We’ve all been there. Survival Mode on Auto-Pilot. At some point in every teacher’s career, they experience a school district, school, or classroom that they realize isn’t going to change. They’ve made complaints, documented, changed classroom management systems, altered and differentiated the curriculum, and scheduled meeting after meeting, after meeting… yet nothing changes. It’s at […]
Confessions of a Teacher
What are the confessions of a teacher? Read these articles and find out.
Posted inTeacher Self Care
The Intention Form: Tell The Truth…Shame The Devil
Now that we’re in the second part of the school year, we already know what’s coming… The Intention Form Intention Form… Commitment Form… “Are You Staying Or Leaving Us” Form Whatever your school district calls them, they’re on the way to your teacher mailbox within the next few weeks as administrative staff go over the […]
Posted inAsk a Teacher
Teaching High School In December: A Three-Point Survival Guide
For high school students, the month of December has lost its luster. There is no belief in Santa, and the elf is missing from its shelf. Replacing the holiday excitement is a mature appreciation of scarcity and disparity. Adolescents are a blend of intellect and naivety. Their eyes are opening to a world that they […]
Posted inConfessions of a Teacher
#RealTalk Why We Haven’t Quit Teaching
Quit teaching: The past few articles I’ve written have been controversial. The craziest response I’ve received has been, “Wow! Can tell you are young and have a long way to go! In fact get out now! Your students and parents deserve it…” When I first read this response, my “irritated, frustrated, and over it” reaction […]
Posted inThe State of Education
Let’s talk about Testing Anxiety in Children
I can still remember how I felt as I looked at the tears falling from one of my brightest students as she sat in her assigned seat for the Georgia Milestones Assessment last spring. Because I was mandated to sign my life away on a form acknowledging the serious nature of standardized testing, all I […]
Posted inMental Health
#TeacherGuilt
We hear about #momguilt all the time and how it kicks when you even THINK about putting yourself first for 5 seconds. I can admit that I deal with this on a daily basis. It’s one of those things that never goes away. I’ve also realized that as a teacher, #teacherguilt exists as well and […]
Posted inConfessions of a Teacher
Is Combat Pay Worth It?
We’ve all heard the term before: Combat Pay. Preface Let me preface this by saying I am a strong believer that ALL students deserve a great educational experience with highly qualified teachers. I know of teachers who ONLY apply to inner-city schools because they know how much these students need teachers who care about them […]
Posted inConfessions of a Teacher
It Doesn’t Have To Be This Way: When I Knew To Look For Something New
I knew I wanted to be a teacher in my Junior year of high school. This goal drove every one of my academic moves. The strengths of Education programs rooted in my college search. I sought summer jobs and extra-curricular activities imitating teacher-like roles. My holiday breaks volunteering with teachers: grading, organizing, decorating, and planning. […]