For the average teacher – or worker for that matter – the expectations of the job are mounting. Each year we’re given more to do with the same amount of resources, namely time. There are only 24 hours in a day, and teachers should be prioritizing them. Certainly, this is not a post to advocate […]
Opinion
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 inClassroom Management, Featured, From the Front Lines, Opinion
Setting Up a Cooperative Learning Classroom
At recess yesterday I began sketching my classroom layout for next year. Crazy, I know. I am the teacher who likes to do trial runs on pretty much everything. Owning my own school gives me the ability to do that. I use the beginning of each quarter to lay out goals and expectations for my […]
Posted inCurrent Events in Education, Featured, High School, Opinion, Principals' Corner
Why Passing A Standardized Test Should not be a Graduation Requirement
Beginning with my high school graduating Class of 2001, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania instituted several shifts in policy regarding graduation requirements. My class was the first to be incorporated with a graduation project, which has since come and gone. The following graduating class was the first to have to complete the Pennsylvania System of School […]
Posted inFeatured, Opinion
Part II: Why a Teacher Cannot have a Normal Life….
A few weeks ago, I made a few observations about my life as a teacher. I am humbled so many people connected with it. I was in no way undermining what others do, nor was I complaining. I adore my job and I just wanted other people to see our world. It was just a […]
Posted inCurrent Events in Education, Featured, High School, Instruction & Curriculum, Opinion, Social Studies
"Exceptionalism" as the new American Idiocy: an Outlaw AP US History Teacher Responds
[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”] If you are an educator, and especially an AP Teacher, or a current or former recipient of an AP education, you could not have missed the news this week that the […]
Posted inCurrent Events in Education, Featured, Opinion
Why I Favor Fair Share
On Monday, February 9th, 2015, Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner told the Chicago Tribute that he felt “government union bargaining and government union political activity are inextricably linked,” causing him to sign an Executive Order eliminating fair share policies for unions across the state. And for this, he is fundamentally wrong. Let’s explore a few questions to understand […]
Posted inFeatured, Opinion
One Day: Imagine If You Could Teach But A Single Day
Imagine if you only had one day with your students: what would you say? What would you teach? Would you simply carry on as if tomorrow were as certain as a sunset, taking attendance, unwrapping lessons, following standards and grading exams? Or, more likely, are there things you want to tell your students that will […]