This is a snip from an article in my “library,” and was written by a non-teacher lucky enough to have a teacher-spouse. It struck a chord with me, because I wonder sometimes how my wife feels about the time I spend at school, the amount of work I bring home from school, and the amount […]
Parents
Posted inThe State of Education
Teaching, Unions and Parenting in New York
Teaching these days drives one to read and research whenever possible about what has been going on. I read an old article with a title that grabbed my attention. My search was driven by curiosity regarding the roles of teacher unions moving forward, as well as what they have been doing (or not doing) for the […]
Posted inCurrent Events in Education
Who is the Teacher: School or Family?
I saw a discussion post on Facebook the other day about education. Â No surprise. Â Everyone went to school, everyone has learned something in their life, so everyone has an opinion. Parents are passionate about their kids and have opinions about all things school. Â This discussion, however, was a newer one to me. Â It was about […]
Posted inParents
Being a Teacher (but first, just being “Dad”)
About four years ago my wife called me at school and told me that our oldest daughter had gotten off the school bus crying. Walking up our 100 feet of driveway between the road and our door, she had her report card in one hand and was clearly trying to gather herself before getting to […]
Posted inParents
Encouraging Children to Read and Write
Originally posted in RealEdReform My own three daughters are insatiable readers, perpetual writers, and the oldest is our first state-level and national level prize winner for her writing. Number two has submitted this year, but she’s only in 10th grade and is just beginning to develop her formidable chops.  How did I encourage my children to […]
Posted inFeatured, Parents
20 Tips for Successful Parent-Teacher Conferences
For most teachers, November marks two things on our schedules: Parent-teacher conferences A day of Thanks that they’re over Let’s get you from point 1 to point 2 with our 20 tips for Parent-Teacher Conferences PRE-CONFERENCE: 1. Learn your school’s culture regarding that day. The first years I taught at my current school, I […]
Posted inFeatured
Dear Parents of Children with Learning Disabilities
Dear Parents of Children with Learning Disabilities, I cannot tell you how many times I’ve sat in an IEP and watched your faces as the team discusses the strengths and weaknesses of your child from an academic viewpoint. I can see the fear, confusion, worry, and sometimes, anger on your face. I can feel your […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
By Not Allowing Your Children to Fail You Are Making Their Brains Smaller
Dear Parent or Guardian: This letter is to inform you that your student will likely fail soon. They might not fail a class, or even a quiz or a homework assignment, but they will fail at something. They will also make mistakes, get feedback on those mistakes, and then make some new mistakes. [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ […]