Recently I read somewhere that said, “Communication is easy.” I would love to know the world they lived in because communication isn’t easy- at all. Talking is easy; however, communication-which means an exchange or communion with another- requires greater skill. Communication requires us to listen and to speak skillfully, not just talk mindlessly. Communication among co-teachers is […]
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Posted inFrom the Front Lines, Literacy, Uncategorized
Whit's Tips on Mentoring to Provide Individual Learning Opportunities
How should schools provide individual learning opportunities and motivation to accelerate learning while following standardized curricula goals aligned with the Common Core? One on one mentoring might be an answer. Whether schools can put together teams of five or a hundred mentors, giving students a half hour of undivided attention makes all the difference in […]
Posted inParents, Uncategorized
{Parent's Corner} Preconceived Notions about Virtual Education
Preconceived notions about virtual education annoy me. When it comes to preconceived ideas about a public virtual school, it truly runs the gamut. Comparing a virtual education to a traditional home school is relatively fair, but even then it is not the same concept. Looking at it from a brick and mortar school standpoint is […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
High School in 2013 – These are Changing Times
About a month ago, Kelsey Sheehy wrote in US News & World Report that she expects three major changes for high school students in 2013: “Blended Learning,” “Flipped Classrooms,” and “Standards.” I think there may be some other, more stark realities for high school students in 2013, but I’ll comment briefly on her three predictions first. […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum, Teacher Branding, Uncategorized
Taking the Bitterness Out of Teaching: 4 Ways to Find Your Professional ‘Breath of Fresh Air’
This whole month we’re discussing teachers building their personal brands. Take a moment and read the previous articles here. For years, I thought that being bitter came with the territory of being a teacher. When I first entered the classroom, I was a bubbly person always volunteering to lead a committee or sponsor an after […]
Posted inElementary School, Instruction & Curriculum, Kindergarten, Opinion, Social Studies, Uncategorized
In Defense of Affirmative Action: The Difference Between Opportunity & Results
This year begins with a very significant anniversary in the United States. One hundred fifty years ago, President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. It was probably one of the most significant documents ever entered into our Congressional Record based on the change it incited. As we return to school this new year after a […]
Posted inLegal, New Teacher Bootcamp, Uncategorized
Teacher Tenure- An Ancient Policy Or Is It Still Needed?
Teacher tenure is a part of the educational fabric of every state in the United States. It is a form of job security that prevents teachers from being terminated without “just cause.” Despite having noble beginnings, teacher tenure has come under increasing scrutiny from educational reformists and politicians. The main argument against statutory job security […]
Posted inSpecial Education, Uncategorized
What Should General Education Teachers Look for in the IEP?
There are so many general education teachers who feel hopeless about servicing special education children. Rightfully so, there is just so much to the program to learn, understand and enforce. However, that can’t be an excuse to not make one aware. It’s simply too risky due to the fact that a general education teacher is required […]