Years ago, the only real computer technology being used in schools was found in the computer lab, were rows of students would sit and learn how to manage files and type with some speed. In fact, computer classes at that time were optional. Students were allowed to decide whether or not they felt like […]
teacher effectiveness
Posted inClassroom Management, From the Front Lines
6 Ways to Not Take Work Home To Your Family!
If someone told me 11 years ago that I could still be a teacher and not take home any papers to grade, lesson plans to write, or parents to call, I would never have believed them. How can teachers not take any work home? That’s part of the unwritten portions of a teacher contract of […]
Posted inFeatured
When Your School Doesn't Have An Art Class
I consider myself very lucky. Growing up, I had art every week. Unfortunately, that is hardly the case anymore. Between rubrics and budget cuts, students no longer have that necessary creative outlet readily available. Art is easily added to any classroom and to any lesson as long as you have the confidence and knowledge to […]
Posted inFeatured, From the Front Lines, Instruction & Curriculum, Opinion, Uncategorized
Why I Don’t Celebrate Black History Month In My Classes
I am a black woman. I majored in African American Studies in college. I wrote my dissertation on the integration of Africa-related topics in Georgia’s world history textbooks and curriculum. I used to look forward to Black History Month when I was younger because that was the only time I saw “me” in the school […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum, Languages
Habits of Minds: Persistence—Activities for the Cold Winter
“Put the uncommon effort into the common task. Make it large by doing it in a great way,“ Orison Sweet Marden (1850-1924). As winter hits us full force, we stand in our classrooms at the top of a mountain looking down. Half way through the year we feel settled in with routine and expectation. We look […]
Posted inFeatured
Courage to Teach—Reflecting on Paradox in Teaching
Professional development is only as good as the level of understanding, application, and synthesis accomplished by the participants. You can learn an amazing amount of information, but if you do not apply this information, and internalize it to restructure your teaching, then it is time lost. The hour and a half spent monthly with my […]
Posted inFeatured, Instruction & Curriculum, Literacy
Reading Comprehension Strategies For Elementary Teachers
One of the most crucial skills that all students need to be able to steadily advance in school is reading comprehension. So many skills are dependent on how well a student can not only read, but comprehend what they are reading. Everyday we continually expose students to math word problems, graphs, science and social studies […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum, Special Education
Knocking Down Barriers to Inclusion
By now you know that inclusion is here to stay. The education of students with special needs is no longer the responsibility of just special education teachers. The inclusion of students with disabilities in the general education setting is now the norm rather than the exception. However, for many teachers (including special education teachers) there […]