Until I became an educator, I never imagined superheroism influencing my professional life. Thus far, my teaching career has been marked by the release of several Avengers, Fantastic Four, and Justice League films. I have taught many a super superhero fan and acquired my own taste for the superhero genre through my fourth graders’ enthusiasm […]
Confessions of a Teacher
What are the confessions of a teacher? Read these articles and find out.
Posted inConfessions of a Teacher
How to Use This Year’s Reflections for Next School Year
The end of the year for a teacher is especially difficult: everyone is tired, the kids are off the rails, there are a plethora of special events going on, and grades are due. Many of us are holding onto our sanity like a life raft. The last thing many people want to think about is […]
Posted inConfessions of a Teacher
What a Teacher’s Summer Really Entails
The temperatures are increasing. Neighborhood pools are cleaned and opened on this past Memorial Day weekend. End-of-the-year checklists have been signed and classrooms are prepared for cleaning. The final bell has rung and the last dismissal of the school year is underway. Summertime is here!!! After an intense year, teachers rejoice when the last bus […]
Posted inConfessions of a Teacher
Teacher Confession: The Student I’ll Never Forget
I have a teacher confession to make. I failed him. Not “gave him an F” failed him but failed him as a young man. A student with a future ahead of him, someone who could one day be a father, a councilman, or even president. But I failed him. It was my second year as […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
A Delusional Parent Tried to Sue Me
Teachers are well versed in the helicopter parent. The helicopter parent hovers at all times picking at small things, meddling, and is generally over-involved. They will usually try to solve each and every small problem their kid encounters by asking the teacher to get involved or blaming the problem on the teacher. This new type […]
Posted inParents
Your Children Are Not Your Students
Your Children Are Not Your Students Parent guilt is a beast all by itself. Whenever it can show up, it does. When I want some “me time” after I’ve raised my voice, or when I’ve given them something I know they shouldn’t have, it’s right there waiting. But for me, it’s been showing […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
It’s time to talk about the culture of fear around standardized testing
The temperatures are warming. The skies are bright. The birds are chirping. Spring fever is in full effect, and everyone is awaiting summertime! Unfortunately for educators and students, there is a huge hump to get over…standardized testing. End of the year assessments are looming over us. It seems like the entire school year comes down […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
Pregnant While Teaching – The Ultimate Self-Care Challenge
To my surprise, I woke up 15 weeks ago and found myself pregnant for the third time in my teaching career. After plenty of thought and discussion, my husband and I decided to embrace this surprise blessing. There is a lot to consider when a surprise like this comes up. We already have two beautiful […]