I thought I was technology literate, but then the pandemic hit and I, like all teachers, had to make the transition to teaching online. Wow, was I in for a surprise. To successfully teach in a virtual setting, teachers need
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Reflections
We’ve never done this before! There’s no playbook for this scenario! I feel like we are building the plane while flying it! I’ve heard, and said, all of these statements over the past several months. Living through a global pandemic
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“Get Out Of The Way”
Have you noticed some parents are too involved with their child’s learning? The ones that solve their problems, do their work, and give them answers? This has become increasingly apparent through distance learning, as some parents sit next to their
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How to get your Students to Stop Trolling
Ughhh, that was tough! That was all I could say as I wrapped up my second week of virtual teaching. The first few weeks have been nonstop: professional development, grade level collaboration, individual Zoom meetings with each student and their
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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
Read More“We Are All First-Year Teachers Again”
When I reflect on my first year of teaching, I often joke that I wish I could go back to those students and apologize to them. Looking back, I didn’t know what I was doing. I probably used many instructional
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Unfinished Business
For months I knew what the topic of my May blog would be. When I left my school for spring break, I left a pile of student work on my desk and an open Google doc of qualitative and quantitative
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To Nationals and Beyond, Part 2
Last month, we heard from National Spelling Bee hopeful Xharia W. on how she prepared herself and rose through the ranks. Today, we will take a different angle and hear from her parents on how they support their children to
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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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