When I started teaching in 2007, I came in with very democratic ideals. I wanted my classroom to be a place where kids’ voices were honored. But as a first-year teacher with just seven weeks of training to prepare me, I was totally unequipped to make this vision a reality. At the end of that […]
Posted inFeatured, Instruction & Curriculum
The Benefits of an Individualized Approach
I’ll never forget the first year I started teaching. I was slightly skeptical of the whole process, although I believed in it (because I am the product of the Montessori school I now direct) millions of thoughts swarmed my head. “Teachers are ‘guides’ in the classroom and educational process,” “How am I going to keep 40 […]
Posted inOpinion
The Bathroom Issue– Me, Oh, My, What Shall We Do?
I have been an educator for over 20 years, but, first and foremost, I am a mother of two daughters. While they are grown now, heaven knows I still think of them as my little girls. As they were growing up, I always had a fear that someone would hurt them while my back was turned. […]
Posted inCurrent Events in Education
More Sensible Education Policy in New York State
”It Takes a Village.” It’s the title of a book written by a regrettably presumptive and chronically evasive presidential nominee, but also true. All people involved make some difference in the lives of my three daughters as they navigate towards adulthood. But not so long ago, public education became the sole focus of accountability for […]
Posted inHigh School
What I Have Learned: Farewell Letter to My Students
Over the past few weeks, my students have made certain that I leave feeling valued and loved; they have thrown parties, brought treats, serenaded me with songs, given speeches, written encouraging notes, and presented me with heartfelt gifts. Teachers have commented that they have never seen students express their gratitude in these ways. We have […]
Posted inFeatured
Lit Circles in the Middle: Procedures for Middle School Literature Circles
This is my second year trying Literature Circles with my students. The first time, two years ago, I had seniors. They were extremely motivated and self-sufficient. I gave them a checklist of things I wanted them to produce, I sat in on their discussions, and they went really well. This year I am trying it […]
Posted inTechnology
Google Classroom Part 3: First Year Reflections
I surveyed 42 of my juniors for this article. The questionnaire asked them to comment on benefits and frustrations with Google Classroom and Google Apps. Every student agreed that they felt more connected to students and curriculum by using Google Classroom. Most students said they preferred to virtually collaborate because of convenience, connection to teacher, […]
Posted inCurrent Events in Education
Teachers Must Take on Trump
As a teacher, I’ve always felt pressure to keep my personal political views out of my classroom. In fact, in New York City’s public schools the Chancellor’s Regulations which lay out a wide range of rules, regulations and policies, explicitly forbids teachers from mixing any sort of political activity with their teaching. But lately, it’s become […]