“The Common Core standards are not evil; however, the implementation and everything afterward is questionable.”These were the words of a teacher in training I led about one of the founding tenets of the common core standards, text complexity. As soon as this fellow educator said those words, the discussion changed from text complexity, to how […]
Instruction & Curriculum
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 inFeatured, Instruction & Curriculum
What is Brain-Based Learning Anyway?
The latest and greatest buzzword around education in recent years is the concept of brain-based learning strategies. Many teachers believe, “I give knowledge…what else would I be teaching if not the brain?” A little background information may clear up any misconceptions about this learning pattern and how we can impart it in our classrooms for […]
Posted inFeatured, From the Front Lines, Instruction & Curriculum, Opinion
All In A Day's Work – An Oklahoma Teacher Reflects
The dust is settling (due to the continual storms and rain) from the F5 tornado that once again ripped through South Oklahoma City and Moore. We have been devastated many times in Oklahoma due to tornadoes, but this was by far the worst. Over 13,000 homes are lost, thousands are damaged, 24 people lost their […]
Posted inFrom the Front Lines, Instruction & Curriculum
Do You Want to Write a Book? Contribute to Our Next Group Book by The Educator's Room
In March of 2012, The Educator’s Room published its first group book entitled, “Keep the Fire Burning: Avoiding Teacher Burnout”. The book tackled the topic of teacher burnout through the eyes of actual teachers who gave real strategies to help empower their fellow teachers. The book was met with great success and acclaim from […]
Posted inFeatured, From the Front Lines, Instruction & Curriculum, Middle School
Ability Grouping in Physical Education?
An article in the Chicago Tribune caught my attention this week regarding “Fat P.E.” At least that is what the kids at a suburban Illinois high school call it. Basically, the students are ability grouped according to results obtained in fitness testing. Those testing out at a high enough level are allowed to participate in […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
Throwing Each Other Under The Bus: Where has Mutual Teacher Support Gone?
School bus (noun) – (1) A bus that transports students from home to school, school to home, or school-sponsored events; (2) a typically yellow-colored vehicle designed to deliver students on their school-related travels; (3) a place under which teachers can throw one another. I’m often amazed at how frequently teachers commit to definition 3. Why? […]
Posted inCurrent Events in Education, Featured, Instruction & Curriculum, Middle School
The Final Countdown! Activities for the Last Days of School
May always comes in with a gust and flies by. I scramble to reflect on the year, cram in last-minute curriculum, organize parents and lunches for field trips & play day, wrap my head around the data that must be collected, input data into spreadsheets, finalize grades & collect back work to finalize grades, make thank […]