My first exposure to Summer School teaching was the acting performance of Mark Harmon (as Mr. Shoop) in the 1987 Carl Reiner comedy, Summer School. It might not have been an Oscar-caliber performance, but it has stuck with me for the better part of my life. I wasn’t even a teenager the first time I […]
Instruction & Curriculum
Posted inFeatured, High School, Instruction & Curriculum, Literacy
Happy Writing; Finding Your Purpose
Pharrell Williams, has been around for quite a while seeking his fame in music, yet it wasn’t until his recent hit song “Happy,” that Pharrell became a household name. When interviewed and asked what he thought of his long awaited rise to fame, Pharrell stated that he used to write songs that lacked purpose. He decided that […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
Why I love Online PLNs and Twitter chats, and Why You Should, Too
[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”] For most teachers, the words “professional development” can cause several emotions. No matter what your feelings, professional development is a must when trying to grow as teachers. In the past, professional […]
Posted inCommon Core, Elementary School, Instruction & Curriculum, Instructional Strategies, Middle School, Social Studies
Social Studies: The Not So Ugly Step Sister
With implementation of the Common Core across the US, classrooms are seeing a shift in reading, writing, and math standards. Science is also getting a spotlight with STEM and STEAM integration. Social Studies, however, seems to get pushed into the corner. There is an importance in learning from our past and thinking about changes in […]
Posted inAdult Learning, Featured, Instruction & Curriculum
Learning Styles Matter
As teachers, we know that not everyone learns the same way. Some people are auditory learners who do very well in a situation where the teacher lectures. Others are visual learners who must see something to comprehend. If you are a good reader you can succeed as a visual learner. If you are not a good […]
Posted inCurrent Events in Education, Featured, Instruction & Curriculum, Instructional Strategies, Middle School, Opinion
Preparing For Success: Helping Students Prepare For What Comes Next
I have two college-aged children, with my third a sophomore in high school. My husband and I, both teachers, planted the seed of ‘What do you want to be when you grow up?’ in all three of them early on. I remember playing blocks with my oldest and constantly saying things like, “Architects build!” or […]
Posted inFeatured, Instruction & Curriculum, School Improvement
Doing the Differentiation Dance
[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”] Earlier this year, my department administrator came by to do one of the four classroom observations she does each semester. We were at the very beginning of a unit so I […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum, Principals' Corner, Uncategorized
Math Through the Looking Glass
By Jeffrey Benson At staff meetings in most schools, the subject area teachers sit among their peers. They sit with ones who most understand their struggles to convey the content and skills specific to their disciplines: PE with PE, science with science, arts with arts. As a consultant to schools that work with challenging students, […]