It is spring…well, according to the calendar. The news of snow from the local meteorologists and my students climbing the walls for well over a week finally put me over the proverbial edge. With six weeks of school still before us I knew I had to do SOMETHING to make a positive change. Who better […]
Posted inFeatured, Instruction & Curriculum, Technology
How Technology is Misused in Classrooms
Years ago, the only real computer technology being used in schools was found in the computer lab, were rows of students would sit and learn how to manage files and type with some speed. In fact, computer classes at that time were optional. Students were allowed to decide whether or not they felt like […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
Teachers, Being Loyal May Cost You Your Professional Career
Yesterday in my staff meeting, we found out that the founder of my school was leaving the school to pursue other career opportunities within the district. He was obviously torn between his decision to stay at the school he founded but eventually opted to do what was best for him professionally. As he broke the […]
Posted inFeatured, From the Front Lines, Instruction & Curriculum, Middle School
Testing Time is Here in Physical Education Too!
Many Physical Educators are now in the midst of their physical fitness tests across the nation. Just like classroom teachers, we need to do a “pre” and “post” assessment in order to not only evaluate our students, but also our planning and classroom strategies used throughout the year. Part of the testing process has to […]
Posted inFeatured, Literacy, Middle School, Social Studies
The Poet Reminds Me
The month of April is a perfect time to to give attention to poetry. A middle school colleague and poet urged me to give some undivided attention to this often waylaid genre. My first email response was to do no more than to consider it but then I took a big breath and sent a […]
Posted inFeatured, School Improvement
40 Quotes for Exceptional Educators
“The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.” -William Arthur Ward “The truth of it is – the first rudiments of education are given very indiscreetly by most parents.” -Sir Richard Steele “The difficult we do immediately; the impossible takes a little longer.” -US Army […]
Posted inFeatured
Talking with Students About Scary Events
[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”] To buy Cari’s book that details her sudden unemployment, “How to Finish the Test When Your Pencil Breaks” please click here. Whether we teach small children, middle schoolers, high schoolers or […]
Posted inFeatured, How to Fix Education, Legal
The First Amendment and Student Dress Codes
The implementation of student dress codes has increased over the past decade. The essence of the dress codes vary in reach. Some codes mandate specific uniforms, such as khaki or navy pants with a specific color polo or oxford shirt. Other codes ban specific items, such as flip-flops, midriffs, clothing with particular symbols, or clothing […]