I am writing this blog at the end of what felt like the longest first day of school ever. I will also begrudgingly admit, it was probably my worst first day of school ever. Whatever could go wrong, did go
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Alternate Reality for an Unreal Year
We live in unreal times, but at least we haven’t lost our sense of humor. The most recent meme making the rounds on social networks declares, “I’m not buying a 2021 planner until I’ve seen the trailer.” Still, 2020 is
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Metaphorically Unpacking my Literal Pile of Classroom Boxes
Since June, here is what I have seen in my dining room: (To the left in this frame, you will notice the sewing machine I took out thinking I would “remember” how to sew and make masks. Since June, I
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The Best Tools
Throughout my years in education, I’ve created a well-developed teacher toolbox. This toolbox included methods and tricks I’ve learned along the way, as well as some tangible items. When I wanted to wow and engage learners (adults or kids) I
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What Teachers Need
As we wrap up this crazy school year and I end my 17th and possibly my final year of teaching, I’d like to address some needs I have seen throughout this pandemic. What teachers need: Professional development opportunities that are
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The Letter of Resignation I Wanted to Write
It’s hard for me to believe, but after twenty years of teaching, this is my last week as a teacher. I wrote my letter of resignation a few months ago. It was a short, simple statement beginning with my intention
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Forward Into a Foggy Future
I’ll make a claim: No matter how well informed, unbiased, smart, and well-meaning you are, you still have been wrong over and over in what you consider to be true regarding the Covid-19 pandemic. Too much is changing too fast
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Public Schools Matter!
I think COVID-19 has made us aware of things that were taken for granted such as grocery store workers, the freedom to leave your house whenever you wish, having a job, and a teacher’s role in a child’s life. Many
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Hope Through Grief
Field Day-CANCELED Packing up the classroom- with students ALONE Year-End Awards-CANCELED Spring Musical-POSTPONED Graduation-VIRTUAL Teacher Appreciation-SOCIAL MEDIA Prom-CANCELED Presentation of Culminating Projects-ONLINE I am really grieving the loss of the 4th Quarter of school. It’s always chaotic, exhausting, hot, frustrating,
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What’s Your “Better”? Learning How To Move With Change
The last month and a half has been a sea of constant change. I recently re-read Who Moved My Cheese? by Dr. Spencer Johnson. It’s my go to read when I’m forced into unexpected and unwanted change. It reminds me
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