Being in public school education for 25 years, it was made apparent, as teachers, we were not allowed to share our Christian beliefs with our students. Every so often, it might come up with a colleague but talking about God with students would be enough to get you in some serious trouble. And I can […]
Tracie Happel
Ms. Happel has been teaching for 25 years, specializing in special education/deaf and hard of hearing students and students with specific learning disabilities. She has also worked with regular education students at the elementary level. Ms. Happel worked for three years as a governor-appointed education commissioner, bringing the most pressing and recent research in national education to state stakeholders. When not working hard to inspire and educate her students, or collaborate closely with colleagues, Ms. Happel trains for and races in Ironman triathlons. She has two beautiful children who are beginning their lives as young adults in college, and in mission work. Ms. Happel is available for consultation services and presentations on a variety of educational topics. She can be contacted at traciehappel@gmail.com.
Posted inFeatured
Tri’ing and Teaching
“Tracie Happel…YOU! ARE! AN! IRONMAN!” The most chilling words to ever enter my ears back in 2006 at my first Ironman competition. After a grueling 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride, and a 26.2 mile run in the cold, wind, rain, and a little snow, I became an Ironman triathlete for the first time. […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
Mollie’s Story: Not a Disability But an Ability
Mollie’s Story I met Anna, Mollie’s mom through politics. She and I began having small Facebook conversations about state-wide issues, despite her living in California and me living in Wisconsin. When she found out I was special education teacher, we bonded in yet another way. Her daughter was diagnosed with learning disabilities in reading so […]
Posted inUncategorized
A Teacher Requests Her Students Not To Be Tested
I have had the immense fortune of being able to be in front of children in many different capacities for 25 years. It truly humbles me to know that for 25 years, parents have trusted my professionalism, training, care, creativity, and judgment when it comes to their children. My experiences include both regular/general education, and […]
Posted inUncategorized
The Decision to Test
Okay, let’s get the boring, background stuff out of the way first, and fast. It’s painful but necessary. The federal government passed No Child Left Behind, commonly called NCLB, in 2002 under President Bush. The Department of Education says it passed with partisan support. The purpose of the legislation was to increase accountability for public […]
Posted inFeatured, Teacher Burnout
Teacher Burnout: When to Leave the Classroom
Often it can seem the perceived view of teachers is we are fun, loving, organized, caring, sweet, innocent people because we love children. We spend hours creating lessons that engage our students and develop their passion to grow as people, and learners. What is more fun, caring, organized, loving, sweet, and innocent than that? We never […]
Posted inFeatured, Legal
Student Violence Against Teachers
A few weeks ago, a student needed a pencil. In my classroom, when students don’t bring in their own supplies, I will lend them one, when they give me some sort of meaningful collateral like their student I.D. (needed for lunch and library), a sweatshirt, or even their shoes. I need my pencils back for […]