If you’re a teacher you know that the saying that “those that can’t do teach” is a complete falsehood. Teaching entails more than just providing instruction, especially if you’re a special education teacher. The pressure to make better test scores while creating content that appeals to multiple intelligences while providing 21st century skills and writing Individual Education […]
from the front lines
Posted inFeatured, Special Education
How-to Guide for Surviving as a Special Education Teacher
I began working as a special education teacher almost 8 years ago. I came into this job wanting to change children and desiring to make a huge impact on young folk’s lives. Previously, I worked as a Caseworker at a local Social Services agency taking applications for public assistance and I hated the job. I […]
Posted inCurrent Events in Education, Featured, High School, Opinion, Principals' Corner
Why Passing A Standardized Test Should not be a Graduation Requirement
Beginning with my high school graduating Class of 2001, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania instituted several shifts in policy regarding graduation requirements. My class was the first to be incorporated with a graduation project, which has since come and gone. The following graduating class was the first to have to complete the Pennsylvania System of School […]
Posted inFeatured, Opinion
Enough is Enough: How to Know When to Pack it Up & Take a Break
“Are you working, Mommy?” my son asks me when I pull out my laptop. The crate that sits beside the couch has become my mobile office–full of papers to grade, books, data collection, and lesson plan ideas. My routine every weeknight has become this: stay at work until five-thirty, say goodnight to the cleaning lady […]
Posted inFeatured, How to Fix Education, Opinion, Uncategorized
Drive: Debunking Standardized Tests & Merit Pay In One Book & Video
I’m going to admit – I’ve been a bit flummoxed lately. Perplexed. Bemused. Set back. I tussle with many of life’s questions, but one of the greatest is — How do I help my students achieve more? As a 9-year teacher, I stand in front of the classroom with a wide variety of tools on […]
Posted inFeatured, How to Fix Education, Opinion
Want to Fix Schools? Give Teachers More TIME!
A few weeks ago, fellow columnist Jeremy Adams posted an article called “The Magical Solution Illusion,” illustrating how schools, students, and teachers are being pounded by an array of self-proclaimed “saviors” of the education system. I loved the article. He examined our proclivity to move toward change, from increasing class sizes to shrinking them; from […]
Posted inFeatured, Interviews
Inspirational Educator – Fran Warren, Founder & CEO of The Educator's Room
[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”] We’d like to introduce you to Fran Warren, Founder and CEO of The Educator’s Room. What was once a small blog has continually blossomed and grown, becoming a true voice for […]
Posted inAsk a Teacher, Current Events in Education, Featured, From the Front Lines, Special Education
How to Apply for a DonorsChoose Grant (And Why You Should)
Less than two months ago, I applied for a grant at donorschoose.org out of pure desperation. I needed supplies for my classroom and I didn’t see any other way that would happen with the current budget crisis in effect. Where I’m at, the special education budget has hit on all-time low, so our resources are […]