Is there something someone can do? In the last several months I’ve had conversations with numerous educators about various concerns related to this school year. From lost prep times and lunch breaks to lack of safety protocols to inadequate leave
Read MoreBegging Isn’t Enough
“If you care about schools, thank a teacher. And while you’re at it, please beg them not to quit.” Local journalist Steve Irvin tweeted this a few weeks ago. The same day Steve Irvin made his post, I sat quietly
Read MoreReady To Learn
Reopening Schools: 5 Strategies for Learning Loss How Should Schools Address Learning Loss? Coronavirus Learning Loss: How Districts are Responding How to Address Learning Loss Due to COVID-19 Addressing Learning Loss in 2021 These are titles of actual articles about
Read MoreIt’s All About Perspective
Two years ago I wrote my very first blog for Stories From School AZ. It was a blog about change titled Change: Ready or Not Here it Comes. Up to that point, August of 2019 held more professional changes than
Read MoreMaking Professional Development Relevant: My Experience With Inquiry Based PD
I certified as a National Board Certified Teacher in 2018. Part of the power behind the National Board Certification process is the completely individualized professional development. As teachers work toward achieving certification, the instructional emphasis is laser focused on their
Read MoreSave the Lessons
“Throw away the bad experience, but save the lesson.” – Frank Sonnenberg I think we can all agree the last year has been a bad experience. One that has forced many unwanted and unsolicited changes. Change is inevitable. Sadly, this
Read MoreThe Kids Will Be Okay
When you’ve been in education long enough, you learn a valuable lesson: Adults will frustrate and disappoint you far more than any kid will. Right now, I am really disappointed in a lot of adults. We are being flooded with
Read MoreUnderstanding Teacher Guilt
“I’m failing” I have heard that too many times in the past week. Tears, even from those who usually don’t cry, accompany the statement. Each week I meet with grade level teams. In these collaborative team meetings we talk about
Read MoreA House Divided
“A house divided against itself, cannot stand.” When Lincoln uttered this quote in his famous “House Divided” speech, it wasn’t the first time the sentiment had been expressed. Variations of the quote and the idea behind it are scattered throughout
Read MoreNew Year, New Hope
I’m really ready for 2020 to end. I know I’m not alone. This has been the most challenging year of my lifetime. The stress and frustration brought on by COVID has extended into all corners of our lives. And while
Read More