Nicole Wolff, Author at STORIES FROM SCHOOL AZ

Empowering Teachers: A Strategy For Teacher Retention

March 17, 2023Nicole Wolff Education, Education Policy, Life in the Classroom

I thought I knew what my next professional development cycle would be. Then I reviewed the results of a student survey I gave and realized I needed to go in a different direction for my PD cycle. Our administration seeks

Old Obstacles, New Opportunities

January 18, 2023Nicole Wolff Education, Education Policy

“To teachers and ed support professionals: I see you, I respect you & I will always stand up for you.” -Katie Hobbs, State of the State Speech 2023 For the first time in 14 years an Arizona governor prioritized public

Election Reflection

December 2, 2022Nicole Wolff Current Affairs, Education, Education Policy

Another Arizona election is in the rearview mirror and I’m tired. For Arizona public education advocates, election season is emotionally, mentally, and physically grueling. It’s been 3 weeks since election day and I’m still exhausted. Those who dedicate their time

Reasons To Be Thankful

November 16, 2022Nicole Wolff Education, Education Policy, Life in the Classroom

I spend a lot of time critiquing issues in my profession. The criticism is born out of love for my profession, passion for the work, and a deeply held belief that public education is the bedrock of a functional society.

TGIF! Waiting for a Weekend

October 4, 2022Nicole Wolff Education, Education Policy

TGIF! Four letters that symbolize a short, but much needed reprieve for many working Americans. In the world of education, TGIF during the school year usually looks a little different. We may get to sleep in a few more minutes

Something Needs To Change

September 2, 2022Nicole Wolff Education, Education Policy, Life in the Classroom

I arrived at work at 6:00am and stared at the long list of classrooms with no coverage. I felt an anxious lurch in my stomach. We already had classrooms without permanent teachers and then just days into the school year,

Exit Interview

May 19, 2022Nicole Wolff Education, Education Policy, Life in the Classroom

It’s the last week of the school year and I’m powering through end of year routines. But this year is far from routine. The school year that everyone thought would be more “normal” has been everything but. It’s been a

Get Them Talking

April 12, 2022Nicole Wolff Education, Life in the Classroom

I hate the phrase learning loss and I refuse to use it. I don’t believe students “lost” learning or their ability to learn. What I do believe is that two years of learning during a pandemic has created a situation

Hanging On

March 11, 2022Nicole Wolff Current Affairs, Education Policy

Not too long ago I listened to a couple colleagues talk about retirement. They had their countdown calculated to the day, hour, and minute. I remember being amused. I was genuinely happy for them and appreciated their excitement over their impending

Back in the Game: The Power of Feedback

January 14, 2022Nicole Wolff Education, Life in the Classroom

Sitting in the bleachers, I watched my daughter make a mistake on the basketball court and promptly get removed from the game. As she left the court her coach met her in front of the bench and immediately began talking