One of the huge challenges of teaching middle school is creating an environment where students know that their teachers care about them first. My teaching mantra over the last 26 years has always been “Kids first, curriculum second.” Middle school kids need to know that they are being listened to, they are important, and that […]
community
Small Things to Create a Great Community
At the end of last school year, after I informed my students that I would be leaving the district, they showered me with gratitude. They wrote notes; they gave speeches; they made a scrapbook; they spent money on gifts; they arranged parties with food; they collaborated with teachers and counselors to surprise me with a […]
Surviving the Doldrums of Education
The dark days of November are upon my students and admittedly the enthusiasm for being back in school has worn off. The fervor, rigor and rapid pace of schooling usually takes its toll on me this time of year and I have to develop means of not only survival but of hope as I try […]
Student Teaching Diaries: Through the Teacher’s Eyes
Teaching is the greatest job on the earth.  It is not the most respected or highest paying and it does not bring you power, wealth or fame, but it is the toughest job that has the most impact on our future.  Each year teachers enter the classrooms and meet students with stories.  We make a connection. […]
Collegiality is Our Best Professional Development
The end of the school year draws near and the level of intensity is ratcheted. While it is easy to become lost in work it is exceptionally important to make time for colleagues. Contracts at my school were distributed but not all were signed for a variety of reasons. Retirements, new opportunities, emergency family leave and loss of […]
It Takes a Village to Raise a Child
I chose this African proverb as the title for this article because I believe it represents the missing link in improving our schools. Much is said these days about what teachers need to do to improve test scores. Suggestions include a longer day, a longer school year, and elimination of all subjects that are not […]
Education: It’s Not About You
Sitting around the table at a small Bistro Saturday night I enjoyed much-needed girl time with friends. Three of us are teachers, all of us are mothers, and nothing is off-limits in the conversation. We drifted among topics of kids and relationships. Someone shared a story they had read about marriage. The idea of the […]
Classroom Pets = Caring In The Classroom
[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”] I am an animal person. Always have been. And not in a needy-gotta-take-care-of-something sort of way (although I do love it when I get to bottle feed a rescue), but in […]