“I’m her favorite student!” I’ve heard that phrase over and over in the eighteen years I’ve been working around schools and the short seven years of my teaching career. I never deny it, or even acknowledge whether or not it’s true. I usually just smile and nod, yet students still say it. Since I’ve heard it a […]
effective teachers
Posted inFeatured
Teaching: Why It's Not Just a J-O-B to Me
I often bring my work home with me–if not physically, then mentally. I’m a reflective person by nature, and I carry around the weight of my decisions, good or bad, everywhere I go. When I cannot right what’s wrong, fix every problem, or make the unjust just again, my passion for what I do makes […]
Posted inFeatured, Principals' Corner
Are You a "Justa" ?
By Guest Author Andrea Shunk It’s lunchtime at school and a familiar scene is playing out once again with my coworkers amid the reheated leftovers and cold sandwiches. “Ugh,” complains Sheila. “I hate teaching this reading intervention curriculum.” This is the reheated version of the same conversation I’ve had with Sheila for three years. Today’s […]
Posted inAdult Learning, Featured, Instruction & Curriculum, Opinion
Why I Thank GOD For Being a TEACHER
[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”] Ko Olina, Hawaii I write these words in the midst of what teachers fantasize about all year: a mid-July Hawaiian vacation with my family. I am currently looking out on a […]
Posted inAsk a Teacher, From the Front Lines
20 Tips for Surviving Your First Year Teaching and Beyond
You just started teaching and you have great plans for changing the lives of the young people you will teach in the coming years. Full of energy, positive-thinking, a little fear, and a lot of determination, you will go into this school year pumped up! So what do you need to know if you’re just starting […]
Posted inFeatured, High School, Opinion
Flipped Learning: What My Students Have Taught Me
One of the most important aspects of teaching is that you will never stop learning. I knew I would go to professional development, department meetings, and even back to school. What I didn’t know was how much I would learn from my incredible kids. 1. They may not be great at your content, but they […]
Posted inClassroom Management, Featured, Opinion
12 Ways To Reclaim Your Personal Life: Why Teaching Isn’t 24 Hours
For the average teacher – or worker for that matter – the expectations of the job are mounting. Each year we’re given more to do with the same amount of resources, namely time. There are only 24 hours in a day, and teachers should be prioritizing them. Certainly, this is not a post to advocate […]
Posted inFeatured, Opinion
Part II: Why a Teacher Cannot have a Normal Life….
A few weeks ago, I made a few observations about my life as a teacher. I am humbled so many people connected with it. I was in no way undermining what others do, nor was I complaining. I adore my job and I just wanted other people to see our world. It was just a […]