I have been accused of demoralizing our profession by using the word “artist or art” when I refer to teaching. I stand by it. I was an artist before I was a teacher, a mother, or even a wife. Teaching is an art, and I challenge anyone to question it. Yes, we are artists, but […]
Opinion
Posted inAsk a Teacher
Using Current Events in Teaching the Executive Branch
As an eighth-grade civics teacher, I am about to start my unit of study on the Executive Branch. To be honest, I’m a little scared. Strike that. I am very scared. “Why are you scared, George?” you may ask. “If you stick to the facts, you’ll have nothing to worry about,” In normal times, I’d […]
Posted inConfessions of a Teacher
The Death of Reflection in English/Language Arts Classrooms
I had the saddest experience today. In English IV, British Literature, I assign my students a coat of arms assignment. They have to design a personal coat of arms on a poster then write about the color, animals, motto, and research their first and last name. They have to write an experience they went through […]
Posted inOpinion
In Defense of My Students…From a Teacher in Florida
Guest Writer: Chele Allan It’s taken me quite a while to psychologically and emotionally process the Parkland school shooting. As a teacher in Florida, this is very close to home. My own school had an active shooter less than one block from the campus earlier this school year. While the shooter wasn’t after students, he […]
Posted inConfessions of a Teacher
More Than A Teacher
Teaching is an art, a sacrifice, and has the goal of changing the future one child at a time. It’s a noble profession, but does that make you all that you are? I think the public forgets we are more than teachers. We are parents and children. We are husbands, wives, and significant others. We […]
Posted inCurrent Events in Education
I Used To Teach on $30,000: Supporting West Virginia and Oklahoma Strikes
Like most college graduates in 2005, I was just glad to have a job in education. Better yet that I was hired at my Alma mater school, nestled in the coal region of Pennsylvania. Here I knew the teachers, the culture, and the community. But I still remember a conversation my uncle, who just retired […]
Posted inOpinion
Are the Kids Alright? Student Reflections on School Shootings
If an event is taking place out in the world, I want my students to know my classroom is a safe space for them to discuss those situations inside our classroom. As a literacy coach and teacher, it is important I give my students the time to process and reflect before we have discussions. To […]
Posted inOpinion
You Are NO Education Expert…UNLESS You Have Done THIS!
Maybe this sounds harsh, but if you haven’t attempted to teach young people in the era of smartphones; if you haven’t competed with their ubiquitous presence, compulsive aura, and endless usage, then you probably don’t know what you are talking about regarding teaching, pedagogy, or education in general. If you haven’t had students become borderline […]