Over the past few weeks, my students have made certain that I leave feeling valued and loved; they have thrown parties, brought treats, serenaded me with songs, given speeches, written encouraging notes, and presented me with heartfelt gifts. Teachers have commented that they have never seen students express their gratitude in these ways. We have […]
Laina Porter
I am from Libertyville, Illinois (suburb of Chicago). I attended Truman State University to study English, Psychology, and Education. Since 2011, I have taught in Missouri: Southeast Missouri and St. Louis Suburbs. In 2016, I accepted a position with Truman State University (building administrator). In my free time, I enjoy writing, reading, and spending time with my family.
Google Classroom Part 3: First Year Reflections
I surveyed 42 of my juniors for this article. The questionnaire asked them to comment on benefits and frustrations with Google Classroom and Google Apps. Every student agreed that they felt more connected to students and curriculum by using Google Classroom. Most students said they preferred to virtually collaborate because of convenience, connection to teacher, […]
Google Classroom Part 2: How to Set It Up
Alright, you’ve decided to give Google Classroom a try…now what? Here is a basic guide to begin using Google Classroom. Step 1: Create a Classroom Page Sign into your google account and go to www.classroom.google.com. Click the plus-sign (+) next to your email address (top right-hand corner). Select “create a class” and title it. You […]
Google Classroom Series Part 1: Why I Use It
I love the feel of paper in my hands. My husband has desperately been trying to convert me to the Kindle, but I keep buying more printed books. Yes, we’re running out of bookshelf space (but isn’t it every English teacher’s dream to own an in-home library?), and yes, digital copies are cheaper, but I […]
Power Hour: More Than Just Recess
Across the nation, schools are searching for methods to empower students, establish community, and prepare them for the real world. For some schools, the primary objective is to convince students to attend school, while other schools worry about over stressing their students. Power Hour, a school-wide “free” hour, allows students to take ownership over their […]
Literature Circles: Empowering Students
Ideally, by the fourth quarter, I want to be unnecessary in my classroom; I hope that my students are so self-sufficient that I can partner with them instead of lead and coach. To me, this idea is the mark of true learning; the control baton has passed from me to them. I need three-quarters to […]
Changing the Conversation: Teacher Tenure
“When I first started teaching, I thought that I was doing it for all of the right reasons: shorter hours, summers off, no accountability.”- Bad Teacher In one of my undergraduate courses, we analyzed the culture’s view of teachers. Although inspirational teachers like Mr. Feeny (Boy Meets World), Mr. Holland (Mr. Holland’s Opus), and Mr. […]