I admit that I sign up for education haters’ email lists, and one thing that seems to be trending is differentiating truths and myths. Most recently in the cross hairs are teachers’ unions. It’s time you heard from someone in the field about some honest truths. Myth 1: Teachers are forced to join unions Fact: […]
from the front lines
Posted inClassroom Management, Featured, From the Front Lines, Instruction & Curriculum, Literacy
Where I'm From: New Year, New Understanding Using Poetry
[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 remember watching “Gremlins” in the 80’s. When Randall is sold the Mogwai he is given three specific instructions: never expose it to bright light, never get it wet and never, ever […]
Posted inFeatured
20 Simple and Free Gifts for Any Teacher
What do I give to my child’s teacher? As people from all walks of life traipse the store aisles this December looking for the perfect holiday gift, the teachers who give so much to your children occasionally enter your mind. Should you feel obligated to give a gift? By no means, no. Be a subscriber, […]
Posted inFeatured, Instruction & Curriculum
Eliminate Extra Credit!
[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”] “Mr. Miller, is there any extra credit I can do?” I hear this question at least once a week. At. Least. Once. A. Week. Despite the fact that I spend the […]
Posted inFeatured
10 Ways To Deal With The Negative Teacher
You know. I know. He knows. She knows. The kids know. We all know who the negative teachers are. Every school has at least one of them, and they fit many different molds. Here’s how to “deal” with the Negative Neds and Sour Sallys in your midst First, ask yourself if Mr. / Ms. Negative […]
Posted inAsk a Teacher, Common Core, From the Front Lines, Social Studies
What Does a Quality Social Studies Assessment Look Like?
Recently a reader emailed us this question: What Does a Quality Social Studies Assessment Look Like? Well, reader, I’ll be the first to admit – my instruction tactics have evolved much over the years, but nothing has changed more in the way in which I test students. What once began as fill-in questions with some true/false […]
Posted inOpinion, Parents
Tips for "Meet the Teacher" Night
On September 12th, our school will hold what we call “Back to School Night,” or what other schools have dubbed “Meet the Teachers Night.” Whatever your school calls it, it’s a very fun and casual way for teachers and parents to meet one another. Yet for others, this is a nerve-wracking event – especially for […]
Posted inClassroom Management, Elementary School, Featured, Kindergarten
How to Decorate Your Secondary Classroom
At the end of last year, I changed positions. The difficult part of that was being expected to “replace” one of our best teachers in the entire district. Part of this involved his fun, learning-based classroom environment that he’d created over the 30-odd years of being there. I still remember one of my colleagues saying […]