Staff Idea Swap Cards
A quick peer PD activity where staff fill out cards sharing a strategy, tool, or idea that has been working in their classroom.
10-15 min
Two-Minute Teaching: A Video Reflection Practice
A structured, low-pressure way to build a culture of reflection without the weight of formal observation.
Alissa Christensen
Teachers record a 2-minute clip of a lesson moment, watch it on their own, and bring it to a small-group discussion with colleagues. It's a structured, low-pressure way to build a culture of reflection without the weight of formal observation.
Why try it
This activity gives teachers a concrete, specific moment using a quick clip to review a lesson. The small-group format keeps the conversation close and collegial. Teachers share what they noticed, pick up ideas from each other, and leave with something to try. The included Video Reflection Sheet supports both the individual watch and the group discussion.
What's included
Browse the printables included with this resource.
Instructions
1
Choose a shared instructional focus
Pick one specific lens for teachers to zoom in on, such as vocabulary instruction, student talk, modeling a strategy, or questioning techniques. Share it with staff at least a week before the discussion so they can record with that focus in mind.
2
Set up the practice
Introduce Two-Minute Teaching at a staff meeting or in a brief email. Name it clearly as a non-evaluative, learning-focused practice. Let teachers know they have one week to record a 2-minute clip of a lesson moment that connects to the shared focus, and that they get to choose the moment.
3
Teachers record and self-reflect
Teachers record their clip whenever they're ready. Before the small-group discussion, they watch it once on their own and use the Video Reflection Sheet to jot down one thing that went well and one moment that caught their attention or made them curious.
4
Run the small-group discussion
Group teachers in pairs or groups of three, ideally by grade level or department. Plan about 30 minutes total. Each person watches their clip, shares their self-reflection first, then hears from peers. Close with: "What's one idea you're taking with you?"
Activity variations
Adapt to fit your school's vibe, budget, and setting.
Repeat with a new focus
Run the practice again later in the year with a different instructional lens. Each round builds familiarity with the format and deepens the conversations.
Follow-up note
After meeting with a teacher and reviewing their clip together, send a brief written note thanking them for their time and sharing one thing that stood out to you from the conversation.
Async option
For schools where scheduling a shared 30-minute block is difficult, have teachers watch each other's clips independently and share written reflections using the peer prompts on the Video Reflection Sheet before a brief 10-minute check-in.
Go deeper
Additional tips for running this resource.
Leader Tip #1
Normalize re-recording
Let teachers know it's completely fine to re-record. If someone does, invite them to reflect on what they noticed that made them want to try again.
Leader Tip #2
Keep groups small
Two to three people per group works best. Larger groups tend to reduce how much each person actually shares.
Built by Educators, for School Leaders
This resource was created in collaboration with passionate educators and school leaders who believe in the power of intentional connection.
Alissa Christensen
Head of Customer Success
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