Bullying has received increased attention in the past few years. Administrations have placed harder and clearer rules against student bullying, clubs, and organizations have formed in schools to address bullying, and legal actions have taken place against students who have bullied other students to the point of self-harm. Bullying, as we well know, can take […]
Sarah Sorge
A high school science teacher, Sarah Sorge has taught in private, charter, and public schools in grades 7-12. Her areas of interest include neuroscience, education, and problem-based science instruction. Recently, Sarah was awarded the distinction of New York State Master Teacher.
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
Science Under Fire: A Day After the March for Science
In the morning hours of April 22, 2017—Earth Day—scientists, teachers, students, concerned citizens, and activists gathered in Washington D.C. to show their support for a single subject: science. There were no shouts for NGSS, no calls against Common Core, no jeering at climate change. Instead, all who gathered for the March for Science were attempting […]
Posted inCurrent Events in Education, Featured, High School, Instruction & Curriculum, Uncategorized
A 9-year old Student Speaks Truth to Power About the Chicago School Closings
[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”] In an historic, unprecedented move, the third largest school district in the United States has experienced an impressively harsh blow to its students, teachers, and parents: the Chicago Board of Education […]
Posted inClassroom Management, Featured, From the Front Lines, Instruction & Curriculum
The Charismatic Teacher
How many of us can be considered “charismatic?” Are you the sort of person from whom others derive strength? As teachers, we are often faced with instances where we are asked to be the wellspring of inspiration, drive, and positive attitudes for others. One of the discussions at the Learning and the Brain Symposium at […]
Posted inFeatured, Instruction & Curriculum
What is Brain-Based Learning Anyway?
The latest and greatest buzzword around education in recent years is the concept of brain-based learning strategies. Many teachers believe, “I give knowledge…what else would I be teaching if not the brain?” A little background information may clear up any misconceptions about this learning pattern and how we can impart it in our classrooms for […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum, Uncategorized
The Conundrum of Extra Credit
Every classroom teacher has encountered the inevitable question from a student or parent, “Do you offer extra credit?” The reasons can be myriad: the student was out of school due to illness and his/her grades suffered for it. The parents may want the student to gain additional mastery of the material. More often than not, […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum, New Teacher Bootcamp
Sick and Tired – Staying Healthy During The School Year
I will admit that I have suffered far too many times with sickness in my years as a teacher. It seemed that whenever a student crossed my path I would inevitably catch whatever the little darling was carrying. Laughably, I can remember in my first year of teaching when I thought there was no possible way […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum, Uncategorized
Think, Thought, Thunk: Teaching and Encouraging Students to Think Creatively
If I were to ask you “What two days of the week begin with the letter T?,” what would you answer? If you said “Tuesday and Thursday,” then congratulations! You may now give yourself a pat on the back for being correct. But what if another person responded “today and tomorrow,” would that individual be […]