Marcus Aurelius said, “The art of living is more like wrestling than dancing.” No time of the school year feels more like wrestling than testing season. Between analyzing benchmark results and the looming high-stakes tests, it feels like the perfect
Read MoreThe Conundrum of Cursive
Does cursive handwriting have a place in today’s schools? That depends on who you talk to, but I say yes, it does. You may be thinking, “Typing skills are needed in the real world.” Yes, of course, but one skill
Read MoreSplit Vision
In many ways, teachers are masters of split vision on a micro scale. Have you ever seen a first grade teacher successfully run independent literacy stations? What about an ELL teacher hold a Socratic Seminar? How about a middle school
Read MoreTeacher Prep & Title II
Retention, recruitment, preparation, access, and equity: all words tied to the state of education. The words transcend districts and state lines, and these words all connect to student impact. The choices being made at the very beginning of this educational
Read MoreThe Rising Tide: Certification
An education “reformer” floated a proposal to the Governor’s Classrooms First Council that would allow local education agencies (LEAs) to certify teachers independently. The Council agreed that local certification wasn’t a solution and would cause more harm than good.
Read MoreAwards Season
It is awards season. December through March seems to be a neverending parade of people of the year, bright stars and shining examples. And, let’s face it, America is obsessed. Winners sell magazines, jewelry, shoes, and movie popcorn. We tune
Read MoreDress Codes: A Life-Sucking-Stress-Inducer?
You know the expression, darned if you do, darned if you don’t. Maybe you’re familiar with a more colorful version of the line, but I’m not looking for controversy and often neither are school administrators. Regardless of such wishes, none
Read MoreIs Our Energy Renewable? Professional Capital Part II
Sustainability. Staying power through wise choices. I have heard people argue the causes of global warming, and the best human response, but I have yet to hear anyone attack the core value of sustainability. And it has become a metaphor
Read MoreThe Preparation Gap
There are many factors that are impacting education, to include lack of funding, lack of teaching professionals in the classroom, and the lack of support for new professionals during the most crucial years. As a Hope Street Group National Teacher
Read More“Isn’t Kindergarten Supposed to be PUN?!?!”
“ Isn’t Kindergarten supposed to be PUN?!” Translation: Isn’t Kindergarten is supposed to be FUN?! The most constructive and valuable criticism I have received in my 7 years as an educator. Why? It was honest, genuine, and most importantly, provided
Read More