Every child wants the newest fashion and the most up-to-date school supplies to show off to their friends and to make them stand out in the classroom. While school supplies are certainly necessary since funding for extras just isn’t in the budget and teachers can’t pay for anything missing, there are other things parents must […]
Posted inOpinion
Opinion: So 9 Year Olds Can Beat Up Toddlers?
I had to put in my two cents about a recent video that was posted. A 9 year old boy was put in a room with toddlers at a day care in Vicksburg, MS. When the supervising staff member wasn’t paying attention, the boy proceeded to hit, choke, or kick various toddlers in the room. […]
Posted inOpinion, Principals' Corner
When Teachers Feel Appreciated, Schools Thrive
Last week, I had to reapply for my job as a classroom teacher (along with hundreds of other educators) despite me having stellar job reviews and even after recently being voted Teacher of the Year at my school.  No, I did not get caught up in some school level scandal but instead, the district cited “budgetary […]
Posted inFrom the Front Lines
From the Front Lines– A Movement to Tell Our Story
How many times have you experienced something in your classroom that made you question everything you’ve ever taught a child? What about the stories you tell while in the Teacher’s Lounge that gives everyone a chuckle? Or what about the stories that make you cry? No matter what your story is as an educator  we […]
Posted inClassroom Management, How to Fix Education, Instruction & Curriculum, Uncategorized
5 Things Every Teacher Needs to Know About Common Core
Every time  teachers are bombarded by a new instruction initiative by our principal, district office or state leaders it’s generally meet with an eye roll, a deep sigh accompanied by us muttering,”I’m already doing this in my classroom.”  Then we continue to do what we’ve always done–teach to the standards of our state. Teachers are […]
Posted inUncategorized
The Data Game
By: Brittany Clark On my very first day with Memphis City Schools I was told that I would be teaching all but the 20Â honors English Ten students at my school and their Gateway scores rested on me. I was informed that if all of those students did not pass the Gateway Language Arts exam then […]
Posted inOpinion, Parents
Why Do Parents Home School?
According to the 2012 StatisticalAbstract released earlier this year by the U.S. Census Bureau, 1.5 million children were homeschooled in the U.S in 2007, an increase of 500,000 from 2003. Homeschooling is growing worldwide, is no longer an oddity and is now considered a legitimate approach to education. As for why families choose to homeschool, […]
Posted inOpinion
Consistency is Key: 4 Tips to Ensure a Successful Learning Environment
I clearly recall being paddled in front of my entire 3rd grade class. I was an excellent student who always followed the rules, so [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”] Why/how could such a punishment be inflicted […]