Having a student in your classroom with Selective Mutism (S.M.) can be frustrating, confusing, and lead to a feeling of helplessness. You may wonder, “How can I help this child who will not respond to me, talk to me, or to his classmates?” Selective Mutism is a childhood anxiety disorder that may present as oppositional, […]
Posted inCharter Schools, Featured
Pissing them off for the Children’s Sake (Charter School Diaries #22)
Week 6/3 – 6/7 I am good at pissing people off. My maternal grandmother always said to me that my mouth would always get me in trouble. Well, my grandmother, God rest her soul, she was right. My mouth has gotten me in more trouble than I can remember. I have learned over the years […]
Posted inHow to Fix Education, Literacy, Opinion
A Student Wants Grammar Brought Back in English Classrooms
As a high school student focusing on an education career and seeking opportunities to become a better writer, I have noticed something that disturbs me a little bit about our English classrooms. Actually, our classrooms in general. The first things that we are all taught as young children in school, are how to read and […]
Posted inCurrent Events in Education, From the Front Lines, Opinion
The Ramblings of a Betrayed Teacher…Continued
In relationships, the balance of give and take is usually not 50-50. Sometimes you give your half and the other party doesn’t. Sometimes it’s the other way around. If you stay in a relationship with this imbalance, there is usually a reason; maybe not a good reason, but a reason nonetheless. With shame, I admit […]
Posted inCurrent Events in Education, High School, Literacy, Middle School, School Improvement, Teacher Branding, Technology
School is Out for the Summer – What is Next?
“What is next for me personally?” is great question. In its simplicity and sincerity this question has left me believing that someone actually cares about my answer. Our middle and high school have already begun its professional development for next year’s fall semester and a move towards implementing 1:1 IPads for students. Because this carries […]
Posted inCurrent Events in Education, Opinion
The Assault on Teacher Pension Plans
All across the United States, there is an unprecedented attack on public employees’ rights and benefits, especially teachers’ pensions. Those of us in Illinois have felt, as has the nation, the impact of the 2008-09 financial crises. State policymakers have responded to this catastrophe, not by addressing the structural deficits that are a result of […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum, Uncategorized
{Watch Live} The Educator's Room Lunchtime Google Hangout Dealing With Teacher Unemployment
Join The Educator’s Room as we have our first Google Hangout Lunchtime Series on Thursday, June 6th at 12pm EST. This week we will be talking with Cari Harris about her book, How To Finish The Test When Your Pencil Breaks, and she was able to overcome teacher unemployment. Follow The Educator’s Room on Google […]
Posted inParents
Summer Brain Drain–Activities to Keep Kids Learning
So, school is out and your children are home. You have a two month break to look forward to baseball, swimming, playing outside, and enjoying family time. During that time, remember the importance of reading and practicing academic skills. Children who read, and are read to, will increase their vocabulary knowledge many times over children […]