In my early years of teaching, I spent much of my time and energy focused on classroom management. Included in this was teaching students how to have a productive classroom discussion. I would plan mini-lessons about appropriate interjections, how to respond to someone who disagrees with your viewpoint (without being aggressively loud and using profanity), […]
Laura
I began my teaching career 15 years ago in Chicago Public Schools, teaching 7th grade Science. After earning my Masters degree, along with my Reading Specialist Certificate, I began working as an RTI Specialist in a suburban district, where I have been for the last nine years. I enjoy reading, writing, and spending time with my husband and my two little girls.
Stopping Sexual Harassment in Schools: What the #metoo Movement Means For Educators
Over the past few weeks the phrase “#me too,” has appeared countless times on different social media platforms. This movement, spurred by the sexual misconduct allegations against Harvey Weinstein, a powerful producer in Hollywood, spurred millions of women to share their own stories of sexual harassment and abuse by men throughout their personal and professional […]
Communicating with Parents: Advice From a Teacher Who Is Also a Mother
This school year is a brand new experience for me as a mother and as a teacher. This is the first year where I am sending my five year old daughter off to a public school. I’m not going to lie, it’s been a difficult transition for her, and for me. But something happened her […]
Chromebook Conundrum: The Pros and Cons of Going Digital
This school year is the first year my school has gone one-to-one with students and electronic devices. During the first week of school, each student was given their own Chromebook to use in school and at home. A lot of exciting changes are happening, as teachers transition their classrooms from paper and pen to completely […]
5 Tips For Returning to Teaching after Parental Leave
Ahhhhh…. Maternity Leave. I can remember being nine months pregnant, ready to pop, and filled with pure excitement to be at home with my baby for twelve weeks. Twelve weeks of pure joy. Little did I know what those weeks at home with a new baby would really be like. They are filled with anxiety, […]
Hiding in the School Building: Why Lockdown Drills Suck
We had our first lockdown drill today. For anyone unfamiliar with these drills, it’s practice for not if, but when we have an armed intruder in our school. It involves hiding all students away from any windows or doors and locking them in a secure place. If I am being completely honest, these drills make […]
Our Students’ Uncertain Futures: What does the end of DACA mean for teachers?
“Anyone who is in the United States illegally is subject to deportation.” “Mexico will pay for the wall. 100%. They don’t know it yet, but they’re going to pay for the wall.” “Maybe they’ll be able to deport her.” “It’s our right as a sovereign nation to choose immigrants that we think are the likeliest […]
Class Meetings: A Strategy to Deal With Disruptions to Your Classroom Aura
The school year is off to a great start. You’ve spent the first few weeks building relationships with your students and creating communities where students can share and feel safe enough to be themselves. Your students are learning about you and your teaching style, while you are learning about their individual learning styles. Everything is […]