There were some amazing stories of human courage and compassion that came out of the horrors in Newtown, Connecticut. Teacher Vicki Soto gave her precious young life to protect her tiny first graders. Shielding them from harm was her first instinct and her last act. In the face of terror unimaginable, her instinct to protect […]
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Posted inOpinion, Uncategorized
Us vs.Them:Why Can’t Veteran Teachers and Teach for America Teachers Get Along?
My colleague made a very interesting comment in our meeting today. He said, “There’s a competition between veteran teachers and T.F.A teachers.” I raised my eyebrows and was intrigued by his comment. We had a T.F.A (Teach for America) teacher in the meeting with us. I’ve never viewed such a competition, but with further discussion, I understood […]
Posted inFrom the Front Lines, Instruction & Curriculum, Legal, Uncategorized
Do Teachers Have Freedom of Speech?
The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees many freedoms. It guarantees the right to publish news (freedom of press), the right to practice or not practice a religion (freedom of religion), the right to request a course of action from the government (freedom of petition), and the right to gather to express your views […]
Posted inParents, Uncategorized
Can I Answer That? Questioning For Parents
As parents, we answer a million questions a day, sometimes more. Questions like: Why? Can I have…? Where are my…? But as a parent do you ever think of turning the tables? Sometimes the best answer to a question is another question. Asking your child questions will increase their self-awareness and encourage them to be problem-solvers in their […]
Posted inFeatured, Instruction & Curriculum, Legal, Special Education, Uncategorized
Firm Decisions Before an IEP Meeting May Violate the IDEA
[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”] Every teacher is a special education teacher. From attending Individual Education Program (“IEP”) meetings to differentiating instruction to meet the needs of students, every teacher plays some role in educating special […]
Posted inHow to Fix Education, Uncategorized
Gaming Dialogues Serve a Vital Purpose
The majority of homework in elementary schools and high schools tends to be practice or preparation, leaving less than 30% for integration, interpretation opportunities (Brozo, 2010). The Common Core is shifting assessment from a focus on skills and gains of knowledge to information analysis, critical evaluation, and expression of new understanding (CCSSI; www.corestandards.org). This means our […]
Posted inClassroom Management, Elementary School, How to Fix Education, Instruction & Curriculum, Kindergarten, New Teacher Bootcamp, The New Teacher Chronicles, Uncategorized
Classroom Management: Ten Tips for New Teachers
The following article is from the “New Teacher Bootcamp” archives from the site. Each article is meant to not only empower new teachers but to let them know they are not alone in their struggles. Join us each week for new articles dealing with everything a new teacher would want to know. 1. Don’t be […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum, New Teacher Bootcamp, Uncategorized
Teacher Evaluations: 5 Steps For Ensuring Your Rights!
The following article is from the “New Teacher Bootcamp” archives from the site. Each article is meant to not only empower new teachers but to let them know they are not alone in their struggles. Join us each week for new articles dealing with everything a new teacher would want to know. Every […]