Thought experiments are employed throughout the academic world, from mathematics and quantum mechanics to philosophy and economics. But rarely are they used in the world of education. And yet, like a gathering storm whose birth pangs only emit a gentle and benign breeze, there are early signs that American public education is possibly starting down […]
Opinion
Posted inCurrent Events in Education, Featured, From the Front Lines, Opinion
8 Things Needed in Education Certification Programs
As a classroom teacher, I have had at least ten student teachers and dozens of practicum students from seven or eight universities. I have also unofficially mentored many first-year teachers by having an open door to help solve problems and answer questions. Because of this, I can say without any hesitation that not all teacher […]
Posted inFeatured, Opinion
To Teach or Not to Teach? The Early Career Educator's Question
Halfway through my second year of teaching, I found myself questioning whether or not this was a viable career for me. Despite the hours I put in at school and at home, my professional progress felt much slower than I wanted. I often wondered if I could do more for my kids if I left […]
Posted inFeatured, Opinion
"The Weakest Link"
At the beginning of the brand new school year, I had my students create a chain by taking a strip of paper and writing their goals for the school year on one side, and their strengths and talents on the other. I then had them connect the chain together and we hung it from the […]
Posted inOpinion, School Improvement, Uncategorized
Why Smaller is Better: Class Sizes Matter
When I was in first grade, way back in the early 1960’s, there were 52 students in my class. It was the baby boom. It was a Catholic school. It still was an astonishing number of children. There were three reading groups named Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. Those poor Joseph’s! How can you learn to […]
Posted inFeatured, Opinion
The Laws of Teaching
By Guest Contributor: Mindy Thierolf One day I found myself thinking about the laws of the universe, and I had to wonder…are there any LAWS of TEACHING? Well according to John M. Gregory’s book, The Seven Laws of Teaching, there are seven. Newton had three. Murphy just needed one, you know… “Anything that can go wrong […]
Posted inClassroom Management, Opinion
Four Things Education Can Learn From Fortune 500 Companies
The world is ever-changing. Today looks different from yesterday and the future is yet to be seen. The way we think about work has also changed over the past 20 years. Companies are offering perks to employees and rethinking motivation and productivity. Communication is open worldwide and people can Skype with friends and family […]
Posted inFeatured, Opinion
A Valentine for my Students
To My Dear Students, Past and Present: I know you don’t like mushy sentiment. You probably wouldn’t associate that with me anyway (I suspect that is one of the last things that come to mind if you think of me!). But I’m writing you a Valentine anyway because this is the week for it. So […]