Inequality in education exists. I have observed it from the beginning of my career in a relatively poor area of Philadelphia. It is real and it has gotten worse over the years. I began teaching about a decade after President Lyndon Johnson’s Great Society was implemented. The middle school where I taught had its cornerstone […]
Jackie Parrish
I am a retired teacher who taught in middle school for 30 years. I have certifications in elementary education, reading, and math. I have spent most of my career teaching math to 7th and 8th graders in an urban setting. I have also presented staff development within my school and within my district. Although I am now retired I am still passionate about teaching math in ways that engage all students.
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
Coronavirus: The Impact of School Closures
Since the coronavirus has landed in the United States difficult decisions have had to be made. One such decision whether or not to have schools remain open has caused more than half of states to close schools for at least fourteen days. Some states have even closed for the remainder of the school year. Reasons […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
Standardized Testing’s Negative Affect on Math Education
Standardized Testing has been around for decades. In its original form, it was used to check a student’s progress from year to year. At some point around the 1970s test results were used to find specific areas of a subject where a majority of children were doing poorly. Teachers were encouraged to use activities that […]
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What Becoming a Math Teacher Leader Taught Me
Becoming a math teacher leader was never really on my radar. When I first started teaching math, I taught the way I was taught or how the textbook presented topics. Many of my students struggled with this method of teaching, so I looked for alternatives. When opportunities for professional development in math arose, I signed […]
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Trauma in Schools – Teachers Are Asked to Handle Too Much
Trauma in schools has always existed. From the first public schools until today there have always been hungry children, those who have lost parents during the school year, as well as those who have for one reason or another, moved during the school year, having to adjust to a new school. Something much different is […]
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Teaching is Difficult When Administrative Support is Lacking
When teachers have administrative support that’s an ideal teaching situation, but the reality is that too often administrative support is not available. Thus, new teachers have the biggest problems and often leave the profession because of support of this. Whether you are a veteran teacher or just starting your career you will deal with administrators […]
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Teachers – Your Impact on Students is Greater Than You Know!
The impact teachers have on students often goes unnoticed. It’s quite amazing and encouraging when you see it with your own eyes. I am writing this article for those of you who have doubts about whether or not you make a difference. I realize my decision to remain in one middle school for my thirty-year […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
Columbine Shooting 20 Years Later – Our Children Are Still Dying
Columbine occurred when I was still in the classroom. My heart broke for those who lost their lives as well as those who survived and had to live with the trauma. I remember being asked by friends if I was going to school the next day. I didn’t hesitate to say yes. Most of them […]