I have read several articles over the past month that, in a nutshell, explain that The United States was founded on the premise of greed. And even as I’ve taught Social Studies this year to my elementary kids, I find myself making that link as well: the pilgrims came over because they were being forced […]
Opinion
Posted inFeatured, Instruction & Curriculum, Opinion
Testing and Thinking
Now that testing mode is in full throttle, the stress levels around schools can be cut with a knife. Along with testing mode comes multiple meetings on administering, grading and packing the tests. During my latest meeting on grading the NYSESLAT (New York State English as a Second Language Achievement Test), the moderator made an […]
Posted inFeatured, Instruction & Curriculum, Opinion, School Improvement
32 Qualities of Effective Educators
I revisited my roots a bit this week by putting myself in a new teacher’s shoes and looking at the “Pennsylvania Standard Teaching Application.” On the very last page of the application, there are 3 essay choices. I was immediately drawn to one that asked, “What are the qualities of an effective educator?” I challenged […]
Posted inAsk a Teacher, Featured, From the Front Lines, Opinion
Why Do I Stay? I Stay to Share Stories
Why do I stay? This question is circulating on blogs and in videos by teachers from across the country. My friend Catherine, a teacher and literacy specialist, brought this question to my attention in her post this week. She was participating in a challenge organized by Two Writing Teachers called The Slice of Life. The instructions for participating are […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
Teachers, Being Loyal May Cost You Your Professional Career
Yesterday in my staff meeting, we found out that the founder of my school was leaving the school to pursue other career opportunities within the district. He was obviously torn between his decision to stay at the school he founded but eventually opted to do what was best for him professionally. As he broke the […]
Posted inCharter Schools, High School, Instruction & Curriculum, Opinion
Watch out for the "Saviors" (Charter School Diaries #14)
Week 4/8-4/12 [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”] I have a son. He is developing and growing before my very eyes and it is the most beautiful thing that I have ever seen. Over the course of […]
Posted inOpinion, Uncategorized
Taking Charge of Our Own Profession – Part 2: A New Model
In Part 1, I introduced the idea that it is time to consider a new professional model for education. In this Part 2, I offer some ideas of how we might begin this task. [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” […]
Posted inFeatured, Opinion
Taking Charge of Our Own Profession – Part 1: We're Selling Ourselves Short!
[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”] Like all teachers around the country, I am saddened by the indictments of administrators and teachers in Atlanta for cheating on the state’s standardized tests. It’s disheartening, embarrassing, and maddening to […]