I view my ‘job’ as an educator as so much more than just focusing on academics. So many times I act as nurse, counselor, mother and friend first, then teacher. Some of the most important skills that children will take with them through life extend far past reading, writing and arithmetic. I had the opportunity […]
Opinion
Posted inCurrent Events in Education, Opinion, Parents
What Is The Most Important Thing A Teacher Can Ever Do?
“To be endowed with a benevolent disposition, and to love others, will almost infallibly procure love and esteem; which is the chief circumstance in life, and facilitates every enterprise and undertaking; besides the satisfaction, which immediately results from it.” — David Hume, “Of Impudence and Modesty” My youngest daughter, Emma Kate, was born two months […]
Posted inClassroom Management, Elementary School, Featured, Opinion
Wiggles, Giggles and Learning
The volume level in my classroom is not normal. And by that I mean it’s not silent. Or quiet. Or even remotely close to whispering. My classroom is noisy, busy and sometimes a bit chaotic. And I wouldn’t have it any other way. Now don’t get me wrong. We do quiet down, and even go […]
Posted inFeatured, From the Front Lines, Opinion
Those Quaint Quirks of Kiddos
One of my favorite things about being a teacher is overhearing the things that kids say. Even better is hearing the things that parents say at drop off or pick up. I decided to compile a list of funnies from the past two weeks. Some of them leave me giggling randomly through the day, others, […]
Posted inCurrent Events in Education, How to Fix Education, Opinion, Principals' Corner
Custodial Care: Respecting the Essential Education Support Services
Who are the custodians at your school? Do you know them by name? Do you know their strengths and weaknesses? Are you reliant upon them? The crazy mess with custodial services in Chicago has made national news. Last year the Chicago Board of Education contracted custodial services with Aramark and Sudexo. Sudexo is primarily working […]
Posted inElementary School, Opinion
Extending A Helping Hand: Mentor
Teaching is a blending of science and art. Colleges across the nation prepare teachers to write lesson plans, understand discipline and teach content. Interwoven in a great classroom, however, is experience and heart. If you are a new teacher, find veteran teachers in your building who have strengths and ask questions. If you are a […]
Posted inFeatured, Literacy, Opinion
Have you Read a Banned Book Yet This Week?
National Banned Books Week is upon us, and the American Library Association once again reminds us that the Freedom to Read is a right everyone deserves. Most school libraries, especially in high schools, used to celebrate Banned Books Week by making commonly banned books available or displaying them as a reminder. But nowadays, with massive […]
Posted inLiteracy, Opinion
A Reading Affair to Remember
My love affair with reading began underneath the dining room table. It was something I passionately desired to do, and my first glimmer of this new realm was in Kindergarten. There was some kind of power behind the flashcards Ms. Crowning was holding up and I had to have it. I attended Kindergarten in 1985 […]