Many Physical Educators are now in the midst of their physical fitness tests across the nation. Just like classroom teachers, we need to do a “pre” and “post” assessment in order to not only evaluate our students, but also our planning and classroom strategies used throughout the year. Part of the testing process has to […]
From the Front Lines
Posted inClassroom Management, From the Front Lines
6 Ways to Not Take Work Home To Your Family!
If someone told me 11 years ago that I could still be a teacher and not take home any papers to grade, lesson plans to write, or parents to call, I would never have believed them. How can teachers not take any work home? That’s part of the unwritten portions of a teacher contract of […]
Posted inElementary School, Featured, From the Front Lines, Kindergarten, Principals' Corner
To The Depths of Darkness and Back: A Personal Lesson
Have you ever doubted you’re doing the right thing? If all your time spent teaching was actually worth it? If you were really having an impact on students? Does this profession provide you a way to light others’ candles? Or do you find you’re burning so much that you’re doing nothing but burning your candle […]
Posted inAsk a Teacher, Featured, From the Front Lines, Instruction & Curriculum
Being a Waitress Was Real Teacher Training
One of my first jobs was as a waitress. The job was physically demanding. The variety of customers meant that no one day was like any other day. There were usually three “waves” during mealtimes. The hourly rate was a little below minimum wage, but there were tips. My job now is to teach. The […]
Posted inAsk a Teacher, Elementary School, Featured, From the Front Lines, Instruction & Curriculum, Kindergarten
The Hairy Hand of the SAT Reaches Far into Your Future
Many of my students fret about their SAT scores. I wish I could tell them to relax, that the score is just a score, and that they will never have to hear the words SAT again, but that would not be telling them the truth. The hairy hand of the SAT can reach far forward […]
Posted inFeatured, From the Front Lines, Legal, Principals' Corner
Testing Pressure Leads to a Criminal Indictment
[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”] The Atlanta Public School System has been marred in recent years by a state-testing cheating scandal. On Friday, March 29, 2013, Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard issued an indictment against […]
Posted inFeatured, Fine Arts, From the Front Lines
Drama in the Classroom
Everyone likes drama. No, not the kind of drama that happens on Monday nights during “The Bachelor” (I know I have better things to do, it’s just that or “Hoarders” at the gym). People enjoy the kind of drama that holds your attention – the kind that makes you gasp, laugh, cry and smile. Students […]