Having a student in your classroom with Selective Mutism (S.M.) can be frustrating, confusing, and lead to a feeling of helplessness. You may wonder, “How can I help this child who will not respond to me, talk to me, or to his classmates?” Selective Mutism is a childhood anxiety disorder that may present as oppositional, […]
From the Front Lines
Posted inCurrent Events in Education, From the Front Lines, Opinion
The Ramblings of a Betrayed Teacher…Continued
In relationships, the balance of give and take is usually not 50-50. Sometimes you give your half and the other party doesn’t. Sometimes it’s the other way around. If you stay in a relationship with this imbalance, there is usually a reason; maybe not a good reason, but a reason nonetheless. With shame, I admit […]
Posted inCommon Core, Current Events in Education, From the Front Lines, The State of Education
The State of Education: State of Fear in Small-Town Tennessee
The area in which I teach can be viewed from the outside as your typical agricultural region: farms, tractors, cowboy boots, Southern accents, etc. Newcomers feel wary of the locals and of being treated like outcasts; meanwhile, locals feel wary of newcomers and of being treated like simpletons. Truth is, life is more complex than […]
Posted inFeatured, From the Front Lines, Parents
Why Christopher Won’t Talk: Selective Mutism
Have you ever had a student in your class who did not talk? A student who never smiled, spoke out loud to you, to classmates, to anyone? A child who would not even whisper, gesture, laugh, or cry- not even at lunch or on the playground? If so, that child may have been more than […]
Posted inCurrent Events in Education, Featured, From the Front Lines, High School, Middle School, Opinion
Take a Moment to Stop – And Enjoy the End of the School Year!
“Hey Jake,” Bill, our school custodian, stopped me as I sped down the hallway with a list of things to accomplish, “did you see the beautiful, blooming dogwood out in front of the school?” “Yeah, it looks great,” I said as I shrugged him off in ways only busy teachers understand. “I’m serious man, come […]
Posted inConfessions of a Teacher, Featured, From the Front Lines, Middle School
Confessions of a Teacher: The Kids Appreciate You!
The Educator’s Room now hosts a column called “Confessions of a Teacher.” If you would like to get something off your chest, talk about something that bothers you, or just simply express some thoughts anonymously, click here. You’re not alone! You may find your note published in this column! I have been teaching for […]
Posted inClassroom Management, Featured, From the Front Lines, Instruction & Curriculum
The Charismatic Teacher
How many of us can be considered “charismatic?” Are you the sort of person from whom others derive strength? As teachers, we are often faced with instances where we are asked to be the wellspring of inspiration, drive, and positive attitudes for others. One of the discussions at the Learning and the Brain Symposium at […]
Posted inClassroom Management, Featured, From the Front Lines, Instructional Strategies
Classroom Culture and Student Self-esteem: Four Strategies for Next Year
Aaah, May. The time of year when many of us look at our students with a sigh of “what could I have done better?” At my school, we have only five class meetings left, and while I am doing the best I can with the time we have, I have found myself focusing on how […]