“I’m her favorite student!” I’ve heard that phrase over and over in the eighteen years I’ve been working around schools and the short seven years of my teaching career. I never deny it, or even acknowledge whether or not it’s true.  I usually just smile and nod, yet students still say it. Since I’ve heard it a […]
Mindy Thierolf
I teach English in Kansas.
Posted inFeatured, High School, Instruction & Curriculum, Instructional Strategies, Literacy
Good Writing vs. Great Writing: Leading the Way
Have you ever been frustrated between grading pieces of writing that were good (had all the “bones,” all the structures, all the requirements), and grading really great, well-written, interesting pieces of writing? Both had all the meat, but only one had real substance. As an English Language Arts teacher, the question has been raised in my mind numerous times, […]
Posted inHigh School, Literacy, Uncategorized
Secure Your Oxygen Mask First in the Classroom
If you’ve ever flown on a commercial airline flight, you are well aware of the instructions that occur before the airplane approaches the runway. It may sound something like, “Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for flying XX airlines…please fasten your seatbelt and make sure that your tray and seat are in the upright position…emergency exits are here, […]
Posted inCurrent Events in Education, Featured, From the Front Lines, High School, Legal, Literacy, Opinion, Uncategorized
Teaching in Kansas: How Much More?
A teacher friend of mine was attending a conference and upon learning that she taught in the state of Kansas, someone asked her the question, “Why would you want to teach in Kansas after all that’s going on in your legislation?” My friend was taken aback by that question, and as she began to form the words to […]
Posted inFeatured, High School, How to Fix Education, Literacy, Opinion
Growth Mindset: The Power of "Yet"
“Yet.” A powerful three-letter word that means, “an implied time, still, even or nevertheless”. There seems to be a phenomenon going around the world that I personally find amazing! It’s reaching schools, churches, and people in general….it’s the power of the little word “yet.” In a world depleted of hope; in a world of wanting what we want, when we […]
Posted inHigh School, Instructional Strategies, Literacy, Middle School, Professional Development
The Chronicles of a Professional Development Day
What emotions do the words “Professional Development Day” conjure up in your mind? Fear, love, joy, hatred, anger, dread? The day is meant to be one of enlightenment and wonder, but often times we walk away feeling like it could’ve been used more productively elsewhere. What does a great PD day look like? Does it exist? […]
Posted inFeatured, High School, Instruction & Curriculum, Literacy
Channeling Your Inner Writer
Teaching writing is probably one of my most favorite activities on the planet! It’s my passion! If someone truly wants to be a good writer, it is honestly a simple process that could be accomplished with a just few polished steps. What it takes is concentration, aptitude and deftness. When people bring me their work […]
Posted inFeatured, High School, Literacy, Middle School
Questions on Co-Teaching
Co-Teaching was introduced to me three years ago when I was asked to attend a seminar by my principal. It was presented to me in the format of two teachers with equal degrees in the same subject, sharing the classroom teaching equally. Since then, it seems that co-teaching has evolved to the more common scenario of a regular ed teacher […]