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This year, I started locking my door during my plan period. The stress and exhaustion of being a theatre teacher is starting to get to me more than before. I have four preps, teach a variance, and direct the shows after school. I need that time to be quiet. .. Read more here...
Download our July Teacher Self-Care Calendar. .. .…. Read more here.
Public Enemy’s song, “Fight the Power,” was a call to action in the late 1980s for African-American communities (and beyond) to get more political and take a stand against the “powers that be.” When one looks at our history as a nation, there are many examples of various groups uniting and rising up against powers that were obstacles to growth and progress. To read more, click here.
I know the title is a heavy one, but it’s a thought I’ve had since I started in this profession. I am in an abusive relationship with teaching. I know this isn’t everyone’s story. I see teachers all over Instagram discussing the love and dedication they have for their schools. …..Read more.
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3 Dangerous Phrases to Remove From Your Vocabulary
As a teacher, we can get overwhelmed fast. In the midst of being tired, irritable, and frustrated, we can say some destructive words to ourselves, and if we’re not careful, to our students as well. [...]
Imagining a National Teachers’ Strike
Back to School Hopes and Fears Kids and teachers around the country are heading back to school. In New York City, we have a few weeks more of summer vacation. But like many teachers, my [...]
How to Prepare for Your Best Year Yet (Self-Care Edition)
As I walk in Target (for no reason at all) to mindlessly scroll the candles, I am stopped in my tracks. I can’t believe what I’m seeing! The colorful, seasonal display for Back to school [...]
The Most Dangerous Teachers in Your Building
You know them when you see them...or hear them. “I’m tired of this school.” “I can’t wait until this year is over.” “I’m just here for my check.” “I can’t stand any of these children.” [...]
Digging Into Learning: Using Archaeology in the Classroom
There are some subjects that fascinate us. Archaeology is one such subject. Archaeology can take us to Egypt and the tombs of the Pharaohs, or unravel the mysteries in our own backyards. Many people go [...]
Shaking Up Short Stories
Summer break is running out for many school districts around the county, and teachers are slowly starting to get back into planning mode. For secondary ELA teachers, that means digging out the short stories they [...]
Getting Students to Write (Part 1)
Getting students to write can be difficult. For students who don't like writing, being confronted with a lengthy writing task will turn down the will and up the resistance quick. Think about it: they are [...]
Are You a Broke-Down Teacher?
This year, I’ll be teaching at a brand new school, in a brand new county, in a brand new state, and in a brand new country. I’m full of anxiety, excitement, and the usual question [...]
Toni Morrison: Spilling over the Corners of Text
The developers of the Common Core, famed for limiting student readers to the “four corners of the text,” may not have selected to teach Toni Morrison novels to high school juniors or seniors. How could [...]
Why Your School Doesn’t Need to Adopt a “Social-Emotional Curriculum”
Curriculum adoption is a persistent conversation education. Schools and districts continuously evaluate new programs and texts to best support teaching and learning. School districts adopt curriculums often on a predetermined, cyclical timeline. Veterans teaching the [...]
A Letter to My New Student
To my new favorite student, Although I enjoyed my #TERSchoolFreeSummer, words can’t describe how I feel about meeting you and getting to know you this year. I want you to know that things won’t always [...]
Veteran Teachers Need Choice & Customized Professional Development
I completed 13 years as an educator when I wrapped up last school year. I don’t know exactly what year this took place, but at some point, I crossed over to being labeled a veteran [...]
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