Every educator I know spends time setting up their classroom designing the use of space to be aesthetically inviting, with little to no assistance, little to no training. That first connection with students is so important, the room they walk into tells them if they are safe, if they can be inquisitive or if they must […]
Posted inFeatured, Instruction & Curriculum
11th Grade Teachers Unite: Beyond Just Departments
We have been in school a few weeks now and my juniors are experiencing the reality of actually having to study, balance club and athletic activities, and complete homework. They are beginning to drown because they are not used to it so desperation sets in. Our chemistry teacher picked up AP essays from a few […]
Posted inFeatured, Uncategorized
As Education Resources Dwindle, So Do Quality Teachers
More and more quality teachers and administrators are resigning from positions they’ve held for years in the state of North Carolina. I suspect the same holds true for schools in many locations around the United States as education funding fails to meet the needs of children and those who teach them. Continuing to work for […]
Posted inClassroom Management, Current Events in Education, Featured, Opinion, Principals' Corner
Principals, Here’s What Your Teachers Need From You
I’ve been pretty fortunate – in my 10 years in the classroom, I’ve had some stand up and stalwart principals. Beginning with my principal during student-teaching and all the way through my current principal, I’ve come to learn three important characteristics that are present in all great school leaders: Great principals have an open door […]
Posted inFeatured
4 Rules For Back to School Night Success
By TER author Jennifer Wolfe Even after 25 years of teaching middle school, I still get Back To School Night jitters. There’s something about standing in front of a group of adults who are trusting you to educate their child, help them become more literate, and prepare them for their first year of high school […]
Posted inCurrent Events in Education, Instruction & Curriculum, Uncategorized
Trusting Teachers Creates Truly Successful Schools
I am lucky. As these final days of summer tick away, I find myself, like many teachers, preparing to return to my classroom: reviewing curriculum, revamping lessons, and revving my recharged engines. However, I’m not doing this on my own. I have the fortune of working in a collaborative, creative environment with teachers from around […]
Posted inCurrent Events in Education, Featured, From the Front Lines
Pulling Back the Curtain: The Realities of Teaching
“Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain,” stammered The Great and Powerful Oz upon his discovery in 1939 classic The Wizard of Oz. Oz ran the dream city as an ordinary man, yet was seen as all-powerful by his city. But when the curtain was pulled back the real conversations began. Teachers today do more […]
Posted inClassroom Management, High School, Literacy, Opinion
"I'm Her Favorite Student!"
“I’m her favorite student!” I’ve heard that phrase over and over in the eighteen years I’ve been working around schools and the short seven years of my teaching career. I never deny it, or even acknowledge whether or not it’s true. I usually just smile and nod, yet students still say it. Since I’ve heard it a […]