In my incredibly messy classroom, behind my desk are my personal books- novels ranging from Pride and Prejudice to Splintered. They are worn underlined, and some have sticky notes in them. About six weeks into the school year, one of my students wanders over there to look at my pictures, then they pick up a […]
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Posted inFeatured, Instruction & Curriculum, Literacy, Parents
Parent Tips: Helping Your Beginning Reader Select Books
When your child begins to read it is a thrilling moment. Then the press to rush their skills begins. We have this desire to move them up the ability ladder ASAP. As parents we want them to be in the highest reading group. We hope for high test scores. We picture Harvard or Stanford in […]
Posted inCurrent Events in Education, Featured, High School, Opinion
Why Teachers Speak Out
On every article I have seen about what teachers do there are always many comments, mostly from other teachers. Those are the ones I love, they are uplifting and keep me going. And there are always people that feel the need to undermine what we do. There are tons of comments that go on and on […]
Posted inCurrent Events in Education, Elementary School, Featured, Kindergarten, The Student Teacher Diaries
Student Teaching Diaries: Through the Teacher’s Eyes
Teaching is the greatest job on the earth. It is not the most respected or highest paying and it does not bring you power, wealth or fame, but it is the toughest job that has the most impact on our future. Each year teachers enter the classrooms and meet students with stories. We make a connection. […]
Posted inESOL, Featured, How to Fix Education, Instructional Strategies, New Teacher Bootcamp, The New Teacher Chronicles
Tips for New ESOL Teachers: What To Do When Your Student Is Brand New (to English)
Contrary to what many might expect, most English Language Learner students are born in the USA, and come to school with at least a few useful phrases they can throw around on the playground. ELL students, like any other group, are a diverse bunch and all good teachers know it’s important to get to know […]
Posted inCurrent Events in Education, Featured, Principals' Corner, Uncategorized
Governor Cuomo versus Public Education
[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”] Governor Andrew Cuomo of New York has begun an attack on public education in his state. His first target has been the teachers. After learning that about 95% of the state’s […]
Posted inCurrent Events in Education, Elementary School, Featured, High School, Kindergarten, Opinion, Uncategorized
An Alien Civilization Will Destroy America If We Do Not Become The Best Education System Within a Decade: What Would We Do?
Let’s pretend an alien civilization sends a message to the people of America. Maybe they interrupt the Super Bowl or insert themselves onto our Twitter or Facebook feeds to ensure our awareness of their message. PEOPLE OF AMERICA: YOU HAVE ONE DECADE FROM TODAY TO BECOME THE BEST EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM ON THE PLANET EARTH. FAILURE […]
Posted inFeatured, High School, Instruction & Curriculum, Instructional Strategies, Literacy
Good Writing vs. Great Writing: Leading the Way
Have you ever been frustrated between grading pieces of writing that were good (had all the “bones,” all the structures, all the requirements), and grading really great, well-written, interesting pieces of writing? Both had all the meat, but only one had real substance. As an English Language Arts teacher, the question has been raised in my mind numerous times, […]