A favorite education professor probably told you that being humble is a trait of an effective teacher. They probably read a 2011 ASCD article about “what makes for an effective teacher” and shared it with their students. They probably also shared the notion that a great teacher continually puts others ahead of themselves. Dave Stuart, Jr. […]
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Posted inConfessions of a Teacher
Confession of a Self-Conscious Teacher: I’m Afraid to Turn Around in Class
I am a middle school teacher and have taught for almost nine years now, but I have a confession to make. Turning my back on my students terrifies that crap out of me. I manage to keep my cool when I go up to the board to work out problems, but the minute I turn […]
Posted inFeatured
One Standardized Test, Many Different Student Stories
Testing is upon us or was upon us a couple of weeks ago. Scores are coming back and no matter what, there are consequences to those scores. I have never made it a secret that I completely disagree with the way our system uses standardized testing. Standardized testing only measures where a student is now, […]
Posted inBook Review
Movie Review: Tested
Think that there’s a lot on the line for kids taking tests? Plenty of pressure? Stress? Difficulties? Mess? Welcome to New York City Public Schools, says writer, producer, and director Curtis Chin in his film Tested. His story line follows twelve 8th grade students who are wrangling over the decision to take the Specialized High School […]
Posted inTechnology
Google Classroom Part 2: How to Set It Up
Alright, you’ve decided to give Google Classroom a try…now what? Here is a basic guide to begin using Google Classroom. Step 1: Create a Classroom Page Sign into your google account and go to www.classroom.google.com. Click the plus-sign (+) next to your email address (top right-hand corner). Select “create a class” and title it. You […]
Posted inCharter Schools
When Charter Companies Bail Out on Students
Charter companies have found a friendly home in Philadelphia. They are often granted charters over parental and neighborhood protests. Charter companies are more likely to be approved over parent-teacher groups wanting to focus on trying new educational ideas. Until recently, Philadelphia rarely refused to renew contracts with charter companies even when the schools they ran […]
Posted inTechnology
Google Classroom Series Part 1: Why I Use It
I love the feel of paper in my hands. My husband has desperately been trying to convert me to the Kindle, but I keep buying more printed books. Yes, we’re running out of bookshelf space (but isn’t it every English teacher’s dream to own an in-home library?), and yes, digital copies are cheaper, but I […]
Posted inFeatured, Professional Development
The Teacher Edrepreunur: Potential Book Writers BEWARE!
“Love words, agonize over sentences. And pay attention to the world.” — SUSAN SONTAG This will be the shortest column I ever post. But it is important to make the following observation: When I was a child I used to believe that the people who wrote books were somehow members of an exclusive club, a […]