Fellow educators, you have made a career centered around giving to children. You have worked diligently to become an expert in your curriculum, designing dynamic lessons while connecting to the whole child. You might even call the students on your rosters, “your kids.” With your compassion for other people’s children as a focus, I ask […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
Chasing the Sands of Time: Why Teachers Stand High in the Stream of History
Once in a while in the midst of life’s serpentine journey, the clockwork of life seems to slow for just a few moments. Something enormous and significant seems to swell within. Until very recently in human history, a person would describe this rare sensation as a rousing of “the soul,” an opening of the heavens, […]
Posted inAsk a Teacher
Thanks For The Compliment, But I’m Not A Superhero
Until I became an educator, I never imagined superheroism influencing my professional life. Thus far, my teaching career has been marked by the release of several Avengers, Fantastic Four, and Justice League films. I have taught many a super superhero fan and acquired my own taste for the superhero genre through my fourth graders’ enthusiasm […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
The Summer Migration: Starting a New Teaching Job
It’s time for the summer migration. Do you have a new teaching job? There are some teachers who are already relaxing, enjoying their #TERSchoolFreeSummer without a care in the world. Their classroom materials are put up nicely in their classroom of 3+ years. They already know how they’re going to set up their room for […]
Posted inAsk a Teacher
Why I Worry About My Students
There are a thousand reasons why I worry about my students I had a challenging group this past school year. Generally, my “teacher radar” runs in the background on low intensity-ready to alert me as needed. Off-task behavior or potential disruptions elicit a ping. But with this group, I had to be constantly aware of […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
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
The Importance of Cuts in Educational Theatre
You are fourteen years old. You got up the guts to try out for the school play, something you had dreamed of for years but was too embarrassed to do. You also know involvement in school activities looks great on college applications, so you are willing to work hard and give it your all. Perhaps […]
Posted inFrom the Front Lines
5 Things Teachers Don’t Want to Hear During Summer
The school year is exhausting. Teachers put so much effort into their day to day interactions with students, but also into their PLCs, curriculum, and interactions with administration and parents. When summer break finally rolls around, there are some things we simply do not want to hear until August. “You’re so lucky to ______” This […]