It’s summer vacation which means that most of the Secondary ELA groups I am in on social media are full of teachers asking for recommendations for books to add to their curricula. I am a big believer in the power of books to change hearts and minds, so my suggestions lean toward YA literature that […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
Social Justice and the Ethical Obligation of School Counselors
As a school counselor, have you thought about approaching controversial topics with your students? Are you nervous? Do you wonder how to address the naysayers? In light of recent events, I have talked to some school counselors who feel nervous or scared to infuse social justice topics throughout their counseling programs. For example, a counselor […]
Posted inAsk a Teacher
What They Didn’t Teach You in College- How to Have Tough Talks in the Classroom
Guest Writer: Stephanie Machado @givethatgirlasnack Stephanie Machado is an educator and blogger from Central Florida who has a passion for writing and sharing her thoughts with others. She launched the transformational blog and Instagram campaign @givethatgirlasnack where she shares “snack-size” bits of information filled with teaching tips and educational strategies that parents and teachers alike […]
Posted inAsk a Teacher
Taking the Anxiety Out of Student Placement in Special Education
If you are like me you get very invested in your students in special education. So invested that it is difficult to release them to the next special education teacher. I teach kindergarten through third grade mild/moderate special education in a resource room, so some of my kids loop up with me the next year […]
Posted inHigh School
Creating a Culture Supporting Achievement: Having fun in School!
By Jason Dobrow, PhD School is supposed to be fun! That is not a misprint, nor some pie in the sky ideal. While not every student will enjoy every school related task, overall school should be, and more importantly must be, fun for students. With high stakes testing, and the implementation of Common Core, the […]
Posted inAdult Learning
Civility in the Classroom and the Rise of American Fascism
Setting the Stage I am in a hotel room with three millennials: Grace, 24, Gabriel, 22, Glorie, 20. An argument is raging: How can I be civil with people who support evil? I know that’s harsh. Is your neighbor who voted for Trump evil? I’ll say no. But these young people are having none of it. […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
[Opinion] If You Are a Quality Educator, You Can’t Be Pro-Trump
As a mother and a teacher, my job is to educate, care for, and love my kids. I treat my students as I would my own kids, and I expect my daughters’ teachers to do the same. To hear about the 2,000 children who remain separated from their parents, and left in cages and tent […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
Why Don’t Students Do Homework? 3 Factors To Consider
When I first started teaching, I would assign homework nearly every night. I remember learning in my undergraduate classes that homework was an extension of what was done in class, and was ultimately important to ensure students had grasped the concepts taught in class that day. So Imagine my naive surprise when only ⅓ of […]