Have you left the teaching or education world, either by resigning or by taking a leave of absence? Are you looking for flexible and creative ways to grow as an educator? As a professional in the field of education, I have taken a leave of absence three times and resigned from two positions over the […]
Lauren Norris
I've been a reading specialist for the last ten years and most recently a literacy coach for Pre-K to grade 5 in an elementary school. I began my career teaching honors British and World Literature to high school juniors and seniors. Developed elective course curricula for Shakespeare and Women In Literature courses. Next, I moved on to middle school, teaching grade 8 English Language Arts for 7 years. English department chair for 6 years. I worked as a literacy resource teacher for grades 6-8 and wrote, coordinated, and led professional development to teachers on a weekly basis for four years. I often joke that I went from teaching Shakespeare to teaching Pete the Cat, and I would have it no other way!
Posted inFeatured, Opinion
Leaving the Classroom? You Can Still Make a Difference!
This article is a follow-up to last week’s post titled Why I Resigned from My Teaching Job: It’s Not What You Think Have you ever thought of leaving your profession to pursue another career or to stay home with your family? If you have, you are not alone. The National Commission on Teaching and America’s […]
Posted inFeatured, Middle School, Opinion
Why I Resigned From My Teaching Job: It's Not What You Think
Some, if not many of you are tired. Exhausted beyond all measure. Brand new to the field of education or a veteran teacher, you are frustrated, overwhelmed, spread so dangerously thin, perhaps full of doubts and wondering just how effective you are. I get it. I really do. Let me tell you my story. Last […]
Posted inBook Review, Featured, Literacy, Middle School
Fluency Fix-Up Strategies Part II
In my previous post, I wrote about the importance of fluency instruction and the benefit of explicit teaching of phrases to improve fluency. According to Timothy Rasinski: Reading fluency refers to the ability of readers to read quickly, effortlessly, and efficiently with good, meaningful expression. (The Fluent Reader, Pg. 26) Good readers need to be […]
Posted inFeatured, Instruction & Curriculum, Literacy
Fluency Fix-Up: Teaching Sight Word Phrases
As literacy teachers, we know the importance of teaching our students how to achieve appropriate fluency. Long before the Common Core, we were modeling, teaching fluency strategies, allowing students time to practice, and having fun with poems, Reader’s Theater, and choral readings. As students progress through the grades, the importance of fluency does not diminish, […]
Posted inClassroom Management, Elementary School, Featured, Kindergarten, Special Education
Working Together to Break the Silence: October is Selective Mutism Awareness Month
Imagine walking into your place of employment, the grocery store, church, or the mall. As soon as you enter the door, you become overwhelmed with anxiety. You are terrified and become frozen with so much fear that you cannot utter a sound, make eye contact with those around you, or even nod your head in […]
Posted inFeatured, From the Front Lines
Stressed Out! Helping the Child With Selective Mutism Cope With Anxiety
Symptoms of anxiety can range from physical symptoms such as a stomach ache to hoarding items and objects to moodiness and sleep disturbances. For the child with Selective Mutism, anxiety manifests in different ways and in varying degrees, but the hallmark symptom is an inability to talk in certain social situations, usually at school and […]
Posted inFeatured, Instruction & Curriculum, Literacy, Middle School
Using Booktalks to Create a Community of Readers
Throughout my teaching career, I have used booktalks on a regular basis to motivate, inspire, and share quality literature with students. With middle school students, the booktalk can be an effective tool to hook reluctant readers and is an important component of independent reading time and/or a Reader’s Workshop.  In short, a booktalk is a […]