In efforts to ensure that all of our content is “on time” and relevant, we’ve decided to introduce two new columns to our site! [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”] Confessions of a Teacher- This column will […]
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Posted inFeatured, Opinion
Teachers Should Stand Alone, Stand Together
I have read several articles over the past month that, in a nutshell, explain that The United States was founded on the premise of greed. And even as I’ve taught Social Studies this year to my elementary kids, I find myself making that link as well: the pilgrims came over because they were being forced […]
Posted inFeatured, Instruction & Curriculum, Opinion
Testing and Thinking
Now that testing mode is in full throttle, the stress levels around schools can be cut with a knife. Along with testing mode comes multiple meetings on administering, grading and packing the tests. During my latest meeting on grading the NYSESLAT (New York State English as a Second Language Achievement Test), the moderator made an […]
Posted inCommon Core, Featured, Instruction & Curriculum
After the Assessments
Assessment time is stressful for teachers and students, but it is a necessary evil. We need to understand how our students are performing. Professionals are given evaluations at work, companies ask for feedback or send surveys about their product and customer relations, and managers assess employees. You cannot escape assessment. In education we are required […]
Posted inBook Review, Featured
Student Centered Learning – With Technology! "Flip Your Classroom" – a Book Review
To buy Cari’s book that details her sudden unemployment, “How to Finish the Test When Your Pencil Breaks” please click here. Flip Your Classroom, by Jonathan Bergmann and Aaron Sams Publishers: ISTE, ASCD, 2012 The flipped classroom is already a familiar model across the country, and the amount of teachers implementing it has grown exponentially […]
Posted inFeatured, Instruction & Curriculum, Opinion, School Improvement
32 Qualities of Effective Educators
I revisited my roots a bit this week by putting myself in a new teacher’s shoes and looking at the “Pennsylvania Standard Teaching Application.” On the very last page of the application, there are 3 essay choices. I was immediately drawn to one that asked, “What are the qualities of an effective educator?” I challenged […]
Posted inAsk a Teacher, Featured, From the Front Lines, Opinion
Why Do I Stay? I Stay to Share Stories
Why do I stay? This question is circulating on blogs and in videos by teachers from across the country. My friend Catherine, a teacher and literacy specialist, brought this question to my attention in her post this week. She was participating in a challenge organized by Two Writing Teachers called  The Slice of Life. The instructions for participating are […]
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 […]