As an eighth-grade civics teacher, I am about to start my unit of study on the Executive Branch. To be honest, I’m a little scared. Strike that. I am very scared. “Why are you scared, George?” you may ask. “If you stick to the facts, you’ll have nothing to worry about,” In normal times, I’d […]
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Posted inAsk a Teacher
Writing in Action: When Students Step Up
In years past, I assigned the following essay topic to some of my junior high students: Can your voice make a difference? I’ve read dozens of essays by students on this topic, and many seem to agree, that alone, one cannot impart change, but together things can be accomplished. Some students cited community efforts led by […]
Posted inConfessions of a Teacher
How My Teachers Saved My Life
I’m a proud graduate of Panther Valley High School, which a website labeled the “6th worst district in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.” Nestled in the brown belt, coal region of our state, it has suffered economic and social turmoil for decades now. That said, I don’t care one bit about what that website says, the […]
Posted inAsk a Teacher
Is the “Life-Long” Teacher Becoming Extinct?
Last week, a question was posted on The Educator’s Room Facebook page that got me thinking. The question asked about our goals as teachers and where we see our professional careers going. I scrolled through the comments and saw a lot of different responses. Many responded, but there were few who stated that their career […]
Posted inOpinion
Reflection: World Hijab Day and Teaching
The hijab, an item Muslim women wear to express modesty taught within their faith, might seem oppressive to people outside of this faith. This is why Nazma Khan created World Hijab Day in 2013 to be celebrated annually on the first day of February. Through this day, she hoped to bring understanding and tolerance. When […]
Posted inAsk a Teacher
The State of Our Union, The State of Our Schools
Year One. Friday, January 20, 2017, saw the inauguration of the 45th president of the United States of America. On January 25, 2017, I hesitantly pushed the publish button — sharing my thoughts with the internet with my first piece: “I am a Feminist, but I didn’t vote for Hillary Clinton.” Therefore, Trump’s ascendency and […]
Posted inAsk a Teacher
Teacher Self-Care: Great Tips PLUS A Hyperdoc To Share!
How often do you think about self-care? At the beginning of the year? During grading periods when you’re stressed out and wondering why you’re teaching? When you’ve had a fabulous weekend/day/month off and you think about how awesome it feels? When you’ve had enough and decide to take a ‘mental health sick day’?s That’s what […]
Posted inClassroom Management
Consider the Word ‘Respect’
Pet Peeve: Seeing the word ‘respect’ plastered all over a school. I stopped using the word “respect” in my class almost immediately when I entered the classroom 20 years ago; and have been preaching against its use ever since. I have had the opportunity to present classroom management seminars around the country and begin the […]