“Yet.” A powerful three-letter word that means, “an implied time, still, even or nevertheless”. There seems to be a phenomenon going around the world that I personally find amazing! It’s reaching schools, churches, and people in general….it’s the power of the little word “yet.” In a world depleted of hope; in a world of wanting what we want, when we […]
Posted inClassroom Management, Featured, From the Front Lines, Opinion
Setting Up a Cooperative Learning Classroom
At recess yesterday I began sketching my classroom layout for next year. Crazy, I know. I am the teacher who likes to do trial runs on pretty much everything. Owning my own school gives me the ability to do that. I use the beginning of each quarter to lay out goals and expectations for my […]
Posted inFeatured, Instruction & Curriculum, Mathematics
Taking The Trouble Out Of Word Problems
Word problems for younger elementary grades can be challenging if kids don’t know how to break them apart. There is a meme about word problems that reads, ‘If you have 4 pencils and I have 7 apples, how many pancakes will fit on the roof? Purple because aliens don’t wear hats.’ This illustrates the probable […]
Posted inCurrent Events in Education, Featured, High School, Opinion, Principals' Corner
Why Passing A Standardized Test Should not be a Graduation Requirement
Beginning with my high school graduating Class of 2001, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania instituted several shifts in policy regarding graduation requirements. My class was the first to be incorporated with a graduation project, which has since come and gone. The following graduating class was the first to have to complete the Pennsylvania System of School […]
Posted inClassroom Management, Featured, Instruction & Curriculum, Middle School, School Improvement, Technology
Keep Digital Devices in the Hands of Youngsters
Just as 1:1 technology gains ubiquity in classroom education the movement against its success is populating social media, straining to establish evidence that digital devices are harmful. There is an irony to the viral backlash that circulates discussion boards and the social media tools that are the very target. I for one remain unconvinced that digital technologies are […]
Posted inFeatured, Opinion
Part II: Why a Teacher Cannot have a Normal Life….
A few weeks ago, I made a few observations about my life as a teacher. I am humbled so many people connected with it. I was in no way undermining what others do, nor was I complaining. I adore my job and I just wanted other people to see our world. It was just a […]
Posted inCurrent Events in Education, Featured, High School, Instruction & Curriculum, Opinion, Social Studies
"Exceptionalism" as the new American Idiocy: an Outlaw AP US History Teacher Responds
[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”] If you are an educator, and especially an AP Teacher, or a current or former recipient of an AP education, you could not have missed the news this week that the […]
Posted inElementary School, Science, Special Education
Mission Possible: Accommodating for Science
Can you actually accommodate for science for a student whose reading level is far below grade level and still make the curriculum accessible? You can and if you want to remain sane in your classroom, you should. Frustrated students who cannot access the curriculum become eventual behavior problems either (a) because they want to save […]