One of the hardest things to master as a new teacher is a smooth and quiet transition from one task to another. The class can turn from calm to chaos in the blink of an eye, as soon as you make a change in what you are doing. While some children can move easily between […]
Posted inFeatured, Social Studies
The Traveling Teacher: Philadelphia
[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”] Like you, I’ve done many things throughout the summers “off.” I’ve worked with kids. I’ve avoided them like I’m being inoculated during July. I’ve worked small jobs. I’ve worked big ones. […]
Posted inFeatured, High School, Instruction & Curriculum, Opinion
5 Reasons Summer School Is Better Than Regular School
My first exposure to Summer School teaching was the acting performance of Mark Harmon (as Mr. Shoop) in the 1987 Carl Reiner comedy, Summer School. It might not have been an Oscar-caliber performance, but it has stuck with me for the better part of my life. I wasn’t even a teenager the first time I […]
Posted inCurrent Events in Education, Elementary School, Featured, From the Front Lines, High School, Principals' Corner
Working for My Public School Is Just Like Working for the Mob
I am a mob movie fanatic. I’ve watched all of the classics (to my husband’s dismay), from Godfather, American Gangster to my all-time favorite, Goodfellas. Even though I know how the movies will end, I still get a rush right before the villain is outed and the mob boss brings the harsh retribution. Long after […]
Posted inFeatured, High School, Instruction & Curriculum, Literacy
Happy Writing; Finding Your Purpose
Pharrell Williams, has been around for quite a while seeking his fame in music, yet it wasn’t until his recent hit song “Happy,” that Pharrell became a household name. When interviewed and asked what he thought of his long awaited rise to fame, Pharrell stated that he used to write songs that lacked purpose. He decided that […]
Posted inEducational Apps
Pixiclip an Educator's Dream
As an educator, I love the ability to communicate with my students in ways that they not only appreciate, but that they find engaging. For example, I love having discussions with my students about literary works that we’re covering in class, but the traditional worksheet or poster board strategy can be quite lame. Some of […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
Why I love Online PLNs and Twitter chats, and Why You Should, Too
[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”] For most teachers, the words “professional development” can cause several emotions. No matter what your feelings, professional development is a must when trying to grow as teachers. In the past, professional […]
Posted inCommon Core, Elementary School, Instruction & Curriculum, Instructional Strategies, Middle School, Social Studies
Social Studies: The Not So Ugly Step Sister
With implementation of the Common Core across the US, classrooms are seeing a shift in reading, writing, and math standards. Science is also getting a spotlight with STEM and STEAM integration. Social Studies, however, seems to get pushed into the corner. There is an importance in learning from our past and thinking about changes in […]