This is a cross-post from EdGator.com Several recent headlines have to do with the just-released MetLife Survey of the American Teacher. Reformers like Eduwonk are desperately trying to dissemble that the survey doesn’t hint strongly at the hostility of reform policies that are making tons of teachers love their jobs less and less. (Value-added ratings […]
Posted inOpinion, Uncategorized
Sunburned in February
[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”] If you watch the awesome YouTube video of Dan Pink’s presentation of the motivational theory espoused his book Drive, you’ll understand something thrilling: that when people are intrinsically motivated, they will […]
Posted inUncategorized
{Book Announcement} Keep the Fire Burning: Avoiding Teacher Burnout Book
One of the goals of The Educator’s Room is to continually empower teachers on issues affecting teachers. So after months of collaboration, Facebook chats, and writing, the first book is now published! In “Keep the Fire Burning: Avoiding Teacher Burnout,” seven classroom teachers give an unparalleled look into their everyday life in the ‘pressure […]
Posted inFeatured, From the Front Lines, Instruction & Curriculum
Classroom Activity Breaks – Reap the Benefits!
Research continues to show that activity breaks in the classroom can lead to improved focus and performance by our students. As a Physical Educator, I get tickled when a classroom teacher drops off their students and says, “Run them! They are WILD today!” This happens more frequently during the winter months when recess time and […]
Posted inFeatured, Instruction & Curriculum, Mathematics
Concept vs Speed: The Math Timed Test
[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”] Accuracy, speed, process, meaning…these are all words that have been passed around the age-old discussion of math time tests. Do students need to be able to prove their worth with sixty […]
Posted inElementary School, Featured, Instruction & Curriculum, Kindergarten, Opinion, Uncategorized
"White Hat" and "Black Hat" Reformers
This is a cross-post from EdGator.com. In one of the articles linked today, Alexander Russo tells of a “former reformer” who is now, as a parent, on the receiving end of a harsh reform measure: the forced consolidation of his child’s school. I’m sympathetic. I’m also reminded that, despite the eager cruelty of some, all […]
Posted inFeatured, From the Front Lines, Uncategorized
Education on The Chopping Block: How Sequestration Will Impact Teachers
The news out of Washington hasn’t been very appealing this Congressional session, and many may have lost interest since the Fiscal Cliff was avoided in January. However, this Friday another self-inflicted deadline looms, and with Congress showing no sign of willingness to come to the table to resolve the problem, it’s time to pay attention. […]
Posted inFeatured, From the Front Lines, Opinion
We Believe: An Open Letter on Behalf of Every Teacher
Many Americans live in an era where their jobs present new daily challenges: so many of us are expected to do more with less; others feel underpaid and overworked, while many wish the government would get out of their profession. We take heat when we don’t perform, and we go home soured by the work […]