Last June, radio station WBEZ in Chicago discovered that Chicago Public Schools had been misrepresenting the number of high school dropouts. The investigation conducted by WBEZ discovered that over 2000 students were counted as “transferred” students when they’d actually dropped out. The story might have been local, but the issue is not. [bctt tweet=”Around the […]
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Posted inFeatured, Middle School, Parents
Parent Tips: 8 Steps For Surviving Middle School
Middle school can be the most confusing time for students and parents in their educational career. Everything ‘known’ about school is shifting, and hormones are often kicking into gear at the same time. Students want more independence, and parents want to do the right thing. Instead of letting teens ‘sink or swim’, try a more […]
Posted inFeatured, Opinion
Maybe It’s Just the Wrong School
There are so many people who really hate their job. It is a simply a pay check and that is all. Teaching isn’t like that. It is truly an art and your heart pours into your job. Teaching is part of your soul and many of us would teach for free. Sometimes if you are […]
Posted inCurrent Events in Education, Featured, Opinion, Uncategorized
Dealing With Dress Code Conflict
One of the most politically charged policies for high school students is dress code, and for good reason. As students enter this stage of their lives, they’ve blazed past adolescence and want to be treated like adults. According to Erikson, they’ve also entered the psychosocial stage of Identity vs. Confusion, trying to find their place […]
Posted inClassroom Management, Featured, Opinion
Classroom Thief: How to Find Peace When Things Go Missing
So you have a “classroom thief.” Things come up missing–both classroom items and those belonging to other students. You believe you’ve found the culprit, but he or she will not admit to stealing anything. Before you pull your hair out, try out these strategies for finding peace when things go missing in your classroom. Create […]
Posted inFeatured, Instruction & Curriculum
11th Grade Teachers Unite: Beyond Just Departments
We have been in school a few weeks now and my juniors are experiencing the reality of actually having to study, balance club and athletic activities, and complete homework. They are beginning to drown because they are not used to it so desperation sets in. Our chemistry teacher picked up AP essays from a few […]
Posted inCurrent Events in Education, Featured, Principals' Corner
A Career in Crisis
I recently made a major life decision. Instead of returning to the classroom as a teacher, I am selling my nice condo in a glam neighborhood to move into something in a safe but less expensive neighborhood. I left the classroom three years ago to write a book and pursue other avenues. I had thought […]
Posted inFeatured, Series, Teacher Leaders
How to Own the Leadership of Your Classroom: Investing Others
This post is the second in a series on classroom-centered teacher leadership. The first part on crafting a vision is here. It’s estimated that teachers are responsible from 1,500 to 3,000 nontrivial decisions every day. And yet, many of us don’t feel in control of our classrooms. Depending on the school we may have some […]