This summer at my first PSEA Summer Leadership Conference (our union getaway in Gettysburg, PA), I heard what was probably the most interesting speech in years. The president of Student PSEA, a college senior about to begin her student-teaching that fall, talked about politics and education. She said that, while in high school leading up […]
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Posted inFeatured, From the Front Lines, Opinion, Parents
Being the Change From the Inside Out
Respect. Responsibility. Perseverance. As teachers we are supposed to not only be good role models for value and character, but we are also supposed to help our students grow in these areas as well. Time and again we hear how society has developed a ‘lack of character’ over the course of several generations. I’ve read numerous articles […]
Posted inFeatured, From the Front Lines, Instruction & Curriculum, Uncategorized
Let the Nurturers Nurture
There were some amazing stories of human courage and compassion that came out of the horrors in Newtown, Connecticut. Teacher Vicki Soto gave her precious young life to protect her tiny first graders. Shielding them from harm was her first instinct and her last act. In the face of terror unimaginable, her instinct to protect […]
Posted inFeatured, Opinion, The Unemployed Teacher
Courage to Teach—Touchstones
Our first meeting this school year (sometimes called Circle of Trust ®)was like a gathering of old friends. You know those friends you don’t talk with for eternity and when you see each other you pick up like no time has passed? We had lost a few members who had decided to continue the journey […]
Posted inCurrent Events in Education, Featured, From the Front Lines, High School, Opinion, Parents
A Dream Followed: 5 Burning Questions About Running Your Own School
I have been running my own school for nine years now. As you can imagine I have had people asking me tons of questions throughout those nine years. I’ve taken those questions and compiled them into the top five that are always asked. I’m always open to answering questions about my school, how it started and what […]
Posted inFeatured, Instruction & Curriculum, New Teacher Bootcamp
A Pocket Full of Assessments: Using Quick SIOP Strategies to Check for Understanding
One of the biggest contemporary challenges of teaching is a classroom that is not only significantly overcrowded, but also packed full of students at all levels of learning abilities, English language speaking and reading skills, and emotional maturity. Mix all that together in one classroom and any teacher, new or veteran, has the potential to become very […]
Posted inCurrent Events in Education, Featured, Middle School, Opinion, Parents
Turning a Dream Into Something Tangible: Starting Your Own School- Part 2
Want to know how I started my school ? Read part I here. The first five points of starting your own school checked out: it’s legal in your state, you’re not doing it for selfish reasons, you’ve been able to secure funding, you have a ‘business plan’ and you’ve decided what age groups you would like to reach. Great- […]
Posted inFeatured, Instruction & Curriculum, Legal, Special Education, Uncategorized
Firm Decisions Before an IEP Meeting May Violate the IDEA
[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”] Every teacher is a special education teacher. From attending Individual Education Program (“IEP”) meetings to differentiating instruction to meet the needs of students, every teacher plays some role in educating special […]