What brought you joy last school year? That is a question teachers should ask themselves as they begin to prepare classrooms for the new school year. As they open those boxes that were stored over the summer, teachers might consider what lessons can be learned from the decluttering guru Marie Kando? More than likely, those […]
Posted inConfessions of a Teacher
The State of the Demoralized Teacher
Teacher burnout is not a new concept. If you’re connected to education in any way, you know that teachers are burning out more than ever. Educators are losing the spark they once had for the profession. Teachers are struggling with PTSD and resigning as a result of the declining state of education and the increased […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
Keeping Your Head Down?
Today, a listicle came across my Facebook feed, asking people what the worst piece of career advice they had ever received was. They ranged from the well-intentioned and seemingly sensible, to the outright insane. It made me think, What would mine be? “Keep your head down.” In all careers, I’m sure, but especially in teaching, […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
Professional Development Reflections: Embracing the Margins
Professional development, also known as PD, can often be unpredictable. In the words of Forrest Gump, like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re going to get. I often try to remember this when I’m designing PD myself as I want to ensure professional learning is intentional and useful for educators. We all […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
Ditch the Summer Reading Requirements
Everywhere I turn I see another summer reading requirement: logs, papers, projects, lists, grade-level requirements, and on and on from Pre-K through 12th grade. I get requests from people for things like, “my son’s AR level is a 5, do you have suggestions for summer reading?” or “We are revamping our summer required reading list, […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
Why Your Teachers Are Quitting: Did You S.A.T.?
Dear Administrators, Please listen to your heart. You’ve been wondering why your teachers keep quitting. You keep losing teachers. Transfers, resignations, and complaints keep coming your way. You’re concerned about not just your job, but about the person you’re putting on display causing others to run the other way. Before blaming your teachers, let me […]
Posted inProfessional Development
New Tricks for Old Dogs: What Novice Teachers Offer
With 44% of teachers quitting within the first five years of entering the profession, it is statistically likely you know a teacher like me: one who has yet to cross the five-year threshold. I am almost there, approaching my fifth year, but have yet to earn esteem as a “veteran teacher” among my colleagues. Rightfully […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
July- Teacher Self-Care Calendar
The time has come for our July 2019 Self-Care Calendar. Please download and enjoy!