An educator’s year is a whirlwind. From the moments of returning back to school, to trainings, new colleagues, and new ideas to the first days of school with new names, new procedures, and new opportunities. Here we are, with a
Read MoreDispelling Three Common Teacher Attacks
As Arizona citizens ramp up the #REDforED movement, social media is blowing up with heated conversation between those who support the movement and those who don’t. I have seen a few common arguments that I will explore in this blog:
Read MoreRedforEd: United We Stand, Divided We Fall
It was so refreshing to see thousands of business owners, parents and students across Arizona joining teachers in walking into our schools Wednesday morning as a sign of solidarity for the #RedForEd movement to boost education funding in the state. We
Read MoreFamilies: A Call for Unity with #REDforED
So wow: A teacher strike. It’s a lot to take in. No doubt, upcoming school closures are causing families inconvenience and stress. It is difficult to find childcare, rearrange work schedules, and entertain little ones for extra days at home.
Read MoreClarity through Focus Groups (part 1)
Focus group questions projected on the Smartboard? Check. Handouts with the questions so the teachers can follow along? Check. The Asian food I had ordered for our group was out and other snacks are ready to be eaten. Clean tables
Read MoreWhen the Political is Personal, and the Personal is Political
I think many of us have had conversations in schools, in neighborhoods, and around towns lately regarding the #RedforEd movement. As I became a National Board Certified Teacher, I learned that it is my responsibility and privilege to advocate for
Read MoreTeacher Economics 101
When I went to college to become a social studies teacher, I was given some very specific advice. It went something like this: Social studies teachers are a dime a dozen; no, a nickel. What are you going to coach?
Read MoreDo We Really Need 200 School Districts?
Stories from School Blogger Beth Maloney recently wrote the article The Problem with Teacher Pay in Arizona and One Possible Solution . This interesting piece proposes that a statewide salary schedule will equalize pay for teachers while considering qualifications and
Read MoreThe Problem with Teacher Pay in Arizona and One Possible Solution
The Problem with Teacher Pay: As a beginning teacher, I knew I would start out with a modest salary, but with increases in experience and education, I expected to move up the salary schedule and eventually achieve a comfortable middle-class
Read MoreWhy I Will Wear #REDforED
I will wear red tomorrow, Wednesday, March 7, because I am a professional, and I deserve to be paid like one. I refuse to say “I’m not in it for the money,” because I pay my bills with this paycheck,
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