Your Children Are Not Your Students Parent guilt is a beast all by itself. Whenever it can show up, it does. When I want some “me time” after I’ve raised my voice, or when I’ve given them something I know they shouldn’t have, it’s right there waiting. But for me, it’s been showing […]
Instruction & Curriculum
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
The Power of the School Visit as PD
Featuring guest writer Chris Horne Typical schools spend thousands of dollars each year on professional development. This could involve bringing in guest speakers to facilitate workshops or doing internal data reviews, but each school’s PD plan looks a little bit different. In all cases, these plans tend to have a focused goal: To help teachers […]
Posted inMiddle School
An Experiment In Gratitude
I had the most positive student teaching experience I could have ever imagined. I was mentored by phenomenal, passionate, effective, caring educators who graciously answered my questions and modeled by their example what it meant to do what’s in the best interest of students as not just learners of academics but learners of life. I […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
The Only One: The Two Percent Issue in Education
I grew up abroad. In elementary school, I was often the only Black male in my class. Even though there were probably racist conversations had around me, I was oblivious. I was aware I was different from most in my class, but my family instilled pride and confidence in me at a young age. However, […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
But You’re Such A Strong Teacher
“But You’re Such A Strong Teacher” “But you’re such a strong teacher. I hate this phrase. As a new teacher, it took me a while to understand what this phrase meant. At first, I believed it to be a compliment. I thought it meant I was doing a good job in my classroom and with […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
It’s time to talk about the culture of fear around standardized testing
The temperatures are warming. The skies are bright. The birds are chirping. Spring fever is in full effect, and everyone is awaiting summertime! Unfortunately for educators and students, there is a huge hump to get over…standardized testing. End of the year assessments are looming over us. It seems like the entire school year comes down […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
The Life of a Theatre Teacher: Twelve Jobs in One
This year, I started locking my door during my plan period. The stress and exhaustion of being a theatre teacher are starting to get to me more than before. I have four preps, teach a variance, and direct the shows after school. I need that time to be quiet. I don’t refuse to open the […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
Here’s What the Beginning of Teacher Decline Feels Like
Here is something they never taught me in my teacher credential classes two decades ago: how to confront the first signs I am perhaps losing a step in the classroom. I’m not a hipster in my fashion, not woke in my politics, and certainly not hyperaware of the modern trappings of youth culture. I don’t […]