There is NO PERFECT RESOURCE!
I repeat… THERE IS NO PERFECT RESOURCE!
In 2025, we are fortunate to have an incredible wealth of resources at our fingertips – from programs to books to digital tools! We are constantly looking for better resources, especially as the science of learning and the research behind teaching improves.
However, something that I’ve come to learn quickly, is that every resource will have its limitations. No program, book, worksheet will meet the needs of every learner in your classroom. Teaching is too complex – and our students are so wonderfully diverse – for any one-size-fits all approach to truly work.
This is where professional judgement comes in. As educators, it’s up to us to make the best decisions for the students in front of us – to adapt, scaffold and differentiate with intention and care.
When I engage in backwards design planning and explore new resources, I often find myself:
- Adjusting a lesson to reflect students identities and lived experiences
- Amplifying tasks to better support multilingual learners or neurodivergent students
- Adding scaffolds or removing unnecessary barriers
- And learning to let go of something entirely, especially if it was previously considered appropriate (this can be hard!)
A good resource is just the starting point… how you choose to bring it into the classroom – keeping in mind your students, class culture and equity habits of mind – that is what makes it meaningful.
Curious about Professional Judgement? The ETFO docuseries on Professional Judgement highlights the critical role of educators’ expertise in decision-making.
