As teachers, we are all familiar with the acronym STEM when it comes to education; however, the “STEAM” is a less well-known acronym, but it is gaining traction in the world of education. STEAM aims to incorporate the arts using an interdisciplinary approach, in addition to incorporating the sciences outlined in STEM. Long before these […]
Instruction & Curriculum
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
The Many Personalities of Teachers-And Why We Need Them
I’ve always been a salmon among trout, preferring to take the scenic route and discover things on my own rather than taking other peoples’ ‘suggestions’. Having admitted that I can say that teaching with others hasn’t always been easy, especially when a team is involved who believes in a hierarchy among themselves. (Don’t get me […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
Making the Dual Language Decision
We all know that communicating with parents is essential to being an effective educator, but when the majority of your students speak a different language at home, it becomes frustrating to have to find a translator for every single phone call. I’ve also learned, after numerous confusing emails, not to completely trust Google Translate. I […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
Why What Teachers Read Matters
This summer I had the privilege of sitting in on interviews for a new ELA teacher in my building. In my fourteen years in the district, this is the first time I have been able to take part in something like this, and since the hired person will be my classroom neighbor and part of […]
Posted inCurrent Events in Education
Science is Under Attack
Most educated individuals can agree that science and science education is of the utmost importance to our children and our future. The state of Florida does not see things quite the same way as evident by a recent law that allows ANY individual to challenge what is being taught in science class. To make a […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
Making STEM Matter in Schools
I just got back from a fascinating conference about the state of STEM in U.S. schools, sponsored by U.S. News and World Report. I was compelled by the idea of making STEM matter in schools; as a middle school teacher, I know this is the prime time to hook kids into STEM. This is the […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
[Episode 48] Training Teachers to Be Students
In this episode, Franchesca interviews Adrian Layne, a veteran English/Language Arts teacher who runs a magnet program that trains students to be teachers. In this conversation we discuss: the inception of her teacher training program the increase and/or decline of student enrollment the collaboration between elementary teachers and the students and everything in between! If […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
TED Talks in the Classroom: Students Become the Teachers
Peaceful art Why adults should play children’s games Positivity and perseverance can get you to your goals Be yourself and follow your passion The value of the Venus Fly Trap How to solve the Pyraminx Living with epilepsy does not have to dampen dreams…. These are not articles by the latest education expert or motivational […]