Have you ever been frustrated between grading pieces of writing that were good (had all the “bones,” all the structures, all the requirements), and grading really great, well-written, interesting pieces of writing? Both had all the meat, but only one had real substance. As an English Language Arts teacher, the question has been raised in my mind numerous times, […]
classroom
Posted inCurrent Events in Education, Featured, High School
How A Faculty Meeting Reflects Your High School Classroom
Whole group faculty meetings have to happen once in a while. No ever wants to go to a faculty meeting, just like our students do not necessarily want to go to our classes every day. If you take a moment and look around your faculty meeting, you will see that we are just like our […]
Posted inFeatured, Opinion
Mommy Guilt: One teacher’s perspective
When you are a teacher there is so much added pressure when you have a child in school. Will they do well? Will you be judged by the teachers teaching your child? Will he behave? Will you have “that” child? Or will you be “that” parent? As a working parent, you already have the guilt […]
Posted inFeatured, Instruction & Curriculum, Instructional Strategies
Ways to Review after the Test
The test is over. There are looks of relief in your students’ eyes, but the panic begins in your chest. Did they do well? Did they understand the concept? You grade as quickly as you can and hand back papers. The questions begin and the students chat comparing answers. There is never enough time for […]
Posted inCurrent Events in Education, Elementary School, Featured, Interviews, Kindergarten, Middle School, Stellar Educator of the Week
Inspirational Educator: Joshua Katz, TEDx Talks' "Toxic Testing Terminator"
Every plaguing problem needs a caped crusader. When it comes to the burdensome culture of standardized assessment, teachers have found one in Joshua Katz (@jakatz87), the “Toxic Testing Terminator.” It’s been about one year since Katz delivered his TEDx Talk on “The Toxic Culture of Education.” In between then and now he’s run for political […]
Posted inFeatured, How to Fix Education, New Teacher Bootcamp, Opinion, The New Teacher Chronicles
8 Things Teachers Wish You Knew
Everyone knows about teachers. We’ve all been on the receiving end of education. We think we know what it is all about. In fact, most people are not aware of half of what make a teacher. Teachers wish you knew more. Here are some of the things you might be surprised to realize. 1. We […]
Posted inCurrent Events in Education, Featured
Teaching and the Fear of a Mistake
Teaching. No other profession is so closely watched for mistakes. Of course, I realize why- we are in charge of America’s future and it is a very important job. Public school teachers have an extra reason for being held accountable: we are paid with the public’s tax money. Teachers take their roles very seriously and we […]
Posted inCurrent Events in Education, Featured, High School, Opinion, Technology
Why Schools Should Teach Social Media Etiquette
The most arduous day of my education career was a day centered on Facebook. I was completing my principal practicum, and just before my hours were finished, a student made a death threat on that social medium. I spent the day calling an array of high school students to my principal’s office, where I took […]