January marks the second half of the school year and this time usually flies by quickly. My 1st graders are now demonstrating increased rigor, independence, and pride in academic growths. This has allowed me to have a more accurate assessment
Read MoreAZ – SB 1051 – The High-Quality Teacher Pilot Program
SB1038 came about because Arizona schools were no longer offering physics. As teachers left, schools chose to eliminate programs as there was no one to teach this subject. We eventually got down to 159 certified and active physics teachers teaching
Read MoreTrust, but Verify
I am alternately hopeful, terrified, and jubilant. I check Twitter obsessively. My anxiety is easily triggered. It must be time for the Arizona legislative session. Even in a state known for wacky and colorful political antics, it promises to be
Read MoreBuilding Blocks that Won’t Tumble: Positive Student and Teacher Relationships
As I restart my engines for a new semester, I get so excited about continuing this journey with my scholars. I find myself sitting at my desk contemplating about what is working, but I also reflect on what I may
Read MoreDealing with Student Death
It is something that is becoming all too common in schools across Arizona, the need for schools to support students and staff as they grieve for classmates, friends, and students that pass. In my first ten years of teaching, this
Read MoreSurvey Says
This semester I have written about my huge ego, seeking help from peers, learning from podcasts, and bringing in experience from previous jobs. This time, I want to focus on who matters most: my students. As a new teacher, I
Read More“Know When To Hold Em’ and Know When to Fold em”
“Know When to Hold em’ and Know When to Fold Them,” has become the most powerful phrase for me when training teachers. I was listening to a phenomenal 3P’s podcast -Season 4, Episode 9, with Dr. John Almarode and he
Read MoreStar-Life-NBCT
Today is December 18, 2018. it’s NBCT balloon day in Arizona! It’s Eagle Scout Court of Honor for my son. Do these events have anything in common? I like to think they do. National Board Certification is the “gold standard”
Read MoreApplying the Principles of “Good to Great” in the Classroom
National Board score releases have come and gone and I was relieved to see the “Congratulations!” banner come across my screen. That was a sweet, sweet moment and I am thankful to all of those who helped and supported
Read MoreThe Other Opportunity Cost of Teaching
I came home in a serious funk, slamming the door behind me, barking at my family, huffing and puffing under the heavy weight of the stack of papers I bring home (optimistically) every evening. I sat down on my bed
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