This past semester I was in the midst of teaching one of my favorite units that I’ve ever taught in my career thus far. My students read a play about characters who are a part of a First Nations community in British Columbia, Canada. The play, titled Where the Blood Mixes, deals with tragedy and […]
student motivation
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
The Motivation Myth
Summer for teachers has arrived! While you may be imagining my days are spent lounging by the pool sipping cocktails (don’t get me wrong, I will make that happen eventually), the implication of summer break for me at this point means professional development. Summer professional development takes a variety of forms, from workshops to podcasts […]
Posted inFeatured, Instruction & Curriculum, Instructional Strategies
Happiness Habits in the Classroom
By guest writer Michelle Wood I consider myself a development coach, maybe, but I don’t know if that really captures what I do. (Does any title really capture all that we do?) I am a high school English teacher, a secondary new teacher mentor for my district, a health and wellness coach for women, […]
Posted inFeatured, High School, Opinion
Dear 'Bad Students': Prove Us Wrong
As students were prepping for a group activity, I looked across the room and gave them a friendly reminder, “Please stay on-topic until you’ve completed the assignment. No goofing around.” Immediately a student piped up, “That wasn’t directed at me now was it, Mrs. Filler?” A smug grin was spread across his face. At least […]