We’re Not Making Widgets: Teaching Is Tough
They arrive at 9 a.m. and leave six and a half hours later. Instruction, conversation, art, worksheets, questions, quizzes, homework, assignment pads, tests… what did we accomplish? Sometimes we...
View ArticleLeVon Young Answers 10 Teacher Questions
For some time now I’ve been passing LeVon’s classroom on my way up the hall. I remember meeting him the first time in a staff development meeting where he launched himself up upon a desk – he’s quite...
View ArticleRequired Summer To-Do List for Teachers
What? Another list of requirements before you head out the door and escape into Summer? Well no. This one is intended to save you from making the kind of mistakes that will result in your being...
View ArticleFinland Is Making Me Mad, Again
For teachers the summer is a time to take a break and recharge. Many resent us. Many though, are happy when their kids return to us. I’ve always relished the time and spend the weeks off catching up on...
View ArticleThanksgiving Appreciation for Teachers
Thank you for who you are as a person. Thank you for your unending efforts to impart upon others the need to succeed. Thank you for feeling miserable when your students didn’t do well on that last test...
View ArticleIt Made A Difference For That One
If you’re like me, you love the beach. Quite of few of us really love the beach and can’t get enough. Maybe it’s the waves crashing over and over. Or maybe it’s the endless view across the big blue. We...
View ArticleThe Sun’s Lesson (in the Midst of My Winter Moment)
If you’re like me, you’re human. These last couple of weeks have been trying. Maybe for you as well. I’ve been trying to convince my students to give me their best effort. I’ve told stories. I’ve...
View ArticleComforting Our Students Through Tragedy
I didn’t feel very good today and knew last night that calling in sick might occur. This also happened to coincide with the latest school shooting — this time at a high school in Florida. It really...
View ArticleHow To Survive Your First Year(s) of Teaching: #1 You’re Awesome
Every year as the school year starts, I see first year teachers in the school hallways and reminisce about my own beginning. It was tough, but I was fortunate to have a great team alongside me willing...
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