Yes, I totally get teenagers. Although they are not my favorite group to teach, I do understand what is going on in those bodies of theirs. I have two teens of my own, and one adult child, so for those of you who are just beginning the ‘tween’ journey into this rite of passage, many […]
Posted inCurrent Events in Education
Social Justice in the Urban Classroom: The Day After the #EricGarner Decision
In my younger years I yearned for a life where I did not have to worry about how I would provide for my kids. I wanted a life where I could provide a safe, stable environment for my family and enjoy the life I saw on The Cosby Show. So I did what all kids from the […]
Posted inInstructional Strategies, School Improvement, Special Education
What's the Difference? IEP vs 504 Plan
As a special education teacher, it seems that this topic comes up a lot. Inquiring minds want to know…when deciding what’s best for your child, which plan do you go with? Does it matter whether your child has an Individualized Educational Program (IEP) or a 504 Plan? And what do those words really even mean? […]
Posted inFeatured, Instruction & Curriculum, Technology
Social Studies Educational Apps 101
Having access to technology in a classroom is one of the best ‘next generation’ resources you can have. Teachers all over want to be able to give students exactly the information that they need in engaging ways. The answer? Apps. Now, we know that not all apps are created equal. I’ve put together a list […]
Posted inCurrent Events in Education, Featured, High School, Opinion
Qualities of the Ideal High School Teacher
One day, while waiting for the lunch bell to dismiss them, a few students gathered around my desk to converse with each other; they had just finished taking their notes. Their conversation turned toward their experiences with different teachers. As they were airing grievances or defending their favorite teachers (I was merely a bystander at […]
Posted inClassroom Management, Featured, Opinion
Don't Discount Trauma For Young Children
[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”] I had my eyes really opened today by one of my students who lost his house in the 2012 Oklahoma tornado. We were talking about how the things we are thankful […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum, Uncategorized
Let's Talk About Tests
Testing has been around forever and strikes fear in the hearts of American school children (and teachers for that matter). Standardized testing has been around since the IQ test was structured in 1905. Today in education there are many forms of testing. It is important to understand the types of tests, their purposes and how […]
Posted inFeatured, Literacy, Special Education
5 Strategies to Help the Struggling Readers in the Special Education Setting
Everywhere you look, it seems a new program has sprung up to help the struggling reader in the classroom. More and more children, it seems, get referred for special education services because of reading deficits. So what can you do in the classroom to help? You could ask your RTI specialist, your special education teacher, […]