Shane Trotter is the author of Setting the Bar: Preparing Our Kids to Thrive in an Era of Distraction, Dependency, and Entitlement. As a writer, social studies teacher, and High-School Strength and Conditioning Coordinator, he has been challenging youth development norms for over a decade. He has been published by websites with millions of readers, such […]
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Posted inTeacher Self Care
A New Teacher’s Perspective: Ranting, Destressing, and Teacher Health
I suppose I should start off by saying that I love my job. It’s rewarding, fun, and, generally, awesome. However, some days, my job is also very frustrating. When my projector isn’t working, or when students are just not listening, I find myself feeling stressed out. In this, I know I am not alone. My […]
Posted inConfessions of a Teacher
Toxins in the Break Room: How Teacher Appreciation Sabotages Teacher Health
Walking past the teacher break room, I peer in and see platters of sweet treats, both homemade and store-bought intended to show love and appreciation for hard-working teachers. It is lovely, really. Administrators and parents took the time and effort to bring these treats into school to celebrate our hard work and welcome us back […]
Posted inAdult Learning, Child Development, Classroom Management, Confessions of a Teacher, Current Events in Education, Elementary School, Featured, From the Front Lines, High School, Instructional Strategies, Kindergarten, Middle School, Opinion, Parents, Professional Development, School Improvement, Special Education
The Mental State of Teaching
“The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another.” – William James Is anyone else climbing into this boat and dropping anchor? I know I am. My life has been turned upside down since January with personal struggles, professional struggles and just day-to-day struggles that seem to be heavier than […]
Posted inUncategorized
Getting My Life Together-Mentally and Physically
As a wife and a mom to four, you can imagine how obsessive it can be to make sure that your family is healthy-at all times. Sometimes it may mean that I drag everyone to the park to have some outside time, while other times it means me strictly monitoring what everyone puts in their […]
Posted inFeatured, Instruction & Curriculum, Interviews
Supplemental Education and the New SAT: Part 2
This is the second part of a two-part interview with Supplemental Education and Test Preparation expert Akil Bello.  In Part 1, Akil discussed test preparation education and his work with students. In this Part 2, Akil shares his professional review of the new SAT and how classroom teachers can help their high school students be […]
Posted inFeatured, Instructional Strategies, Interviews
Supplemental Education and the New SAT: Part I
There are many pathways beyond the traditional classroom for educators to use their expertise to help students. In our modern education environment, students learn invaluable lessons from their classroom teachers, but they must also learn to navigate the world of standardized testing. Especially if high school students plan to pursue post-secondary education, the classroom is not […]
Posted inAsk a Teacher
When Your School Principal is Mean Jean the Recess Queen
Teaching was my dream job until the new principal/sheriff came to town. As I sit here typing this submission, I am at home because I need a mental health day. I have only been at work 30 days since 12 weeks of FMLA and approximately $15,000 in lost wages due to anxiety and depression. But […]