English teachers often look upon their math and science colleagues without a shred of envy while, ironically, they look upon us with pity. “At least, I don’t have to grade essays!” they say. If only, they knew… Along the way, I have picked up a few tips that make grading writing more efficient. I am […]
Instruction & Curriculum
Posted inCommon Core, From the Front Lines, Instruction & Curriculum, Opinion, Uncategorized
The Irony of Not Teaching the Importance of Teaching
Every May, one week is designated as Teacher Appreciation Week. There will be the customary newspaper coverage of favorite teacher stories, the hashtag #thankateacher will trend on Twitter, and celebrities will post videos thanking teachers as the most important influences in their lives. These are all wonderful and appropriate tributes to the profession that prepares our nation’s […]
Posted inCurrent Events in Education, Featured, From the Front Lines, High School, How to Fix Education, Instruction & Curriculum, Opinion
What We Forgot From School
My improv troupe has been going through a time of transition. When I came back this summer after my school hiatus, there were a lot of new faces and a few old ones – and things had changed, not necessarily for the better. Every group goes through highs and lows. The first time I was […]
Posted inFrom the Front Lines, Instruction & Curriculum, Principals' Corner, Uncategorized
The Deafening Silence of Teachers
As Americans, we have always been taught that one of the greatest things about being an American Citizen is that we are protected by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. We pride ourselves on having the ability to speak without fear of retribution and to make sure if injustices are occurring, we have the ability […]
Posted inFeatured, From the Front Lines, How to Fix Education, Instruction & Curriculum, Opinion
The Museum Trip – The Other Side
[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”] As a museum educator, I work with all types of learners. Multimodal teaching is a phrase I hear on a consistent basis – and as a kinesthetic learner myself, I’m thrilled to […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
Bringing the Digital World To Your Students to Teach Common Core
“Don’t teach your children to read. Teach them to question what they read. Teach them to question everything.” –George Carlin The Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts and Mathematics are about thinking, questioning, and higher level learning. These are passions I have and things I am excited to see happening in classrooms. In […]
Posted inCommon Core, Featured, From the Front Lines, Instruction & Curriculum, Literacy, Uncategorized
On This State Standardized Test, the Story Is Not Literature
March in Connecticut brings two unpleasant realities: high winds and the state standardized tests. Specifically, the Connecticut Academic Performance Tests (CAPT) given to Grade 10th are in the subjects of math, social studies, sciences and English. There are two tests in the English section of the CAPT to demonstrate student proficiency in reading. In one, students are given […]
Posted inClassroom Management, Featured, From the Front Lines, Instruction & Curriculum
The Role of Physical Activity in the School Day
[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”] First Lady Michelle Obama’s recent re-branding of the Let’s Move! program into the Let’s Move Active Schools has renewed the focus of physical activity into the school day. This new emphasis […]