Growing the profession – this is the job of mentor teachers. It’s our job to make sure that novice teachers and student teaching candidates have what they need; materials, answers, support, advice, techniques, teaching tools, and anything else that might
Read MoreClassroom Priorities
What is the most important thing you do as an educator? How do we figure out the answer to that question? Should we rank them? Should we prioritize them? How do we do everything? Here is a quick list of
Read MoreParent/Teacher Conferences
“Conferences will be at the end of the quarter, make sure you are ready!” Where did the quarter go? Time to spend time assessing and gathering data to show parents. We also need to spend time reflecting on the students
Read MoreWhy do you keep teaching?
Back in 1998 when I graduated from Arizona State University, (Go Devils) I was often asked, “Why do you want to become a teacher?” The easy answer was always that I wanted to make a difference in the lives of
Read MoreLetting Things Go
I am a yes girl. “Mrs. Kirchoff, will you take the lead on this?” Yes. “Mrs. Kirchoff, will you write this up for us?” Yes. “Can you be on this committee?” Yes. “We are looking for volunteers to help out
Read MoreThe Six “F”s
I can’t believe I actually want “F”s. I saw a Facebook post that had advice for teachers. It was simple, just six “F”s; be firm, fair, friendly, fun, flexible, and forgiving. In kindergarten, I have noticed that I am doing
Read MoreKindergarten 2021: Ready, Set, Go!
Kindergarten 2021: Ready, Set, Go! It happens every year. This is my 22nd year of teaching and it still happens to me! The week before school starts, I begin to get anxious. I need to get my classroom ready, my
Read More