Education has slowly been changing over the last decade. Classrooms are becoming student-centered and the teacher’s role is changing.  While I am very comfortable giving my students choice and voice in my classroom, sometimes I feel lost while they are working.  What is my role? How do I know I am meeting their needs? How do […]
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Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
38 Days a Teacher: Leadership, Followership, and Fellowship
I found myself standing in front of 27 students, my first day as their teacher, the Monday after Thanksgiving. I was brought in as their Spanish teacher to pick up the pieces after their previous teacher ran screaming into the night, unable to deal with the behaviors and diverse academic needs of the 130 students […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
Six Reasons Why Tests Suck
I’ve probably given hundreds of tests during my career, but the truth is, if I had the choice, I would never give my ELA students tests of any kind. This is one of those things that has sort of snuck up on me over the years. For example, I used to give a test on […]
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″ […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
36 Weeks of Technology: GoNoodle
In this series, #36weeksoftech, I will review tech tools in my classroom. Â I will give you my honest opinion and some pros and cons through the eyes of an experienced teacher. Â This is my 21st year in the classroom, and I teach all subject areas. Â Using technology can be a way to increase engagement and […]
Posted inChild Development
You Can Teach Children Living in Poverty
Right after you begin your daily class starter, Johnny comes into class late and doesn’t have his supplies. He looks despondent. Next thing you know, he’s thrown his books on the floor and put his hoodie on over his head. What do you do? Consider this:Â Does Johnny come from a house where he has his […]
Posted inCurrent Events in Education, Featured, From the Front Lines, High School, Instruction & Curriculum, Literacy
Staying Student-Centered in a World Gone Mad over Technology
Guest Writer:By: Eliana Lipsky I am a teacher coach, professional developer, and school consultant for a few Jewish day schools in the Chicago area. I’m also a former classroom teacher who left to get my doctorate in education. I recently attended a one-day conference here with over three hundred fellow educators representing over five Chicagoland […]
Posted inFeatured, Instructional Strategies
Thank You In Advance: The Power of Expectation
One of our counselors recently came in to speak to each of my block classes about an upcoming mentoring program in which they were about to be involved. As she spoke, she kept saying things like, “I know this may be new, but I thank you in advance for cooperating and giving it a chance. Thank you […]