In a few short weeks a new school year will begin. However, what are the odds that Arizona kids will be taking upper level science and math classes. The answer is less than half the national average. High school physics,
Read More
Back To Schools #2: Got an Issue?
Where’s the tissue? This personal series of blogs is about what should be the next steps in funding for Arizona schools. But first, a brief side note. I just learned it is going to be especially hard to find new
Read More
The Promise of a New Year
Recently, I listened to one of my favorite educational podcasts, Kids Deserve It! I love these podcasts because they speak to the positivity, innovation, and solutions for the work that is done by educators, from the building administration to the
Read More
Dear Experienced Teacher:
Many of my blogger colleagues have posted back-to-school letters to new teachers – and rightfully so given the often-cited exodus of those newer to the teaching profession. Our newbies certainly need some overt love and cheerleading as they embark on
Read MoreUnintended Consequences
In the already unsexy world of education policy, I’d like to dabble in a subtopic that is even less so: education finance. Before you frantically pound the escape button on your keyboard to back out of this blog, stay with
Read MoreStudents vs Scholars
Students vs. Scholars Last year our school culture shifted away from “I have to do this.” “I have to teach these kids.” “This is my job, I have to be here.” “I have who, that student.” TO, “I get to
Read MoreWhy Differentiate in Class if We Don’t Differentiate in the Real World?
At an event the other day with a group of teachers I had just met, one made the offhand comment that the real world doesn’t differentiate. Her opinion was met with general agreement by the other teachers. The undertone of
Read More
Back to Schools
The #NowItStarts hashtag in May was intended to be a reminder to all stakeholders in Arizona that Prop 123 was only a beginning to the process of properly funding Arizona schools. Part of the consensus on Proposition 123, with the
Read More
Dear New Teacher
Dear New Teacher, Welcome to the profession! You may be looking around your first classroom and thinking, “When did I become a grown up?” I was 20 years old when I was handed my first classroom keys and 24 five-year-olds.
Read More
Unlock Your Brain: Use Proactive Language
So I think I’ve discovered a simple but important life hack this week: focusing on my freedom to choose and proactive language. It’s a simple twist in thinking and self-dialogue that has been making a big difference for me. I
Read More