The Spanish-American War was an act of conquest. I don’t teach it that way. I do, however, offer primary sources, statistics and stories from the time period that challenge the textbook assumptions that Mexico baited the U.S. into war and
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This time of the year, I think about things I am thankful for. As a principal, my list is a bit different than as a teacher. I am thankful for our custodial staff; who keep the building and grounds clean
Read MoreIt is 3:03. Most of the students have left. Some are still hanging around waiting for rides, talking with friends, or looking for teachers before they head out for Thanksgiving break. Today is the day that I call "the most
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In the coming months, I will be writing on the topics below and explaining why some must be non-negotiable for sustainable improvement. If at least a few of them do not raise your blood pressure in protest, I likely have not advanced the conversation because we’ve all got it wrong. And right. The answers aren’t nestled in a list of ideas that are designed to please or appease any one ideology.
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I just finished a professional book study through the Arizona K12 Center. We read and discussed Sir Ken Robinson’s book Out of Our Minds: Learning to Be Creative, and I think there is a lot for schools to take to heart
Read MoreI often get the urge to say, "Ignore the dots on the wall, kids. Those dots don't demonstrate your value as a learner or your identity as a student." Instead, I hope they walk past it, ignore it, and walk
Read MoreAs I enter my rookie year as an elementary principal, I find myself going back to the song “For You.” by the Barenaked Ladies. The line that stands out, “If I hide myself wherever I go, I am ever really
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