Having a student intern this semester is allowing me to reflect on my own teaching. It has been interesting to see the transition of college knowledge to classroom application. The university has expectations to train teachers and then the elementary classroom happens. As an educator I am constantly using assessment to guide my teaching. Information […]
Posted inClassroom Management, Featured, Instruction & Curriculum, Literacy
Providing An Anchor In Learning
I have a reference wall in my classroom. It includes phonics rules, checklists, our word wall and one of my newest loves, anchor charts. I introduce my anchor charts during my carpet time for several days, then when I feel like my class is comfortable with whatever concept is being taught, I hang it on […]
Posted inCurrent Events in Education, Featured, Opinion
Why I Favor Fair Share
On Monday, February 9th, 2015, Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner told the Chicago Tribute that he felt “government union bargaining and government union political activity are inextricably linked,” causing him to sign an Executive Order eliminating fair share policies for unions across the state. And for this, he is fundamentally wrong. Let’s explore a few questions to understand […]
Posted inCurrent Events in Education, Featured, High School, Literacy
Prepare for Next Week's Forecast: Snowy, with a Chance of School
It’s snowing again in New England. It’s February. No surprise. In fact, snow days are not a surprise for thousands of school districts across the US. Snow days interrupt instruction. Again, No surprise. It’s a fact that schools have requirements for school instruction days and for instruction hours or seat time. So if snow days and […]
Posted inCurrent Events in Education, Featured
The Importance of Black History Month
It is Black History month. Some schools read a little quote in the morning from an African American author, some put on full programs, and others ignore it all together. One of the most terrifying things that could happen to this country is to forget where we come from. Black history is essential to understanding […]
Posted inFeatured, Opinion
One Day: Imagine If You Could Teach But A Single Day
Imagine if you only had one day with your students: what would you say? What would you teach? Would you simply carry on as if tomorrow were as certain as a sunset, taking attendance, unwrapping lessons, following standards and grading exams? Or, more likely, are there things you want to tell your students that will […]
Posted inCurrent Events in Education, Featured, High School, Literacy, Middle School
American Teachers Work 11-14 % More, Testing Not Included
Yes, American teachers do work more hours than their international counterparts, but exactly how much more could be a matter of perception versus reality, and testing may be to blame. A recent study comparing the number of hours worked by American teachers shows the difference in instructional time is not as significant as has been publicized in the past. […]
Posted inFeatured, Instruction & Curriculum, Literacy
Writing Hacks for Grades 9-12
Teaching writing can be difficult, even for English teachers. Many of us set our focus on whatever test our state mandates, which causes us to neglect writing instruction for fear of “wasting” time. If our state includes a writing assessment, we will ignore cultivating a love for writing in favor of a more clinical approach. […]