe89375]

@RutgersAltRoute A1: When exhibiting a fixed mindset, students “act as though they only have the ability to learn just so much and no more.  They seem to think there is a fixed ceiling above which they cannot go.” #teacherEd

[Rebecca Freund @FreundRebe89375]

@RutgersAltRoute Rebecca Freund, ELA (K-8)

[Rebecca Freund @FreundRebe89375]

@RutgersAltRoute A5: One of the biggest shifts in mindset schools can make is moving from “they can’t” to “how can they?” With the right support - accommodation, modification, and differentiation - our SpEd students can thrive alongside their peers. Discipline shouldn’t really be at the forefront

[Rebecca Freund @FreundRebe89375]

@RutgersAltRoute A4: SpEd students first need to learn HOW to self-advocate. To teach this, I offer choice in assignments and involve them in goal-setting. We reflect on progress together and promote open communication so they feel heard, respected, and in control of their learning. #TeacherEd

[Rebecca Freund @FreundRebe89375]

@RutgersAltRoute A3: In ELA, we pre-taught figurative language in our self-contained room so our SpEd students were ready to join a GenEd discussion. With collaboration, our students weren’t just included, they contributed meaningfully and confidently! #TeacherEd #SpEd

[Rebecca Freund @FreundRebe89375]

@RutgersAltRoute A2: In my ELA class, students with ADHD took scheduled breaks to help stay focused. We modified assignments - some students wrote, essays, while others created, posters or slideshows. I collaborate with parents to find the best ways to support their student’s needs. #TeacherEd

[Rebecca Freund @FreundRebe89375]

@RutgersAltRoute A1: Inclusion has always guided my teaching practice. I’ve seen students with learning disabilities grow in confidence when integrated into GenEd settings, while their peers develop greater empathy, patience, and awareness. Everyone benefits from inclusion! #teachered #SpEd

[Rebecca Freund @FreundRebe89375]

@RutgersAltRoute Rebecca Freund ELA 5-8

[Rebecca Freund @FreundRebe89375]

@RutgersAltRoute A5: Our school has wonderful CST and ESS teams. Our students know that at any point, they can speak with their case manager or social worker. My students also know that my room is a safe space should they ever need to talk. #teachered #safeschools

[Rebecca Freund @FreundRebe89375]

@RutgersAltRoute A4: Students who are frequent flyers to guidance and administration due to HIB often miss significant class time. They are distracted by issues outside of the classroom and it’s a challenge to get them to focus. #teachered #safeschools

[Rebecca Freund @FreundRebe89375]

@RutgersAltRoute A3: Our school has a very clear discipline matrix in place. Students who feel bullied know they always have a safe space in my room and I’ll happily eat lunch with them if they ask. #teachered #safeschools