WHAT!!! SCHOOL’S CLOSED??? FOR HOW LONG??? What about my kids that need meals? What about the kids who need safety? What about the kids who don’t have internet access or devices? How do I take care of my family AND
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Seeing the Bright Side
My mom is a textbook definition of the eternal optimist. She sees the bright side of every situation through her rose-colored glasses. Her self proclaimed nickname is Pollyanna. I did not inherit this trait from her. I, on the other
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Having A Support System Important Now More Than Ever
We were all caught off guard by the Coronavirus. When I heard we weren’t heading back to school for the rest of the year, I began to panic. Like many of you, I began asking myself: “What am I going
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Am I Doing Enough? An Affirmation for Teachers
Anxious, uncertain, afraid – I have felt all these emotions the last few weeks. At times, it has been overwhelming. But, in the face of it all, the adjective that describes what I am feeling most is awestruck. I am
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Montessori Reflections of Online Teaching
Today, Governor Ducey and Superintendent Hoffman officially announced that Arizona schools will remain closed for the rest of the school year. I do not think anyone was surprised based on the push for a systemic approach for online instruction that
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Finding Balance
Two weeks ago it was announced that Arizona schools would be closed until March 30th. I was not too concerned because our district was just starting our two-week spring break. I was thinking everything would be back to normal by
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10 Seconds At A Time
As I wrap up my first week, trying to navigate a constantly changing job description and managing a new “home office”, I am overwhelmed. I have cried every day this week. I want to do what’s best for my students,
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The New Normal?
It’s hard to wrap my brain around exactly what is going on these days. I am sure many of you who are reading this blog are experiencing similar feelings. Yes, we are all watching the news and being flexible and
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Oh, How We Miss You
Last week wrapped up my school’s spring break. And with all the news about COVID-19, school closures, and digital learning, this break was anything but relaxing. Officially, we are only on day 3 of our school closure, but it has
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Fostering and Developing Classroom Community in Our Brave New World
Teaching is about relationships and community. As Carla Shalaby says in her fabulous book Troublemakers, “It is deeply relational, human work” (p. 172). I’m struggling to hit the right notes as we consider moving to online or distance learning (aka
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